Programme Support Officer, Geneve

Background Information - Job-specific

Background Information – ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology

ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, is a cross-sectoral partnership with the goal of reaching 500 million additional people with assistive technology by 2030 to support them in participating in education, work, and everyday life.

Today, over 2.5 billion people need at least one form of AT, such as wheelchairs, eyeglasses, or hearing aids, but in low-income countries, 90% do not have access to the AT they require. The number of people who need AT is expected to grow to more than 3.4 billion people by 2050.

Access to appropriate AT enables people with loss of function, disabilities, non-communicable diseases, and the ageing population to participate in education, work, family, and community life. Lack of access to AT has significant consequences for individuals, their families, and the wider society. Without AT, individuals may experience isolation and exclusion from education, the labour market, and civic life. Lack of access to appropriate AT causes poorer health outcomes including premature death, deteriorating mental health, and increased risk of chronic health conditions and secondary complications, all of which lead to a higher burden on health systems. Increasing accessibility and affordability of AT unlocks unrealised economic potential and provides socioeconomic benefit for individuals, families, and countries by increasing productivity and participation in the workforce. The ATscale Secretariat is hosted by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and is based in Geneva, Switzerland. For more information, please visit

Role of the Programme Support officer

ATscale aims to attract users of Assistive Technology (AT users) as part of the Secretariat team.

For the purposes of this job description, “AT user” refers to someone who currently requires the use of assistive technology - assistive products and/or associated services - to be able to operate in a professional working environment. Assistive devices include but are not limited to wheelchairs, prosthesis, hearing aids, augmentative and alternative communication devices, etc.

The Programme Support officer is part of the ATscale Secretariat Operations Team and will support the Programme Support Specialist in ensuring effective provision of support service for the Secretariat across all aspects of operations (Grants, Finance, Procurement, Human Resources and Administration) to ensure achievement of results, whilst driving compliance with corporate strategies, UNOPS rules, regulations, policies, and standards of accountability, ethics and integrity.

The Programme Support officer reports to the Programme Support Specialist and provides a range of implementation support services to ensure rapid and compliant delivery of all aspects of the operations.

He/she works in close collaboration with teams across ATscale as well as interfacing with the Support Services function of the UNOPS Geneva Office, UNOPS Headquarters (HQ) and other key stakeholders for successful service delivery.

1. Programme Managemnt Contribute to the preparation of programme documents and processes focusing on aspects of entering data to systems and tools ensuring compliance to agreements and Enterprise resource planning (ERP) protocols; Support the Programme Support Specialist in the preparation and monitoring of the work plans and functional plans; Contribute to the identification of projects risks, participate in the preparation of assurance activities and support project audit activities including implementation of the recommendations; Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to program management; Support in the preparation and maintenance of programme documents; Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues; 2. Grant Management
Review grant budgets and financial reports against approved budgets, to provide critical feedback to the implementing partners, programme unit, grants units, and supervisor, if necessary; Monitor budgets in grant proposals and verify their consistency with prevailing market rate; assist in discussion/negotiation of costs/fees as required; Support the capacity assessment and building capacity of implementing partners; Verify reporting requirements are adhered to and ensure close liaison with the supervisor on any delays or other difficulties; Review payment requests from Implementing Partners and ensure payments are processed based upon the grant agreement, agreed payment schedules, and fund availability; Support the Programme Support Specialist and Grant officer in budgeting and forecasting of grant related expenditures; ensure variances are communicated at an early stage; Resolve operational and process issues related to grant management, and refer complex issues to the supervisor with recommendations for courses of action; Coordinate the process of operational and financial closure of grants and projects; Contribute to the coordination and follow up on the audits of Implementing Partners; Highlight risks and delays to the supervisor and team as appropriate; Support the project team to update and maintain grants and contracts tools that will ensure timely review and deadlines of reports submission assigned by project and internal requirements; Support and cover for the Grant officer throughout the grant cycle as needed, particularly during high picks of grant workload. 3. Financial and Operational Support Support in the planning of financial resources, continuous analysis and monitoring of financial progress and presentation of forecasts for the planning and management of the project; Ensure full compliance with the provisions of UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRRs), International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), Organization Directives, Administrative Instructions and guidance in all financial transactions, recording, reporting, etc; Coordinate with project team in the preparation and consolidation of cash-flow forecast ensuring inputs are extracted from the budget, cash-flow plans, activity plans and monitoring tools; Support the monitoring and advice to project on the financial status including pending and approved budgets; contributions available for expenditure and contributions already expended; Review and confirmation of appropriateness of operational transactions processed through the interpretation and determination of applicable UNOPS policies and Financial rules and regulations; Oversee and manages operational advances ensuring timely reconciliation, replenishment and closure; Keep contact with project team, Geneva finance team, IPAS and FG to verify, correct, add and improve quality of financial activities of the project including financial reports and audits; Provide any other operational support as required. 4. HR and Procurement Support ATscale teams with drafting of TORs for subcontractors and consultants; source potential applicants; evaluation of proposals received; recommendations for contract awards; negotiations with successful bidders, and support focal points during implementation of contracts; Support in drafting of procurement contract documents and administration of contracts and agreements; Monitor compliance of procurement activities with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of the effective internal control, analysis of parameters in support of proper design and functioning of a client-oriented procurement management system; Monitor and maintain tracking sheets for retainers and contracts; Keep and maintain all necessary documentations and records for audit purposes; Liaise with Geneva Procurement and HQ units as needed; 5. Innovation and Knowledge Management Constantly research and incorporate new policies and best practices into the program’s operations; Assess and identify training and learning needs, and lessons learned workshops; Actively contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice. Education/Experience/Language requirements
A. Education:
A high school diploma is required and /or A Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as finance, business, economy, public administration, international relations, social sciences or other relevant fields will be an asset B. Work Experience: A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience in working in development or disability-related projects or programmes, not-for-profit or private organisations, with experience in project/programme management, administrative support and/or service delivery for applicants with a high school diploma. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree will require a minimum of four (4) years relevant experience in the fields above. The relevant experience requirements may be reduced for applicants whose need and use of AT is confirmed. Previous experience of working in civil society organizations especially organizations of persons with disabilities is highly desirable. Lived experience as an AT user is highly desired. Experience in UN system organisations, preferably in a developing country is desirable, including experience with grants, contracting, procurement or finance. Previous experience working with UN/UNOPS programmes and command of oneUNOPS or similar ERP system is a strong asset. Previous experience working with global partnerships and the health or disability sector is desirable. C. Language:
Full working knowledge of English is essential. Knowledge of another official UNOPS language, particularly French, is an asset. Competencies
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
Contract level: ICS-9 (International ICA - IICA 1)
Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance. This position is based in Switzerland and the contract fee is not exempt from Swiss laws, including but not limited to laws regarding taxation, social security, accident and health insurance. The incumbent will be required to pay taxes, social security and any other legal requirements under Swiss laws.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.

Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Geneva , Switzerland is a UN family duty station

AT Users ( persons who currently require the use of assistive technology - assistive products and/or associated services - to be able to operate in a professional working environment. Assistive devices include but are not limited to wheelchairs, prosthesis, hearing aids, augmentative and alternative communication devices, etc. ) are strongly encouraged to apply

People self-identifying as living with a disability are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

UNOPS makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, please make us aware by sending an email to

All candidates should include a cover/motivation in their application

Terms and Conditions

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.