UNDP Jobs - 56281- Project Assistant

Project Assistant

Location :

Colombo, SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-Jul-2015

Application Deadline :

25-May-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-2

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year

Languages Required :

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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.

Background

The project, “Ensuring global environmental concerns and best practices mainstreamed in the post-conflict rapid development process of Sri Lanka through improved information management” funded through the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) through its Cross-Cutting Capacity Development (CCCD) Strategy..

The expected outcome of this project is that best practices and innovative approaches to data and information management are available and implemented into national development policies and programmes which will ultimately aid in Rio Convention implementation.

This outcome is disaggregated into two project components:

Component 1: Data and information management system;
Component 2: Improved capacity to use data for planning, monitoring and decision-making.

This project will be based at the Ministry of Environment, but work in close partnership with the Ministry of Disaster Management and the Information Communication Technology Agency (ICTA).

The Project Assistant will be based at the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of the Sri Lanka Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme at the Ministry of Disaster Management and work under the overall supervision and guidance of the Technical Advisor and direct supervision of the Project coordinator.

The Project Assistant will be responsible for ensuring smooth operations of the project. He/she will be responsible to assist the Project coordinator in the administration, financial and human resources management, efficient procurement and logistical services, ICT and to ensure consistency of operations with UNDP rules and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Provides administrative support to the Project Implementation Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:
Preparation of non-PO vouchers for development projects;
Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system including timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers;
Creation of requisitions in Atlas for development projects, register of goods receipt in Atlas;
Making budget check for requisitions, POs and vouchers;
Support the preparation and update of project work plans, budgets and briefs and other documents as necessary;
Provide logistical support for Project Board meetings, workshops, and other meetings as tasked by the project;
Maintain up-to-date files and records of project documentation;
Support the timely preparation and submission of progress reports, project reviews, financial reports, audit reports, programme evaluations, and any other required project reports;
Ensure the timely and smooth implementation of all project logistics;
Assist in operations, financial resources management, human Resources Management, efficient procurement and logistical services;
Support forward-looking information and communication management;
Perform any other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Impact of Results:

The key results will support the smooth functioning of the finance, procurement, recruitment, logistics, transport and administrative functions of the project, in accordance with UNDP policies and procedures and donor requirements.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Functional Competencies:

Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, internet, power point and experience in handling of web-based management systems;
Ability and sensitivity to work with a wide cross-section of partners, including Government, I/NGOs and private sector;
Ability to form and maintain relationships through team work and needed networking;
Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
A self-starter and able to inspire and influence action;
Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices inside and outside UNDP;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Ability to lead effectively, and possesses mentoring and conflict resolution skills;
Excellent interpersonal skills, proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education :

Secondary Education, preferably with specialized certification in Administration, Management, HR or Accounting.

Experience:

Minimum of 05 years’ experience in supporting the implementation of projects, with preference in environment and natural resource management projects. UN related experience is advantageous;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.) is a must and knowledge of database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems is preferred;
Experience building and maintaining partnerships with Government, other development partners and the private sector;
Demonstrated capacity to undertake assigned responsibilities and work under pressure;
An excellent team player.

Language:

Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills in English, along with Tamil and/ or Sinhala.