National Project Assistant (LICA 5)

Result of ServiceThe goal of his job function is to provide comprehensive administrative support to ensure the smooth and efficient implementation of the projects in Turkmenistan Work LocationAshgabat, Turkmenistan Expected durationOne year, with possibility of extension Duties and ResponsibilitiesBACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint development agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations, which enables small businesses to improve exports in developing and transition countries by providing, with partners, sustainable and inclusive trade development solutions to the private sector, trade support institutions and policymakers. Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (OEECA) is responsible for developing, monitoring, coordinating and implementing ITC’s activities and projects in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. ITC is implementing “Turkmenistan: Enhancing Trade Resilience and Integration” project, (2024-2028), funded by the European Unions. The project aims at promoting Turkmenistan’s international economic engagement and participation in regional and global trade. In particular, the project will assist the Government of Turkmenistan in the process of accession to the WTO and becoming a member of a multilateral trading system, as well as in initiating trade facilitation reforms, increasing the country’s investment attractiveness and creating a conducive e-commerce environment. The project is structured around the following Outputs: Output 1. Enhanced capacities of policy-makers for participation in the WTO accession process Output 2. Enhanced SME integration in sustainable value chains Output 3. Strengthened capacity of institutions to implement trade facilitation reforms Output 4. Improved gender-responsive trade facilitation practices Output 5. Improved ecosystem for investment facilitation and e-commerce FUNCTIONS: Under the direct supervision of the National Project Coordinator in Turkmenistan, and the overall guidance of the Programme Officer of the OEECA at ITC Headquarters in Geneva, the National Project Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: Human Resources Management • Provides advice and guidance to staff and consultants with respect to administrative procedures, processes and practices, liaising with relevant administrative services in ITC HQ or UNDP, as necessary. Budget and Finance • Monitors status of expenditures and allotments, records variations, updates budget tables; maintains the internal expenditures control system. • Consolidates data received and provides support to higher-level staff with respect to budget reviews. • Reviews status of relevant expenditures and compares with approved budget. • Reviews requisitions for goods and services to ensure (a) correct objects of expenditure have been charged and (b) availability of funds. • Prepares statistical tables and reports on financial status, procedures, costs and expenditures. General Administration • Prepares, processes and follows-up on administrative arrangements and forms related to the official travel, including arrangement of travel and hotel reservations, preparation of travel authorizations. • Prepares requests with all supporting documents for issuance of Purchase orders, contracts, subcontracts and other documents related to procurement of goods and services. • Provides administrative support for the organization of conferences, workshops, retreats, study tours, etc. • Prepares and handles routine correspondence related to general administration, procurement, financial and personnel matters; memoranda and reports in accordance with ITC and UNDP rules and procedures. • Maintains files of rules, regulations, administrative instructions and other files related to personnel, finance, procurement, administrative, logistical, project matters. • Coordinates extensively with service units and liaises frequently with ITC project management unit and UNDP on project related initiatives. • Performs other related administrative duties, as required, e.g., monitoring accounts and payment to vendors and individual contractors for services; physical space planning; identification of office technology needs and maintenance of equipment, software and systems; translations, etc. Contract Administration • Assists with day-to-day administration of contracts with external contractors for outsourced services. • Audits the contractors' invoices against the goods and services provided by the contractor and approved by ITC project management. • Assists with processing the payment of contractors' invoices and monitors payments. • Performs any other related duties as required Copyright: The personnel has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required. Qualifications/special skillsHigh school diploma or equivalent. Specialized trainings in finance/accounting are desirable. Minimum of 5 years of experience in administrative services, finance, accounting, audit, human resources or related area. The minimum years of relevant experience can be reduced to three (3) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience of working In UN or international/donor organizations is desirable Critical job-specific competencies ITC’S VALUES are: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity • Professionalism: Ability to perform a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., budget/work programme, human resources, database management, etc. Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. • Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. • Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. LanguagesAdvanced knowledge of Russian and Turkmen is required. Working knowledge of English is required. Additional InformationThis contract will be administered on behalf of ITC by UNOPS. This vacancy is open for locally residing Turkmenistan nationals. Applicants must be authorized to work in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.