Are you a skilled project support professional seeking a meaningful career in international development? This National Consultant: Programme Assistant position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to critical UN initiatives. This detailed job post outlines the role supporting programme implementation, finance, and logistics. We are advertising this contract role, which comes with great benefits including competitive remuneration, learning opportunities, and the chance to work on sustainable development projects. Discover the required qualifications, tasks, and application process for this local consultancy vacancy.
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Table of Contents
Background & Job Description
Please note: The following is an advertised job posting for a National Consultant role sourced from a United Nations development organization. Our platform lists this opportunity for interested candidates; we are not the hiring entity.
This advertised position is for a National Consultant serving as a Programme Assistant, a critical support role within a prominent UN agency’s country office. The hiring organization focuses on sustainable development, gender equality, and poverty reduction. The consultant will be integrated into a team managing a portfolio of projects aimed at achieving national development goals in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The core objective of this consultancy is to provide comprehensive operational, administrative, and financial support to ensure the smooth implementation of development programmes. The Programme Assistant will act as a linchpin, ensuring adherence to organizational rules, regulations, and procedures. The successful candidate will facilitate efficient project delivery by managing data, supporting procurement, coordinating events, and maintaining precise records. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a dynamic, multicultural environment dedicated to creating tangible social impact.
Tasks
The selected National Consultant will be responsible for a diverse set of tasks, which include but are not limited to:
- Programme & Administrative Support:
- Provide substantive administrative support in the preparation of project work plans, budgets, and proposals.
- Compile, summarize, and present basic information/data on specific programmes and related topics.
- Draft routine correspondence, meeting minutes, briefings, and other communications in English and the local working language.
- Maintain a well-organized filing system for programme documents, correspondence, and reports, both electronic and hard copy.
- Coordinate the logistical arrangements for meetings, workshops, conferences, and missions, including travel authorizations, visa processing, and hotel bookings for staff and official guests.
- Serve as a note-taker in key meetings and ensure follow-up on action points.
- Financial & Procurement Support:
- Assist in the processing of financial transactions, including preparation of payment requests, vouchers, and petty cash reimbursements in accordance with financial rules.
- Support the procurement process for goods and services, including preparation of requests for quotations (RFQs), invitations to bid (ITBs), and receipt of quotations/bids.
- Maintain up-to-date vendor lists and assist in the review of procurement documents for completeness and compliance.
- Monitor project budgets and expenditures, helping to track allocations and flag any discrepancies.
- Assist in the preparation of financial reports and donor reports as required.
- Logistics & Operational Facilitation:
- Manage inventory of office supplies and project equipment, ensuring proper issuance and records.
- Coordinate with other UN agencies, government counterparts, and implementing partners on administrative and logistical matters.
- Support the organization of field monitoring visits and project-related events.
- Act as a focal point for routine office operations, liaising with common service providers.
- Data Management & Reporting:
- Collect and compile data from various sources to support results-based monitoring and reporting.
- Update and maintain relevant programme databases and tracking sheets (e.g., for contracts, deliverables, training participants).
- Assist in the preparation of periodic project progress reports (quarterly, annual) by compiling inputs and ensuring formatting consistency.
National Programme Assistant Consultant Job: Apply Now for UN Development Role with Attractive Benefits
Qualifications
Education and Certification:
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field is required.
- Supplementary certifications in project management (e.g., PRINCE2 Foundation), procurement, or UN financial and administrative procedures are considered a significant asset.
- Proficiency in computer applications, particularly advanced knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is mandatory. Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, such as Oracle Cloud or similar, is highly desirable.
Experience:
- A minimum of 3 to 5 years of progressively responsible experience in administration, programme/project support, finance, or a related area is essential.
- Prior work experience with a UN agency, an international NGO, or a diplomatic mission is a strong advantage.
- Demonstrated experience in supporting budget preparation, monitoring, and basic financial reporting.
- Proven track record in organizing international events, workshops, and handling complex travel logistics.
- Hands-on experience in procurement processes and contract administration support.
- Experience working in the context of international development, gender equality, or humanitarian response is preferred.
Additional Information
This job post is advertised for a National Consultant position, indicating it is open primarily to nationals of the country where the office is located. The contract type is typically a Special Service Agreement (SSA) or similar consultancy contract, with a specified initial duration (e.g., 6 to 12 months), often with possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funds.
Application Process: Interested candidates must apply through the hiring organization’s official recruitment portal. Applications usually require a completed Personal History Form (P-11), a cover letter, and latest CV. Our site provides this information; we do not handle applications. Deadlines are strict, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Benefits: As advertised, this consultancy offers “great benefits,” which in the UN context typically include:
- Competitive Remuneration: Fees commensurate with experience and UN consultancy rates.
- Medical Coverage: Inclusion in a consultant medical insurance plan.
- Learning Opportunities: Access to UN training platforms and professional development.
- Dynamic Work Environment: Exposure to international development work and networking with professionals.
- Leave Entitlements: Provision for annual and sick leave as per contract terms.
The hiring organization is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.
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