UNDP

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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.

Background

In April 2024, UNDP launched a 5-years Green Energy Recovery Programme in Ukraine, which is an integrated initiative designed to diversify the country's energy mix and address the impact of the war on its outdated energy systems. Developed through extensive consultations with the Government of Ukraine, local and regional authorities, the Programme aims to respond urgently to targeted attacks on the energy sector and support its green energy recovery.

The Programme supports the National Energy Strategy of Ukraine, contributing to energy security and independence, promoting a green recovery and transition of the energy sector, and facilitating further synchronization with the EU energy markets. This effort builds on UNDP’s engagement in energy system reconstruction and recovery, leveraging partnerships and lessons learned from the “Winterization Support to Ukraine” project.

Aligned with the UN Ukraine Transitional Framework 2023 and UN Winterization plans, UNDP is providing immediate support to national and local governments to repair energy infrastructure, ensuring critical services to war-affected populations. The Programme focuses on distributing generation sources, decentralizing the power system, and increasing the share of renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on coal generation and reduce CO2 emissions.

The Programme will enhance access to energy from decentralized renewable sources, foster economic empowerment, and improve public governance in the energy sector. These outputs will contribute to Ukraine’s nationally determined contributions (NDCs) towards the Paris Agreement, aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable energy solutions will be introduced through pilot projects, aligned with the UNDP nexus approach to risk reduction and resilience enhancement in war-affected communities. By boosting energy supply and decentralizing the energy system, the Programme aims to reduce reliance on humanitarian aid for essential services in these areas.

In this context, UNDP is recruiting a Project Associate to work in a UNDP Project management team of international and local professionals and support staff. The Project Associate will provide project management assistance to the Programme Manager by supporting the effective implementation of operational, administrative, procurement, and financial processes. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement, and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide project management assistance by supporting administrative, operational and logistical processes, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Pro-actively contribute to day-to-day project implementation and ensure conformity to expected results and project work-plans;
• Ensure compliance with procedures frameworks, including by learning and applying UNDP’s Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP), and relevant to project activity financial and administrative requirements;
• Prepare relevant background materials for use in discussions, correspondence, and briefing sessions;
• Draft meeting minutes, translate and interpret from Ukrainian into English and vice-versa;
• Ensure efficient travel arrangements are made for the team as required, ensuring proper use of UNDP resources;
• Assist in arranging appointments, organizing meetings, events, taking minutes of meetings and drafting correspondence for Project Team;
• Keep lists of names, addresses and telephone numbers of applicable government and non-government partners;
• Maintain policy, confidentiality and general management files.

1. Support financial, procurement and human resources processes, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Learn processes and operations of the UNDP Quantum Platform;
• Provide administrative support in the planning, execution and review of Project Financial Reports on Quantum Platform;
• In accordance with the Annual Work Plan, arrange for procurement of equipment, supplies and services and ensure timely follow up with procurement requests;
• Assist in recruitment processes by reviewing job descriptions, job classifications, forming vacancy announcements, screening candidates, and facilitating interview panels;
• Maintain leave records and travel plans of the Project staff.

1. Facilitate knowledge building and management, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• In accordance with the Project Document and in close coordination with the Responsible Parties, adhere to the Quarterly and Annual Targets according to UNDP timelines;
• Organize events for the Project Staff;
• Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in the project;
• Provide high quality interpretation and translation in support of the project as needed.

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

Institutional Arrangement

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Green Energy Recovery Programme Manager and in close collaboration with all project team and UNDP Country Office (CO) team, promoting a client-oriented approach, and compliance to UNDP rules and regulations.

Competencies

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 improvements

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 flexible

Act with Determination:

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 discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area

Name

Definition

Business Direction & Strategy

Effective Decision Making

• Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources

Business Management

Project Management

• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

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

Events Management (including retreats, trainings, and meetings)

• Support offices with event management including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc.

Human Resources- People strategy and planning

Job design

• Ability to design job roles to meet specific organizational objectives.

Procurement

Financial Analysis

• Knowledge of evaluating businesses, projects, budgets, and other finance related transactions to determine their performance and suitability.

Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements

• Secondary Education is required OR
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Social Sciences, or a related discipline will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.

Min. years of relevant work experience

• Minimum seven (7) years with Secondary Education or four (4) years with a Bachelor’s degree of experience working in administration or providing project management assistance is required.

Required skills

• Highly competent in using computers and office software packages.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Experience in UN/UNDP or International organizations or Development organizations is desired.
• Experience in organizing events (including retreats, trainings, meetings, etc.) is an asset.
• Experience in financial reporting for donors is desired.
• Experience in procurement of equipment/supplies/services is an asset.
• Experience with ERP systems is a desired skill.

Required Language(s)

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in Ukrainian is required for local personnel.

Professional Certificates

N/A

Disclaimer

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

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 has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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