Background

The joint UNDP/EC Action “Support to Environment and Sustainable Development in Belarus” launched 6 November 2009. The overall objective of the action is to promote environmental protection and sustainable development at central and local levels by supporting (i) institutional capacity (ii) active involvement of communities in local decision-making and (iii) public awareness raising initiatives. The action consists of three components, “Sustainable Development at Local Level”, “Building Capacity for Strategic Environmental Assessment and Environmental Conventions Implementation in Belarus” and “Raising Environmental Awareness of the Youth through Establishment and Development of Green Schools in Belarus”, registered in Belarus as the international technical assistance projects.

The first component of the action, UNDP/EC Project #00062795 “Sustainable Development at Local Level”, is aimed at developing capacity for preparation and implementation of Local Agenda 21 (LA21) in the regions of the Republic of Belarus. The project activities include arrangement of informational and educational seminars, research, elaboration of printed materials, exchange of expertise with neighboring countries, support in the development of LA21 and “Greenways” strategies and dissemination of this experience throughout Belarus, provision of legislative support to state institutions in the area of local sustainable development. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus (Ministry of Environment) will act as a National Component Implementing Agency.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Administrative and Financial Assistant (Greenways) will be based in Minsk, Belarus. He/she will ensure efficient administrative support and financial operation to the successful implementation of the UNDP/EC Project “Sustainable Development at Local Level” (LA21-Greenways) activities with a focus on Greenways in line with the Project Documents, UNDP/EC rules and procedures.

• Provide general administrative support to the project activities with a focus on Greenways and financial operation to ensure smooth running of the project in line with the Project Document;
• Organize control of the project budget expenditures by preparing payment documents, and compiling financial reports according to UNDP/EC rules and procedures;
• Provide financial monitoring over the project commitments and expenditures, assist in assuring proper project delivery;
• Draft documents for national comprehensive evaluations as per relevant national procedures;
• Draft project budget revisions;
• Maintain the component’s disbursement ledger and journal;
• Assume overall responsibility for the proper handling of logistics related to the project activities;
• Provide necessary administrative, financial and logistical support within visits of foreign experts and delegations (visa support, transportation, hotel accommodation etc.);
• Keep files with project documents, expert reports and ensure general circulation of the documents within the component;
• Assist the Task Coordinator, Thematic Consultants (LA21-Greenways) and local consultants in conducting different activities within the project (training, seminars, procurement of tickets, rent of premises, arrangements on study-tours, etc.);
• Organize and coordinate the procurement of services and goods under the project;
• Keep regular contacts with project experts and consultants to inform them about the project details and changes;
• Provide English and Russian translations as required;
• Draft project correspondence and documents; finalize correspondence of administrative and financial nature; edit reports and other documents for correctness of form and content;
• Arrange duty travels;
• Act on telephone inquiries, fax, post and e-mail transmissions, and coordinate appointments.

The Administrative and Financial Assistant (Greenways) will work under direct supervision of the Task Coordinator (LA21-Greenways) in close coordination of his/her activities with the Project Manager/EC Action Coordinator, UNDP and the National Coordinator, assigned by the Ministry of Environment.

Competencies

• Excellent spoken and written English and Russian;
• Computer literacy;
• Knowledge of UNDP and/or EC rules and regulations is an asset.

Required Skills and Experience

• University degree in management, economics/finances or related field;
• Minimum two years of work experience in administrative work (business correspondence, record keeping, procurement), related to international/foreign cooperation;
• Work experience with international technical assistance projects and/or other international initiatives would be a strong asset;
• Outstanding time-management, organizational, reporting and inter-personal skills.

Applications procedures:

UNDP WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FROM RESIDENTS OF BELARUS

Information about the condition of the SC/SSA contract: http://un.by/vacancy/undp/conditions/

• Complete the form stating their interest in and qualifications for the position (in English);
• Upload completed Personal History Form (PHF) in the required resume field. The PHF form can be downloaded from: http://un.by/vacancy/undp/form/ ;

Responsible applicants will be shortlisted, and at least three applicants will gain a personal, or telephone hearing.

Women are encouraged to apply. UNDP is non-smoking work environment.