Project Assistant for Economic Empowerment of Women

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and communities to create solutions that improve the lives of people. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, sustainable development, and resilience to crises and shocks. UNDP is committed to gender equality and women's empowerment, recognizing that these are essential for achieving sustainable development and inclusive growth. The organization has a strong presence in the Western Balkans, where it addresses gender-based inequalities and promotes women's economic empowerment as part of its broader mission to support social and economic development in the region.

Job Overview:
The Project Assistant for Economic Empowerment of Women will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of projects aimed at enhancing women's economic participation and empowerment in Montenegro. This position involves providing administrative, logistical, and financial support to ensure the successful execution of project activities. The incumbent will work closely with the Project Analyst for Economic Empowerment of Women and the Team Leader of the Gender Equality Portfolio, contributing to the overall goals of the UNDP Country Programme for Montenegro (2023-2027). The role requires a proactive approach to managing project documentation, facilitating communication among stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with UNDP policies and procedures. The Project Assistant will also assist in monitoring and evaluation efforts, helping to track progress and report on project outcomes. This position is vital for fostering an inclusive environment that promotes gender equality and women's empowerment in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting the implementation of day-to-day project activities by drafting correspondence and reports, maintaining project documentation, and assisting in monitoring and evaluation processes.
• Providing administrative and logistical assistance, including organizing project events, managing travel arrangements, and ensuring effective communication with the Operations Unit regarding procurement and human resources.
• Performing regular financial duties, such as processing transactions in the Quantum system, tracking budget expenditures, and preparing financial reports.
• Assisting in the recruitment of experts and procurement of goods and services, ensuring compliance with UNDP procurement policies.
• Maintaining a comprehensive filing system for project documentation and ensuring that all records are readily accessible for reporting and evaluation purposes.
• Collaborating with project teams to support the preparation of progress reports and facilitate communication with donors and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of secondary education, with a university degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Management, or a related field being advantageous. The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in administrative and financial roles, or 2 years if they hold a bachelor's degree. Proficiency in using office software packages, particularly MS Word and Excel, is essential, along with advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database management. Previous experience in project administration, finance, and working with international organizations is highly desirable. Familiarity with web-based management systems and logistics for event organization will also be beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include secondary education as a minimum. A university degree (Bachelor's degree) in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Economics, or Management will be considered an asset but is not mandatory. Candidates with relevant experience may be prioritized, especially those who have demonstrated their capabilities in administrative and financial roles within similar contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in administrative and financial administration roles for candidates with secondary education. For those with a bachelor's degree, a minimum of 2 years of experience is required. Candidates should have a proven track record of effectively managing project-related tasks, including financial reporting, documentation, and logistical support. Experience in project monitoring and evaluation, as well as familiarity with international organizations, will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Montenegrin is required for this position. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages, as the role involves drafting reports, correspondence, and providing translation services when necessary. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered a plus but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The Project Assistant position is based in Podgorica, Montenegro, and is part of the UNDP Gender Equality Portfolio. The role is full-time, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their background, as UNDP values diversity and inclusivity in its workforce. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities during the recruitment process and throughout employment. UNDP does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply.