Project Assistant

Contract

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

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the development arm of the United Nations system, with offices in 180 countries. Globally, the organization employs 17,000 people and manages a budget of USD 5 billion each year. The UNDP office in Skopje employs a team of around 70 and currently manages a portfolio of projects in environmental protection, good governance and inclusive prosperity worth around USD 13 million per year.

This UNV assignment is part of UNDP project “Creating job opportunities for all” implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (MLSP) and the Employment Service Agency (ESA). It aims at supporting the effective implementation of the National Operation Plan (OP) on Active Employment Programmes and Measures, and Labour Market Services. The Project offers programming solutions to support SMEs creation, help companies to remain active but also help vulnerable groups, including Roma, persons with disabilities, youth and long-term unemployed, to find their place in the open labour market. Through inclusive entrepreneurship approach, it provides support to all target groups including those that are in some way disadvantaged in creation of sustainable start-up businesses in the market. In addition, the Project tackles economic reintegration of long-term unemployed and offers possibilities to the local authorities for co-designing community based social services, needed for broader inclusion of vulnerable people in the society.

This assignment is also part of the project that UNDP is implementing with EU support - Strengthen national and local systems to support the effective socio-economic integration of returnees in the Western Balkans that initially was developed to respond to the challenges of implementation of the strategies for migration and reintegration of returnees especially at local level. The project is part of the IPA II Multi-Country Action Programme of the EU support to fundamental rights of Roma community, and reintegration of returnees, which has been entrusted to the WB, UNDP and the CoE. The Project aims to enhance the ability of Western Balkan authorities at central and local level to implement comprehensive models for reintegration of returnees. The project addresses the broader social inclusion agenda promoting the socio-economic well-being and tackling the root causes and negative drivers of migration of Roma and vulnerable populations. Both Projects contribute to Intended Outcome as stated in the Country Programme Document 2021-2025 (CPD):
CPD Outcome 1. Inclusive Prosperity Outcome 1. By 2025, the living standard of all people in North Macedonia is improved through equal access to decent work and productive employment generated by inclusive and innovative business ecosystem.

Under the direct supervision of UNDP Project Manager, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Administrative Support: • Assist in organizing meetings for project working groups, working bodies, and municipalities. • Draft and prepare documents related to project activities. • Attend meetings and summarize minutes. • Conduct legal and internet research on demographic, social, and economic indicators for project beneficiaries. • Manage data and store information according to project needs. • Handle filing and archiving of relevant project documentation.

2. Operational Support: • Assist the project team in successful implementation of the foreseen activities, with focus on provision of admin and operational support • Support the project team in conducting regular review regarding the implementation of the project activities in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses; utilize the data collected to increase the project efficiency. • Facilitate knowledge sharing within the project, including promoting gender equality.

Perform any other duties within the scope of work assigned by the Project Manager

• Professionalism • Accountability • Integrity • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management • Teamwork

or demonstrated knowledge in project implementation and research; • Demonstrated interest or knowledge in dealing with social media platforms and search engines; • Excellent knowledge in working with Microsoft Office applications and in conducting online research; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

UNDP North Macedonia Office is located in Skopje. Selected national UN volunteer is expected to commute to the respective office at his/her own expense.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.

Please see the summary of UN Volunteer entitlements below. For further information, kindly review “UN Volunteers Unified Conditions of Service” document.

UNV entitlements for National UN University Volunteer: • Volunteer Living Allowance-VLA (per month): approximately EUR 708 • Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 400 • Exit allowance (per month): EUR 98.34 (when successful completion of the assignment) • Health, dental, life and disability insurance: Cigna Private Insurance • Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month • Free access to the different learning platforms and UNV network

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.”