Back Project Assistant (for Filipino Nationals only)

Consistent with its mandate to prioritize the acquisition, adoption, innovation, and application of science and technology for development and its pursuit of competence, excellence and service innovation as provided in both the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Revised Transition Plan 2019-2022 for the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the Bangsamoro Government, through the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), forged a partnership with UNDP that seeks to apply, where possible, the strategic framework and principles of the UNDP-supported Access to Information (a2i) program to the specific social, cultural and economic contexts of BARMM.

Known as the flagship programme of the Digital Bangladesh agenda by the Government of Bangladesh, a2i was selected given similar starting challenges in Bangladesh and BARMM of connectivity and local governance in remote, rural locations; shared social and cultural context; and, a2i’s recognized status as a leading global program that has dramatically improved citizens access to services and information, and expanded unprecedented opportunities for community participation at the local level.

This project titled “Localizing e-Government for Accelerated Provision of Services (LEAPS)” will build on the a2i experience towards the  transformation in local governance in BARMM by significantly accelerating connectivity in communities and opening up governance by enabling citizens to capitalize on the benefits of connectivity, such as through improved access to services and information, community enterprise development, assisted rural e-commerce, and skills development. The LEAPS Project is a way to overcome the dependencies on archaic, paper-based and manual processes within and among the local government units (LGUs). This program will also maximize the use of MILG’s limited manpower and resources to effectively and efficiently deliver and monitor frontline services.

The overarching outcome of the LEAPS Project is to ensure that “the most marginalized, vulnerable and at-risk people and groups benefit from inclusive and quality services and live in a supportive environment wherein their nutrition, food security, and health are ensured/protected”, its outputs are targeted as follows: a) strengthening of the MILG to provide people’s access to ICT and inclusive digital solutions; b) improvement of citizens ‘access to quality e-services reducing time and efforts of availing public services; c) LGUs are effectively and efficiently use disaggregated data for development and resilience planning, programming, budgeting and governance; and  d) citizens are organized and capacitated to monitor delivery of services and optimal use of ICT equipment and digital solutions. The initial phase of the LEAPS project is set to commence this year to kickstart its preparatory activities and set its foundations. Activities will focus on the MILG and the two pilot (2) LGUs in BARMM.

Under the overall guidance of the Project Manager, the Program Assistant is responsible for an effective financial and administrative support to the implementation of the project activities. He/she analyses, interprets and reports according to the Financial rules and Regulations and Project Operational Policies and Procedures.  The Program Assistant promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Project Assistant is also expected to work in close collaboration with the UNDP Finance and Procurement Teams and other relevant units in the UNDP CO, and with the MILG-Local Government Supervision Division and officials of other BARMM ministries.

• Ensuring strategic direction of Administrative matters of the Office.
• Provides support for effective administrative and financial control in the project.
• Supporting knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

• Provides effective administrative support to the implementation of the LEAPS Project.
• Ensures maintenance of the project records and filing systems and safekeeping of confidential materials.
• Ensures the provision of timely and quality administrative and logistical support to project activities;
• Ensures provision of logistical services such as arrangement of meetings workshops and other Project-related events, as well as day-to-day transportation and mission travel requirements; and,
• Undertakes any additional tasks as assigned by the direct supervisor.

• Analyzes and interpret the financial rules and regulations of both government and UNDP, and assist in providing solutions to issues related to finance, logistics and day-to-day office administrative activities, while, promoting a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented service;
• Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system including budget checks and timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers;
• Process documents for cash advance, liquidation, reimbursements in a timely manner, for submission to and approval of the Project Manager, UNDP I&P Team Leader, and UNDP Finance Officer;
• Preparation of non-PO vouchers for the project and payrolls for salaries and other benefits due to project staff;
• Creation of requisitions in Atlas for development projects, register of goods receipt in Atlas;
• Coordination with the UNDP Procurement Team in the procurement of supplies including requisition, request for quotation, costing for services, machinery, necessities, and any required materials for the project;
• Certifies expenditures for approval of payments and monitor/control budget expenditures and approved allotments; and,
• Coordinates and acts as focal point for issues relating to finance and administration.

• Organization/conduct of training for the projects staff on financial management;
• Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in administration and finance;
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice; and,
• Provide accurate, prompt and appropriate information and reports to the supervisor on administrative and matters of project.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, public administration, economics, social sciences, or related filed, preferably with specialization in finance, accounting, resource management, project management, etc.

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience. Previous working experience with a UN agency or government is an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required and in other applciations of programming, statistical analysis, design, and/or project management is desirable.

Language Requriements:

• Proficiency in spoken and written English and Filipino is required.
• Proficiency in spoken and written of local dialect is preferred.

Disclaimer

UNDP is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staffs and encourages. Further, UNDP is a United Nations organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity, and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. UNDP staff are expected to uphold these values at all times, both at work and outside.

UNDP has zero tolerance of harassment, discrimination, sexual abuse, abuse of authority and exploitation.

Job adverts (Please remember to mark local positions as “Open for Filipino Nationals Only”

To start the application process, applicants are required to register at http://jobs.undp.org by creating a personal profile and completing UNDP Personal History Form. Please note that UNDP only accepts degrees from accredited educational institutions. Only applications received throughhttp://jobs.undp.org will be considered and applications received after closing date will not be considered. Due to the large number of applications received for UNDP Philippines vacancies, only applicants short-listed for written test and interview will be contacted.

General Information

UNDP is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staffs and encourages applications from qualified candidates and persons with disabilities.

UNDP is a United Nations organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity, and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. UNDP staff are expected to uphold these values at all times, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNDP jobs.

UNDP has zero tolerance of sexual abuse, abuse of authority and exploitation.

 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.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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Contract Duration: 6 months