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 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime, including corruption. It is a leading provider of specialized assistance to governments for addressing the legal, criminal justice and rule of law aspects to counter corruption, narcotics, crime prevention and terrorism. It operates in all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices.
The UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, based in Bangkok, is seeking to recruit a Programme Assistant who will support the implementation of activities in Papua New Guinea under the Preventing and Countering Corruption in Papua New Guinea (PNG Anti-Corruption Project). The PNG Anti-Corruption Project is jointly implemented by UNODC and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and seeks to provide technical assistance to the Government of Papua New Guinea and non-State actors to strengthen their commitment and capacities to address corruption in line with the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). This, in turn, seeks to more effectively progress the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Adviser (Anti-Corruption) in Port Moresby, the Programme Assistant will be responsible for providing a range of administrative and logistical support to the implementation of UNODC activities under the PNG Anti-Corruption Project in Papua New Guinea.
Specific tasks to be performed by the Programme Assistant:
The incumbent will fulfill the following tasks:
Assist in initiating and finalizing budget revisions, work plans, notes to the file, etc. to facilitate the implementation and monitoring of the assigned Project activities;
Assist in initiating and finalizing budget revisions, work plans, notes to the file, etc. to facilitate the implementation and monitoring of the assigned Project activities;
- Organize international and national conferences, meetings, training and workshops held in Papua New Guinea, the Pacific region and beyond, and travel to the events’ location if needed;
- Prepare travel plans and organize travel dates for participants to UNODC events, and for UNODC staff as required. Prepare travel requests to be sent to the travel agents to issue air tickets, request payment of Daily Subsistence Allowances (DSAs) and terminal expenses when needed, and determine appropriate budget lines;
- Prepare any document required for consultants’ contract issuance/management and follow up on payment requests of their fees as per their terms of reference;
- Provide support to assigned projects and to relevant UNODC personnel in Port Moresby and Bangkok on aspects related to the preparation of payment requests in the UNODC administrative systems (Umoja and ProFi), as well as payment reconciliation and expenditure verification. Follow up with the UNDP Country Office in Papua New Guinea on project expenditures and payments;
- Plan and organize the procurement of goods and services required for the assigned Project, ensure compliance with, and verify, regulations and procedures to be applied when procuring goods or services. Conduct low value procurement (up to US$ 10,000) and initiate procurement processes for all types of goods and services required under the assigned Project;
- Collect and compare offers from vendors and liaise with the UNODC Procurement Team in Bangkok and relevant personnel at UNDP Country Office to ensure abidance with relevant UN rules and regulations. Liaise with bidders and vendors, and follow up with suppliers and expediters to ensure timely delivery;
- Complete administrative workflows in relation to the handover of equipment to Member State institutions and liaise with the UNODC personnel in Bangkok in charge of asset management;
- Support the closing of administrative workflows in relation to the procurement of goods and services after they have effectively been received, and liaise with UNDP Country Office and relevant UNODC personnel in Port Moresby and Bangkok to provide/obtain the necessary documentation;
- Contribute to the development of administrative and financial guidance for UNODC programme personnel in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region, and contribute to exchange of information among colleagues to identify and spread best practices and experiences;
- Draft correspondence and contribute to project documents;
- Contribute to developing and maintaining a filing system for the Project;
Perform any other work-duties as required.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Project administration experience and skills, and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to technical assistance and international relations. Knowledge of the mandates, priorities and operational modalities of UNODC. Good analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues; sound judgment and political sensibility.
- Planning, organizing and managing performance: Ability to plan own work, manage conflicting priorities and to use time efficiently. Ability to organize and implement activities and outputs. Ability to maintain focus and pay attention to necessary details.
- Teamwork: Good inter-personal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnership and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Secondary education, preferably with specialized certification in areas directly relevant to administrative and/or financial management.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Accounting, Financial Management or other related filed is desirable, but it is not a requirement.
Experience:
- Minimum of 6 years (for secondary school graduates), or 3 years (for university degree holder), of relevant experience in the administrative/finance aspect of technical assistance delivery at the national or international levels is required.
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages are required.
- Working experience with web-based enterprise resource management systems is a required.
- Knowledge of Umoja is desirable.
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.
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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: No requirements