UNODC Project Assistant

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.

Job ID/Title :UNODC Project Assistant
Application Deadline :  11-Nov-11
Duration of Initial Contract :  1 year
Expected Duration of Assignment :4 years

Background:
The Project Assistant will be based at the UNODC Programme Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory in East Jerusalem, which falls under the management of the UNODC Regional Office for Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA) in Egypt. Within the Regional Programme on Drug Control, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Reform in the Arab States 2011-2015, UNODC will prepare and implement an Integrated Cooperation Programme for the occupied Palestinian Territory. The Integrated Cooperation Programme will remain an integrated part of the Regional Programme to be managed by ROMENA.
The Project Assistant will be reporting to the Senior Project Manager.  The Project Assistant will act as the assistant for the UNODC-oPT project ‘Forensic Human Resources and Governance Development Assistance for the Palestinian Authority’, providing administrative support for the development and implementation of the Project.
The Project Assistant will work frequently with UNODC staff at various levels, staff of other entities of the UN system in East Jerusalem, the occupied Palestinian Territory and in the region, government officials, universities, forensics authorities, representatives of donor countries, and national and international institutions (IGOs, NGOs) to ensure timely and successful implementation of the project.
 
Description of Responsibilities:
Summary of key functions:
-Assist Project Officers in activities related to the management, implementation and monitoring of the project.
-Provide assistance in reviewing and revising the project budget.
-Coordinate with other UNODC entities and project participants.

1-Assist Project Officers in activities related to the management, implementation and monitoring of the project.
-Assist in preparation of work plans, reports (bi-annual and annual), background documents, mid-term and final evaluations;
-Assist in the organization and implementation of training courses, fellowships, study tours, official meetings and other project-related activities;
-Assist in compilation of required reports;
-Translate and interpret when necessary;
-Maintain, log, file and update records in prescribed format for subsequent use.

2-Provide assistance in reviewing and revising the project budget.
-Monitor and control the project budgets;
-Assist in the procurement of equipment and materials required for the refurbishment of the temporary laboratory facility;
-Maintain, log, file and update records in prescribed format for subsequent use.

3-Coordinate with other UNODC entities and project participants. 
-Liaise with the UNODC ROMENA Office and UNODC HQ sections and units on administrative, financial and other issues related to project activities.
-Provide logistics and administrative support to participants of different project activities and events, including fellowships, study tours and scholarships;
-Assist in organization and logistics support of expert/ project staff missions as required.
 

The key results have an impact on the execution of the UNODC-oPT project ‘Forensic Human Resources and Governance Development Assistance for the Palestinian Authority’ in terms of efficient project administration; effective and timely liaison with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally; and efficient use of resources.  Successful implementation of the project enhances UNODC’s ability to work effectively with the Palestinian National Authority in the occupied Palestinian Territory.
 
 
Competencies :
Professionalism:
- Ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues;
-Shows pride in work and in achievements;
-Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
-Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
-Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
-Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
-Remains calm in stressful situations;
-Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication:
-Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively, including ability to prepare reports and conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues.

Teamwork: 
-Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Good Interpersonal Skills:
-Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance.

Planning & Organizing:
-Ability to establish priorities and to plan, manage and monitor work/project plans, prioritize competing demands and work to tight deadlines.

Accountability:
-Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Creativity:
-Actively seeks to improve projects or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Client Orientation:
-Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with clients and to gain their trust and respect. Demonstrated tact in assisting governments in identifying shortfalls in forensic services and addressing them.

Commitment to Continuous Learning:
-Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Technological Awareness:
-Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, graphics software and spreadsheets. 
 
 
Qualifications :
Education:
-High School Diploma
-Certification/diploma or other supplemental academic qualifications or training in Administrative/Financial Management is highly desirable.

Experience:
-At least 3 years of progressively responsible clerical or administrative work, of which at least 2 years were closely related to support of budget and financial elements of project/programme implementation;
-Professional experience and work practices of the various international as well as national institutions concerned with drug control and/or crime prevention will be an asset;
-Experience with UN or other international organizations and knowledge of UN policies and procedures will be an asset.
-Driver’s license required;
 

Language Requirements:
-Fluency in English and Arabic, including good drafting ability, will be essential.

UNDP actively supports the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted by the United Nations General Assembly


Important message to all applicants!
-Please be aware that the UNDP/PAPP will review your application only if you have uploaded Personal History Form (P.11) to your application. Please download the form from the following link: http://jobs.undp.ps.
-You will get the opportunity to upload the P-11 at when you apply for the position.
-Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only applications that are under consideration will be contacted.
UNDP/PAPP is an equal opportunity employer-
Applications from men and women will be considered equally