Exciting Career Opportunity! Join UNDP as a Project Assistant. 2024

Project Assistant

June 17, 2024

4 minutes read

Exciting Career Opportunity! Join UNDP as a Project Assistant. 2024

Overview

Job Title: Project Assistant
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
Job Identification: 18923
Posting Date: June 14, 2024
Apply Before: June 28, 2024
Job Schedule: Full-time
Agency: UNDP
Grade: NPSA-5
Vacancy Type: National Personnel Service Agreement
Practice Area: Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding, and Responsive Institutions
Bureau: Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS
Contract Duration: 1 Year with Possibility for Extension
Required Languages: English & Greek

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within its workforce. As part of this commitment, UNDP encourages applications from individuals who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations. UNDP upholds a strict policy against sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination.

In Cyprus, UNDP has been instrumental in supporting the peace and confidence-building process between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities since 2001. The program focuses on empowering communities to protect cultural heritage, strengthening inter-communal mechanisms, and improving environmental, social, and economic infrastructure.

Role Summary

The Project Assistant will work under the general guidance and direct supervision of the Project Analyst. This role involves providing administrative support to project management, facilitating knowledge building, and sharing information within the team. The Project Assistant ensures high-quality, accurate, and consistent service delivery, promoting a client-oriented approach in line with UNDP rules and regulations.

Key Functions and Responsibilities

Administrative Support

Project Management: Provide administrative support in management, procurement, human resources, and financial topics.
Resource Mobilization: Assist in resource mobilization and track project progress.
Communication: Screen communications, organize meetings and missions, and maintain contact with external parties.
Operational Support: Manage operational requests, prepare project proposals, closures, and reports.
Contract Management: Monitor contractual milestones, manage recruitment processes, and handle project payment requests.
Software Updates: Update projects in UNDP software, prepare budget revisions, and manage project status and risk registers.
Procurement Support: Assist in the preparation of terms of reference, manage procurement plans, and interact with vendors.
Asset Management: Maintain asset and inventory records, organize assurance activities, and ensure proper protocol adherence.
Filing System: Maintain a secure filing system and support a paperless office environment.

Training Participation: Participate in operations/projects staff training and synthesize lessons learned.
Knowledge Networks: Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice, sharing training materials and tracking progress.
Team Collaboration: Work with team members on new initiatives and existing processes, supporting learning and skill-building.

Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results: Plan and monitor work, deliver quality by deadlines.
Think Innovatively: Open to creative ideas, solve problems pragmatically.
Learn Continuously: Open-minded, share knowledge, learn from mistakes.
Adapt with Agility: Adapt to change, handle ambiguity, remain flexible.
Act with Determination: Show drive and motivation, remain calm under adversity.
Engage and Partner: Demonstrate compassion, form positive relationships.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Respect differences, confront discrimination.

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

Evidence and Data: Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform, and model data for informed decision-making.
Event Planning: Ability to plan and execute events, supporting UNDP’s brand and initiatives.
Client Management: Ability to respond timely to client needs, anticipate upcoming needs, and provide consistent solutions.
Communication: Clear and concise communication, tailored to the audience through various channels.
Monitoring: Provide feedback on program performance and results.
Budget Management: Support budget planning and management processes.
Event Management: Assist with event logistics, including venue identification, accommodation, and catering.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Secondary education required; a university degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is desirable but not mandatory.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible administrative or project experience with a high school diploma, or 2 years with a bachelor’s degree.
Skills: Proficiency in office software packages (MS Word, Excel) and web-based management systems; advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.

Desired Skills

UN Experience: Experience working with UN or international organizations in administrative roles is an asset.
Project Management: Knowledge of project management processes and procurement procedures.
Bilingual Projects: Experience in bi-communal or multinational projects is an advantage.

Language Requirements

Fluency in English and Greek is required.

Eligibility and Other Requirements

Nationality: Nationals or permanent residents of Cyprus are eligible.
Driving License: A valid driving license is required for office car use for official purposes.
Diversity Encouragement: Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Important Information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

US immigration law may require US Permanent Residents to relinquish their status and accept a G-4 visa or apply for US citizenship before employment with UNDP. Applicants are advised to seek competent legal advice on immigration matters.

Applicant Information about UNDP Rosters

UNDP reserves the right to select candidates from this vacancy announcement for similar positions at the same grade level with similar job descriptions, experience, and educational requirements.

Non-Discrimination Policy

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation, harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and are expected to adhere to UNDP’s standards and principles.

Scam Warning

UNDP does not charge any fees for applications, processing, training, interviewing, or other recruitment-related activities. Be cautious of solicitations requesting payment of fees.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their applications online, following the specified guidelines and deadlines.

Keywords

Project Assistant, Administrative Support, UNDP, Nicosia, Cyprus, Peacebuilding, Conflict Prevention, Inter-communal Mechanisms, Environmental Infrastructure, Social Infrastructure, Economic Infrastructure, Resource Mobilization, Procurement, Human Resources, Client Management, Event Planning, Budget Management, Evidence and Data, Knowledge Sharing, Bilingual Projects, UNDP Careers, Diversity and Inclusion, Equity, Operational Support, Contract Management, Asset Management, Administrative Experience, Project Management Processes, Greek, English.

By joining UNDP as a Project Assistant, you have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that foster peace and cooperation in Cyprus, while also developing your professional skills in a dynamic and inclusive environment. Apply now to be a part of our mission to create a better future for all.