Project Assistant - South-South and Triangular Cooperation

Drawing on the proposal for alignment and structural change as enunciated in the UNDP Brazil ‘s CPD 2017-2021 new portfolio design has been developed whereby the CO will use three work streams suggested in the proposal for alignment to undertake a detailed strategic review, which will align existing project-level interventions behind programmatic portfolios supported by an Operations Team. These are: People & Prosperity: (poverty reduction, social policies, livelihoods, public-private partnerships, etc)

Planet: (environment, climate change, DRR, Montreal Protocol)

Peace (prevention of violence, justice, transparency, anti-corruption, human rights, local capacity Development) Given the imperative to support the country in the implementation of the SDGs and improve human development in the most excluded and vulnerable populations, the plan concluded that it is necessary to develop a strategy to enhance Partnerships, especially south-south cooperation, as essential cross cutting elements of the three UNDP country programme pillars in Brazil.

The interconnection among these areas, together with the identification of replicable models will provide an integrated approach to advocate for sustainable Human Development and reduction of inequalities. As UNDP Brazil has been a global driver of SSC efforts, the dedicated position will further support these efforts with a view to strengthening the substantive contributions to other CO programmes in the region and beyond.

The Project “Improvement of the effectiveness and transparency of the agrochemical registration systems of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean” aims at contributing to increase the productivity and competitiveness of the cotton sector in Latin America and the Caribbean, producers of the commodity, through the strengthening of technical and organizational capacities of the relevant governmental institutions, based on the experiences of Brazil in relation to the registration of agrochemicals.

In addition to UNDP, government institutions participate in the project such as the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA). The Brazilian Cotton Institute (IBA) is responsible for financing the project.

Position-Specific Context

Under the overall guidance and the supervision of the Project Manager-SSC, the Project Assistant is responsible for supporting the implementation and monitoring of projects assigned to her/him.

The Project Assistant will be responsible for assisting the project manager in project related activities, especially in Direct Implementation Modality (DIM) / National Implementation Modality (NIM) projects, ensuring smooth operations of the projects and consistency of project implementation with UNDP rules and regulations. 

Summary of Key Functions:

• Provides administrative support to the SSC project cell focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Preparation and update of project work plans, budgets and briefs and other documents as necessary;
• Projects monitoring activities;
• Perform administrative tasks related to project implementation;
• Provide logistical support for Project Board meetings, workshops, and other meetings as tasked by the project manager, including the preparation of meeting minutes;
• Maintain up-to-date files and records of project documentation;
• 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;
• Creation of requisitions in Atlas for projects, register of goods receipt in Atlas and undertake other project related ATLAS transactions;
• Process travel arrangements related to projects;
• Articulate and follow-up, on a daily basis, with project partners and donors, to support smooth implementation of project, including other UN Agencies and UNDP Country Offices;
• Support the formulation and implementation of South-South and Triangular Cooperation Programme Activities and Strategies;
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO and assigned projects focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Participation in the trainings for the operations/projects staff on programme;
• Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

The key results are to assure efficiency and effectiveness support in the implementation of the projects, in accordance with UNDP policies and procedures and donor requirements.

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Client-orientation:

• Demonstrating an understanding of client/partner/donor perspective and anticipating constraints in the project delivery, identifying solutions or alternatives;

Computer Skills:

• Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, internet, power point and experience in handling of web-based management systems;

Teamwork:

• Ability and sensitivity to work with a wide cross-section of partners, including Government, I/NGOs and private sector;
• Ability to form and maintain relationships through teamwork and needed networking;

Communication and Relationship Management:

• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
•  A self-starter and able to inspire and influence action;

Leadership:

• Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices inside and outside UNDP;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Ability to lead effectively, and possesses mentoring and conflict resolution skills;

Excellent interpersonal skills, proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.

Education:

University degree

Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years of administrative and/or finance work experience. At least 1 year of relevant practical work experience in supporting the management or implementation of cooperation projects;
• Strong ability to work as part of a team and actively pursuing networking;
• Excellent computer skills and ability to use information technology as a tool and resource;
• Analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Demonstrated capacity to undertake responsibilities and work under pressure;

Desirable:

• Technical knowledge of South-South and Triangular Cooperation and related subjects;
• Minimum of 1 year experience of relevant practical work experience related to South-South and Triangular Cooperation Projects;
• Desirable 1 year experience in dealing with UNDP’s South-South and Triangular Cooperation partners, such as bilateral donors, the Brazilian Cooperation Agency, other government counterparts UN Agencies and UNDP Country Offices;
• Desirable experience in operating UNDP’s Atlas Platform.

Language:

• Proficiency in Portuguese, Spanish and English
• Working Knowledge in French is an asset

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

All applicants must be inscribed on Social Security System (INSS)

For candidates living in another city than the duty station (Brasília), removal allowance will not be granted by UNDP.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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