UNDP Project Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a prominent organization within the United Nations system, dedicated to sustainable development. Established to serve as the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development, UNDP plays a crucial role in integrating collective action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a presence in 170 countries, UNDP collaborates with a vast network of experts and partners to combat poverty, inequality, and climate change. The organization operates through various multi-country offices, including the Fiji multi-country office, which covers ten Pacific nations, including Palau. This office was established in October 2021 and aims to implement the UNDP multi-country programme document (MCPD, 2023-2027) in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF, 2023–27). UNDP's strategic priorities focus on three main outcome areas: Planet, Prosperity, and Peace, and the organization is committed to supporting the Pacific Island Countries in achieving these goals through a comprehensive portfolio of initiatives.

Job Overview:
The UNDP Project Associate position is integral to the effective coordination and administrative support of development initiatives in Palau. As the UNDP Palau portfolio expands, the Project Associate will play a vital role in ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of projects. This position involves providing administrative and coordination support to the National Coordinator and the programme team, contributing to effective programme delivery. The Project Associate will assist in monitoring and reporting processes, maintain project documentation, and support communication and visibility activities. This role is designed to enhance the efficiency, accountability, and visibility of UNDP's development efforts in Palau, while also offering the opportunity for the volunteer to gain practical experience in sustainable development initiatives within a United Nations context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Associate will be responsible for a variety of administrative and operational tasks to support programme implementation. Key duties include: providing day-to-day administrative support, facilitating the organization of advocacy events and workshops, maintaining and updating project information for the website and databases, drafting routine correspondence, establishing and maintaining filing systems, procuring office supplies and equipment, assisting in project proposal evaluations, preparing and maintaining financial records, tracking the Country Operating Budget, processing payment requests, managing the Petty Cash account, monitoring activity implementation, compiling inputs for reporting processes, supporting communication with stakeholders, and contributing to knowledge management and visibility efforts for UNDP programmes in Palau. The role requires a proactive approach to ensure effective implementation of programme activities and may involve field visits to project sites.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Project Associate position should possess strong organizational and administrative skills, with a keen attention to detail. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is essential, along with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary for drafting correspondence and engaging with stakeholders. The ideal candidate should demonstrate adaptability, creativity, and professionalism in their work. A commitment to the values of accountability and self-management is also important for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business administration, social sciences, or international development is required for the Project Associate position. Additional certifications or training in project management or administration would be advantageous and enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 1-2 years of relevant experience in administrative support, project coordination, or a related field. Experience working in an international organization or within the United Nations system is highly desirable. Familiarity with development initiatives and understanding of sustainable development goals will be beneficial for the candidate's effectiveness in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the Project Associate position, as it is the working language of UNDP. Knowledge of local languages or dialects spoken in Palau would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The Project Associate position is a local volunteer role based in Koror, the capital city of Palau. Candidates are expected to be familiar with the local environment, culture, and infrastructure. The office is accessible by public and private transport, and essential utilities are generally reliable. Local medical facilities, banking services, and food markets are available within the city. Volunteers are expected to adhere to local customs, including conservative dress codes in professional settings. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service can be found on the UNV website.