Background
UNDP is the UN's global development network, an organization that advocates for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help build resilient nations and improve the livelihoods of people. UNDP The Gambia was established in 1975 as a development partner to provide technical assistance through advice, access to its global knowledge networks and financial support to implement governmentโs development frameworks, boost capacity development and promote national efforts to eradicate poverty and attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In The Gambia, UNDP supports national efforts for sustainable human development in line with the Gambiaโs Recovery Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP 2023-2027), which is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development/SDGs and the African Unionโs Agenda 2063. To deliver on its mandate, UNDP partners with key government institutions and employs different means of actions including institutional capacity strengthening, harnessing strategic linkages, support to evidence-based policy formulation, planning and implementation, resource mobilization, support to national planning processes and mainstreaming of relevant issues to ensure no one is left behind.
UNDP The Gambia, with funding from the Peace Building Fund (PBF), is implementing the Security Sector Reform (SSR) project (2024-2027). The overarching goal of the project is to build strong, accountable, and effective security institutions that safeguard the rights and aspirations of The Gambian people for conflict prevention and sustaining peace in post-transition period. This will be achieved by addressing key challenges related to weak institutional legislations and policies; lack of accountability as a result of weak internal and external oversight institutions; existing gender gaps including lack of women representation in decision making; weak institutional capacities; and low trust and confidence in security sector by the public.ย ย In employing human rights approach, the Project has been conceived with the understanding of people as rights-holders and the state, including core security actors, as duty-bearers in providing security as a service to the people. Interventions have been developed on the premise that human rights and security are closely linked, and that human rights violations can be a cause of conflict, a result of conflictย or an early warning of conflict.
Consolidating gains from Gambiaโs peaceful transition through the implementation of Security Sector Strategy (2023-2027), the project will build on past interventions such as the PBF-supported Strategic Advice and support to Security Sector and Governance project (2017-2018), Strengthening Community Access to Justice, Community Policing and Effective SGBV Response (2020-2022), among others. The project will take a broader approach that supports the provision (โsupply and demandโ) of security sector reform and improved human security within the population. In doing so, the approach will contribute to strengthened security legislations, policies, and strategies to align them with international norms, build more accountable, professional and gender responsive security institutions; institutional capacity building to increase SSR knowledge; improve accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with SSR international standards and legislative provisions in the exercise of their functions; promote gender inclusion to increase womenโsโ participation in the security sector particularly in leadership and decision making roles; inclusive participation and improve civilian oversight mechanisms to foster trust between the public and security institutions.
The Project Associate will work under the direct supervision of the SSR Project Manager under the overall supervision of the Head of Governanceย and collaborates closely with the Programme Analyst & Associate within the Governance Unit.
Duties and Responsibilities
Scope of Workย
Financial Management Support Assist in the preparation and monitoring of project budgets and financial reports. Process payments and maintain financial records in compliance with UNDP policies and procedures. Monitor project expenditures and ensure that they are within approved budgets. Assist in the preparation of financial statements and reports for UNDP and donors.2. ย Administrative and Logistical Support
Assist in the preparation of project documents, reports, and presentations. Maintain project files and records, ensuring that all documentation is up-to-date and accessible. Coordinate meetings, workshops, and training sessions, including scheduling, invitations, and logistics. Handle project correspondence, including emails, letters, and phone calls. Coordinate travel arrangements for project staff and stakeholders, including booking flights, accommodation, and transportation. Manage the procurement of goods and services required for the project, ensuring compliance with UNDP procurement policies. Ensure that project equipment and supplies are properly maintained and accounted for.ย ย ย 3. Project Implementation and Stakeholder Coordination
Assist in the implementation of project activities, ensuring that they are completed on time and within budget. Support the organization and delivery of training sessions, workshops, and other capacity-building activities. Assist in the collection and analysis of data for project monitoring and evaluation. Contribute to the preparation of project progress reports, highlighting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Maintain regular communication with project stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, NGOs, and community organizations. Assist in organizing stakeholder meetings and consultations. Ensure effective information sharing and collaboration among all project partners.ย ย ย 4. Capacity Building and Advocacy
Assist in organizing and delivering relevant training and development activities. Promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the project team. Support the preparation of communication materials, including newsletters, brochures, and social media content. Ensure that project communications are aligned with UNDPโs branding and communication guidelines.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ยThe incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
Required Skills and Experience
Education
Secondary education is required, OR University degree (Bachelor`s degree) in any of the following areas: Finance, Economics, Business administration, Management, or a related field will be given due consideration, but is not a requirement.
Experience:
Minimum 6 years (with secondary education) or 3 yearsโ (with bachelorโs degree) of relevant experienceย in administration and finance areas.ย
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies sectionย
Proven ability to support project planning, execution, and monitoring Proven skills in coordinating activities, maintaining work plans, and ensuring compliance with UNDP policies and procedures. Adept at liaising with government agencies, donors, and partners. Skilled in preparing reports, presentations, and project briefs to support decision-making and knowledge sharing. Experience in handling web-based management systems. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and ability to prioritize. Strong organizational, operational and communication skills/experience. Proven ability to work in a team. Strong financial and administrative skills/experience, result and client-orientation, ability to work in a team. Experienced in budget tracking, procurement processes, and financial reporting. Proficient in handling operational tasks, maintaining project documentation, and ensuring smooth workflow.ยEqual opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.ย
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย 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.
Scam alert
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