Project Associate

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP in Cyprus works to support the ongoing peace and confidence building process between the communities of Cyprus. Since 2001, the UNDP programme in Cyprus has been delivering mainly EU funded interventions, to support Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, encouraging dialogue and cooperation, and supporting the development of environmental, economic and social infrastructure on the island.

As such UNDP in Cyprus provides a diverse package of programmatic services to a range of partners which contribute to building a conducive environment for the peace process. In particular, the implementation of confidence building measures contributes to the building of trust between the two communities while demonstrating to the public at large that the communities can work together on critical issues that are of importance to all inhabitants of Cyprus across three focus areas:

• Empowering communities to protect cultural heritage
• Strengthening inter-communal mechanisms
• Improving environmental, social and economic infrastructure

Under the general guidance and direct supervision of the Project Analyst, the Project Associate provides services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. The Project Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Project Associate works for the Cultural Heritage project in close collaboration with the operations, programme / projects’ staff in the office to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

Support in the coordination and implementation of designated project activities:

• Assist in the coordination, and implementation of selected activities/components within different projects
• Provide comprehensive support to projects’ monitoring and evaluation activities, assist in data collection, and keep updated relevant databases, contact lists, etc.
• Assist in the preparation of regular updates and reports on projects’ progress, implementing issues, emerging risks/problems, and proposals for necessary remedial actions
• Participate in various project activities (meetings, round tables, conferences, other public activities) as requested by the supervisor
• Assist in the organization of online and offline events of the projects, and other communication activities
• Ensure full compliance of activities with UNDP rules/regulations, and policies/procedures.
• Compile and summarize information and data for the formulation of Terms of Reference documents for design contracts. Oversee and assess conservation designs executed by contracted designers for selected cultural heritage sites.
• Offer extensive support in managing all facets of contract administration for design service providers, ensuring timely payment processing, and overseeing administrative aspects of their contracts.
• Efficiently digitize and file all received documents under the designated name of the monument/site, including organizing and digitally storing tender documents and design contract files.

Support in the coordination and implementation of designated project activities:

• Assist in the coordination, and implementation of selected activities/components within different projects
• Provide comprehensive support to projects’ monitoring and evaluation activities, assist in data collection, and keep updated relevant databases, contact lists, etc.
• Assist in the preparation of regular updates and reports on projects’ progress, implementing issues, emerging risks/problems, and proposals for necessary remedial actions
• Participate in various project activities (meetings, round tables, conferences, other public activities) as requested by the supervisor
• Assist in the organization of online and offline events of the projects, and other communication activities
• Ensure full compliance of activities with UNDP rules/regulations, and policies/procedures.
• Compile and summarize information and data for the formulation of Terms of Reference documents for design contracts. Oversee and assess conservation designs executed by contracted designers for selected cultural heritage sites.
• Offer extensive support in managing all facets of contract administration for design service providers, ensuring timely payment processing, and overseeing administrative aspects of their contracts.
• Efficiently digitize and file all received documents under the designated name of the monument/site, including organizing and digitally storing tender documents and design contract files.

Support in networking/communicating with partners and beneficiaries:

• Assist in maintaining cooperation and communication with projects’ partners and beneficiaries on the implementation of the agreed activities, especially for the events, trainings, and workshops that will be conducted
• Maintain the contact database related to partners and beneficiaries, assist in sharing information, and following up on partnership related issues as assigned by the supervisor
• Prepare official correspondences for national and international partners.

Support knowledge building, knowledge sharing and capacity building relevant to the assigned project.

• Participate in training and organize briefings on internal procedures for the project staff. Provide support to other capacity building activities, including to the design and delivery of tools, materials for workshops, or platforms that tap into the collective intelligence of communities and mobilize action.
• Provide support in the dissemination and sharing of relevant data and lessons learned within the CO and regionally. Keep pulse on emerging best practices nationally, regionally, and internationally that relate to the work of the assigned project.
• Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. Support compiling and systematizing project knowledge, products and tools as well as their wide distribution to partners.
  Participate actively in the digital team, take part in long-term strategy planning for Digital Heritage activities.
  

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area Name Definition Business Management Communication

• Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience; Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.

Administration & Operations Documents and records management

• Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skillfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed

Administration & Operations Events management (including retreats, trainings and meetings)

• Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc.

Finance Budget management

• Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets

Procurement Contract management

• Knowledge of contract management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education is required.
• University Degree (Bachelor´s degree) in Architecture and/or Structural/Civil Engineering, or equivalent field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

• Minimum six (6) years (with secondary education) or three (3) years (with bachelor’s degree) of working experience in the field of Programme/ project support or other related fields.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.)

Desired Skills:

• Experience in reviewing conservation studies for monuments and/or listed buildings.
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation tools
• Knowledge of project management processes
• Knowledge of procurement procedures of national / international organizations
• Experience of working with UN or any other international organisationn on conversation projects
• Experience in performing administrative tasks is desired
• Experience in organizing events (online and/or offline) is an advantage

Required Languages:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in Turkish and/or Greek is required.

Other:

• Nationals or permanent residents in Cyprus are eligible.
• Valid driving license is required for the use of office cars for the official purposes
• Women candidates are encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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