UNDP Job Abuja, Nigeria Country Progrmme Assistant

Closing Date: Friday, 25 February 2011
Background
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which is a specialized agency of the United Nations and dedicated to eradicating rural poverty in developing countries.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the Country Programme Manager (CPM) and the Country Programme Officer (CPO) for Nigeria, the incumbent will:
General Programme Administration
Support the CPO at all phases of the approval process of all IFAD-funded programmes in the country and their implementation for effective management of the programme of work;
Act as focal point for receiving, coordinating and following up on the programme-related activities;
Assist the CPO in the administration and monitoring of all aspects of programme design and implementation, as well as in financial budgetary and administrative areas. This entails maintaining close liaison with IFAD, programme staff and other concerned parties;
Respond to programme-related queries from both internal and external parties;
Assist the CPO in the preparation of progress reporting to IFAD management;
Provide administrative and logistic support to IFAD staff including travel, visa and accommodations;
Monitor Country Office budget and verify availability of funds;
Assist in the identification of consultants, preparation of contracts and processing of payments;
Create and maintain an efficient filing system, as well as assist in creating, updating and managing the electronic office project database;
Draft correspondence and communications related to all aspects of programme administration; and
Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervision
Undertake preliminary review of Withdrawal Applications (WAs) and check on their compliance with Financing Agreement, Letter to the Borrower, Procurement Guidelines, Supervision Guidelines, Project Procurement Plans, Programme of Work and Budget and recommendations of supervision reports;
Ensure timely processing of WAs, procurement and bidding documents, as well as transmit them promptly to IFAD Headquarters;
Follow up with programme staff on issues raised during the processing of WAs and Procurement;
Carry out preliminary review of requests for non objection; and
Ensure timely reception of audit report.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
Demonstrates commitment to UNDP's mission, vision and values.
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
Shares knowledge and experience
Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
Development and Operational Effectiveness
Ability to perform a variety of standard tasks related to Results Management, including screening and collecting of programme/ projects documentation, projects data entering, preparation of revisions, filing, provision of information
Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems
Good knowledge of Results Management Guide and Toolkit
Leadership and Self-Management
Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
Required Skills and Experience
Education
Hold a first college degree, professional degree or equivalent in secretarial or related field. Additional technical training in accounting, finance and/or management is an advantage.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in Management and Administration. Experience in UN Financial Rules and Regulations and guidelines, as well as in administrative procedures is an advantage.
Languages
Full proficiency in English. Working knowledge of an additional IFAD language widely used in the region is an asset.
Other Skills
Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, Internet) and knowledge of UN Rules and procedures is an advantage.
Applications should be submitted on line and include the UNDP Personal History Form (P11) posted at http://sas.undp.org/Documents/P11_Personal_history_form.doc . Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.