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.

1. Office/Unit Description

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org

UNDP has been a long-term development partner of Mongolia for over 30 years, supporting the country’s aspirations for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development. Within the Upper Middle-Income Country context, UNDP Mongolia provides technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity development support to the Government of Mongolia, in partnership with development partners, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society, to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The current Country Programme Document (2023–2027) is aligned with Vision 2050 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). It seeks to catalyze transformative change by empowering people to make sustainable and equitable choices, particularly among marginalized and vulnerable groups.

The programme is structured around three interlinked pillars:

1. Diversified, inclusive, and green economic transition;

2. Risk-informed climate adaptation and sustainable management of natural ecosystems; and

3. Women’s empowerment, inclusive and accountable governance, and progress towards SDG attainment.

To support the implementation of projects under these three programme priority areas, the Country Office is seeking qualified project support personnel.

2. Scope of Work

Support the project team to ensure effective project administration and implementation.

• Provide general administrative and logistical support for project activities, including events, trainings, and study visits.
• Identify and recommend qualified suppliers and assist with budget estimates for events.
• Manage participant lists, invitations, and travel/per diem arrangements for training participants.
• Support on-site training logistics (registration, materials, documentation) and compile post-event reports.
• Arrange travel and field missions, collect supporting documents, and ensure proper filing and archiving.
• Assist in procurement and payment processes in line with UNDP procedures.
• Maintain the inventory of promotional items and verify completeness of project documentation.

Provide support to the effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on progress of project

• Support implementation of the project’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework and data collection.
• Compile and analyze information to track progress against project indicators and targets.
• Organize field visits, progress meetings, and contribute to reporting and documentation.
• Support risk monitoring and maintain updated project risk logs.
• Assist in monitoring budgets and expenditures for accuracy and transparency.
• Contribute to preparation of periodic progress and financial reports

Support knowledge building and knowledge sharing relevant to the assigned project.

• Conduct desk research, data collection, and analysis to support project implementation and reporting.
• Assist in organizing consultations, workshops, and knowledge-sharing events.
• Support preparation of reports, summaries, and presentations related to project outcomes.
• Contribute to data population on relevant project platforms and maintain records.
• Provide translation and interpretation support between English and Mongolian when required.

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

4. Institutional Arrangement

The Project Assistant works under the direct supervision of the National Project Coordinator/Manager, with overall guidance from the Programme Analyst, and in close collaboration with the Admin and Finance Associate. The incumbent will coordinate closely with the Project Team, Operations Unit, and other relevant staff within the UNDP Country Office to ensure the effective implementation, monitoring, and reporting of project activities.

This role involves maintaining regular communication across units, providing administrative and logistical support, and contributing to a collaborative and inclusive working environment. The Project Assistant is expected to uphold UNDP’s core values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, while ensuring confidentiality, accountability, and high standards of performance in all aspects of their work.

5. Competencies

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

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

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

Digital Awareness and Literacy

• Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skillfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed. Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.

Customer Satisfaction/Client Management

• Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers” needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.

Communication

• Communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels

Monitoring and evaluation

• Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results.
• Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming.
• Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client”s upcoming needs and concerns.

Budget management

• Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.

Event Management

• Support projects with event management including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc.

6. Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Secondary education is required.
• University Degree (bachelor´s degree) in Business Administration, Public Administration, or equivalent field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Experience

• Minimum of 4 years (with secondary education) or 1 year (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible administrative or project experience is required.

Required skills

• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.

Desired skills

• Prior experience in logistics coordination, procurement, travel management, or event organization.
• Prior experience working with UNDP, other UN agencies, or international development organizations in project or programme support roles.
• Exposure to project monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes, data collection, or report preparation.
• Familiarity with the relevant thematic areas.

Required Language(s)

• Fluency in English and Mongolian is required.

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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