UNDP Jobs - 56659- Project Assistant

Project Assistant

Location :

Nicosia, CYPRUS

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Jul-2015

Application Deadline :

01-Jun-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 months part time (50%)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

18 months part time (50%)

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 21 March 2008 agreement reached between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots paved the way, among other, for the establishment of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCH) and has given an important mandate as well as impetus for the protection of the rich and varied cultural heritage of the island. The Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCH) is composed of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot experts. The work of the TCCH is an important tool for building confidence between the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots. The TCCH is dedicated to recognise and protect the rich cultural heritage in Cyprus and it works to provide mutually acceptable mechanism for the implementation of practical measures for the proper maintenance, preservation, physical protection and restoration of the immovable cultural heritage of all Cyprus. The Committee is operating under the UN auspices. It is composed of an equal number of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot members.

The main goal of the Committee is to agree on a common way to protect and restore an immovable cultural heritage of both communities and to prevent its further damage.

In 2012, United Nations Development Programme Partnership for the Future Programme in Cyprus (UNDP PFF) started implementation of support to cultural heritage, a new EU funded activity started “Support to Cultural Heritage Monuments of Great Importance for the communities in Cyprus – Phase 1”.

In 2013, UNDP PFF started implementation of support to cultural heritage, a new EU funded activity started “Support to Cultural Heritage Monuments of Great Importance in Cyprus – Phase 2”.

In December 2014, UNDP PFF started implementation of support to cultural heritage, a new EU funded activity started “Support to Cultural Heritage Monuments of Great Importance in Cyprus – Phase 3”.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensures effective and efficient provision of support to the TCCH related operations of the UNDP PFF focusing on carrying out the following:

Programmatic support to the TCCH related activities:

Supporting the work of TCCH and its Advisory Board.

Administrative Support to the TCCH related activities:

Organization and coordination of TCCH meetings;
Preparation of documents needed for meetings;
Taking minutes of meetings and disseminating to relevant people;
Attending weekly meetings between UNDP / TCCH and Advisory Board;
Keep calendar of TCCH up to date and send reminders;
Translations of documents, newspaper articles, and other items when required;
Support in preparation of monthly TCCH newsletter in coordination with UNDP;
Drafting of letters, correspondence and reports.

Technical Support to the TCCH related activities:

Supporting the implementation of the ‘small project activities’ (SPAs) including the necessary coordination with the projects manager / TCCH/AB;
Drafting / sketching / designing building elements for the SPAs projects;
Preparation of technical specifications for any purchase for the SPA project;
Carrying out market research / dealing with vendors.

Logistical Support to the TCCH related activities:

Arrangements for the travels of TCCH and Advisory Board 7 site visits coordination;
Supporting the preparation of the completion events (invitations, catering, sound system, photographer etc).

Data and Information collection:

Data and information gathering;
Uses information and data;
Gathering and disseminating information;
Gathers and disseminates information.

Performs any other tasks and duties the UNDP-PFF Programme Manager may reasonably request in relation to its mandate.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.

Functional Competencies:

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, elaboration and implementation of new systems.

Self-Management:

Focuses on result for the client;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.

Core Competencies:

Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity;
Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
Self-development, initiative-taking;
Acting as a team player and facilitating team work;
Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
Creating synergies through self-control;
Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others;
Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
Informed and transparent decision making.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Bachelor degree preferably in architecture or engineering.

Experience:

Minimum two years of post- education experience.

Technical Skills:

Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.);
Experience in drafting / sketching and designing is an asset;
Use of CAD is an asset.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English as well as of Greek and/or Turkish.

Other requirements:

Valid driving license.