Background

The district heating sector in Ukraine is in a critical condition at all stages of production, distribution and consumption of heat for space heating and hot water supply. The share of district heating in Ukraine steadily decreases. Over the past few years, it has fallen to 60%, although still about 11 million apartments are connected to the networks. About 35 large CHP plants, more than 200 industrial plants and more than 100,000 boiler houses provide for the needs of consumers of heat.

In response to these challenges, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has developed the Ukraine Energy Rescue Plan, which defines the strategic framework for EIB lending activities aimed at safeguarding energy security during wartime and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential utilities and social services. Within this framework, the Ukraine District Heating Programme provides long-term financing to municipalities and communal utilities through Ukrainian financial intermediaries for investments in district heating modernization, energy efficiency improvements, and related infrastructure upgrades. The Programme focuses on enhancing system reliability, reducing technical losses, improving fuel efficiency, and strengthening the overall resilience of heat supply systems in line with European standards and Ukraine’s recovery priorities.

UNDP supports public authorities in Ukraine in advancing sustainable recovery and resilience across key sectors, including the district heating sector. This support is provided through capacity building, project development, advisory services, and training that help national and local institutions strengthen governance, prepare investment-ready projects, and align with international standards. 

Despite these efforts, there remains a substantial financing gap that constrains public authorities’ ability to modernize infrastructure and implement large-scale investments. While UNDP provides critical technical assistance and institutional support, it cannot on its own mobilize or cover the scale of financial resources required. 

Against this background, the European Investment Bank offers a vital complementary role by providing access to long-term financing for Ukraine’s public sector. By combining EIB’s financial resources with UNDP’s technical expertise and capacity support, the two institutions can jointly address the dual challenge of limited local capacity and constrained financing. 

Against this background, UNDP has developed and is implementing the Ukraine District Heating Programme Technical Assistance, financed by a financial contribution from the EIB. The project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of Ukrainian public authorities and utilities, improve the quality and bankability of district heating investment projects, and facilitate effective access to sustainable finance. Through this integrated approach, the Programme supports the preparation and implementation of priority district heating investments that enhance energy security, operational reliability, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

Within this context, UNDP Ukraine is recruiting a qualified national professional for the position of Project Associate to support the implementation of the District Heating Programme. The incumbent will contribute to effective project delivery by supporting stakeholder engagement, communication and outreach activities, coordination with municipalities, partner banks, national counterparts and other relevant partners, as well as the organization of consultations, meetings, webinars and public events. The Project Associate will also support knowledge management, documentation, reporting and visibility activities, helping to ensure clear communication, timely information exchange and effective engagement with stakeholders under wartime and recovery conditions.

The incumbent will promote UNDP’s mandate as a gender-responsive organization with zero tolerance to any kind of discriminatory and abusive behaviour, including sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse.

Duties and Responsibilities

I.    Provide project management assistance by supporting administrative, operational and logistical processes:

•    Pro-actively contribute to day-to-day project implementation and ensure conformity to expected results and project work-plans; 
•    Ensure compliance with procedures frameworks, including by learning and applying UNDP’s Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP), and relevant to project activity financial and administrative requirements; 
•    Prepare relevant background materials for use in discussions, correspondence, and briefing sessions; 
•    Draft meeting minutes, translate and interpret from Ukrainian into English and vice-versa;
•    Ensure efficient travel arrangements are made for the team as required, ensuring proper use of UNDP resources; 
•    Assist in arranging appointments, organizing meetings, events, taking minutes of meetings and drafting correspondence for Project Team;
•    Keep lists of names, addresses and telephone numbers of applicable government and non-government partners;
•    Maintain policy, confidentiality and general management files.

II.    Support financial, procurement and human resources processes:

•    Learn processes and operations of the UNDP Quantum Platform;
•    Assist in projects financial resources management, efficient procurement and logistical services;
•    Support the elaboration of project work and procurement plans;
•    Support the timely preparation and submission of progress reports, donor reports, project reviews, financial reports, audit reports and any other required project reports;
•    In accordance with the Annual Work Plan, arrange for procurement of equipment, supplies and services and ensure timely follow up with procurement requests;
•    Assist in recruitment processes by reviewing job descriptions, job classifications, forming vacancy announcements, screening candidates, and facilitating interview panels;
•    Maintain leave records and travel plans of the Project staff.

III.    Facilitate knowledge building and management:

•    In accordance with the Project Document and in close coordination with the Responsible Parties, adhere to the Quarterly and Annual Targets according to UNDP timelines; 
•    Support in organizing Project events;
•    Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in the project;
•    Provide high quality interpretation and translation in support of the project as needed.

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

4.    Institutional Arrangement

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision and overall guidance of the Head of Area-Based Recovery Programming. The incumbent will be expected to work in close coordination with project teams, promoting a client-oriented approach, and compliance to UNDP rules and regulations.   

Competencies

Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers 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: 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

Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Direction & Strategy  Effective Decision Making
  • Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources
Business Management Project Management

  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
Business Management Communication
  • Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience

  • Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
Administration & Operations Events Management (including retreats, trainings, and meetings)

  • Support offices with event management including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc.
Human Resources- People strategy and planning Job design
  • Ability to design job roles to meet specific organizational objectives.
Procurement Financial Analysis
  • Knowledge of evaluating businesses, projects, budgets, and other finance related transactions to determine their performance and suitability.

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements
  • Secondary Education is required OR
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Social Sciences, or a related discipline will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.
Min. years of relevant work experience 
  • Minimum seven (7) years with Secondary Education or four (4) years with a Bachelor’s degree of experience working in administration or providing project management assistance is required.
Required skills 
  • Highly competent in using computers and office software packages.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
  • Experience in UN/UNDP or International organizations or Development organizations is desired.
  • Experience in organizing events (including retreats, trainings, meetings, etc.) is an asset. 
  • Experience in financial reporting for donors is desired.
  • Experience in procurement of equipment/supplies/services is an asset.
  • Experience withERP systems (e.g.Quantum) is a desired skill.
Required Language(s) 
  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Fluency in Ukrainian is required for local personnel.
Professional Certificates N/A

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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