Programme Management Assistant, G5

• Organisation: DPPA - Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
• Location: New York
• Contract: J
• Deadline: 20 November 2026

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Asia and the Pacific Division (APD) under the Regional Structure of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and Department of Peace Operations (DPO). APD keeps abreast of the latest trends and developments in the Asia-Pacific region and provides briefings on issues to senior officials in the UN Secretariat. It maintains contact with other sectors of the UN, international and regional organizations, governments and other stakeholders on coordination and policy matters. The incumbent reports to the Team Leader for Myanmar.

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, the Programme Assistant may be responsible for the following duties: • Assists in the monitoring of international developments on subjects/areas assigned and preparation work for, typically, a medium-size and complex component of the departmental programme/project initiatives; monitors status of programme and receipt of relevant documentation for review and approval. • Compiles working documents, summarizes, and presents briefing material/notes/talking points/personal profiles/meeting minutes and other correspondence on specific subjects/areas and related topics or issues. • Maintains contact across DPPA-DPO Units, Special Political Missions, Resident Coordinator Offices, UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes and coordinates extensively with service units at UNHQ and in the field. • Reviews working documents, for completeness prior to submission for final approval and signature; identifies inconsistencies; distributes working documents to relevant parties upon approval. • Verifies availability of funds; ensures necessary approval, processing in the computerized system. • Serves as focal point for administrative coordination of programme activities, involving extensive liaison within DPPA-DPO and with the Executive Office to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, training, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc. • Compiles, summarizes and enters data on project delivery; drafts related status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, and brings to the attention of management. • Provides logistical and scheduling support, including coordinating with Member States, UN entities and INGOs to arrange meetings. • Drafts routine correspondence, and processes incoming and outgoing correspondence submitted by the unit to the OASG, OUSGs and EOSG as appropriate. • Provides general office assistance; responds to complex information requests and inquiries; reviews, logs and routes incoming correspondence; sets up and maintains files/records; organizes meetings, workshops; handles routine administrative tasks, such as maintaining attendance records, assessing telephone billing, etc. • Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff. • Performs other duties as assigned, including direct support to the Special Envoy on Myanmar, the Myanmar Team Leader and colleagues within the division. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: (Senior)Political Affairs Officers, Fund and other Officers/Managers associated with assigned programmes/projects. Staff in coordinating units across the institution, e.g. Procurement, Administration/Finance/Budget, Executive Office, etc. the Special Envoy and other officials in field offices (Special Political Missions), implementing agencies, etc., including Resident Representatives, National /Programme Coordinators, etc. Results Expected: Provides reliable administrative coordination of programme planning and preparation activities and general office support services. Processes work and requisite follow-up accomplished under some supervision, seeks advice from and/or reporting to supervisor as needed. Accurately prepares reports. Consistently applies appropriate policies, guidelines and procedures. Effectively and in a timely manner, liaises and interacts with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally.

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 work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units. Ability 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. 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. 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.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to three years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in the use of Microsoft Office Suite including but not limited to Word, PowerPoint, MS Teams etc. is required. Experience in the use of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as Umoja, SAP or equivalent, covering travel functions is desirable. Experience working with an international organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

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