Programme Support Associate: Innovation and Enterprise

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's lead agency for international development, working in 170 countries to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. In South Africa, UNDP supports the 'timbuktoo' initiative, a pan-African program aimed at strengthening innovation ecosystems. This involves supporting young innovators and entrepreneurs through access to infrastructure, technical assistance, and enterprise development pathways, contributing to inclusive growth and decent work. The initiative operates through a UniPod at the University of Johannesburg and the timbuktoo Creatives Hub in the Western Cape, focusing on specific creative industries.

Job Purpose

The Programme Support Associate will support the implementation of UNDP South Africa's 'timbuktoo' portfolio, which fosters innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent. This role involves assisting with programmes like the Animation Studio Accelerator and the Games Development Venture Lab, and supporting broader ecosystem and partnership functions. The associate will coordinate with public sector, cultural economy, and innovation stakeholders. Additionally, the position contributes to UN Country Team coordination, particularly through the Youth Theme Group, supporting youth employment and entrepreneurship initiatives. This assignment offers a valuable opportunity for a young professional to gain practical experience in programme coordination, innovation programming, stakeholder engagement, reporting, knowledge management, and UN coordination, with structured mentoring and guidance.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will support programme coordination and implementation by assisting with the planning, coordination, and execution of initiatives promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth. This includes coordinating programme activities, meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagements, ensuring effective logistical and administrative support, and contributing to the timely delivery of outputs. The role involves supporting the timbuktoo Creatives Hub activities, such as the Animation Studio Accelerator and Games Development Venture Lab. The associate will also aid in UNCT internal coordination mechanisms, assisting with Programme Management Team (PMT) meetings, documentation, and inter-agency collaboration. Responsibilities extend to conducting research, data collection, and basic analysis to inform programme planning, and supporting monitoring, reporting, and results tracking. Furthermore, the volunteer will assist with knowledge management, documentation, stakeholder engagement, operational coordination, and general administrative support for programme operations.

Work Experience

No prior experience is required. However, one year of relevant experience is desirable. This includes demonstrated interest or experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, enterprise development, development programmes, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, reporting, knowledge management, or creative industries. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and skills in project administration, report writing, meeting coordination, planning, organization, records management, professional communication, and research are beneficial.

Skills

Key competencies include Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Building Trust, Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Knowledge Sharing, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, Technological Awareness, and Working in Teams. Technical skills encompass Administration, Data Science, Information Management, and Artificial Intelligence.

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