Programme Assistant

Programme Management
Egypt, Cairo
April 21, 2026
Fixed Term Contract
Urgent
Application ends: April 27, 2026
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Job Description

UN-HABITAT United Nations Human Settlements Programme

Role – Programme Assistant

Duty Station(s) Cairo

Job Highlight

Established in 2005, UN-Habitat Egypt Programme has been providing technical support to national counterparts on a wide range of urban issues. Adopting an integrated approach, UN-Habitat Egypt has supported reforming and improving urban planning and management through three main sub-programmes, namely, urban development; urban policies, legislation and governance; and urban basic services and mobility.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Responsibilities: within limits of delegated authority and depending on location, the Programme Assistant may be responsible for the following duties:

  • Assists in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation work for, typically, a medium-size and complex component of the departmental programme/project initiatives; monitors status of programme/project proposals and receipt of relevant documentation for review and approval.
  • Compiles, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on specific programmes/project and related topics or issues.
  • Reviews project documents, especially cost plans/budgets, for completeness and compliance with relevant rules and procedures prior to submission for final approval and signature; identifies inconsistencies; distributes project documents to relevant parties upon approval.
  • Reviews budget revisions; verifies availability of funds; ensures necessary approval and entry in computerized budget system.
  • Serves as focal point for administrative coordination of programme/project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with a diverse organizational unit to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc.
  • Compiles, summarizes and enters data on project delivery; drafts related status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, budget overruns, etc., and brings to the attention of management.
  • Drafts correspondence on budget-related issues and prepares and updates periodic reports, briefing notes, graphic and statistical summaries, accounting spreadsheets, etc.
  • Provides general office assistance; responds to complex information requests and inquiries; reviews, logs and routes incoming correspondence; sets up and maintains files/records; organizes meetings, workshops; handles routine administrative tasks, such as maintaining attendance records, assessing telephone billing, etc.
  • Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff.
  • Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
  • Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Results Expected:

  • Provides reliable administrative coordination of programme/project planning and preparation activities and general office support services. Processes work and requisite follow-up accomplished under some supervision, seeks advice from and/or reporting to supervisor as needed. Accurately prepares reports. Consistently applies appropriate policies, guidelines and procedures.

Skills

  • Adobe Creative Suite, Architectural Design, Corporate Communications, Corporate Governance, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Design Thinking, Research.

Education Requirements

Required:

  • High school diploma or bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, architecture, urban development, international development, urban design, or related field is required.

Experience Requirements

Required:

  • 5 years of experience in urban development or related areas, such as architecture, urban planning, community advocacy, and urban design is required for high school degree holders. 1 year of experience in related areas for first degree university holders
  • Proven experience working with communication production and/or image and publishing software (for example: Adobe Photoshop, In Design, Premiere, Illustrator, etc.) is required.
  • Experience is in academic research, and technical writing is required.

Desired:

  • Previous work with international organisations, NGOs, or national counterparts is desirable.
  • Experience in at least one priority development area, such as environmental design, strategic urban planning, housing, informality, urban heritage and/or accessibility.

Language Requirements

  • English, Fluent.
  • Arabic, Fluent.

Opportunities for learning and growth

  • Commitment to Excellence: Our support extends to all personnel at every level of the organization.
  • Ongoing Development: We provide ongoing opportunities to help our people learn, develop, and excel at their jobs.
  • State-of-the-Art Learning: Access a wide range of learning through our blended learning programmes, covering Leadership development and Personal and professional development.
  • Key Credentials: Opportunities to benefit from Internationally recognized technical certifications and Membership to professional associations in various areas.
  • Internal Culture: We foster an environment that encourages and supports knowledge sharing and collaboration.