Project Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization dedicated to combating poverty, inequality, and climate change. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in 170 countries and territories, working with a diverse network of experts and partners to develop integrated solutions that benefit both people and the planet. The organization is committed to achieving workforce diversity and encourages individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities to apply. UNDP emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, ensuring that all selected candidates undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Job Overview:
The Project Assistant position at UNDP Mauritius Country Office involves supporting various projects under the Environment Unit. The successful candidates will be placed in a roster for a period of three years, allowing them to fill multiple positions as they become available. The role requires effective project planning and implementation, including compiling and summarizing information for project work plans, drafting budgets, and ensuring compliance with UNDP's operational policies. The Project Assistant will also play a crucial role in mainstreaming gender equality within project activities and will be responsible for providing administrative and logistical support to ensure successful project delivery. This includes organizing project events, maintaining records, and supporting partnerships and resource mobilization efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting project planning and implementation by compiling data and drafting work plans and budgets.
• Ensuring compliance with UNDP's Project Operational Policies and Procedures.
• Providing guidance to project staff on administrative requirements.
• Mainstreaming gender equality in project implementation, including data collection.
• Organizing project events and coordinating procurement procedures.
• Establishing and maintaining contacts with relevant stakeholders, including UN agencies and NGOs.
• Supporting the monitoring and evaluation of project implementation, including collecting and analyzing data.
• Assisting in organizing field visits, workshops, and conferences.
• Monitoring project expenditures and providing finance-related information. 1
• Participating in training and capacity-building activities for project staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of secondary education, with preference given to those holding a university degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of relevant administrative or project experience is required for candidates with a high school diploma, while those with a bachelor's degree must have at least 4 years of experience. Proficiency in computer applications, particularly office software packages and web-based management systems, is essential. Candidates should also have experience in preparing financial reports, knowledge of monitoring and evaluation tools, and familiarity with project management processes and procurement procedures.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes secondary education as a minimum, with a university degree in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Economics, or Engineering being highly regarded. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of project management and administrative functions within the UNDP framework.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible administrative or project experience for those with a high school diploma, or 4 years for those with a bachelor's degree. This experience should encompass various aspects of project management, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as administrative support and financial management.

Languages:
English is a mandatory language for this position, while proficiency in French and Mauritian Creole is considered desirable. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is essential for interacting with diverse stakeholders and ensuring successful project implementation.

Additional Notes:
The Project Assistant role is a full-time position with a contract duration of three years, during which candidates will be placed in a roster to fill multiple positions as they arise. UNDP values diversity and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and does not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination. Additionally, UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level.