UNDP : Project Associate – Dhaka

  • Location:
  • Salary:
    negotiable / YEAR
  • Job type:
    FULL_TIME
  • Posted:
    3 weeks ago
  • Category:
    Programme and Project Management
  • Deadline:
    12/12/2024

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.

While graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status is a testament to Bangladesh’s developmental progress, it will bring various challenges, requiring adroit policy responses to manage the transition and prepare, especially for the loss of LDC-specific trade preferences. If Bangladesh can successfully navigate and mitigate any adverse implications for its export trade following its graduation from the LDC status, the transition should not precipitate major economic consequences, but will rather represent a natural progression in economic development. However, to navigate the transition effectively, Bangladesh must adopt a dual approach: securing extended LDC-type trade preferences as a transitional buffer and bolstering export competitiveness.

The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) will play a crucial role in the post-LDC scenario, despite facing limited resources—encompassing human, financial, and technical capacities—and programmatic support. The IP Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP) – II project, funded by the UK government, aims to bridge these gaps, aligning closely with national priorities for a smooth LDC graduation, particularly on Bangladesh’s trade policy and trade negotiation skills, inter-ministerial coordination on compliance issues, private sector’s competitiveness, and evidence-based policy initiatives.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will also play a crucial role in supporting ongoing growth and economic development and reaping potential benefits from the LDC graduation. In an evolving context, Bangladesh will need to improve investment facilitation, retention, and aftercare services to attract more FDI. This project, through the Research and Analytics Unit (RAU), anchored in the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) of the Prime Minister’s Office will also support evidence-based policy reforms for improved investment climate in Bangladesh.

Duties and Responsibilities
Scope of Work

    Provides effective support to the Finance and Procurement Analyst on day-to-day operational issues and administrative management of the project.
    Manage all travel arrangements and Create TR in Quantum
    Support the project team in planning and providing logistic support to learning events / workshops and taking minutes and report writing.
    Maintain an appropriate filing system documenting the implementation of approved work-plan activities.
    Assist Finance and Procurement Analyst in managing project assets and inventory.
    Provide support in procurement related issues.
    Prepare Supply Order (SO) and perform all activities regarding issuance of Purchase Order (PO).
    Prepare Micro-Purchase Canvas.
    Provide support to the Finance and Procurement Analyst on formulating and revising work plans.
    Performs monitoring and evaluation related tasks, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of the project.
    Assist with quality control functions of project activities, including assessing impact and effectiveness,
tracking outputs and results, and ensuring timely and efficient delivery of the project.
    Communicate with and support local and international missions/consultants to ensure all necessary
logistic arrangements.
    Support the Communications and Advocacy Officer in drafting, printing, and disseminating publications.
    The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
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4.    Institutional Arrangement

The activities of the Administrative Assistant will be supervised and evaluated by the Finance and Procurement Analyst.

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
Technical & Cross-Functional competencies 
Thematic Area    Name    Definition
Administration & Operations    Documents and records management    Overall document (hard or electronic) management; registry and retention policy including storing and archiving
Administration & Operations    Inventory management    Each office to ensure sufficient inventory items are available for use as well as reporting for items which are beyond the corporate threshold of $5K and above
Administration & Operations    Registry & correspondence
management    Ability to collect, register, maintain and deliver mail and UNDP pouch; ability to manage archives
Administration & Operations    Events management (including
retreats, trainings and meetings)    Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc.
Administration & Operations    ERP travel and expense module    Knowledge of the ERP Travel and Expense Module; ability to provide help desk support to UNDP and  other UN agencies
Procurement    Procurement management    The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source
Business Development    Integration within the UN    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
Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements  :

  • Secondary education is required. or
  • University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Business Administration, Management, Social Science, Public Administration, or relevant discipline will be given due consideration, but 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 working experience in administrative work.
Required skills :
•     Experience in administrative support and office management preferably in the UN system.
•     Experience in managing office supplies, handling travel arrangements, maintaining records, and assisting in making payments to vendors is an asset.
•     Experience in providing logistics support in organizing meetings, consultations, workshops, and other events is an asset.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section :
•     Experience working with different Government Ministries, preferably Ministry of Commerce, BIDA, and Ministry of Planning.
•     Knowledge of government administrative processes/systems.
•     Strong teamwork orientation with the ability to work well in diverse, multicultural teams.
•     Computer literacy including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Required Language(s)     Fluency in English and Bangla is required.
Disclaimer
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
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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements