Programme Associate (UNOPS)

Islamabad

Job Description

1. General Background

UNHCR Pakistan is undertaking a second project with the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) of Pakistan to enhance livelihoods of Afghan refugees in Pakistan through vocational and skills training. NAVTTC is an apex body at national level to regulate, facilitate and provide policy direction in Vocational and Technical Training. As such, NAVTTC is a key strategic partner in enhancing livelihoods for refugees in Pakistan and for inclusion of refugees in national development programmes in line with the Global Compact on Refugees and the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework. In its pilot project with NAVTTC in 2018 and 2019, UNHCR identified challenges related to timely financial and narrative reporting, managing UNHCR’s templates, rules and regulations, monitoring and coordination. Delays occurred which could have been mitigated through stronger capacity in this area on NAVTTC’s side and stronger coordination and communication between UNHCR and NAVTTC. As a Government entity with a vast country-wide portfolio, limited human resources and lengthy procedures, NAVTTC is not in a position to hire specialised staff to specifically support the UNHCR project in time. However, specialised staff who can support NAVTTC in addressing its capacity gaps in the areas mentioned above is needed in order to enhance accountability and quality of delivery. Since mid 2019, a specialized staff has been seconded to NAVTTC to failitate documentation, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the UNHCR-NAVTTC partnership. The timely hiring of a specialist with relevant expertise able to navigate the challenges of this project and support both UNHCR and NAVTTC in ensuring the success of the project is thus of utmost importance.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The primary functions of the Programme Associate seconded to the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission Pakistan (NAVTTC) under the UNHCR-NAVTTC project are to complement programme management and monitoring and provide support for oversight of the UNHCR-funded project. This includes the formulation of a monitoring plan, data collection and compilation, quality assurance, financial and performance reporting and verification. Other activities include: review and facilitate preparation of project agreements, project reporting, support to monitoring and ensuring synchrony between financial and operational performance, participation in multi-functional monitoring activities and reviews, tracking project risk management, and supporting project closure. The Programme Associate will be based at NAVTTC’s Office in Islamabad while being in regular contact with UNHCR for guidance and coordination purposes.

The Programme Associate receives general guidance and work plans from the supervisor in coordination with the livelihoods focal point at UNHCR Country Office Islamabad. The Programme Associate works independently on regular assignments under the supervision of the Associate Programme Officer, UNHCR CO Islamabad.

The Programme Associate plays a very important role in maintaining harmonious and effective partnerships, and – working from NAVTTC’s Islamabad Office - will directly support UNHCR’s partner NAVTTC in the implementation of the project to enhance coordination, monitoring and reporting capacity. As a result, the incumbent needs to be very mindful of all dimensions of partnerships in their interaction with the partner(s) (in accordance with the Principles of Partnership, the Code of Conduct and other relevant documents).

 

3. Accountability (key results that will be achieved):

4. Responsibility (process and functions undertaken to achieve results):

5. Authority:

 

6. Monitoring and Progress Control

The final product (e.g., survey completed, data collected, workshop conducted, research documents produced specify): High quality reports as specified in the Project Partnership Agreement between UNHCR and NAVTTC are submitted to UNHCR in a timely manner, monitoring field visits/missions are undertaken (on average twice per month) covering the main areas or intervention and institutes identified as ‘high risk’. Mission reports are shared with UNHCR and NAVTTC in a timely manner, support and facilitate keeping of records of project-related transactions relevant NAVTTC staff receive guidance on UNHCR rules and regulations and reporting formats.

Delivery Periodicity, as applicable: Reports as per due dates specified in PPA, other deliverables throughout duration of consultancy.

 

7. Minimum Qualifications

Education & Professional Work Experience

Years of Experience / Degree Level

3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent (or higher).

 

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

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

 

Desirable

Good knowledge of UNHCR’s rules and regulations in programming, project control, audit and financial management; knowledge of laws and taxation rules applicable to Government entities; good knowledge and understanding of UNHCR Pakistan’s country strategy and priorities; knowledge of and experience with performance and capacity of national partners in Pakistan in the implementation of UNHCR-funded projects.

Completion of UNHCR Learning Programmes or specific 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.

 

8. Functional Skills

PG-Programme Management (project formulation, programme cycles and reporting standards)

PG-Results-Based Management

DM-Database Management

PG-Programme Analysis

PG-Assessments and Surveys

 

(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

 

Language Requirements:

Working knowledge of English.

 

9. Competency Requirements

Core Competencies

Accountability

Communication

Organizational Awareness

Teamwork & Collaboration

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Client & Result Orientation

 

Managerial Competencies

Empowering and Building Trust

Managing Resources

 

Cross-Functional Competencies

Analytical Thinking

Planning and Organizing

Stakeholder Management

 

Eligible candidates:

 

Candidates must meet the essential minimum requirements of the position and candidates not citizens of the country must comply with all eligibility requirements for employment in line with the prevailing legislative prerequisites in the country.

  • Quality assurance of the project agreement(s) is provided in accordance with applicable UNHCR rules and regulations.
  • Resources transferred to the partner(s) are utilized for the intended purposes and in accordance with project agreements.
  • Data collection and compilation on the activitites funded by UNHCR-NAVTTC partnership.
  • Performance delivery and financial expenditure reported by the partner are accurate and consistent.
  • Supervisor is promptly informed of risks and major variances in the execution of projects (budgets, finance, implementation or timeframe).
  • Contribute to reviewing and enhancing the internal control systems of NAVTTC.
  • Support the coordination between UNHCR and NAVTTC with a focus on monitoring, reporting and financial accountability including through field visits, enhancing financial record keeping and timely reporting in line with UNHCR’s rules and regulations.
  • Monitor that a complete record is maintained for all project-related activities and transactions.
  • Support the drafting and submission of Financial and Performance Partner Reports and ensure the quality, accuracy and consistency between IPFR and IPR, in accordance with the project agreement.
  • Support timely project closure in coordination with relevant sections within NAVTTC and UNHCR.
  • Bring to the attention of supervisors and programme officers in NAVTTC and UNHCR any significant variances at the office level in: budget execution, percentage of project execution, time schedule, and quality of projects against specifications or terms and conditions.
  • Maintain professional relationships with all relevant units and offices in NAVTTC and UNHCR Pakistan.
  • Keep up-to-date with all UNHCR rules, regulations and procedures necessary to perform these duties.
  • Perform other duties requested by the supervisor that will contribute to better programming and designing of livlihood projects under NAVTTC and other livlihood activities funded by UNHCR.
  • Monitor and support project implementation. Escalate issues of concern to managers in NAVTTC and UNHCR.
  • Provide guidance and advice to NAVTTC on reporting, monitoring, UNHCR rules and regulations.
  • Have unlimited access to financial and operational records relating to projects.
  • IT-Computer Literacy

 


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