Principal Programme Assistant

IMO - International Maritime Organization; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

IMO's Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division seeks a Principal Programme Assistant to support planning and oversight of technical cooperation activities in West Central Africa. The role involves coordinating implementation with the Africa Section and external agents, managing administrative processes, and preparing reports for donors and internal stakeholders.

The post requires strong organizational skills, budget monitoring, and bilingual proficiency in English and French.

Qualifications

• Seven years in an administrative role with drafting and project management support.
• Experience delivering technical cooperation activities is an asset.
• Proficiency in English and French (written and oral) is essential.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the implementation of technical cooperation programmes within budget and time schedules.
• Prepare the quarterly status report and ensure the production of reports on activities.
• Analyses of advisory missions and training reports to follow up on recommendations.
• Maintain up-to-date information on regional maritime development and budgets.

Skills

Multitasking

Budget monitoring

Organizational skills

Drafting reports

English

French

Stakeholder comms

Education

Secondary education to university entrance

Tools

PowerPoint

Word

Excel

Job description

Principal Programme Assistant

TECHNICAL COOPERATION AND IMPLEMENTATION DIVISION

Classification Grade:

G.7

Vacancy Announcement:

G.S. 26-15 (External)

Admin Number:

ADMIN/26/67

Post Number:

50003162

Date of Issue:

28/10/2026

Deadline for Applications:

18/11/2026

Contract Information

The first year of contract will be probationary with the possibility of further extension subject to satisfactory performance. This post is limited to local status* only. *Local status requires applicants to have unhindered permission to live and work in the UK.

Approximately £54,569 net per annum, (subject to deductions), free of income tax in the UK. Excellent benefits including medical insurance and UN pension scheme.

Purpose of the Post

Under the supervision of the Head, Africa Section and the overall supervision of the Deputy Director, Subdivision for Maritime Development. The incumbent will assist in the planning and oversight of the implementation of technical cooperation activities executed by the Organization in the West Central Africa (Francophone) region.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Coordinate the implementation of technical cooperation programmes executed by the Africa Section in TCID, the IMO Regional Coordinator in the West Central Africa (Francophone region) or by other implementing agents within and outside IMO. This includes liaising, consulting, supporting and coordinating with implementing agents the timely and proper execution of technical cooperation activities within budget and time schedules.

2. Carry out administrative procedures for the recruitment of consultants/experts.

3. Prepare the quarterly status report and ensure the production of reports on the technical cooperation activities carried out under approved programmes.

4. Analyse reports of advisory missions and training activities to take follow-up action on recommendations.

5. Review quarterly, annual and mission reports submitted by the IMO Regional Coordinator in the West Central Africa Francophone region.

6. Monitor and review the financial delivery of the ITCP for the region, including liaising closely with Finance Services and other divisions, to maintain accurate monitoring and data on the status of programme budgets and expenditure.

7. Prepare reports to donors on the progress of, and results achieved by, the technical assistance activities financed by them.

8. Assist the Head, Africa Section in the preparation of:

a) meeting documents for presentation to Council, TCC and the other IMO organs and/or their subsidiary bodies;

b) information materials and PowerPoint presentations to promote IMO's technical cooperation activities;

c) draft activity profiles for the Programme Implementation Documents of the relevant thematic areas; and

d) documentation and briefs for the Secretary-General and Director of the Technical Cooperation Implementation Division.

9. Update/modify the regional programmes to enhance maritime development in Africa and issue revisions, as required.

10. Collate information on technical cooperation needs and identify in consultation with the Head, Africa Section, technical cooperation priorities at national, sub-regional, regional and global levels, as required.

11. Maintain up-to-date information on the general maritime development of countries within the region.

12. Travel to the countries/region concerned and elsewhere, as may be required.

13. Carry out other duties within the incumbent’s professional competence, as required.

(a) Demonstrated ability to multitask and to work under pressure, whilst maintaining accuracy with thoroughness and excellent attention to detail.

(b) Proactive and reliable approach, with the ability to organize and prioritize workload.

(c) Strong organizational skills, initiative, tact and discretion.

(d) Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to establish good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, at all levels.

(e) Proven analytical, budget monitoring and reporting skills.

(a) Demonstrated ability to multitask and to work under pressure, whilst maintaining accuracy with thoroughness and excellent attention to detail.

(b) Proactive and reliable approach, with the ability to organize and prioritize workload.

(c) Strong organizational skills, initiative, tact and discretion.

(d) Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to establish good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, at all levels.

(e) Proven analytical, budget monitoring and reporting skills.

(f) Complete proficiency in English and French (written and oral), and the ability to draft reports in both languages in a concise manner is essential.

Professional Experience

A minimum of seven years in an administrative role, with drafting and project/programme management support experience, is essential.

Experience in the delivery and implementation of technical cooperation activities, would is an asset.

Good knowledge and understanding of the challenges faced by African Member States in the implementation of IMO instruments and in the functioning and enhancement of efficient maritime administrations, would be an asset.

Education

Secondary education to university entrance standard, is essential.

Language Skills

Proficiencyin English and French (oral and written), is essential, including the ability to draft clearly and concisely. Working knowledge of any other UN languages, would be an asset.

Other Skills

Skills in facilitation and coordination of regional, sub-regional and national level technical assistance activities in relation to IMO thematic programmes, would be an asset.