UNDP Jobs - 52168- Programme Assistant, UNDP

Programme Assistant, UNDP – GEF, E&E Team

Location :

Bangkok, THAILAND

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-Feb-2015

Application Deadline :

21-Dec-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-5

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year (Renewable subject to good performance and availability of funds)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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 UNDP Green Low Emission and Climate Resilient Development Strategies (GLECRDS) Team is based in the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) and is responsible for assisting partner countries to develop and implement programmes and projects that combine and sequence resources from a wide range of global environment and climate funds, financial mechanisms, and instruments including, but not limited to: the GEF managed family of vertical funds such as the GEF Trust Fund, the Special Climate Change Fund, and the Least Developed Countries Fund; the Adaptation Fund; the Clean Development Mechanism, Joint Implementation, voluntary carbon markets and other innovative sources of carbon, climate, and ecosystem finance, as well as a variety of multilateral, bilateral, national, sub-national and private sector sources. The GLECRDS Team is organized into teams of staff located in both HQs and UNDP's Regional Hubs in Addis Ababa, Istanbul, Panama, and Bangkok, and with a decentralized structure in terms of financial, operational, and budget managements with authority delegated to respective managers located in HQ or in the region.

Under the overall supervision of the Region-based Technical Advisors (RTAs) and direct coordination and guidance of the corresponding Regional Team Leader (RTL), the Programme Assistant will facilitate the effective delivery of the GLECRDS portfolio in Asia and the Pacific, by providing support and oversight throughout the development, implementation, monitoring/evaluation and closure of UNDP-GEF projects. This includes effective portfolio data management and monitoring, to maximize COs' timely compliance with UNDP and GEF requirements.

The Programme Assistant promotes a client and results-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations and ensures high quality and accuracy of work. S/he works in close collaboration with other Programme Assistants, Administrative Associate, as well as, staff in the Regional Hubs, UNDP HQs, and COs as required for resolving complex programme-related issues and exchange of information.

Duties and Responsibilities

Compile documents related to project development in the region (regional and country level projects), checking for accuracy, updating the UNDP project information repository system (PIMS) and finance application (ATLAS), tracking required information and following up on correspondence with project proponents, Country Offices and GEF Headquarters and processing documentation for submission, including final quality check regarding accuracy and compliance with formats and guidelines;
Follow up on project activities for new projects in the region and recommend executing modalities in order to ensure the best and most cost-effective services;
Support RTAs in undertaking financial monitoring of the portfolio in the region and individual project budgets and review budget revisions; advise Country Offices and/or Executing Agencies with regard to redeployment of funds and project closure and prepare GEF quarterly project delivery reports;
Monitor project delivery and submission of progress reports and budget revisions for the region; identify reasons for shortfall in delivery and recommend ways to correct situation;
Maintain close contact with executing agencies recommending courses of action as appropriate and bringing to the RTA’s attention all technical issues that require attention/resolution;
Assist in all aspects of regional portfolio management, including tracking of TPR/APR, PIR and evaluation requirements, and processing of required documents. Maintain electronic and, where necessary, hard-copy files of all project and associated information;
Organize GEF training programmes and workshops in the region as appropriate including logistical arrangement, documentation, budget preparation/monitoring, authorization of expenses;
Manage information flow between Country Offices and HQ on the regional portfolio to meet all reporting requirements and advise environmental focal point on procedural issues (mentoring);
Assist RTAs in formulating quarterly mission travel plans, obtaining HQ management approval, booking flights and hotels, submitting travel requests, arranging relevant visas and travel documents (including tickets), collecting travel related documents, and submitting completed travel settlement forms;
Draft correspondence and assist with other administrative tasks as required;
Provide effective support on timely procurement of services and goods;
Assist in the preparation, updating and dissemination of PowerPoint and other presentations and in managing dissemination of information/publications that describe the work and achievements of UNDP GLECRDS Team;
Backstop other PAs/AA and perform ad-hoc tasks as required.

Competencies

Demonstrate commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Knowledge of UNDP programme management rules and regulations;
Excellent organizational skills and sound judgment;
Strong sense of initiative and ability to work independently;
Excellent computer skills and knowledge of automated systems;
Ability to perform a variety of administrative tasks;
Good oral communication and analytical skills;
Good interpersonal skills and high degree of discretion;
Ability to work under heavy pressure and willingness to work long hours;
Demonstrate openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Thai nationality with Secondary school or Bachelor degree in Business or Public Administration or Environment Management or Economics or Social Sciences or other relevant fields.

Work Experience:

At least 5 years for Secondary school or 3 years for Bachelor’s degree holders, of relevant administrative or programme experience at the national or international level;
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Outlook etc) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems;
Knowledge of ATLAs or other ERP system preferable.

Language Requirement:

Fluency in English and Thai.

Remuneration:

Starting Baht 510,200 net per annum