Background

A Project Assistant (PA) is being recruited to provide daily assistance to the Project Manager for the Creation of a Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Aruba. The PA will be hired as a full-time team member for the duration of the two year project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Technical/Administrative:

  • Day-to-day management and coordination of specific project activities & outputs assigned to the specialist advisory stakeholders and project consultants;
  • Supervise and provide quality oversight of project outputs delivered through the specialist advisory stakeholders and the Project Consultants;
  • Provide necessary guidance and technical support to consultants and sub-contractors in performing their functions and recommend corrective action to ensure that the project is achieving expected outputs within the given time frame and budget;
  • Identify and/or prepare analytical research and background materials, as required to assist the project manager in regular monitoring of the progress of the project;
  • Participate in the preparation of TORs and organize interviews for selection of candidates for consultants and sub-contractors;
  • Maintain good communication and coordination with Government counterparts, donor agencies, private sector, NGOs and other stakeholders as required;
  • Support the formation of linkages and flows of information between the Project and other relevant national, regional and international initiatives;
  • Organize and provide technical inputs to meetings with Government counterparts, donor agencies, private sector, NGOs and other stakeholders, as required;
  • Provision of administrative and logistical support such as drafting correspondence letters and organizing filing system;
  • Assist with consultation, communication and promotion in respect of the project activities;
  • Certify and monitor the delivery of financial and non-financial resources, as required;
  • Assist the project manager in monitoring and reporting on the project outcomes including the preparation of progress updates and quarterly and annual reports to the government and UNDP;
  • Perform any other functions as required by the Project.

Financial:

  • Process financial transactions such as payments to consultants, supplies and logistical requirements as well as monitor project expenditures;
  • Prepare and update financial reports;
  • Ensure that project assets are properly recorded and used for implementation of the Project;
  • Assist the project manager to review and keep track of the overall project work plan and budget allocation to ensure the project remains within budget;
  • Ensure adequate documentation of expenses so that funds can be verified in case of audit.

Competencies

  • Good interpersonal and communication skills;
  • Good organizational skills;
  • Strong computer skills especially for Word Processing and Spreadsheets.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • University degree (Bachelors) preferably in a subject relevant to sustainable development with a strong focus on Environmental Science/Studies or related discipline;
  • Certification in Business Administration, Accountancy or other related discipline would be an asset.

Experience:

  • Minimum of 3 years professional experience preferably  in sustainable development, as well as  experience in administration and project management or combination of qualifications and experience;
  • Extensive experience in organizing meetings and workshops and writing reports;
  • Knowledge of UNDP or other development agency’s project implementation procedures, including procurement, disbursements and reporting and monitoring would be an asset;
  • Appropriate experience working with Aruban stakeholders including government and preferably NGOs and the private sector;

Language:

  • Good oral and written communication skills in English and Dutch.

Remark: