UNDP addresses the challenges of displacement faced by millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and refugees through targeted area-based programming. This approach integrates community development plans to enhance access to resources and services while promoting social cohesion, economic empowerment, and regional business development.

In collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNDP has launched the Afghanistan Community Resilience Programme (ACRP). This initiative tackles the impacts of climate change and displacement in Badghis, Helmand, and Kandahar by building resilient livelihoods, improving agricultural productivity, and enhancing market linkages. The ACRP aims to address the socioeconomic effects of the poppy ban, with a focus on women and marginalized groups.

The programme will coordinate efforts through geographic targeting and outcome alignment, leveraging existing resources from the partner organizations. It includes data collection, monitoring, and knowledge sharing, ensuring that communities affected by the poppy ban receive essential support. ACRP will complement ongoing initiatives like the Community-Based Agriculture and Rural Development (CBARD-ALL 2.0) project.

Furthermore, the combined expertise of UNDP, FAO, and IOM will strengthen connections with national and international networks, including a newly established counternarcotics working group, to address strategic issues related to the poppy ban and alternative livelihoods. The Project Associate will manage project data and ensure compliance with UNDP regulations.

Specifically, the scope of work will cover the following functions:

• Support the development of project activities from design through implementation, monitoring and evaluation focusing on the achievement of the following results.
• Assist in efficient delivery of the project, focusing on achievement of the following results.
• Ensure administration and implementation of operational strategies, adapt processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results.
• Supports the provision of high-quality technical support and facilitation of knowledge building and management, focusing on achievement of the following results.

1. Support the development of project activities from design through implementation, monitoring and evaluation focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Ensure coordination and networking with clients, stakeholders, and programme partners.
• Provide support with technical guidance in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, ensuring that results are delivered in accordance with the work plan, standards, allocations, framework and rules and regulations.
• Support effective application of RBM tools, the establishment of management targets, and monitoring achievement of results.
• Monitor work plan implementation, ensure it is on track, and support resolution of bottlenecks working with project coordination unit and project team.
• Provide support in planning and carrying out programme monitoring and preparing periodic and ad hoc reports including the annual report, donor reports.
• Ensure programme reviews and evaluations take place, manage the reviews and evaluation process and take a lead in preparing management response in consultation with project analyst (M&E) and other team members.
• Ensure coordination and networking with UN agencies, clients, stakeholders, and programme partners.
• Develop a coordination mechanism that allows sharing of information and harmonizes the work carried out by different partners.
• Develop ideas and concepts for possible areas of cooperation, and identification of funding opportunities for ongoing and new programme and projects.
• Support working relationships and creates programmatic linkages with relevant UN Agencies and counterparts as guided by the supervisor.
• Conduct field visits to ensure the programme quality follows UNDP regulations including social and environmental standards.
• Coordinate with partners to collect the regular reports including weekly, monthly and annual report,    conduct   technical review and consolidate.
• Coordinate with partner to produce high-quality human-interest stories and media content for various publications and usage for internal and external consumptions.
• Assist to external meetings within his/her area of programming when and as assigned.

2.)  Assist in efficient delivery of the project, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Participate in the preparation of work plans, operation plans and procurement plans and periodical reviews thereof.
• Provide support in quality control and assurance of the project activities, including assessing impact and effectiveness, tracking outputs and results, and ensure timely and efficient delivery.
• Maintain an appropriate filing system and documenting the implementation to enable further operational and financial closure of the project.
• Provide support in regular monitoring and data collection of the project activities in accordance with work plan and procurement plan.
• Provide assistance to partner agencies involved in Project activities, performing and monitoring financial aspects to ensure compliance with budgeted costs in line with established policies and procedures.
• Assist the project team in drafting project progress reports with financial data.
• Provide regular updates to the Project Specialist/Manager and flag any deviations from the work plans immediately.
• Compile, organize and file information and documents for reference and use by team members.

3.) Ensure administration and implementation of operational strategies, adapt processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance with respective UNDP & donor rules, regulations, & policies of finance and procurement activities, financial recording/reporting system & follow-up on audit recommendations and Implementation of effective internal controls and maintain responsibility for the inventory of the project assets.
• Provide general secretarial and administrative assistance to the project in close liaison with UNDP teams and other UN agencies.
• Perform preparatory work for mandatory and general budget revisions, annual physical inventory, auditing; and assist external evaluators in fulfilling their mission.
• Undertake administrative, logistical, travel, procurement, financial and asset management tasks in full compliance with UNDP rules, regulations, and policies.
• Provide support to procure goods and services required by the project, in liaison with the relevant staff and units of UNDP Country Office.
• Provide administrative support in arranging project related meetings when needed.
• Organization of procurement processes including preparation of RFQs, ITBs or RFPs documents, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their preliminary evaluation, note-to-files and justifications in cooperation with the UNDP Operations Unit.

4.) Supports the provision of high-quality technical support and facilitation of knowledge building and management, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provide support in identifying and synthesizing best practices and lessons learned directly linked to Regional Project Office programme.
• Provide support in coordinating and ensuring best practices and lessons learned are taken into consideration while developing work plans and programme strategies.
• Ensure that lessons learned from various project interventions are captured and recorded and reinforced.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

Under the overall guidance of Project Manager and direct supervision of Project Specialist, the Project Associate will be performing the key duties as mentioned above.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements