Project Assistant (1 vaga) (Office Based)

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

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.

The Brazilian government, through South-South cooperation, seeks to contribute to improving sustainable development indicators in countries on the American, African and Asian continents. To this end, it has signed cooperation agreements that allow the transfer of technology and knowledge, the sharing of experiences and good practices in public policies with a view to developing individual and institutional capabilities in partner countries.

The Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) is the sector responsible within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for planning, negotiation, preparation, implementation, execution, monitoring and evaluation of South-South technical cooperation initiatives undertaken by the Brazilian Government. To fulfill its duties, and due to the intensification of its activities, ABC counts on the technical support of professionals qualified in project management developed in various areas, such as agriculture, health, social development, labor, public administration, culture, economy, transport, among others, as well as professionals with an administrative, financial and managerial profile.

It is worth noting that Brazilian South-South cooperation (CSS) actions seek alignment with the country's national development policies, as well as aiming to achieve sustainable development objectives - United Nations 2030 Agenda. In this context, the Brazilian CSS is focused on actions in the areas of education, health and agriculture and others, such as public financial and banking administration, medicine production, urban development, professional training. The multidimensionality of the action is sought, within the demands of the partners. The Brazilian experience is a reference for cooperating countries. The diversity of realities that Brazil presents facilitates the establishment of a dialogue close to the realities of different countries.

UNDP implements, in partnership with the Brazilian Cooperation Agency the following SSC Projects: BRA/20/026, BRA/09/008, BRA/12/002, BRA13/008, BRA/18/026, BRA/17/025, and DAS/OIT

Scope Of Work

Duties And Responsibilities

1) Provides administrative support to the SSC projects focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Ensuring proper support for learning activities and performance management; 
• Support the preparation and update of project work plans, budgets and briefs and other documents as necessary.

2) Support Projects Monitoring Activities:

• Maintain up-to-date files and records of project documentation; 
• Provide logistical support for Project Board meetings, workshops, and other meetings as tasked by the project manager, including the preparation of meeting minutes;
• Support the timely preparation and submission of progress reports, project reviews, financial reports, audit reports, programme evaluations, and any other required project reports; 
• Assist in projects financial resources management, human Resources Management, efficient procurement, and logistical services; 
• Support forward-looking information and communication management.

3) Perform administrative tasks related to projects implementation:

• Register of goods receipt in Quantum and undertake other project related Quantum transactions; 
• Process travel arrangements related to projects; 
• Creation of requisitions in Quantum for projects;
• Articulate and follow-up, daily, with project partners and donors, to support smooth implementation of project, including other UN Agencies and UNDP Country Offices.

4) Support the formulation and implementation of South-South and Triangular Cooperation Programme Activities and Strategies:

• Support the preparation of documents, as PRODOC, Agreements, Due Dilligence, work plan, etc;
• Support the preparation of general review and substantive review of the projects.

5) Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO and assigned project focusing on achievement results:

• Participation in the training for the operations/projects staff on programme; 
• Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. The key results will support the efficiency and effectiveness in the implementation of the projects, in accordance with UNDP policies and procedures and donor requirements; 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the project.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Assistant will be directly supervised by the Project Manager.

Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results:

• LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, deliver quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively:

• LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously:

• LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt With Agility:

• LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act With Determination:

• LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver  calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage And Partner:

1. LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity And Inclusion:

• LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Management /Project Management          

• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.

Business Direction & Strategy / Strategic Thinking  

• Develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.

Business Management / Partnerships Management              

• Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies

Business Development / Knowledge Facilitation    

• Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange.

Ethics    / UN policy knowledge ethics        

• Knowledge and understanding of the UN Staff Regulations and Rules and other policies relating to ethics and integrity.

Digital & Innovation / Data analysis             

• Ability to extract, analyze and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making

Partnership management / Relationship management         

• Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education is required.
• A university degree (bachelor´s degree) in Administration, Economics, International Relations, International Cooperation, Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Engineering or equivalent will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years (with Secondary education) or 1 year (with Bachelor´s degree) of relevant professional experience in identifying, preparing, executing and/or monitoring international cooperation projects or in international organizations is required.

Required Skills:

• Ability to take responsibility and work under pressure. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong experience and ability to work in a team and actively seek networking;

Desired Skills:

• At least 2 years of relevant experience in identifying, preparing, executing and/or monitoring international cooperation projects or in international organizations, in addition to the mandatory experience.
• At least 1 year of practical work experience related to South-South and Triangular Cooperation Projects;
• Technical knowledge of South-South and Triangular Cooperation and related matters;
• Experience in participating and/or organizing international events.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in Portuguese, English and Spanish is required.
• “Working knowledge” in French is desirable;

Equal Opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam Alert

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