Programme Assistant

Details

Mission and objectives

The primary role of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is to support country-led efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The work of UNDP in 170 countries around the world is anchored in diverse and effective partnerships, which are vital to our two critical roles at country level: (a) as an integrator across policy, programmatic and organizational silos; and (b) as an operational backbone for the United Nations and other partners. Saudi Arabia is witnessing economic prosperity and progress in all domains of socio-economic development which produced tangible improvement in all human development indicators such as standard of living, health and education services, environmental conditions as well as potentials of comprehensive development. In April 2016, the Government of Saudi Arabia announced its Saudi Vision 2030 – an ambitious long-term development programme. Saudi Vision 2030 represents an ambitious blueprint with long-term goals and expectations. It is expressed in three themes of a vibrant society; a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. A review of the three themes and their underlying issues of national concern reveal a holistic approach to development that encompasses the three dimensions of sustainable development: the social, the economic and the environment. The partnership between UNDP and Saudi Arabia is covering vital sectors and areas which contributes to address the needs of Saudi society, including enhancement of the local capacity of different government institutions and support to policy making and reporting. A wide set of under the scope of technical assistance is provided in order to assist the KSA departments in their reform processes. This UNV assignment is part of UNDP’s Saudi Arabia efforts to promote volunteerism and ultimately increase the capacity to respond to the various technical assistance demands from the counterparts.

Context

The primary role of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is to support country-led efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The work of UNDP in 170 countries around the world is anchored in diverse and effective partnerships, which are vital to our two critical roles at country level: (a) as an integrator across policy, programmatic and organizational silos; and (b) as an operational backbone for the United Nations and other partners. This UNV assignment is part of UNDP’s Saudi Arabia efforts to promote volunteerism and ultimately increase the capacity to respond to the various technical assistance demands from the counterparts.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Programme Analyst or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Programme Assistant will: • Conduct research on topics related to sustainable development at large and on a number of thematic issues in particular • Support to formulation of new project ideas and documents in the Governance portfolio • Prepare presentations and collect material and information on UNDP projects at a national level to promote SDGs in the country • Support the revision/formulation of Concept Notes and Project Documents • Summarize UN and Government reports • Translate and/or proofread documents such as workplans and Terms of Reference (TORS) • Draft letters in Arabic and/or English addressed to national counterparts • Support to financial and substantive monitoring and evaluation of the projects, identification of operational and financial problems, development of solutions • Support on progress reporting of projects • Draft agenda, follow-up on logistics of meetings and inform both parties of participation in the meetings. Attend these meetings when required; • Take minutes of meetings • Maintain and follow-up on decisions and actions agreed • Maintain the electronic filing system to ensure thematic organization and availability of documents, correspondences and reference materials • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically