The Position:

The position is located in the Damascus Country Office.

Under the overall guidance of the Representative of UNFPA and the direct  supervision of the Youth Program Analyst, the Program Assistant will assist in the effective management and implementation of the Youth Programme activities.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

The Youth Program Assistant should demonstrate commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, results oriented focus, activity works towards continuing personal learning and development, respect to cultural diversity, and is a team work player.

The Program Assistant will be delivering: 

• Monthly report with youth Programme key achievements.
• Quarterly progress report. The report includes the main achievements of different youth program-related activities, key challenges, lessons learnt and recommendations.
• Field visit reports after each visit to IPs with clear recommendations.

You would be responsible for:

Programme Planning and Implementation

• Participate in the identification and formulation of the country programme and project components by compiling and analyzing information in the areas of youth and adolescents programming.
• Support the development of youth projects, Annual Work Plans, tables and statistical data,  and support incorporating them in the UNFPA’s internal system.
• Provide logistical support to programme implementation by coordinating review meetings and other project related workshops and events.
• Assist in identifying shortfalls and bottlenecks in the implementation of planned activities that would require immediate action, and propose recommendations and corrective measures;
• Attend internal and with partners meetings, take notes and share them in a timely manner

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Monitor the implementation of the UNFPA and IPs work plans activities  and assess achievement of indicators;
• Undertake field visits and submit field monitoring reports with clear recommendations;
• Establish and nurture effective communication and liaison with partners and office staff to ensure effective performance of these duties.

Programme Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Follow up on implementing procedures with the IPS to ensure timely submission of all tools and progress reports.
• Assist in monitoring projects expenditures and disbursements to ensure delivery is in line with approved budgets and to realize targeted delivery levels.
• Assists in managing operational requirements of work plan activities in terms of sub-contracts, letters of intent, trainings, workshops, equipment, supplies and other project related events to facilitate project delivery
• Perform Quantum/Quantum plus related functions according to the relevant profile as CO Programme Assistant.
• Assist in the preparation of project budget revisions for processing and approval.
• Ensure proper coordination with the P&D, RH, Gender, and GBV teams for proper integration (financial and technical) of youth activities across programme components in line with UNFPA strategic plan and country programme documents(CPD).

Reporting, Documentation  and Advocacy

• Contribute to increasing the visibility of the youth Programme through various approaches (i.e, website newsletter, material, media exposure, advocacy, participation in various events, etc.);
• Provide support in the identification, systematization and reporting of good/promising practices and lessons learnt;
• Assist in drafting reports to donors and in preparing required data and inputs for proposals.
• Ensure timely update of the Google Drive folder with key Youth related documents.

Perform any other activity as required to assure the success of the work team
Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

• High School degree with 5 years of working experience, in the fields of Programme support preferably focusing on delivering youth related programs.
• Experience with UNFPA or UN programing is an asset.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Familiarity with international strategies and resolutions related to young people.
• Proven experience in dealing with local government challenges and procedures;
• knowledge and experience in the field of youth policy and community development actions;
• Experience in preparing and implementing capacity building activities;
• Experience in preparing reports and short news.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to operate under stressful conditions;
• Good social and communicative skills;
• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Proficiency in current office software applications and corporate IT systems

Languages: 

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and Arabic is required.

Required Competencies: 

Values: 

Exemplifying integrity,

Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,

Embracing cultural diversity, Embracing change

Core Competencies:  

Achieving results, Being accountable,

Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,

Thinking analytically and strategically,

Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,

Functional Competencies:

Results-based Programme development and management –

Innovation and marketing of new approaches

Leveraging the resources of partners/ Building strategic alliances and partnerships

Resource mobilization

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce – click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.