Project Assistant

Background
  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
  UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.  

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nepal works with the Nepalese people and Government of Nepal, and other development partners to pursue equitable and sustainable human development goals to promote inclusive and resilient economic growth; improve the coherence and quality of governance across the three tiers of government and advance resilient and sustainable systems for use of natural resources through public policies, strong institutions and active community participation. Additionally, Special attention will be paid to: (a) supporting national reforms and upholding the values of justice, human rights, equity and transparency; (b) promoting gender equality and social inclusion by supporting the strengthening and implementation of legislative and institutional frameworks related to international commitments; and (c) ensuring that the rights to economic and social security and potential of all marginalized groups are realized.

In parallel to the roll-out of its new Country Programme, 2023-27, UNDP Nepal is moving towards strategically repositioning UNDP's contributions in support of the Sustainable Development Goals and collaboration with national development partners. Meanwhile, Nepal's GNI continues to grow, making graduation from LDC status a scenario for which UNDP needs to begin planning and adapting to different models of development cooperation.

The Project Assistant will be selected and placed in the UNDP roster for any future requirement for similar functions and in same grade. The duty station of the selected candidate can be anywhere in Nepal, as assigned by the project. The placement in roster is valid for 36 months from the finalization of recruitment date.

•    Support in the implementation of project activities as per the project work plan;
•    Assist in compiling and summarizing information and data for the formulation of project work plans. In consultation with project team, draft annual/quarterly budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements, and on other specific project related topics or issues;
•    Support project implementation in accordance with the project documents, annual work plans and other agreements between UNDP and responsible partners. Review project documents for completeness and compliance with relevant rules and procedures and identify inconsistencies for referral to supervisor. Compile, summarize and present basic information/data on a specific project and related topics or issues; 
•    Contribute to and support data collection for gender analysis and gender mainstreaming at the project level;
•    Provide administrative and logistical support to ensure successful project delivery that includes organization/coordination of project events, procurement, logistic and finance-related activities and records, contract management, recruitment, and coordination of field visits and project-related missions along with payment to suppliers ensuring UNDP rules, applicable government regulations and project guidelines.

Support partnerships and resource mobilization

•    Provide support in updating database of the relevant public and development partners, and other stakeholders who are counterparts for the project. Assist in managing contracts with implementing partners;
•    Support regular communication with partners, project counterparts, stakeholders, and beneficiaries; 
•    Support dissemination of high-quality information and visibility of the project activities among the stakeholders;
•    Assist project team in identifying and gathering information on opportunities for resource mobilization.

Provide support to the effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on progress of project implementation

•    Support implementation of the project monitoring system in alignment with its Monitoring and Evaluation framework to facilitate effective information sharing on project status and achievement of targets;
•    Assist to collect, analyze and present information for monitoring and evaluation of project implementation against project targets as well as for audit purposes. Assist team in the design and conduct of internal evaluations and surveys. Identify gaps in implementation and provide support in bridging those gaps in consultation with supervisor and partners;
•    Support the organization of progress meetings, field, and study visits to monitor project implementation and support organization of workshops, roundtables, and conferences within the project;
•    Support preparation for external and internal programme/project audits and implementation of audit recommendations;
•    Provide administrative support to the Programme unit by maintaining the internal expenditure system and performing quality assurance reviews of technical reports and payments that include following up with other units and taking timely corrective actions; 
•    Communicate programme related bottlenecks and possible solutions;
•    Support the preparation of weekly, quarterly, annual, and other requested project reports in line with monitoring and reporting guidelines and donor requirements.

Support knowledge building and knowledge through documentation and record management 
•    Participate in training on internal procedures for the project staff and provide support to the organization of training and other capacity building activities as needed; 
•    Make sound contributions to knowledge networks, digital knowledge platforms and communities of practice; 
•    Document and maintain organized records of project data, field activities, case studies, human-interest stories, photographs, and other relevant documents that can be drawn upon in support of knowledge sharing and advocacy.

Gender and Social Inclusion 
•    Assist in preparing GESI progress reports periodically as agreed in monitoring and reporting timeline and deliverables as per the standard template of UNDP and donor; •    Create a safe working environment by developing respectful and safe organizational culture and supporting practices;
•    Collaborate with team members, programme partners, and sub-grantees to ensure safe implementation of programmes at the community level applying Do No Harm approach.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization. 
 

Competencies
Core 

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies 

Minimum Education requirements   
•    Completion of Secondary education is required 
•    A university degree (bachelor) in Management, Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, or equivalent field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Minimum years of relevant work experience    
•    A minimum of 5 years (with high school diploma) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible administrative/management or project experience is required at the national and/or international level.

Required skills    
•    Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
•    Knowledge of project management processes 
•    Knowledge of procurement procedures of national / international organizations
•    Experience in events management, including logistic and travel managements and facilitating coordination with stakeholders /government officials and project staff
 

Desired skills    
•    Experience in supporting in the preparation of financial reports and overviews 
•    Ability to review and edit documents, ability to produce meeting reports identifying key actions. 
•    Operating knowledge of Quantum would be an added advantage;
•    Women candidates and candidates from marginalized group will be given preference

Required Language(s)    
•    Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Nepali
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  Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 
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  Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
  Non-discrimination
UNDP is committed to achieve work force diversity and has a policy to have gender balance among staffs at all levels. Work experience and/or academic knowledge in relation to gender and social inclusion will be an added advantage. Qualified Women, Dalits, Janajatis, Madhesis, Persons with Disabilities, gender and sexual minorities and other minorities are specially encouraged to apply.
United Nations has a zero-tolerance against Sexual exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and Sexual Harassment (SH). Everyone is responsible for Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (PSEA and SH), and all UN personnel must adhere to the standards of conduct that preserves PSEA principles (both during work hours and outside work hours). All selected candidates will, therefore, go through a safe hiring process.
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