The Programme Assistant (PA) will be based in Pretoria, and she/he carries out activities to contribute to the delivery of an effective humanitarian response. The jobholder contributes to assessments, monitoring, and evaluations of projects, as well as to the analysis of the humanitarian context in coverage.  She/he is responsible for the below high-level responsibilities:

Programme work:

• Contributes to the appraisal, monitoring and evaluation of projects and partner’s reports, including financial assessment of proposals.
• Critically studies and comments upon partners` reports and field operations and reports to line manager.
• Assists the HoO/TA (Technical Assistant) in the preparation of fiche-ops (e-documents completed by DG ECHO staff for assessing and monitoring projects), as appropriate.
• Assists with, participate in, and reports on meetings, as appropriate.
• Advises on the operational capacity of implementing partners.
• Drafts reports on the humanitarian situation, including any political, economic and security events relevant to the analysis of the humanitarian situation in the country/region.
• Produces and circulates information of common interest (humanitarian situation reports, background information, etc).
• Accompanies the TA on field visits, as requested and may act as interpreter if necessary.
• Assists the Head of Office/ Technical Assistant in the event of an emergency response.
• Prepares maps, when appropriate.
• Provides backstopping and surge support capacity in case of need.

Working with partners:

• Maintains contacts with DG ECHO’s partners, advising of any major issues arising.
• Ensures communications with DG ECHO’s partners, including establishing and maintaining a database of relevant organisations and personnel.
• Maintains contracts/grants database.

Coordination:

• Participates in meetings as requested.
• Liaises with local authorities and institutions, in coordination with the Head of Office/TA, as delegated and appropriate.
• Assists with enhancing the visibility and communication of DG ECHO’s overall assistance.
• Responds to requests for information as delegated.
• Prepares missions: agenda setting, contacts with partners, programming visits, meetings, etc.

• Required Qualifications:

  Education: A relevant first level university degree or equivalent professional experience.

  Knowledge and experience:

  • Minimum 5 years of relevant experience at national or international level in supporting programme/project operations, including at least 2 years of experience with an NGO, UN, donor, or national/international organisation.
  • Good knowledge of the EU humanitarian aid system.
  • Good knowledge of International NGOs, UN Aid Agencies and Red Cross Movement.
  • Good understanding of Humanitarian Aid principles, policies, and standards.
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc).
  • Right to residence and permit for employment under local law. A copy of the work permit is to be included with the application.

  Languages:

  • An excellent Knowledge of English (verbal and written).
  • A good knowledge/understanding of French, level B2 is required (verbal and written).
  • Knowledge of Portuguese is an added value.

  3.          Required Skills:

  Impeccable conduct in service, drive for results, excellent communication skills, capacity to work with others, adaptability, and flexibility skills.