Programme Assistant

Job Highlight

Established in 2005, UN-Habitat Egypt Programme has been providing technical support to national counterparts on a wide range of urban issues. Adopting an integrated approach, UN-Habitat Egypt has supported reforming and improving urban planning and management through three main sub-programmes, namely, urban development; urban policies, legislation and governance; and urban basic services and mobility.

Role Purpose

Under the overall supervision of UN Habitat's Urban Development Programme Manager, the Programme Assistant ensures effective delivery of the programme consistent with UN-Habitat rules and regulations.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Responsibilities: within limits of delegated authority and depending on location, the Programme Assistant may be responsible for the following duties:

• Assists in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation work for, typically, a medium-size and complex component of the departmental programme/project initiatives; monitors status of programme/project proposals and receipt of relevant documentation for review and approval.
• Compiles, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on specific programmes/project and related topics or issues.
• Reviews project documents, especially cost plans/budgets, for completeness and compliance with relevant rules and procedures prior to submission for final approval and signature; identifies inconsistencies; distributes project documents to relevant parties upon approval.
• Reviews budget revisions; verifies availability of funds; ensures necessary approval and entry in computerized budget system.
• Serves as focal point for administrative coordination of programme/project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with a diverse organizational unit to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, training/study tours, 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, budget overruns, etc., and brings to the attention of management.
• Drafts correspondence on budget-related issues and prepares and updates periodic reports, briefing notes, graphic and statistical summaries, accounting spreadsheets, etc.
• 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.
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Results Expected:

Provides reliable administrative coordination of programme/project 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.

Education Requirements

Required:

High school diploma or bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, architecture, urban development, international development, urban design, or related field is required.

Requirements

Experience Requirements

Required:

• 5 years of experience in urban development or related areas, such as architecture, urban planning, community advocacy, and urban design is required for high school degree holders. 1 year of experience in related areas for first degree university holders
• Proven experience working with communication production and/or image and publishing software (for example: Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere, Illustrator, etc.) is required.
• Experience is in academic research, and technical writing is required.
  
  

Desired:

Previous work with international organisations, NGOs, or national counterparts is desirable.

Experience in at least one priority development area, such as environmental design, strategic urban planning, housing, informality, urban heritage and/or accessibility.