Programme Assistant

Under the close supervision and guidance of the Programme Specialist (Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation), the Programme Assistant provides comprehensive administrative, procedural, and operational support to the Polio Eradication Programme at UNICEF Headquarters. The incumbent supports multiple workstreams and teams across the programme, including colleagues based in Nairobi and New York. Key responsibilities include: administrative and office support such as correspondence, presentations, research, meeting scheduling, calendar management, minute taking, records management, office supplies and equipment; travel and event coordination including arranging travel authorizations, itineraries, visas, security and medical clearances, accommodation, and transportation, as well as providing logistical support for meetings, conferences, capacity development activities, and official visits; financial and budget support including processing invoices, maintaining financial records, monitoring commitments and expenditures, and supporting Annual Work Plan (AWP) budget preparation and monitoring; programme support including maintaining programme records and monitoring documents, processing programme transactions in VISION (UNICEF’s ERP system), ensuring programme coding aligns with AWPs, supporting programme implementation and financial monitoring, and maintaining records for the Polio Eradication Programme workstreams; and cross-functional support to provide administrative and operational assistance across programme workstreams while undertaking additional tasks to ensure efficient team operations. The role requires collaboration with multiple teams and adherence to UNICEF’s core values and operational standards.

Completion of secondary education is required; a minimum of five years of progressively responsible administrative or clerical work experience is required; demonstrated skills in project management, collaboration, problem solving, and digital dexterity; good knowledge of IT tools including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ERP (VISION), and SharePoint is required; knowledge of English language at a Proficient/Fluent level is required; experience in facilitating the processing of contracts for consultants, vendors, and external partners that support programme delivery is desirable; excellent understanding of contractual regulations and processes in UNICEF or the UN system is desirable; experience in arranging travel using online booking tools to set up itineraries, request visas, security and medical clearances, hotel bookings, and ground transportation is an asset; experience providing administrative and operational support in a fast-paced, multi-team or programme environment is an asset; relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings, and humanitarian contexts is an asset; knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is desirable; supplemental technical or university courses related to the work of the organization are an asset.