Project Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) serves as the development arm of the United Nations, established in 196

• It operates in 170 countries and has a mission to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and combat climate change. UNDP collaborates with a wide network of experts and partners to provide strategic support in various areas including crisis prevention, governance, and sustainable development. In Sri Lanka, UNDP has been a key partner to the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) for over five decades, focusing on building institutional capacities to address climate change and disaster risks.

Job Overview:
The Project Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the day-to-day administrative, financial, and procurement-related activities of the BTR-FNC project, which aims to enhance Sri Lanka's capacity to address climate change. This position requires close collaboration with the National Project Coordinator and the Climate and Environment Team (CET) of UNDP. The Project Assistant will be responsible for ensuring that project activities are implemented in accordance with UNDP and GoSL guidelines, contributing to the overall success of the project by facilitating effective communication and coordination among stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Assistant's duties will include providing administrative support to the Project Director and technical team, assisting in the planning and delivery of project implementation, maintaining communication with relevant government institutions, and ensuring timely execution of project logistics. Additionally, the assistant will prepare and update project work plans, budgets, and reports, organize meetings and training sessions, and support finance management activities including payment preparation and procurement processes. The role also involves maintaining a forward schedule of deadlines and assisting with travel logistics for the project team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Proficiency in project management tools and software is essential, along with a solid understanding of financial management and procurement processes. The ideal candidate should possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and be able to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business administration, environmental science, or public administration is required. Additional certifications in project management or finance would be advantageous and demonstrate a commitment to professional development in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2-3 years of relevant work experience in project administration, finance, or procurement, preferably within an international organization or development context. Experience working with government institutions and understanding of UNDP processes will be considered a strong asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Sinhala or Tamil would be considered an advantage, as it would facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance project implementation.

Additional Notes:
This position is a volunteer assignment under the UN Volunteer Special Programme Initiative (SPI) in Sri Lanka. Candidates will be subject to background checks and must comply with the United Nations Department for Safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (UNDSS) requirements. The role is full-time and may involve travel within Sri Lanka as required by project activities.