Background
The project titled \" Enhancement of National HIV Response with Focus on Target Beneficiary Groups in line with fifth National Strategic Plan 2020-2026” is funded by the Global Fund to support Iran’s response in controlling the growth of HIV/AIDS prevalence and incidence.
The key objectives of the project are:
By the end of March 2027, maintain HIV prevalence among PWIDs at less than 5% By the end of March 2027, maintain the HIV prevalence among people who are exposed to sexual transmission of HIV at less than 5% By the end of March 2027, decrease the AIDS mortality by 20%The United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) Iran country office as the Principal Recipient (PR) works with the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) and three Sub-Recipients (SRs) in implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the project. The SRs are: Center for Communicable Diseases Control of Ministry of Health and Medical Education (CDC), Welfare Organization (WO) and Iranian Prisons Organization (PO).
Under direct supervision of the focal point of Global Fund project in WO (National Project Director) and UNDP Programme Specialist, the Project Assistant supports implementation of the GF-supported project activities as reflected in the approved project work plan and ensure high quality of project performance and achievement of intended results.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Assistant will work under overall guidance of the Head of Office of Addiction Prevention and Treatment of WO (National Project Director ) and UNDP Project Manager and direct supervision of WO Project Focal Point.
Provide general administrative support to the project activities, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and minutes (in Farsi and English), managing correspondence and phone calls, organizing office documentation, and maintaining filing systems for both physical and digital records. Assist in the preparation and timely submission of project reports, financial and M&E reports, and progress updates by collecting, verifying, and entering data from service delivery points and project staff. Support coordination between Global Fund-supported activities and those outlined in the National Strategic Plan (NSP), including participating in relevant working groups or committees, and assisting in the preparation of alignment reports and updates for the supervisor. Assist in the planning, coordination, and logistical organization of trainings, workshops, conferences, field visits, and events, including booking venues, coordinating travel, preparing materials, welcoming participants and visitors, and handling follow-ups. Maintain the project calendar and ensure timely scheduling of key activities, staff trainings, monitoring visits, meetings, and usage of shared facilities. Support the supervisor in managing the distribution and inventory of procured items, ensuring accurate stock records, coordination with the national HIV program, and proper use and maintenance of equipment and supplies at service delivery points. Collaborate with the supervisor, UNDP, and SR departments to follow up on procurement processes, TOR development, selection of service providers, and ensure compliance with procurement and financial procedures. Assist in monitoring staff attendance, preparing monthly HR reports, following up on timesheets and salary payment approvals with UNDP HR and finance units, and supporting coordination with PR and other administrative staff. Act as a liaison between WO departments, UNDP (HR, finance, procurement, program), and implementing partners to ensure timely and efficient implementation of project activities in line with the approved work plan under supervision of HIV focal point in WO. Assist implementing partners in developing reports, while actively supporting monitoring of project and national indicators, and ensuring follow-up on recommendations from monitoring visits. Ensuring the accurate maintenance and organization of all project documents. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.Competencies
Core behavioral competencies
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
Business Direction & Strategy: System Thinking
Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.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: Communication
Ability to 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.Digital: Data literacy
Understand the potential as well as the limitations of using data driven innovation. Ability to use a mix of data sources (quantitative, qualitative or real-time techniques) to develop understanding, identify patterns to inform decision making or identify opportunities for further exploration.Partnership management: Relationship management
Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understandingFinance: Contributions management
Ability to receive, record, report and manage contributions received2030 Agenda: People: Health
Support to Global Fund and other Health ProgrammesRequired Skills and Experience
Education:
Secondary education is required OR First-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in Accounting and Finance, Business or Public Administration, Economics, Political Science, or other Social Sciences is not a requirement, but will be given a due considerationExperience:
Minimum of 5 years (with Secondary Education) of progressively responsible proven experience in administrative or programme support at the national or international level OR Minimum of 2 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible proven experience in administrative or programme support at the national or international level Proficiency in using computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.); knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages; experience in handling web-based management systems. Experience in working with Welfare Organization activities in the HIV, addiction or associated fields is desirable Experience with the operations of UN agencies or international organizations is desirable Experience with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) focused on Harm reduction or social welfare is desirableLanguage requirements:
Fluency in Farsi and English is requiredEqual opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
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.
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