Background
Chernobyl raised deep concern among the affected people for their health, their lives and uncertainty over the future of further generations. There is still little awareness and limited popular knowledge of the degree to which radiation is a hazard and of how individuals and households can take practical measures to reduce their radiation exposure risk. The lack of appropriate information about Chernobyl’s effects has caused the low level of adaptation to the new environment, which has also inhibited individuals and communities from taking proactive steps to improve local living conditions.
Objectives:
Chernobyl/ICRIN project will have a profound impact on the people living in Chernobyl-affected territories in Belarus through meeting the priority information needs of affected communities. This goal will be achieved through the introduction of a sustainable response mechanism that will link the information needs (in health, environment and socio-economic spheres) of Chernobyl-affected populations with corresponding internationally-recognized, objective scientific knowledge, adapted to be understandable to information consumers. The capacity of regional authorities, media and community leaders to deliver information to local people will be built. The capacity of local population to effectively search for information they need, including through the use of ICT, will be developed. Improved access to information will help people live safely and productively in the affected territories and enable them to take action to implement community-driven recovery initiatives that will tackle their priority needs.
Goals and Expected Results:
The overall goal of the project is to empower and build developmental capacity of individuals and communities affected by the Chernobyl accident by providing them with the health, socio-economic, environmental and radiological safety information they require in order to make well-informed decisions about their future, increase human security levels of their settlements and to contribute to the long-term sustainable development and prosperity of their homelands.
Activity result: Information on healthy lifestyles delivered through locally-based information and education initiatives.
Activity result: ICT access points established.
Activity result: Trainings for media representatives and journalists on the levels of radiation, exposure risks and socio-economic development of Chernobyl-affected areas.
Activity result: Community-driven “safer-living” initiatives.
Chernobyl raised deep concern among the affected people for their health, their lives and uncertainty over the future of further generations. There is still little awareness and limited popular knowledge of the degree to which radiation is a hazard and of how individuals and households can take practical measures to reduce their radiation exposure risk. The lack of appropriate information about Chernobyl’s effects has caused the low level of adaptation to the new environment, which has also inhibited individuals and communities from taking proactive steps to improve local living conditions.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Assistant works under direct supervision of the Project Manager, in coordination with the UNDP Country Office and the National Project Coordinator.
Summary of Key Functions:
- Implementation of operational strategies;
- Efficient accounting and administrative support;
- Communications;
- Monitoring and reporting;
- Assist the project manager in general project implementation and management as well as day-to-day liaison with UNDP CO and project counterparts;
- Implement general technical administration of the Project. Liaise with UNDP CO on financial and administrative matters;
- Bear responsibility for day-to-day project correspondence, information sharing and filing ensuring that appropriate follow-up actions are taken;
- Keep projects information filed. Oversee data and information collection, prepare and maintain records and documents. Compile and research background materials for use in discussions and briefing sessions. Keeps both electronic and physical documents filed for easy retrieval and reference. Provides information upon request;
- Monitor project budget and financial expenditures and their conformity to work-plan; processes direct payments and advance requests and prepares project budget revisions to be entered into ATLAS software system;
- Ensure that all administrative and financial transactions are being properly carried out according to the requirements of UNDP and donors;
- Assist in preparing evaluation reports, annual project reports, and updates projects files. Arrange meetings with governmental partners, agencies, NGOs. Prepares minutes;
- Initiate the process of recruiting consultants, experts etc. and/or companies contracting and preparing all documentation for contracts issuance in accordance with UNDP rules and procedures;
- Collect and analyze data, prepare and update briefs, records, publication materials and other documents on the project status to be posted at the project website, electronic filing and presentations;
- Bear responsibility for maintaining contacts with relevant parties to ensure smooth functioning of www. chernobyl.info;
- Develop contents for the website, including writing, reviewing, updating, generation, analyzing, collating, editing and dissemination of information and knowledge-based resources;
- Prepare all posting documents in html format, select pictures and prepare them in Photoshop;
- Promote a diverse dialogue on the Chernobyl disaster using the web tools, including the forum, photos, videos, and news feeds;
- Assist in entering project related data into Atlas;
- Network with the project counterparts;
- Provide interpretation and/or translation as requested;
- Arrange meetings, both internal and external, and take minutes/notes;
- Respond to queries relating to the area of responsibility;
- Perform other duties as required.
Competencies
- Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
- Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
- Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
- Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
- Outstanding time-management, organizational and inter-personal skills
- Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously and accurately.
Required Skills and Experience
- University degree in management, foreign languages, or related area
- At least 2 years experience of administrative and financial work in international projects
- Experience in contents management and editing is an asset
- Excellent computer literacy
- Fluency in English and Russian is a must.
This is a locally recruited position
- UNDP will use a transparent and competitive screening process, though will only contact those applicants in whom there is further interest.
- No telephone inquires will be entertained. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted
- Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply
All interested candidates should complete the UN PERSONAL HISTORY FORM (P11) at the following link:
http://un.by/pdf/P11form-6957.doc and attach it to the on-line application
Information on conditions of UNDP contracts is contained at the link: