National Project Assistant

Riyadh

Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
Location: Riyadh
Grade: Administrative support - Administrative Services and Support - Generally no need for Higher Education
Occupational Groups:
- Administrative support
- Project and Programme Management
Closing Date: 2023-06-06

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.

Assist with organizing operational and administrative processes for project needs:

Provide daily support for the timely execution of the project (s) approved work plans.
Assist in monitoring the progress throughout the project cycle.
Assist the National Project Officer in coordinating the exchange of information among the programme partners.
Provide required support in organizing/conducting project activities.
Provide administrative services to meetings, seminars, and workshops.
Ensure efficient travel arrangements provided for the team as required, proper use of UNDP resources and client satisfaction.
Maintain records on assets management and prepare asset reports.
Support in travel and logistics arrangements, as needed.
Initiate routine correspondence relating to the implementation of the project and drafting of official documents.
Support in organizing meetings, workshops, and conferences.
Draft meeting minutes, translate, and interpret them from Arabic into English and vice-versa.
Support other programme-related activities as required by the UNDP Programme and Management teams.
Undertake and support project implementation and procurement activities according to UNDP workflows, including contracting consultants and institutional contracts.
Propose solutions to any administrative issues whenever relevant and possible.

Duties and Responsibilities

Manage the project documentation in an appropriate and satisfactory manner:

Maintain files and ensure proper records of project working files and permanent retention files in line with corporate requirements (project audit, evaluation, and operational and financial closure).
Assist in the preparation of project work plans by providing support in data collection, systematization, analysis of information, and interaction with institutions in data collection.
Prepare relevant background materials for use in discussions, correspondence, and briefing sessions.
Contribute to the preparation and implementation of a variety of progress reports by providing information, preparation, and analysis of financial data, etc.
Document lessons learned.
Compile, copy, and distribute project products.
Undertake any other duties as may be required by UNDP.

Institutional Arrangement

The National Project Assistant will report to the UNDP Programme Analyst and consult on a regular basis with the National Project Manager (NPM).

Competencies

Knowledge and experience in working with governmental entities in Saudi Arabia.
Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modeling UN values and ethical standards.
Demonstrates professional competence and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results.
Displays cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability.

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

Thematic Area	Name	Definition
Business Direction and Strategy	Strategic Thinking	Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks, and opportunities, linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions
Business Direction and Strategy	System Thinking	Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgment to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact other parts of the system
Business Direction and Strategy	Negotiation and Influence	Ability to reach an understanding, persuade others, resolve points of difference, gain an advantage in the outcome of dialogue, negotiates mutually acceptable solutions through compromise, and create ‘win-to-win’ situations
Business Development	Knowledge Generation	Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need
Business Management	Results Based Management	Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus on improved performance and demonstrable results
Business Management	Working with Evidence and Data	Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform, and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions, and supporting decision-making
Business Management	Monitoring	Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Academic Education	Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Business, or Public Administration or 4 years of experience associated with a high school degree.
Min. years of relevant Work experience	A minimum of 1 year of experience associated with a Bachelor’s degree or 4 years of experience associated with a high school degree.
Required skills and competencies	Experience in Microsoft Office, Windows-based applications, integrated web-based management systems, spreadsheets, and databases. Strong interpersonal skills, communication, and ability to work in a team Strong report writing skills
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section	Knowledge and experience in working with governmental entities in Saudi Arabia. Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modeling UN values and ethical standards. Demonstrates professional competence and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. Display cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Required Language(s) (at working level)	Advanced in spoken and written English and Arabic.
Professional Certificates	N/A

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

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.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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