Project Associate

With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to supporting the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet. 

UNDP India’s new Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on our prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios: 
· Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs 
· Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized 
· Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability 

South-South cooperation, gender equality and social inclusion are promoted across the pillars. The programme is supported by a framework of renewed partnerships and blended finance solutions, strategic innovation and accelerator labs, and data and digital architecture.

You are invited to join a team of future-smart development professionals to support India in achieving the national and globally agreed goals. As part of the UNDP team, your focus will be to work with diverse stakeholders to find country-specific solutions that lead to sustainable development and reach those furthest behind first. 

 Job Purpose and Scope of Work

A. Main Purpose:
The main purpose is to provide administrative and implementation support to the Programme Unit under the
SDG, Tribal and State projects.

B. Duties and Responsibilities:

Administrative and implementation support to the SDG acceleration Unit for SDG and tribal development
projects 

Financial Management
 Maintain expenditure ledgers and updated approval levels by source of funds using ATLAS/Quantum for
projects managed by the unit
 Process payment requests from implementing agencies and other partners
 Ensure timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including vouchers with budget check errors,
match exceptions and unapproved vouchers
 Create e-requisitions, purchase orders (POs), register goods receipts in Atlas/Quantum
 Follow up with vendors on timely receipt of invoices and correct documentation for processing payments
to be sent to GSSU
 Support in the formulation of project Annual Work Plans, Quarterly Progress Reports (QPR), and Project
Implementation Reports (PIRs).
 Maintain the internal expenditures control system, monitor fund disbursement in compliance with UNDP rules and procedures, and assist in the management of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.

Procurement and HR
 Ensure full compliance of procurement activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and
strategies; implementation of effective internal control.
 Support end-to-end procurement processes including preparation of RFPs/RFQ documents and
documents for the hiring of Individual Consultants (ICs), coordination for issuance of contracts and
payments
 Create e-requisitions, purchase orders (POs), register goods receipts in Atlas/Quantum
 Follow up with vendors on timely receipt of invoices and correct documentation for processing payments
 Coordination with the Country Office procurement team on a regular basis
 Provide support to HR and procurement team for hiring of consultants under the project.
 Support the process of procurement of services and goods in compliance with UNDP guidelines.

Administrative Support
 Organize travel including the purchase of tickets and DSA calculation
 Support organization of workshops, events, seminars and retreats including logistical assistance such as
travel arrangements, hotel bookings, IT arrangements, coordination between different units, etc.
 Draft responses to emails and letters, minutes of meetings, format presentations and document briefs
 Provide support for coordinating interviews, processing requests for contract renewal
 Coordinate with HR and procurement team for the advertisement of positions and publishing in various
medium for wider circulation
 Coordinate for shortlisting of CVs and facilitating the interview process

Miscellaneous
 Coordinate with operational staff on financial systems, queries, reports, schedules, etc.
 Maintain records related to equipment and supplies procured under the projects and prepare inventory
lists for verification and submission to the Country Office
 Maintain up-to-date project files and project documents and provide timely information requested by the
partner ministries.
 Support 100% delivery against planned project results and financial delivery targets.
 Follow up and maintain status of closing of projects
 Perform any other tasks assigned from time to time by the Unit 

Institutional Arrangement

Direct Reporting To1: Policy Specialist, SDGs, NPSA 9
Overall Reporting To2: Chief Advisor, SDG Acceleration Unit, NOD
Reportees to this position (if applicable): NA 

2. Adept with complex concepts and challenges convention purposefully -People Management
 Models independent thinking and action 

3. Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform- Communication 
Synthesizes information to communicate independent analysis 

4. Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement- Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement 
Meets goals and quality criteria for delivery of products or services 

5. Integration within the UN- Job Knowledge 
Ability to identify, and integrate capacity and assets of the UN system, and engage in joint work; knowledge of the UN System and ability to apply this knowledge to strategic and/or practical situations 

6. Administration & Operations- Events Management (including retreat)
Support offices with event management including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc
 

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Min. Education requirements
· High School Education or  Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Social Work Administration or related would be given due consideration 

Min. years of relevant work experience 
· At least 6 years of experience in Project and administration management with high school or 3 years for candidates with Bachelors Degree 
· Experience of working for large scale government funded projects 
· Experience of working with an international organization on aspects such as SDGs or similar development agendas. 

Required skills 
Knowledge Management and Learning: 
· Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office; 
· Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in the area of professional discipline and job knowledge, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills; 
· Demonstrates competent analytical and presentation skills. 

Development and Operational Effectiveness: 
· Ability to assist the team in financial and physical reporting; 
· Excellent working knowledge of MS Office-Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Intra-Internet, e-mail applications etc. 

Team work and Self-Management 
· Focuses on expected impact and results and responds positively to feedback; 
· Promotes teamwork and shows conflict resolution skills; 
· Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; 
· Supports the team in building strong relationships with stakeholders and external actors; 
· High interpersonal skills, and ability to remain calm, in control and good humoured under pressure; · Ability to prioritize assignments and requirements, and multitask as needed; 
· Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities; 
· Demonstrates skills to liaise and work with varied stakeholders especially government and technical agencies.

Communication Skills 
· Excellent communication skills; 
· Good interpersonal and presentation skills, with an ability to work in a multi-cultural environment. 

Desired skills 
· 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 favouritism; 

Required Language(s) 
· Excellent written and oral communication skills in English 
· Good command over Hindi 

Professional Certificates NA