The Role of a Programme Assistant at UNDP in Montevideo, Uruguay: Key Responsibilities, Impact, and Career Pathways

April 18, 2025

16 minutes read

Programme Assistant, Effective Governance, Social Protection and Territorial Development position with UNDP in Montevideo, Uruguay — including the full job scope, qualifications, expectations, organizational context, and what this role means both practically and strategically.

🌍 Position Overview

Agency: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Location: Montevideo, Uruguay

Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-5)

Duration: 1 year (renewable based on performance and funding)

Deadline to Apply: April 18, 2025

Languages Required: Spanish (fluent), English (working knowledge)

🏛️ Organizational Contexthttp://🔗 UNDP Programme Assistant Job Posting – Montevideo, Uruguay

UNDP Uruguay is undergoing a significant transformation, adapting to a modernized business model aligned with the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. As part of this reform, the office has restructured its teams to become more agile, integrated, and impact-driven.

This role supports the Effective Governance, Social Protection, and Territorial Development portfolio, which contributes to some of the most pressing issues in Uruguay: reducing inequality, improving public service delivery, enhancing democratic institutions, decentralizing governance, and boosting resilience at the local level.

This position is not just clerical; it’s embedded in policy implementation, project support, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement at both the central and sub-national levels. It requires someone detail-oriented, solution-driven, and comfortable operating within both bureaucratic and fieldwork environments.

🧩 Core Responsibilities & Functional Breakdown

Let’s analyze the 4 major pillars of the role:@vacancyspaces.com

1️⃣ Implementation of Programme/Project Strategies

Portfolio Support: Gather and analyze background data on assigned projects/programmes.
Strategic Inputs: Contribute to tools like the CCA (Common Country Analysis), UNCF, and CPD.
Drafting & Documentation: Assist in drafting project documents, work plans, and proposals for funding/implementation.

Key Tools:

RBM (Results-Based Management) methodologies
BSC (Balanced Scorecard) for performance tracking

Skills Used:
Analytical thinking, document preparation, policy literacy, development knowledge

2️⃣ Programme/Project Quality Assurance

Quantum Platform Tasks: Create awards/projects, prepare budget revisions, close projects.
Financial Oversight: Track funds, flag unutilized budgets, ensure financial records align with policy.
Audit & Risk: Help prepare for audits and implement recommendations, especially under HACT (Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers).
Project Oversight: Work with the M&E and Finance Assistants to assure project quality and compliance.

Key Tools & Frameworks:

Quantum (UNDP’s ERP system)
HACT
DIM (Direct Implementation Modality)

Skills Used:
Attention to detail, financial management, policy compliance, audit readiness

3️⃣ Administrative and Financial Support

NIM Projects & FACE Forms: Review financial forms related to national implementation.
Voucher & Payroll Support: Prepare and review non-PO vouchers, assist with payroll coordination.
Budgeting & Procurement: Handle micro-purchases, create and validate POs (Purchase Orders).
Error Handling: Fix unposted vouchers, budget errors, and match exceptions.

Skills Used:
Administrative coordination, budget planning, vendor/procurement systems, accounting knowledge

4️⃣ Knowledge Management and Learning

Training Organization: Coordinate learning opportunities for project staff.
Best Practices: Gather and disseminate lessons learned and innovations.
Community Engagement: Feed into internal knowledge networks and peer platforms.

Skills Used:
Communications, facilitation, reporting, knowledge transfer

🎯 Strategic Impact of the Role

The Programme Assistant is a linchpin in the execution of governance and social protection programmes at the national and local levels. Through this role, UNDP ensures that financial, operational, and strategic components of projects are coordinated, efficient, and results-driven.

By maintaining seamless coordination with the Programme Finance and M&E teams, the role safeguards:

Efficiency in spending
Transparency in resource management
Accountability in results

🧠 Core & Technical Competencies

💡 Core Competencies (Level 1)

Achieve Results: Meets deadlines and quality expectations.
Think Innovatively: Offers new ideas, balances creativity with realism.
Learn Continuously: Open to feedback, learns from mistakes.
Adapt with Agility: Navigates change with ease.
Act with Determination: Remains focused under pressure.
Engage and Partner: Builds relationships across the ecosystem.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Promotes respectful, inclusive engagement.

🛠️ Cross-Functional Competencies

Thematic Area	Competency	Description
Ethics	UN Policy Knowledge	Understands and applies ethical standards, UNDP values
Project Management	Business Management	Prioritizes resources and timelines
Event Management	Administration & Ops	Manages logistics for trainings, meetings, etc.
Partnership Management	Business Management	Maintains strong internal/external relationships

🎓 Qualifications & Requirements

📘 Education

Level	Requirement
Minimum	Secondary Education (High School) with relevant certifications in Accounting, Finance, Admin
Preferred	Bachelor’s Degree in Law, Economics, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Sciences

A university degree reduces the required work experience from 5 to 2 years.

🧾 Experience

Experience Area	Requirement
Administrative/Programme Support	Minimum 5 years (with high school) or 2 years (with university)
Digital Tools	Proficiency in MS Office, Excel, databases
ERP & Financial Systems	Knowledge of web-based platforms like Quantum, familiarity with financial reporting systems

🗣️ Languages

Mandatory: Spanish (Fluent)
Desired: English (Working level – reading, writing, understanding instructions)

📄 Required Application Documents

Personal CV or P11 Form
- All past roles, durations, responsibilities
- Contact info of at least 3 references (preferably supervisors)
Cover Letter (max 1 page)
- Why you’re a strong fit for this specific position
Academic Documentation
- Copies of degrees or diplomas
Optional (upon request):
- Past work samples: reports, presentations, campaigns, publications

🧭 Ideal Candidate Profile

The most competitive applicants will demonstrate:

✅ A track record supporting national or multilateral development programmes
✅ Working knowledge of UNDP’s internal systems, especially Quantum
✅ Hands-on experience managing budgets, work plans, and project documents
✅ Familiarity with results-based management, M&E processes, and HACT
✅ The ability to multitask, prioritize, and build partnerships across teams
✅ Capacity to bridge technical and administrative elements smoothly

📍 Why This Role Matters

This position is pivotal for UNDP Uruguay to:

Scale up public policy innovations in governance and decentralization
Strengthen the territorial development agenda, especially at the sub-national level
Enhance social protection frameworks for more inclusive development
Mobilize resources and increase accountability in implementation mechanisms

In doing so, it reinforces UNDP’s role as thought leader, enabler, and trusted partner to the Uruguayan government.

📝 Final Tips for Application

Tailor your cover letter to highlight administrative and programmatic experience, not just general interest.
Show your understanding of UNDP’s programming cycle.
If you’ve used Quantum or similar platforms (like SAP, Oracle, etc.), mention it.
Highlight experience with audits, project closings, or resource tracking.
Emphasize client-oriented work and ability to manage multiple stakeholder expectations.

Would you like help drafting a customized CV and 1-page cover letter tailored to this exact job? I can also help translate your documents into Spanish or English, if needed!

It seems you’re looking for a detailed explanation of the Programme Assistant position with UNDP in Montevideo, Uruguay, that goes beyond the information provided in the job posting. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown, expanding on the key duties and qualifications for the role:

1. Job Overview and Context

The Programme Assistant position is embedded within the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Montevideo, Uruguay. It is designed to support the implementation of programmatic strategies and activities related to effective governance, social protection, and territorial development. The role is part of the broader organizational transformation of the UNDP office in Uruguay, which is adapting to a rapidly changing environment, ensuring that it can continue to support the country’s development needs effectively. This transformation is especially focused on strengthening UNDP’s contributions to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is the global framework for addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges.

This role requires someone who can balance administrative and programmatic tasks, ensuring that projects run smoothly, meet deadlines, and are aligned with UNDP’s strategic goals. The NPSA-5 classification indicates that the position is intended for national personnel with solid experience in administrative support, project management, and governance or development-related fields.

2. Thematic Focus Areas

The Programme Assistant will contribute to work in the following thematic areas:

Effective Governance:
- Promoting the efficient and transparent functioning of public institutions.
- Fostering governance that is inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the needs of citizens.
- Supporting the design and implementation of policies that improve government functions, particularly in areas related to social protection and territorial development.
Social Protection:
- Supporting the development and management of social protection systems that reduce inequality and poverty.
- Ensuring the delivery of targeted services to vulnerable populations.
- Collaborating with national authorities to implement social security, healthcare, and financial assistance programs.
Territorial Development:
- Promoting sustainable development at sub-national levels, particularly focusing on municipalities and regional governments.
- Enhancing local governance mechanisms, ensuring that regional development efforts are responsive to the specific needs of diverse communities.
- Building resilience against environmental and socio-economic challenges at the territorial level.

