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.
With the aim to support the UN system in the country the Government of Kazakhstan provided the UN agencies, located in Almaty, with a 9 storey-building in 2019. According to the terms of the Memorandum Concerning Occupancy and Use of Common Premises by United Nations Agencies, Programmes, Funds and Offices (Memorandum) the UNDP country office was selected as an administrative agency responsible for day-to-day management over the provided premises (UN Plaza in Almaty/Common Premises). For these purposes UNDP established a Common Premises Committee (CPC) headed by the Common Premises Manager. The CPC is responsible for building maintenance and provision of common premises related administrative support services to UN Agencies residing in the UN Plaza in Almaty. The CPC reports to Operations Manager of UNDP Kazakhstan and is supervised by the Common Premises Manager. Under the overall supervision of the Common Premises Manager in Almaty/Astana, the Project Associate will provide support to administration and execution of variety operational activities of the Common Premises team in the Almaty/Astana.   Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of key functions:

Management of the CO directly implemented projects’ administration and finance, implementing activities by mobilizing goods and services, in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations and relevant national regulations where appropriate;   Support to programme operations (finance, asset management, administration, HR) in line with UNDP corporate rule, regulation and policies; Support partnership activities at project level;   Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing, guidance to all stakeholders on programme management and operational matters   Implementation of annual work plan of the CPC and UNDP corporate operational strategies;  Provision and coordination of effective and efficient support services to UN Agencies in Almaty   Coordination of the Registry functions;

Ensure effective administration of budgets and monitoring of expenditure focusing on the achievements of the following results:

Ensure compliance with the UNDP and government rules and procedures on accounting and finance related issues; Assist in the preparation of annual project workplans and related sub-plans (finance, procurement plan, quarterly plans if required, and others as necessary);   Assist in the preparation of annual/semi-annual progress reports and terminal reports;   Continuously monitor expenditure and progress against the approved work-plans, provide delivery reports quarterly, semiannually and annually, and propose necessary solutions/actions to CP Manager andCPC, OMT;   Maintain financial records to record and reconcile expenditures, balances, statements and other data;   Assist in procurement of goods, services and works, by preparing technical specifications, applying relevant methods of procurement, and compiling relevant documentations;  Assist in organizing workshops, trainings, and conferences by preparing budget estimations and logistics. Support finance, asset, procurement and HR management and focusing on the achievement of the following results: Implement effective internal controls, undertake the duties assigned as per Quantum profile;  Monitors project financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions and investigates anomalies;  Maintain filing and archiving of project documents and submit the archived documents to the respective authorities on a timely basis;   Maintain property ledger, asset records and conduct inventory and asset checks as per requirements;   Provide the required assistance with designing of personnel documents such as requests for recruitment, contract extension requests, etc.   Monitoring of dashboards and exceptions, identification of remedial actions;   Assist in project audits;

Support partnerships activities at project level

Be familiar with the activities of other development projects in the sector/area, establish contact and keep up-to date with their work;   Create and maintain partnerships with local institutions, private sector in project target areas;

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing, guidance to all stakeholders on financial matters focusing on the achievement of the following results:
 

Regular exchange of information/experience with other projects, cross-learning and sharing results and good practices;   Capture lessons learnt during project implementation – a lessons learnt log can be used in this regard;   Participation in regular internal meetings (Common Premises Committee)CPC, Operations Management Team (OMT) and United Nations Country Team ( UNCT),   Participation in training events, communities of practice, codifying and sharing knowledge;   Facilitation and organisation of training for project staff to enable them to perform at the required level

Supports implementation of annual work plans and operational strategies, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Support to implementation of the work plan within the time limits proposed and as approved by UN Agencies.  Full compliance of common premises activities with UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies.   Provision of inputs to business processes mapping and elaboration of the internal standard operating procedures (SOPs).   Elaboration of proposals and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies in consultations with the Common Premises Manager.  Support to implementation of the greening strategies approved by UN Agencies

Ensures effective and efficient provision of support services, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Coordination and supervision of events management, insurance, space management, procurement of supplies.   Presentation of thoroughly researched information for planning of financial resources for common premises services   Support with protocol matters, coordination with local authority on space and other administrative 3 matters.   Supervision of cleaning services.   Maintenance of effective relationships with service providers.

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

Secondary education is required.  University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Business or Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Economics or related fields will be given due consideration. but it is not a requirement. Experience: A minimum of 6 years (with secondary education ) or a minimum 3 years (with bachelor’s degree ) of relevant experience in accounting, finance, operations, administration or audit services at the national and/or international level 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. 
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.

This vacancy is archived.

Recommended for you