Org. Setting and Reporting
The mandate of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asian and Pacific region. ESCAP’s role as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership with policy oriented research and analysis, normative support and technical assistance and capacity building, to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of the Asian and Pacific region.
The position is located in the Office of the Director, in the Environment and Development Division. The incumbent reports to the Director, Environment and Development Division.
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Director, Environment and Development Division, the incumbent is required to perform the following functions:
• Provides assistance in support of planning and implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programme of work and projects for EDD;
• Assists in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation; monitors status of programme/project proposals; takes necessary action to ensure project documents are completed and submitted to relevant parties for approval;
• Assists in the review of documents prior to submission for publication;
• Assists in the preparation of programme/project budget proposals; provides assistance in the interpretation of budget guidelines; reviews and coordinates submissions of programme proposals, procurement, and budget estimates, ensuring that requisite information is included and justified in terms of proposed activities; propose adjustments as necessary; and ensures that outputs/services are properly categorized;
• Collaborates with programme/project managers on performance reporting; liaises with relevant parties on the interpretation of the activities/services scheduled in the PB and various planning instruments such as the medium-term plan and internal work plans; provides assistance on reporting requirements, guidelines, rules and procedures and ensures completeness and accuracy of data submitted;
• Assists in the monitoring and evaluation of regular budget programmes; categorizes, updates, tracks and analyses data related to programmes which including accounting records, outputs, resources utilized, carries out periodic status reviews;
• Drafts correspondence and communications related to all aspects of programme/project administration, including work plan and budgets, revisions and other related issues;
• Serves as focal point of the Division for coordination, monitoring and expedition of programme/project implementation activities, involving liaison with a diverse organisational unit to initiate requests against programme/project objectives, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions and resolve issues related to project implementation;
• Serves as focal point of the Division on human resources issues, e.g. initiates, reviews, processes and follows-up on recruitment of staff, placement, promotion, relocation, performance appraisal, job classification reviews, separation of staff members, etc;
• Responds to enquiries and provides information and advice to staff regarding their entitlements, administrative procedures, processes and practices, conditions of service, duties and responsibilities, and entitlements under the Staff Rules and Regulations;
• Oversees the maintenance of vacancy announcement files and keeps track of status of vacancy announcements. Monitors staffing table and prepare relevant statistical data/charts;
• Provides guidance and training to new/junior staff;
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Understanding of the functions and organization of the division work and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related division. Ability to identify and resolve a range of issues/problems and to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Education :
High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Job – Specific Qualification :
A first-level university degree is desirable.
Work Experience :
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in programme/administrative service or related area is required.
Experience in the United Nations Common System or international organizations is desirable.
Experience working with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, e.g. SAP, Umoja is desirable.
Experience with programme monitoring and budgeting is desirable.
Experience working with an Oracle PeopleSoft software platform, e.g. Inspira is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment
Qualified applicants may be evaluated through a competency-based interview and/or other assessment methods.