Programme Associate, Colombo

About the role

UN Women in Sri Lanka coordinates advocacy, knowledge generation, networking and monitoring of system-wide action to advance gender equality in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Reporting to the Head of Office, the Programme Associate supports the Programme Team in developing and implementing effective programmes, contributing to research, financial management and programme implementation, and working closely with operations, programme and projects staff in the Regional Office and UN Women headquarters.

Key responsibilities

• Support the preparation of programme work plans, budgets and proposals, and give technical guidance on routine delivery and reporting of activities and finances
• Prepare audit information, support audit recommendations, and assist in compiling data for documents, guidelines, speeches and position papers
• Manage projects in the Quantum system, including budget revisions, project awards, unutilized funds, project close, payment processing for consultants, and internal expenditure control
• Organize meetings, workshops, events and missions, make travel arrangements, prepare briefing materials and presentations, and maintain mailing lists and the asset management registry
• Assist in drafting Terms of Reference for consultants, procurement, and resource mobilization, and organize donor information for databases
• Support the synthesis of lessons learned, training for staff and partners, and other duties needed for the office's efficient functioning

Required profile

• Secondary education; a Bachelor's degree in business or public administration is desirable
• At least 6 years of progressively responsible experience in administration or programme management/support
• Experience in a computer environment with multiple office software packages and in supporting a team
• Fluency in English and in Sinhala or Tamil; knowledge of another official UN language is desirable

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of programme management and of procurement processes, systems and administrative rules
• Excellent financial and budgeting skills
• Excellent IT skills, including a modern web-based ERP system such as Oracle Cloud (desirable)