Project Assistant

tendersglobal.net

JOB DESCRIPTION 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.

The Brazilian government, through South-South cooperation, seeks to contribute to improving sustainable development indicators in countries on the American, African and Asian continents. To this end, it has signed cooperation agreements that allow the transfer of technology and knowledge, the sharing of experiences and good practices in public policies with a view to developing individual and institutional capabilities in partner countries.

The Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) is the sector responsible within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for planning, negotiation, preparation, implementation, execution, monitoring and evaluation of South-South technical cooperation initiatives undertaken by the Brazilian Government. In order to fulfill its duties, and due to the intensification of its activities, ABC counts on the technical support of professionals qualified in project management developed in various areas, such as agriculture, health, social development, labor, public administration, culture, economy, transport, among others, as well as professionals with an administrative, financial and managerial profile.

It is worth noting that Brazilian South-South cooperation (CSS) actions seek alignment with the country’s national development policies, as well as aiming to achieve sustainable development objectives – United Nations 2030 Agenda. In this context, the Brazilian CSS is focused on actions in the areas of education, health and agriculture and others, such as public financial and banking administration, medicine production, urban development, professional training. The multidimensionality of the action is sought, within the demands of the partners. The Brazilian experience is a reference for cooperating countries. The diversity of realities that Brazil presents facilitates the establishment of a dialogue close to the realities of different African countries.

Project BRA/18/026 “Improving the effectiveness and transparency of pesticide registration systems in Latin American and Caribbean countries” aims to contribute to increasing the productivity and competitiveness of the cotton sector in Latin American and Caribbean cotton-producing countries. commodity, by strengthening the technical and organizational capabilities of relevant government institutions, based on Brazil’s experiences in relation to pesticide registration.

In addition to the UNDP, the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency), Ibama (Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Natural and Renewable Resources), MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture, Supply and Livestock) and the Brazilian Cotton Institute (IBA), responsible for financing the actions resulting from the Project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides administrative support to the SSC projects focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provides administrative support to the SSC projects focusing on achievement of results such as ensuring proper support to learning activities and performance management. Support the preparation and update of project work plans, budgets and briefs and other documents as necessary.
• Support projects monitoring activities; Perform administrative tasks related to projects 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 Quantum for projects, register of goods receipt in Quantum and undertake other project related Quantum 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 results such as participation in the trainings for the operations/projects staff on programme;
• Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. The key results will support the efficiency and effectiveness in the implementation of the projects, in accordance with UNDP policies and procedures and donor requirements.

Institutional Arrangement:

The Project Assistant will be directly supervised by the Project Manager.

Competencies Core Competencies: 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:

Business Management / Project Management:

• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.

Business Direction & 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.
• Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP.

Business Management / Partnerships Management: 

• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.

Business Development / Knowledge Facilitation:

• Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally.

Ethics / UN policy knowledge ethics: 

• Knowledge and understanding of the UN Staff Regulations and Rules and other policies relating to ethics and integrity.

 

Required Skills and Experience Min. Education requirements:

• Secondary education (Complete Education at High School Level) OR
• University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in administration, economics, international relations, international cooperation, social sciences, biological sciences, agricultural sciences, engineering or related areas will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Min. years of relevant work experience:

• Minimum 4 years (with Secondary education) or 1 year (with Bachelor´s degree) of relevant professional experience in identifying, preparing, executing and/or monitoring international cooperation projects or in international organizations;

Required skills:

• Ability to take responsibility and work under pressure.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Strong experience and ability to work in a team and actively seek networking;

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

• At least 3 additional years of relevant professional experience in identifying, preparing, executing and/or monitoring international cooperation projects or in international organizations, in addition to the mandatory experience.
• At least 1 practical work experience related to South-South and Triangular Cooperation Projects;
• Technical knowledge of South-South and Triangular Cooperation and related matters;

Required Language(s):

• Fluency in Portuguese, English and Spanish.
• “Working knowledge” in French is desirable

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. Scam warning The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

Apply for job
To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your cover/motivation letter where (tendersglobal.net) you saw this internship posting.

---