UNDP Jobs - 43688- Project Assistant

Project Assistant

Location :

Namangan, UZBEKISTAN

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

20-Feb-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-6

Duration of Initial Contract :

Six months initial with possible extension (subject to satisfactory performance)

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Six months initial with possible extension (subject to satisfactory performance)

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

Project Title/Department: Local Government Support Programme / Phase 2
Duty station: Namangan
Expected places of travel: Tashkent
Work status (full time / part time): Full time
Reports To: Project Manager

The Local Governance Support Programme aims to promote more effective, accountable, and inclusive local governance in Uzbekistan by enhancing local governments' performance, increasing citizen participation in local governance, and encouraging increased accountability and transparency. Building on achievements from the first Local Governance Support Project implemented from 2010 to 2013, LGSP-2 will support the government’s efforts to increase the capacity of regional and district level authorities to manage the implementation of increased decentralization/ deconcentration of administrative and fiscal authority.

The programme will work at three levels of capacity development: systemic, organizational and individual, as well as provide integrated approach to local development. It will also contribute to the reform of policy, legislative and fiscal/investment frameworks for decentralization/ deconcentration, stronger participatory planning, management and monitoring capacities for service delivery, testing and replication of options for equitable access to services based on principles of sustainability and non-discrimination and new models of citizen engagement and voice. Accountability of local government will be strengthened by building on new Law "On transparency of state authorities" and empowering CSOs, private sector and citizens to engage in discussion with local governments. Local Development Strategies will be a key instrument to engage citizens, with focus on equal participation of women and young persons, in discussion about needs and wishes for the future, as well as an instrument to hold local government accountable for its promises. Pilot regions will include Djizakh, Namangan, and Tashkent regions.

Therefore, to ensure successful implementation of project, it is especially important to deliver development results at the local level, reach consensus and partnerships among stakeholders both on national (Tashkent) and regional levels (Tashkent, Namangan and Djizakh), as well as empowerment of local governments for equitable development/local accountability.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Assistant will be responsible for the satisfactory achievement of the entrusted functions and tasks, as described below:

Duties and Responsibilities

Prepares all financial and administrative documents related to the project implementation in Namangan region in accordance with the UNDP rules and procedures and ensure their timely submission to LGSP Tashkent Office for further processing;
Ensures smooth and timely delivery of operational support services in accordance with work plans;
Analyses potential problems and takes appropriate measures to ensure timely delivery of agreed inputs;
Defines cost-effective measures for optimal utilization of resources;
Provides input for the preparation of status and progress reports on project implementation;
Keeps fully conversant with ongoing and planned project activities to facilitate realistic planning of operational support services;
Works closely with relevant staff of UNDP office, consults with local government officials to ensure timely and efficient provision of assistance;
Maintains project’s expenditures & commitments shadow budget through regular reconciliation with Tashkent offices’ financial records and advise the Project Manager on project budget and funds availability;
Arranges shipment and receipt of the project supplies;
Maintains and updates the inventory of the project non-expendable equipment located in Namangan region;
Assists in organizing seminars and workshops;
Compiles the required documents for short term recruitment’s and ensure their timely submission to Tashkent office;
Performs other duties related to administrative and financial issues of project as required.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

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

Functional Competencies:

Self-management, communications and presentation skills;
Good analytical and writing skills;
Computer literacy and ability to use modern technology as a tool in every-day work;
Result-oriented;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to quick learning;
Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks by establishing priorities;
Ability to handle a large volume of work possibly under time constraints;
Responds positively to feedback and different viewpoints.

Core competencies:

Demonstrating ethics and integrity;
Self-development, initiative and reasonable risk taking,
Acting as a team player and facilitating team work;
Informed and transparent decision making.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: University degree in any of the following areas: International Economic Relations, Public Administration, International Relations, Management, Economics, and Business Administration
Experience: At least 2 years of progressive working experience (Experience with the government agencies would be considered as a strong asset)
Language requirements: Fluency in Uzbek, proficiency in Russian and in English
Others: Ability to use ICT as a tool and resource;
Initiative, ability work under pressure, ethics and honesty;
Good ability in partnering and networking and ability to work in a team, client-orientation;
Excellent interpersonal and cross cultural communication skills.

Application Process:

All interested and qualified candidates are required to apply on-line through the UNDP website at www.undp.uz. The UNDP will only accept applications submitted on-line.

Please ensure that before making on-line application you have completed the UNDP Personal History Form (P11). The electronic version of the P11 can be downloaded from http://www.undp.uz (Vacancies Section). The completed (P11) further to be uploaded while applying on-line.

The deadline for submission of application is COB, 20 February, 2014. Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date (20 February, 2014) will not be given consideration. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified.

For more detailed information about UNDP Uzbekistan please visit our website at www.undp.uz. UNDP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified female candidates, people with disabilities, and minorities are highly encouraged to apply. UNDP Balance in Manage Policy promotes achievement of gender balance among its staff at all levels.

The position is open for Uzbekistan citizens only