Project/Administrative Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address the challenges of development, governance, and crisis recovery. The organization is committed to supporting countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering resilience in the face of crises. UNDP has a significant presence in Syria, focusing on recovery, resilience, and sustainable development in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Job Overview:
The Project/Administrative Assistant will play a crucial role in the Senior Management Unit of UNDP Syria, facilitating the day-to-day operations of senior management. This position requires close collaboration with the Programme Analyst, UNDP Resident Representative, and Deputy Resident Representative. The Assistant will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the UNDP Engagement Facility Project, which aims to address the immediate and mid-term needs of Syria's transition period. Key functions include drafting official correspondence, synthesizing information, and providing administrative support to ensure effective project planning and implementation. The role demands a proactive approach to managing communications and logistics, ensuring that senior management can focus on strategic priorities while maintaining operational efficiency.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project/Administrative Assistant include:

• Supporting effective project planning and implementation by compiling and summarizing information for project work plans, drafting budgets and proposals, and ensuring compliance with project documents.
• Providing administrative and logistical support for project delivery, including organizing events, managing procurement and finance-related activities, and coordinating field visits.
• Assisting senior management with day-to-day coordination of activities, meetings, and missions, including drafting official letters and maintaining communication with government entities.
• Managing the Senior Management Team's calendars, arranging appointments, and providing translation services as needed.
• Supporting knowledge management by maintaining organized internal documents, engaging with other units for information sharing, and preparing for meetings and workshops.
• Performing other duties as required to ensure the efficient functioning of the office and organization.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Project/Administrative Assistant position include:

• Secondary education is required; a University Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred. A Master's degree in a relevant field is an asset.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience with secondary education or 2 years with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in administration, operations, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of IT software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and web-based management systems.
• Practical experience in project management and supporting high-level management in administration and logistics.
• Familiarity with UN/UNDP operations and procurement processes is desirable, along with experience liaising with government counterparts.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of secondary education. However, candidates with a University Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field will be given preference. A Master's degree in business administration, communication, or public administration is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience if they possess secondary education, or 2 years if they hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Experience should be in administration, operations, or a related field at both national and international levels, particularly within large organizations. Proven experience in supporting senior management and knowledge of project management are essential for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and English, both written and spoken, is required for this position. This bilingual proficiency is crucial for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders, particularly in drafting correspondence and facilitating meetings.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Damascus, Syria, and is part of the UNDP's efforts to support the country's recovery and development. The organization encourages female candidates to apply, promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace. UNDP is committed to equal opportunity employment, ensuring that all candidates are evaluated based on merit and suitability for the role. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind and conducts thorough checks on selected candidates. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions in the future. Importantly, UNDP does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.