Project Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, established to advocate for change and connect countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build better lives. UNDP operates in 170 countries and territories, working closely with national counterparts to address global and national development challenges. The organization is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture, encouraging individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities to apply. UNDP has a long-term partnership with the Maldives, providing technical assistance and advisory services to the government in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UNDP Maldives office focuses on integrated governance, climate actions, and SDG finance, with a commitment to eradicating inequality and poverty while building resilience to crises. The current Country Programme cycle runs from 2022 to 2026, with a new programme being formulated for 2027 to 2031, in consultation with various stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Project Associate position at UNDP Maldives is designed for individuals with strong administrative and execution capabilities. The role involves providing comprehensive administrative, planning, and implementation support to the Resilience and Climate Change portfolio. The Project Associate is expected to ensure high quality, accuracy, and consistency in executing procurement, recruitment, financial, and other administrative tasks essential for the timely implementation of project outputs and activities. The incumbent will adopt a client-oriented approach in line with UNDP policies and will collaborate closely with various teams within the UNDP Country Office, as well as liaising with the UNDP Regional Bureau and HQ to ensure consistent service delivery. This role is pivotal in supporting the effective design, planning, and implementation of projects aimed at achieving significant results in the context of climate change and resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Associate will be responsible for a variety of key functions, including:

• Supporting effective project design, planning, and implementation by assisting in data collection, basic research, and analysis for new project development. This includes compiling information for project documents, drafting budgets, and ensuring compliance with UNDP policies.
• Providing administrative support for project implementation, including organizing project events, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with project management processes.
• Assisting in financial and procurement management by tracking financial transactions, preparing procurement plans, and ensuring compliance with UNDP procurement policies.
• Supporting project monitoring, evaluation, and reporting by preparing monitoring plans, collecting project data, and identifying gaps in implementation.
• Facilitating partnerships and resource mobilization by maintaining communication with stakeholders and ensuring visibility of project activities.
• Contributing to knowledge building and sharing by participating in training and organizing briefings for project staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of secondary education, with a university degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Project Management, or a related field being advantageous. A minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible administrative or project experience is required for those with a high school diploma, while candidates with a bachelor’s degree need at least 3 years of relevant experience. Familiarity with UNDP and/or Government of Maldives administrative and procurement rules is preferred, along with experience in administration or programme support services. Proficiency in using office software packages and web-based management systems is essential, as is experience in preparing financial reports and knowledge of monitoring and evaluation tools.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for the Project Associate position include secondary education as a minimum. However, candidates with a university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Public Administration, or Project Management will be given preference. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of project management and administrative processes within the UNDP framework.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible administrative or project experience for those with a high school diploma. For candidates with a bachelor’s degree, at least 3 years of relevant experience is necessary. This experience should ideally include familiarity with UNDP operations, administrative procedures, and project management processes, as well as experience in working with stakeholders and preparing financial reports.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Dhivehi is mandatory, as Dhivehi is the national language of the Maldives. Additionally, a working knowledge of another UN language is desirable, which would enhance communication and collaboration within the international context of UNDP operations.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working with various stakeholders, including government institutions, NGOs, and academic institutions. UNDP values diversity and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, ensuring that employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level.