Small Grants Associate (NPSA6)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a prominent UN agency established to assist countries in eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, and building resilience. Operating in approximately 170 countries and territories, UNDP focuses on helping nations achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Ukraine, UNDP has prioritized three main areas: Democratic Governance and Inclusive Social Fabric, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Recovery and Growth, and Sustainable Environment and Energy Transformation. Since the onset of hostilities in 2014 and the full-scale invasion in 2022, UNDP has maintained a strong presence in Ukraine, providing support to regional and local authorities as well as civil society partners in their emergency response and crisis management efforts. The organization has developed a Country Programme Document for 2025-2029, which emphasizes the Area-Based Recovery (ABR) Framework, focusing on community recovery and creating conditions for a return to a development pathway. This framework aims to empower all sectors of society, including government, local authorities, the private sector, and citizens, to effectively respond to the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict. UNDP's approach is characterized by an integrated, participatory, and inclusive methodology that seeks to advance recovery in communities most affected by the war.

Job Overview:
The Small Grants Associate will play a crucial role in supporting UNDP's partnerships with community-based organizations and civil society to achieve a whole-of-society approach. This position involves assisting in the development, implementation, and monitoring of grants programs, ensuring compliance with grant application processes, and maintaining accurate records and documentation. The Grants Associate will also facilitate communication and cooperation between the project, donors, and key stakeholders, while supporting the organization of capacity development activities and project events. Additionally, the role includes contributing to knowledge sharing and capacity building within the project and promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in all aspects of the work. The incumbent will work under the guidance of the Local Governance and Public Financing Specialist and the Small Grants Officer, ensuring efficient management and oversight of the grant-making process.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of grants programs, ensuring all related records, reports, and documentation are maintained accurately. This includes reviewing grant applications for completeness and compliance, tracking applications, and managing timelines and deliverables. Process and send final grant agreements and amendments, while keeping the project team informed of progress. Monitor grantee performance to ensure project targets are met and funds are used appropriately by reviewing programmatic and financial reports and conducting site visits.
• Facilitate cooperation between the project, donors, and key stakeholders by developing and maintaining knowledge of current and potential partners. Support the organization and coordination of capacity development activities, meetings, training sessions, and conferences, both online and offline. Maintain an events calendar, prepare agendas and materials, engage participants, and document results.
• Participate in training sessions on internal procedures for project staff and support the dissemination of relevant data and lessons learned. Stay informed about emerging best practices related to the project and contribute to knowledge networks.
• Promote gender equality and women's empowerment by ensuring the project reaches and benefits both women and men. Use gender-responsive communication principles and foster a team culture of gender equality and zero tolerance for misconduct.

Required Qualifications:
Minimum education requirements include Secondary Education or a university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Development Studies, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Law, Social Sciences, Communication, or other relevant areas. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree will be given preference. A minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience is required for those with Secondary Education, or 3 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree, in administration, finance, program/project support, or related fields. Experience in using office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) is essential. Desirable criteria include experience engaging with local stakeholders, grant management, and previous work with UNDP or other UN agencies, governmental, multilateral, or civil society organizations. Knowledge of UNDP enterprise resource planning software for finance and administration (Quantum) is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a Secondary Education, with a preference for those holding a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Development Studies, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Law, Social Sciences, or Communication. While a university degree is not mandatory, it is highly regarded and may enhance the candidate's application.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience for candidates with Secondary Education or 3 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Relevant experience should be in administration, finance, program/project support, or other related fields. Candidates should also have experience in using office software packages and engaging with local stakeholders, particularly in grant management and community development.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is a national role based in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, and is expected to be full-time. UNDP is committed to equal opportunity employment and values diversity, encouraging qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and ensures a safe and inclusive workplace. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions. Candidates are advised to read UNDP’s guidance on using AI responsibly in recruitment and selection processes.