Project Associate

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Project Associate
Location: Sarajevo
Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network that advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission. UNDP is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and encourages applications from marginalized and underserved populations. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination, and all selected candidates undergo rigorous background checks.

Job Overview:
The Project Associate will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the 'Strengthening the Role of Local Communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) - Phase 2' project. This project, a collaboration between the Governments of Switzerland and Sweden and UNDP, aims to enhance the quality of life for citizens in BiH by empowering local communities and facilitating active citizen engagement in public life. The Project Associate will be responsible for providing technical, administrative, and logistical support to ensure the smooth execution of project activities. This includes assisting in planning and organizing project events, monitoring project indicators, and maintaining project documentation. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to gender-responsive practices in community development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Associate will have several key responsibilities, including:

• Providing overall technical, administrative, and logistical support to project activities, including planning, organizing, and executing project events.
• Assisting the Project Manager and Project Officers in implementing technical and operational activities, ensuring high-quality outputs.
• Collecting and collating information related to project monitoring, indicators, and deliverables.
• Organizing seminars, training activities, workshops, and site visits for stakeholders.
• Supporting the Project Manager in preparing procurement plans and maintaining project files for payments.
• Creating requisitions in the online management system and preparing invoices.
• Maintaining the internal expenditures control system and ensuring timely corrective actions on unposted invoices.
• Assisting in recruitment and overall program and operational administrative management.
• Supporting periodic financial reporting to UNDP and other parties. 1
• Monitoring expenditures against the project budget and providing finance-related data to support project implementation. 1
• Facilitating compliance with UNDP rules and regulations in project business processes. 1
• Supporting the effective mainstreaming of gender equality in project implementation and ensuring that all collected data is gender and age disaggregated.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a secondary education as a minimum. A university degree in Economics, Public Administration, Law, Political Science, Social Science, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory. Candidates should possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment. Proficiency in using online management systems and financial reporting tools is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and inclusion in their work.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have at least a secondary education. A university degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Public Administration, Law, Political Science, or Social Science will be considered an advantage but is not a strict requirement.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of relevant administrative and/or project support work experience if they possess a secondary education. If they hold a bachelor's degree, a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience is required. Experience in project management, financial reporting, and administrative support is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in the local language (Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian) is highly desirable. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is a full-time role. The Project Associate will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and will be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including local governments and community organizations. The role may involve occasional travel within the country to support project activities. UNDP offers a competitive compensation package, including benefits such as health insurance and opportunities for professional development.