Background Information
Title of Post: Programme Assistant
Grade level of Post LSC-5
Number of Positions: 3 (Three - Ilorin, Yola and Sokoto, Nigeria)
Position Numbers: 223622 - Ilorin
223624 - Yola
223625 - Sokoto
Duty Stations: Ilorin, Yola and Sokoto
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Fixed Term/Temporary: Local Service Contract
Rotational/Non Rotational: Non Rotational
Duration: One year* (renewable based on availability of funds and satisfactory performance and within the confines of the EU-SARAH project).
Closing Date: Thursday, 07 August, 2025
Please note that this vacancy announcement is only for Nigerian nationals.
NOTE: These are project positions and all applicants selected for these positions should be ready to be assigned to any of the 3 duty stations.
*No expectancy of renewal in accordance with UN staff regulations 4.5.
The Position
UNFPA Nigeria Country Office (CO) works to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH), promote reproductive rights, and reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. Based in the Program Offices, the Programme Assistant supports the design, planning and management of the RH program in the assigned state. S/he works closely with program and project staff providing Programme and administrative support to the Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit.
UNFPA Nigeria commenced the implementation of the 9th Country Programme (CP) (2023-2027) of which the four main outputs are : (a) strengthened data systems; (b) strengthened capacities of national and subnational health systems to deliver quality sexual and reproductive health information and services; (c) strengthened capacity of critical actors and systems the provision of life and dignity-saving interventions in humanitarian settings; (d) strengthened capacities and knowledge of critical actors to address discriminatory gender and social norms. 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.
Under the general supervision of the Resident Representative and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist (SRH), the Programme Assistant, supports the planning, management and implementation of the Program by providing and managing data inputs, logistical support, monitoring project implementation and following up on recommendations.
S/he works closely with programme and project staff in providing support to programme implementation using and developing appropriate mechanisms and systems and ensuring compliance with established procedures.
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.
Roles and Responsibilities
S/he will be responsible for
1. Program implementation support
- Participates in the identification and formulation of country programme and projects, by compiling and analyzing information in the subject areas of UNFPA assistance to the Government, drafts project documents and prepares tables and statistical data.
- Ensure proper documentation and processing of approved Implementing Partners’ Annual Work Plan and quarterly FACE Forms, to relevant Officers for necessary action as well as undertake related Quantum functions.
- Supports the evaluation of project and programme activities, establishing and implementing mechanisms to systematically assess the achievement of results, conducting field visits, participating in review meetings and evaluation missions and prepare regular inputs to status and progress reports. Facilitates analysis of factors affecting the achievement of results, recommends corrective actions and follow up on recommendations.
2. Program administrative support
- In coordination with the RH unit, provide administrative and programmatic supports to routine implementation of assigned projects, supporting the delivery of project inputs and activities, facilitating participation of national counterparts in activities, monitoring, trainings and study tours.
- Provide logistical support to RH unit by coordinating review meetings and other project related workshops and events. Guides project personnel and staff on national execution and programme policies and procedures.
- Facilitate processing and retirement of travel of the Programme Officers.
3. Program monitoring and knowledge management support
- Contributes to the creation and sharing of knowledge by synthesizing and documenting findings and lessons learned, success stories and best practices, strategies and approaches of Country office and drafting relevant materials for dissemination.
- Supports the advocacy and resource mobilization strategy of the Country Office by compiling and synthesizing relevant background material for use in discussions and public events.
- Ensure proper management of the office filing and archiving system.
- Perform any other duty that may be assigned by the Representative or designate.
Required competencies
UNFPA Values
- Exemplifying integrity.
- Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
- Embracing cultural diversity
- Embracing change
UNFPA 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
- Communicating for impact
UNFPA Functional Competencies
- Business Acumen
- Implementing management systems
- Innovation and marketing of new approaches
- Client orientation
- Organizational awareness
- Job knowledge/technical expertise
Qualification and Work Experience
Education
- Possession of secondary school certificate. A bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma in Secretarial Administration, Public Administration, Public Health, Health Economy, Medicine, Sociology or in a related field is desirable.
Work Experience
- A minimum of 5 years working experience in the areas of Programme & Administrative support.
- Experience working in the field of maternal health, family planning and midwifery would be desirable.
- Prior experience working for the United Nations and national and international NGO working in the area of Maternal Health would be an added advantage.
- Proficiency in current office software applications (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and other presentation software).
- Because the nature of work is programme focused, involving other groups and various timelines and activities, related skills of good time management, managing deadlines and good team relationships are essential. Knowledge of the UN system is desirable.
Language
Proficiency In both written and spoken English is required
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