3. Key Responsibilities and Duties

The Programme Assistant will be involved in multiple aspects of program management and implementation:

Implementation of Programme/Project Strategies:
- The Programme Assistant will support the formulation of program/project strategies and facilitate the execution of the Country Programme Document (CPD) and related initiatives.
- Tasks include data collection, background research, and the preparation of project documents and work plans. This will involve engaging with local stakeholders and contributing to the alignment of UNDP projects with national development goals.
- A key component of the role will be ensuring that the Results-Based Management (RBM) tools are applied effectively, which will include setting management targets and tracking progress toward achieving them.
Support to Quality Assurance:
- The Programme Assistant plays a vital role in maintaining the quality of UNDP’s projects and programs. They will support the quality assurance process for all thematic areas of the portfolio, ensuring that programs are implemented smoothly and that any challenges are addressed promptly.
- This includes the creation of project awards in Quantum (UNDP’s enterprise resource planning system), budget revisions, financial close, and ensuring projects are in compliance with UNDP’s operational and financial standards.
- The Programme Assistant will work with the Programme Finance Assistant and M&E Assistant to ensure the financial soundness of the projects. This will involve regular monitoring, reporting, and auditing of financial transactions, with a focus on making sure that funds are properly managed.
Administrative and Financial Support:
- The Programme Assistant is expected to provide administrative and financial support for the day-to-day operations of the programmatic team.
- This includes reviewing NIM projects FACE Forms (Forms used for direct payments, reimbursements, and cash transfers), preparing non-PO vouchers for projects in the portfolio, and ensuring timely corrective actions for unposted vouchers.
- They will also create requisitions and track purchases in Quantum, managing budget checks for requisitions and ensuring that all transactions have valid status. This is an essential function to ensure that all purchases and financial exchanges are recorded accurately.
Support to Knowledge Management and Sharing:
- The Programme Assistant will help ensure that lessons learned and best practices from the projects are synthesized and shared within the country office.
- Tasks include organizing trainings for staff on programmatic aspects of UNDP’s operations, facilitating knowledge networks, and contributing to the organization’s overall knowledge-sharing culture.
- This aspect of the role is critical for fostering a culture of continuous improvement, learning, and innovation, especially in areas related to governance, social protection, and territorial development.
Support to Programme and Project Teams:
- The Programme Assistant will collaborate with project teams to help implement activities that fall within the thematic portfolio.
- This collaboration will require clear and consistent communication to address challenges, propose solutions, and ensure that all aspects of the program are aligned with UNDP’s strategic priorities.
- The Programme Assistant will be expected to take initiative and show a proactive attitude when working with different teams and stakeholders.

4. Essential Competencies and Skills

To be successful in the Programme Assistant role, the candidate must demonstrate several key competencies, which include:

Core Competencies:
- Achieve Results: Ability to plan, monitor, and deliver quality work by deadlines, paying close attention to details.
- Think Innovatively: Open to creative ideas, practical in problem-solving, and capable of making process improvements.
- Learn Continuously: A learner with an open mind, receptive to feedback, and eager to expand knowledge.
- Adapt with Agility: Adaptable in managing change and uncertainty, and flexible in an ever-evolving work environment.
- Act with Determination: Driven to succeed, maintaining motivation and composure under pressure.
- Engage and Partner: Strong interpersonal skills to form positive relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Demonstrates respect for diversity and inclusiveness, confronting discrimination and promoting equality.
Technical Competencies:
- Ethics: Familiarity with UN policies related to ethics, including the Staff Regulations and Rules.
- Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks efficiently to meet specific program goals.
- Event Management: Experience in managing logistics for project-related events, such as meetings, conferences, and workshops.
- Partnership Management: Ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with various stakeholders, including government, civil society, and private-sector actors.

