Back Project Assistant

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.

Since 2014, The United Nations Development Program through its Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) Project, has been supporting the Philippine Government in articulating the financial resources it needs to maintain a healthy biodiversity portfolio in-country. In particular, BIOFIN in collaboration with Department of Natural Resources Biodiversity Management Bureau has conducted the following assessments:  1) Policy and Institutional Review (PIR); 2) Public and Private Biodiversity Expenditure Review (PPBER); 3) Assessment of financial needs (cost and gap analysis of implementing Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP)).  These assessments significantly contributed to the development of a Biodiversity Finance Plan. 

The PMU works closely in terms of project implementation with the Biodiversity Management Bureau. The Division Chief of the Biodiversity Planning and Knowledge Management Division and UNDP Climate Action Programme helps to oversee the day-to-day activities of the PMU and ensures that smooth coordination with the other Divisions

The Project Assistant will be responsible for providing back-office/administrative support to the Project Manager including: (1) facilitating procurement; (2) financial and administrative tracking of activities and expenses; (3) budget management; (4) monitoring and evaluation; (5) liaising with UNDP country office and global BIOFIN administrative team to facilitate financial reporting and compliance, and UNDP procurement and travel compliance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the over-all guidance of the Project Manager, the Project Assistant is expected to prepare annual and multi-year budgets, provide overall administrative and management support to project implementation, support M&E and provide technical support in the implementation of selected finance solutions. 

1.) Provide Management Support to Project Manager    

• Assist in project-related activities, including planning for meetings, local and national consultations, duty travel, and other project-related activities.
• Ensure all national and international travel is organised smoothly.
• Support with the Monitoring and Evaluation of the project at the national level, including workshop evaluations.
• Draft and ensure approval of minutes of meetings
• Prepare annual budget in close coordination with the project management team
• Assist in preparation and submission of quarterly reports to UNDP, BMB and FASPS-DENR. 
• Collaborate in the preparation of terms of references as needed 2.) Assist in implementing finance solutions     
  • Monitor consultant outputs, as needed
  • Facilitate and organize relevant meetings, workshops, focus group discussions, etc. 
  • Support the preparation, release, and tracking of documents necessary to implement the finance solutions 3.) Any other duties assigned by the National BIOFIN Leader that have direct relevance to the project.    
    • Contribute to implementation of project’s M&E and Communications Plan
    • Prepare minutes of all meetings 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:

      📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

      ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

      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  Thematic Area Name Definition 2030 Agenda: Planet Nature Ecosystems and biodiversity Administration & Operations  Events Management (including retreats, trainings, and meetings) Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc. Business Development Knowledge Generation Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations. Business Management Project Management  Ability to plan, organize, and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals Business Management Partnerships Management Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies    Required Skills and Experience   Education: Min. Education requirements

      • Secondary education is required.
      • University degree (bachelor’s degree) in Biology, Forestry, Public Administration, Administration, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or other related fields will be given due consideration, but is not a requirement.

        Experience:

        Required skills 
        • Minimum 5 years (with secondary education) or 2 years (with bachelor´s degree) of experience in project assistance. Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
          • At least 2 years’ experience in events and documentation organization.
          • At least 2 years’ relevant experience in biodiversity conservation, environment or natural resources related projects with government or NGOs. Required Language(s)  Fluency in English and Filipino is required. Professional Certificates None   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.