Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:ย 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 โleave no one behindโ 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. ย 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.ย ย ย Backgroundย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, through its Energy and Environment Portfolio, supports national and local authorities in restoring and transforming Ukraineโs energy infrastructure in line with the principles of sustainability, resilience, and transparency. Since the onset of the full-scale war, UNDP has prioritized assistance to ensure continuity of essential services and accelerate the green recovery of Ukraineโs public infrastructure.
Within this framework, UNDP is implementing the Technical Assistance to the Renewable Energy Solutions (RES) Programme, financed through the IKI Renewable Energy Investment Grant under the European Investment Bank (EIB) facility. The Action is delivered under the Direct Implementation Modality (DIM) and coordinated with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine (MCTD), the EIB, and GIZ.
The project aims to support the large-scale deployment of renewable energy technologiesโincluding solar photovoltaic systems, biomass installations, and heat pumpsโin public buildings such as schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and municipal facilities. This initiative is designed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, enhance local energy resilience, and accelerate Ukraineโs alignment with EU Green Deal objectives.
The Action specifically contributes to:
โข ย Strengthening local institutional capacity for project design, procurement, and implementation of renewable energy sub-projects;
โข ย Ensuring technical quality, financial accountability, and environmental compliance during sub-project delivery;
โข ย Supporting municipalities to obtain prosumer (active electricity consumer) status through the development of the net-billing mechanism;
โข ย Enhancing transparency and governance through anticorruption and sanctions-screening systems;
โข ย Promoting knowledge exchange, digital monitoring, and replication of successful models across Ukrainian communities.
UNDPโs Technical Assistance (TA) component serves as the enabling pillar of the RES Programme. It bridges investment, governance, and capacity development by providing:
1.ย ย Institutional support and capacity building for Final Beneficiaries (municipalities, utilities, and communal institutions);
2.ย ย Advisory and hands-on technical assistance for feasibility studies, technical designs, and environmental and social management plans;
3.ย ย Procurement and contract management for goods, works, and services financed under the EIB-BMWK framework;
4.ย ย Oversight, monitoring, and integrity assurance through red-flag tracking, sanctions screening, and compliance reviews;
5.ย ย Technical assistance for operationalizing the net-billing system and helping municipalities become self-sufficient clean-energy producers; and
6.ย ย Structured knowledge and digital platforms to enable real-time data tracking, reporting, and learning.
The project forms an integral part of UNDPโs Green Energy Recovery and Decarbonization Agenda and complements related EIB-financed frameworks.
In this regard, UNDP Ukraine invites applications from highly qualified and experienced professionals for the post of the Project Associate who will beย responsible for the overall support of implementation of the described project and other related outputs related in the Energy and Environmentย Portfolio, performing a variety of standard operational services within the projectsโ frameworks ensuring high quality and accuracy of work.ย
Duties and Responsibilitiesย ย
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1.Support in the coordination and implementation of designated project activities:
Assist in the coordination, and implementation of selected activities/components within different projects Provide comprehensive support to projectsโ monitoring and evaluation activities, assist in data collection, and keep updated relevant databases, contact lists, etc. Assist in the preparation of regular updates and reports on projectsโ progress, implementing issues, emerging risks/problems, and proposals for necessary remedial actions Participate in various project activities (meetings, round tables, conferences, other public activities) as requested by the supervisor Assist in the organization of online and offline events of the projects, and other communication activities Ensure full compliance of activities with UNDP rules/regulations, and policies/procedures.2. Provide administrative and logistical support to ensure projectsโ results:
Support in the organization and coordination of meetings, training sessions, workshops, conferences, and project events, as well as prepare reports and meeting minutes as required Assist in managing project finances, and processing invoices for project related goods and services Assist in preparing project budget and maintaining necessary budgetary controls and records Assist in managing procurement processes, and provide inputs for request for quotations/proposals as well as for the projectsโ procurement plans Prepare tendersโ documentations and small procurements (canvassing) under the guidance from the Procurement Analystย Assist in the procurement processes including vendor creation, e-requisitions, etc. Assist in drafting terms of references for consultants and contractors as required, and provide support to the recruitment of short-term consultants in line with UNDP rules and regulations Assist the project teams, experts, and consultants with travel and logistics matters Coordinate and organize trainings, field visits, missions, and conferences as needed Keep accurate electronic and paper filing, information, and records systems.3. Support in networking/communicating with partners and beneficiaries:
Assist in maintaining cooperation and communication with projectsโ partners and beneficiaries on the implementation of the agreed activities, especially for the events, trainings, and workshops that will be conducted Maintain the contact database related to partners and beneficiaries, assist in sharing information, and following up on partnership related issues as assigned by the supervisor Prepare official correspondences for national and international partners.4. Support knowledge building, knowledge sharing and capacity building relevant to the
assigned project.
โข Participate in training and organize briefings on internal procedures for the project staff. Provide support to other capacity building activities, including to the design and delivery of tools, materials for workshops, or platforms that tap into the collective intelligence of communities and mobilize action.
โข Provide support in the dissemination and sharing of relevant data and lessons learned within the CO and regionally. Keep pulse on emerging best practices nationally, regionally, and internationally that relate to the work of the assigned project.
โข Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. Support compiling and systematizing project knowledge, products and tools as well as their wide distribution to partners.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Associate provides ongoing project and administrative assistance and support to the projects, performing a variety of standard administrative processes ensuring high quality and accuracy of work.
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Competencies
ย Core Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvementsย Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexibleย Act with Determination:ย LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discriminationย Cross-Functional & Technical competenciesย Thematic Area Name Definition
Business management
Communication
Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels. Administration & Operations Documents and records management Overall document (hard or electronic) management; registry and retention policy including storing and archiving Administration & Operations Events management (including retreats, trainings and meetings) Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc. Finance Budget management