5. Required Qualifications and Experience

Educational Requirements:
- The position requires Secondary Education completed, with a preference for specialized certification in Accounting, Finance, or Public Administration. A University Degree in Law, Business and Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, or Social Sciences would be advantageous but not mandatory.
Experience:
- For candidates with Secondary Education: At least 5 years of progressively responsible administrative or programme management experience at the national or international level in national or multinational development programmes is required.
- For candidates with a University Degree: At least 2 years of relevant experience is sufficient.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and experience with web-based management systems is essential.
- A working knowledge of Spanish and English is required, with proficiency in Spanish being a priority.
Additional Requirements:
- Candidates should be highly organized, demonstrate strong analytical skills, and be adept at multitasking in a fast-paced environment.
- Prior experience working with international organizations, development agencies, or public administration will be advantageous.

6. Application Process

To apply for the position, candidates must submit the following documents:

CV or P11 Form: This should detail the candidate’s previous positions, qualifications, and at least three professional references.
Cover Letter: A concise letter (maximum 1 page) explaining why the candidate is suited for the position.
Diplomas: A copy of relevant academic credentials.

The deadline for applications is April 18, 2025. Interested candidates should apply through the UNDP application portal.

This extensive explanation reflects the multifaceted nature of the Programme Assistant role and its importance in supporting UNDP’s work in Uruguay, particularly in advancing key governance, social protection, and territorial development initiatives. It highlights the tasks, competencies, and qualifications needed for this position and the organizational context within which the Programme Assistant will operate.

Certainly! Let’s continue expanding on the Programme Assistant role at UNDP in Montevideo, Uruguay, providing further insights into the job’s responsibilities, impact, and additional considerations.

7. The Role’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Programme Assistant role is critical in advancing several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

SDG 1: No Poverty – Through the design and implementation of social protection systems, the Programme Assistant will support policies that provide economic security to vulnerable populations. By working in projects aimed at reducing inequality, the assistant will contribute to poverty alleviation.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The Programme Assistant will ensure that projects are inclusive and that development efforts are directed toward reducing disparities in income, opportunities, and access to services, particularly in marginalized communities. This role helps bridge the gap in territorial development and governance, ensuring that underserved regions benefit from sustainable development initiatives.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – By supporting the effective governance agenda, the Programme Assistant will be part of efforts to enhance the efficiency and accountability of public institutions. This contributes directly to the strengthening of institutions, the promotion of the rule of law, and fostering transparency and inclusive decision-making processes.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The Programme Assistant will engage with multiple stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations, and international partners. This role fosters collaboration and partnership building, which is key to achieving sustainable and equitable development outcomes at the national and territorial levels.

8. A Day in the Life of a Programme Assistant

While the job duties vary depending on the project’s phase and its specific challenges, a typical day might involve the following:

Morning Routine:
- Begin the day by reviewing email correspondence, attending any internal meetings, and setting priorities for the day. As a Programme Assistant, you might participate in project-related meetings, either internally with the UNDP team or externally with partners.
- You will check the progress of ongoing projects and ensure they are on track. If any challenges have arisen in implementing a project (such as delays in procurement, resource management issues, or compliance concerns), you may need to prepare a quick report or summary for higher management to provide solutions or next steps.
Programmatic and Administrative Tasks:
- You’ll spend a significant amount of time working on administrative documentation such as preparing budgets, processing invoices, managing project files, and updating internal systems. For instance, if you are assisting with social protection programs, you might need to organize and analyze financial data to ensure timely disbursements to beneficiaries.
- You will review and update project budgets in the Quantum system, track expenditures against the approved budgets, and identify any discrepancies. The Programme Assistant plays a critical role in the financial monitoring of projects to ensure funds are being used appropriately.
Engagement with Stakeholders:
- Another important aspect of your role is engaging with external stakeholders. You may be involved in organizing meetings, maintaining communications, and assisting in the preparation of policy briefings or reports for government officials, development partners, or donors.
- If the Programme Assistant role focuses on territorial development, this might mean interacting with municipal authorities or community leaders to collect data on the local needs and challenges facing the community. In such cases, you would be helping to gather input for developing more tailored development initiatives for specific areas.
Program Monitoring and Reporting:
- In the afternoon, much of your time will be spent on monitoring and reporting. You will be tasked with tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) for the various programs in your portfolio, analyzing the outcomes, and ensuring that reports are submitted in line with the project timelines. You may prepare progress reports and financial reports for review by the Programme Manager or relevant UNDP leadership.
- For example, for a project focused on social protection, you would need to track service delivery rates, analyze beneficiary satisfaction, and assess whether the targets are being met, especially in rural or underserved areas.
Problem-Solving and Support:
- A portion of your day will be dedicated to troubleshooting challenges that arise in the course of program delivery. You might have to step in to help resolve issues related to procurement delays, discrepancies in project documentation, or sudden changes in the project environment. For example, if unexpected circumstances prevent the execution of a planned activity, you will support finding an alternative solution while keeping the program on track.
End-of-Day Wrap-Up:
- At the end of the day, you may reflect on any outstanding tasks, ensuring all action items are documented for follow-up the next day. You will also provide regular updates to the program team and ensure that relevant documents are filed and stored correctly for future reference.

9. The Interdisciplinary Nature of the Role

While the Programme Assistant position may appear to have a focus on governance, social protection, and territorial development, the role is interdisciplinary, meaning that the Assistant will work closely with colleagues in other specialized areas, such as:

Human Rights: Ensuring that governance and social protection systems respect fundamental rights and address inequalities.
Environmental Sustainability: Incorporating considerations for climate change and environmental resilience in territorial development programs.
Public Health: Supporting projects that enhance health services for vulnerable populations, particularly through social protection initiatives that include healthcare.

This interdisciplinary approach is important because it recognizes that development challenges are multifaceted, and solutions must often come from a combination of efforts in governance, social policy, and economic development.

10. Potential Career Pathways

The Programme Assistant role is often an entry point for individuals pursuing a career in international development, UN operations, or public administration. Over time, you might progress into roles with increased responsibilities, including:

Programme Officer/Manager: You would take on more significant responsibilities in designing and managing complex projects. This would require overseeing larger teams and larger budgets.
Policy Analyst/Advisor: Working on high-level policy development and analysis in governance or social protection.
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist: Focusing on the assessment of program effectiveness, gathering data, and improving programmatic strategies based on real-world outcomes.
International Development Specialist: Expanding your experience to work with other UN agencies, NGOs, or governmental organizations across different regions.

11. How the Programme Assistant Supports UNDP’s Mission

The Programme Assistant plays a fundamental role in realizing the mission of UNDP: to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. Through their day-to-day tasks, they provide critical support in ensuring that projects meet their objectives and that UNDP’s global mandates are executed locally. This role connects the global strategies set by the United Nations with local initiatives, ensuring that the country office’s work is aligned with both national development priorities and international commitments.

By supporting projects aimed at improving governance systems, expanding social protection schemes, and fostering territorial development, the Programme Assistant directly contributes to poverty reduction, sustainable livelihoods, and the creation of inclusive societies.

Moreover, the Programme Assistant is often the first line of communication for local partners, making them an essential part of the knowledge-sharing network that drives development outcomes. They play a crucial role in building partnerships with governments, civil society, and private-sector actors, which is fundamental for scaling and sustaining development efforts.

12. The Value of Collaboration in this Role

Collaboration is a key component of this position. The Programme Assistant will work with colleagues both within the UNDP office and across the broader UN system to ensure that the projects are not only well-implemented but also in alignment with global development goals. The role requires excellent teamwork skills, as the Programme Assistant will be integral to ensuring that various departments and stakeholders work together seamlessly to deliver results.

13. Final Reflections on the Role’s Importance

The Programme Assistant is not just an administrative support role but a position that directly influences the success of development programs. By handling the day-to-day operations and supporting the strategic direction of critical UNDP initiatives, this position enables the organization to function efficiently and achieve its goals. The Programme Assistant is part of a larger, transformative movement toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, contributing not only to national goals in Uruguay but also to global efforts to reduce poverty and promote peace and prosperity for all.

This expanded explanation emphasizes the Programme Assistant’s importance in the UNDP office, especially in Montevideo, Uruguay, and highlights the complexity and significance of the role. The diverse responsibilities and skills required make this position an essential part of the broader UNDP miss

April 18, 2025

16 minutes read