National Project Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

In support of the realization of the ambitious Saudi Arabia and Middle East Green initiative under the Saudi Vision 2030, the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification (NCVC) has been tasked with combating desertification, rehabilitating forest vegetation cover, protecting local endangered plant species and managing national parks. This project is designed to support NCVC in increasing necessary institutional, technical, and technological capacities to realize its mandate more effectively and efficiently. The enhanced NCVC capacity will be achieved through transforming information technology and digital capabilities, establishing cooperation and strengthening its network internationally, and promoting forest conservation practices, and increasing environmental awareness to ensure the long-term sustainability of NCVC activities at the policy level and on the ground. The project will support the achievement of the ambitious Saudi Green Initiative by designing a model of a tree nursery and seed bank with a road map for establishing a large-scale nursery facility to meet the Kingdom’s afforestation goals, along with by aligning policy and standards of tree planting and creating a mechanism to coordinate the afforestation work among different actors. These objectives will be achieved through a whole-of-society approach, in close partnership with the private sector, academia, youth, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of the activities across the project lifecycle and beyond. This project will build upon the long-standing Standard Basic Framework Agreement (SBBA) which was agreed upon between the Kingdom and the UNDP in 1975.

The project expected outputs are: • Output 1: Strengthening international cooperation and network. • Output 2: Promoting conservation practices and strengthening environmental awareness via advocacy and outreach. • Output 3: Model tree nursery design and ecosystem conservation. • Output 4: Transformation of information technology and digital infrastructure. • Output 5: Strengthening institutional and technical capacity.

Under the direct supervision of the Digital Stream Project Manager the UN Volunteer will:

1. Project Management Support: • Assist the Project Manager in developing and updating project schedules, plans, and timelines. • Help in identifying project risks and issues, and contribute to the development of mitigation and resolution strategies. • Provide support in resource allocation and management, ensuring that project resources are used efficiently and effectively. • Assist in maintaining project management tools and systems, ensuring they provide accurate and real-time project information.
2. Administrative Support: • Assist in organizing and scheduling project meetings, workshops, and training sessions. • Manage project-related documentation, ensuring all necessary materials are up to date and properly filed. • Liaise with the operations team to facilitate the issuance, renewal, and management of visas and iqamas for international staff or consultants. • Ensure all necessary legal and operational requirements are met for international team members' travel and stay in compliance with local regulations.
3. Project Coordination: • Support the Project Manager in tracking project timelines, deliverables, and milestones. • Coordinate with different project team members to ensure seamless communication and workflow.
4. Reporting: • Assist in gathering, compiling, and analyzing project data. • Support in the preparation of project progress reports, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.

5. Stakeholder Engagement: • Facilitate communication with stakeholders by managing correspondences and queries. • Assist in the preparation of stakeholder meetings and compile minutes and action items from discussions.

6. Procurement and Logistics: • Support the procurement process by coordinating with consultants, and vendors and managing their documents. • Assist in the logistics planning for project activities, including travel arrangements and event organization. • Coordinate with the finance department to ensure timely and accurate payment processing for vendors and consultants. • Manage and track financial transactions related to project procurement to maintain transparency and accountability.

7. Quality Assurance and Compliance: • Assist in monitoring project activities to ensure compliance with organizational standards and environmental regulations. • Support the Project Manager in maintaining project management methodologies, standards, and tools.

8. Team Support: • Provide administrative and logistical support to the project team. • Contribute to team-building and learning activities to enhance team performance and knowledge.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Problem-solving and solution-oriented • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

1. Project Management and Coordination: Specialization in project management practices, including schedule planning, resource allocation, and the use of project management tools and systems.
2. Administrative Support: Expertise in administrative tasks related to organizing meetings, managing documentation, and ensuring compliance with legal and operational requirements for international staff.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Skills in communication and relationship management with project stakeholders, including managing correspondences, preparing for stakeholder meetings, and compiling minutes.
4. Team Support and Development: Abilities in providing administrative and logistical support to the project team, and contributing to team-building and learning activities.

National UN Specialist Volunteers in Saudi Arabia are entitled to:

• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) in the amount of USD 13,616.74
  • Entry Lumpsum USD 400
  • Annual and learning leaves; - Free Medical and life insurance; and - Free access to different learning platforms. For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service