Background
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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.
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in 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 or follow at @UNDP
UNDP in Cyprus works to support the ongoing peace and confidence building process between the communities of Cyprus. Since 2001, the UNDP programme in Cyprus has been delivering mainly EU funded interventions, to support Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, encouraging dialogue and cooperation, and supporting the development of environmental, economic and social infrastructure on the island.
As such UNDP in Cyprus provides a diverse package of programmatic services to a range of partners which contribute to building a conducive environment for the peace process. In particular, the implementation of confidence building measures contributes to the building of trust between the two communities while demonstrating to the public at large that the communities can work together on critical issues that are of importance to all inhabitants of Cyprus across three focus areas:
Empowering communities to protect cultural heritage Strengthening inter-communal mechanisms Improving environmental, social and economic infrastructureDuties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Project Analyst and in collaboration with the Co- Chairs of the Technical Committee on Environment, the Project Assistant will carry out the following tasks;
I. Support in the coordination, implementation and drafting of project activities
Assist in the coordination, and implementation of selected activities/components within different projects Provide comprehensive support to projects’ monitoring and evaluation activities, assist in data collection, and keep updated relevant databases, contact lists, etc. Assist in the preparation of regular updates and reports on projects’ progress, implementing issues, emerging risks/problems, and proposals for necessary remedial actions Participate in various project activities (meetings, round tables, conferences, other public activities) as requested by the supervisor Ensure full compliance of activities with UNDP rules/regulations, and policies/procedures. Offer extensive support in managing all facets of contract administration with project related service providers, ensuring timely payment processing, and overseeing administrative aspects of their contracts. Efficiently digitize project documents and file all received documents under the designated name. Support the design and implementation of island-wide environmental proposals by collaborating with Technical Committee members, coordinating stakeholder consultations, ensuring alignment with UNDP policies, and maintaining key stakeholder databases. Support the management of content for the TCE website Support the organization and implementation of Environmental Assessment Visits with the participation of key experts, including organizing meetings with the Technical Committee to present observations/findings from site visits, and assisting in the identification and recommendation of \"priority areas\" for the development of environmental proposals. Any other relevant task that may help in implementation of Support Facility to Technical Committees projects and activities.II. Provide administrative and logistical support to ensure projects’ results:
Support in the organization and coordination of meetings, training sessions, workshops, conferences, and project events, as well as prepare reports and meeting minutes as required Assist in managing project finances, and processing invoices for project related goods and services Assist in preparing project budget and maintaining necessary budgetary controls and records Assist in the procurement proceses, including preparing tender and small‑procurement documentation and supporting all administrative steps such as vendor creation, e‑requisitions, and related processes under the guidance of the Procurement Analyst. Assist in drafting terms of references for consultants and contractors as required, and provide support to the recruitment of short-term consultants in line with UNDP rules and regulations Assist the project teams, experts, and consultants with travel and logistics matters Coordinate and organize trainings, field visits, missions, and conferences as neededIII. Support knowledge building, knowledge sharing and capacity building relevant to the assigned project.
Participate in training and organize briefings on internal procedures for the project staff. Provide support to other capacity building activities, including to the design and delivery of tools, materials for workshops, or platforms that tap into the collective intelligence of communities and mobilize action. Provide support in the dissemination and sharing of relevant data and lessons learned. Keep pulse on emerging best practices nationally, regionally, and internationally that relate to the work of the assigned project.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
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies Thematic Area Name Definition Business Management 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. Administration & Operations Documents and records management Overall document (hard or electronic) management; registry and retention policy including storing and archiving. Administration & Operations Events management (including retreats, trainings and meetings) Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc. Finance Budget management Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets Procurement Contract management Knowledge of contract management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situationsRequired Skills and Experience
Education:
Secondary education is required. University degree (Bachelor’s Level Degree) in an Environmental discipline including Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Ecology or equivalent will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.Experience:
Minimum five (5) years (with secondary education) or two (2) years (with bachelor’s degree) of working experience in the field of Programme/ project support or other related fields.Required Skills:
Proficiency in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.)Desired skills:
Experience in project monitoring, events management and organization, PR & Communication, project proposal preparation. Experience in projects related with environmental topics in Cyprus. Experience working in bi-communal projects. Experience of working with UN or any other international organisation on project implementation. Knowledge of UNDP rules and regulations context.Required Languages:
Fluency in English and Greek is required.Other:
Nationals or permanent residents in Cyprus are eligible. Valid driving license is required for the use of office cars for the official purposes Women candidates are encouraged to apply.Equal 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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