Project Assistant

Mission and objectivesThe United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations' global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. It is on the ground in 177 countries, working on solutions to global and national development challenges. UNDP China assists China in developing its own solutions to the country’s development challenges and works to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by reducing poverty, strengthening the rule of law and democratic governance, and by promoting environmental sustainability and South-South Cooperation.

ContextThe assignment context involves the increasing role of cities in global greenhouse gas emissions and population concentration, with a focus on China's efforts to build resilient cities as part of its 14th Five-Year Plan. Shanghai, aiming to become a resilient eco-city by 2035, is developing advanced disaster prevention and mitigation systems. Tongji University, with its State Key Laboratory of Disaster Reduction in Civil Engineering, is at the forefront of supporting national strategic research and building a top international research center in this field. RISE Lab, an SDG Innovation Lab based at Tongji University, will serve as a global hub to explore cutting-edge solutions to urban challenges and facilitate both national and international exchange on how to strengthen sustainable development of cities and resilience to disasters. The Communications, Innovation and Partnership Team at UNDP China promotes development solutions and engages with media and partnerships to enhance visibility and innovation. CICETE, established in 1983, coordinates cooperation between China and UN agencies, executing programs and promoting economic and technical exchanges. The project aims to support the establishment of the RISE Lab, organize specialized activities, explore policy innovations, and enhance Tongji University's impact in urban disaster reduction and resilience, aligning with China's development goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Task DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of Project Management Office (PMO), the National UN Youth Volunteer will: Assist the Director of PMO and the project manager to implement the UNDP SDG Innovation Pilot Project, and provide support to the drafting, management, and revision of project annual work plans. · Assist in facilitating procurement processes and financial management for the implementation of project activities, collect relevant data and prepare project financial reports and/or other reports for budget preparation, audits or other purposes as requested; · Assist in the logistics and coordination for the implementation of project activities, including but not limited to meetings and conferences, study tours, trainings, workshops, etc. · Help facilitate timely and effective communications among key stakeholders including but not limited to UNDP, PMO, CICETE, Tongji University, etc.; · Other ad-hoc tasks assigned by CICETE and UNDP. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: · Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); · Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; · Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. · Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; · Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; · Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Competencies and values· Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP and CICETE; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP and CICETE’s procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; · Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP and CICETE in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; · Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; · Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. · Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; · Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; · Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; · Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP and CICETE’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions and remarksThe duty station of the national UN Volunteer is located in Shanghai city, where modest public infrastructure and health services are available. It is the foremost economic metropolis in China. The city has excellent health services available. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos