Senior Programme Assistant

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

A (least hardship)

Family

UNOPS LICA5

2024-10-01

September 23, 2024

TERMS OF REFERENCE
(Individual Contractor Agreement)

Title: Snr Programme Assistant
Project: SERBIA/2024/01
Duty station: Belgrade, Serbia
Section/Unit: UNHCR Representation in Serbia/ Programme Unit
ICA Level: LICA-5
Corresponding level: GS-5
Duration: 01/10/2024 to 31/12/2025
Supervisor: Supply Associate G6

1. General Background

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner. Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations. With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it. A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners’ needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.
Background information – Job Specific     

UNHCR Office in Serbia actively promotes a protection-sensitive approach to mixed movements in the Western Balkan countries which will strengthen and enable national asylum systems to better respond to the rights and needs of refugees and asylum-seekers, especially in situations of mixed population flows. UNHCR’s engagement in Serbia builds on 45 years of supporting refugees, displacement, and statelessness issues since 1976. In the 1990’s, UNHCR assisted Serbia initially with emergency reception and accommodation of refugees and IDPs from the region, and subsequently with facilitating voluntary return or local integration, including through the Regional Housing Programme (RHP).

Like many other states in the broader Mediterranean area, Serbia has seen an exceptional and increasing number of large-scale movements of refugees and migrants ever since 2014. Most of them originate from conflict-affected countries and are thus in need of international protection. Initial humanitarian assistance has been in the past five years replaced with more sustainable protection- and solutions-oriented approaches. The activities in Serbia have been streamlined to implement the Protection Strategy for Europe and the Strategic Directions for Inclusion and Integration in Europe. UNHCR, with its partner organisations, keeps enhancing its response to meet the growing needs of persons of concern.

UNHCR activities in Serbia also include enhanced counselling and assistance with registration, access to asylum procedures and public services, stepped up protection/border monitoring as well as child protection interventions, SGBV prevention and response aiming to assist the government in providing protection and durable solution. UNHCR coordinates and promotes the implementation of its strategies within the framework of the Refugee Coordination Model with the government, civil society and other relevant international and national stakeholders.
The incumbent of this UNOPS position is expected to be able to deal with multiple tasks in a courteous and result-oriented manner, often with short deadlines and fluctuating workload. Ability to work under pressure and prioritize tasks is essential. Experience with handling confidential data while respecting privacy principles, is required.
UNHCR will support further the authorities to ensure refugees benefit from fair and fast asylum procedures, through support to asylum system building and quality assurance, support to provision of free legal aid, strengthening of national capacities in the field of asylum and refugee law.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment
– Provide administrative assistance and support in routine services and activities within Programme.
– Perform supply activities to facilitate UNHCR end to end processes resulting in a timely and quality delivery of goods and services.
– Maintain accurate and comprehensive records on supply activities and provide reports and updates periodically, and on request.
– Assist in the preparation of purchase requests.
– Prepare quotation requests and tenders, produce bid-tabulations from tenders, and prepare purchase orders for approval.
– Ensure local liaison to effectively support the supply activities.
– Perform other related duties as required.

3. Monitoring and Progress Controls

The Snr Programme Assistant is a member of the Programme Unit in the Country Office and reports to the Supply Associate, from whom receives guidance; may receive indirect guidance from other sections and units relevant to the country programme(s). UNHCR Manual, programme objectives, Operations Plans, UN and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the Snr Programme Assistant.

The incumbent is expected to have contacts within the organization and outside the duty station, as well as with partners and other stakeholders to collect information, monitor programme activities and implement administrative requirements. S/he is expected to work in line with the multi-functional team (MFT) approach as defined within the Program Manual, ensuring the participation of relevant stakeholders in all phases of the Program Management Cycle.

4. Qualifications and Experience

a. Education (Level and area of required and/or preferred education)
b. Work Experience

Essential
For corresponding level G5 – LICA 5

For G5 – 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Essential
Demonstrated experience in programme management, Operation Management Cycle and related processes. Computer skills (in MS office) including advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, data management, etc)

Desirable
Training relevant to function of the position including Programme Management – Level 1. E-tutoring of PM1, Framework for Implementing with Partners Learning Programme. Experience in programme management training and capacity building activities.

Previous experience in UN/UNHCR or in a humanitarian context. 

c. Key Competencies
 
Functional Skills
*IT-Computer Literacy
PG-Programme Management (project formulation, programme cycles and reporting standards)
SC- Supply Chain Management;
SC-Supply Planning;
SC-Customs clearance;
SC-Logistics;
SC-Warehouse Management;
SC-Asset Management;
SC-Fleet Management;
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Knowledge of English and working language of the duty station:
– Be fluent in English, with excellent writing skills
– Be fluent in Serbian, with excellent writing skills
– Good communication and networking skills

Core Competencies
(All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below).

Accountability /Communication/ Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration/ Commitment to Continuous Learning/ Client & Result Orientation

Cross-Functional Competencies

Analytical Thinking
Planning and Organizing
Technological Awareness
NOTE: A written test may be administered.

Standard Job Description

Required Languages

Serbian

,

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Certifications

Other information

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance

Home-Based

No