Project Management Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

• Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) are executed in a timely fashion, within the mandated scope of activities, and within the allocated yearly budget for the program. • Project files are completed and electronically archived in designated online platforms. • QIPs are meeting program performance indicators (cost, time, quality of outputs, and impact).

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Coordinate with internal S&R resources the timely execution of multiple quick impact projects (QIPs). • Assist with the management and provide recommendations on timely project delivery, within programmatic orientation frameworks and budget allocation. • Assist in the verification of project scope and objectives, and work in cooperation with all relevant internal stakeholders to ensure project feasibility. • Assist in the management of project scheduling and costs. • Keep track of project status and payments effected to implementing partners. • Assist in measuring the performance of QIP projects using appropriate project management tools and techniques. • Assist in identifying and managing potential project risks. • Assist in creating and maintaining comprehensive project documentation and archive system in SharePoint and the dedicated online platforms for project management. • Assist the QIPs program in attaining timely budgetary expenditures in each quarter of the year. • Assist in the development of comprehensive project applications with sponsoring sections, as well as other agencies (UNCT) members. • Develop spreadsheets, diagrams, and process maps (flowcharts) to document the needs and processes of the QIP program. • Perform other related duties as assigned by the Head of the QIP unit

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in the area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative, and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in the area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in the work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: the ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options, and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse back-grounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote, and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of
operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;

relevant project or program management assistance or related experience that is corresponding to the Bachelor’s degree obtained.
Experience in an international organization or a national organization with regular interactions with foreign stakeholders is desirable. Strong working knowledge of MS Office suite (especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS teams) and other project fund management databases and online filing platforms such as SharePoint.

Bamako is a non-family duty station with difficult security and a working environment. Mali is a non-family duty station. Living conditions are acceptable in Bamako, but security instructions need to be strictly complied with. Adequate housing is available for rent at US$ 500-1500 per month. The national currency is the Franc CFA (April 2020 exchange rate was 1 US$ = 630 FCFA). Visa credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger shops. Mali is a country prone to malaria, so mosquito nets are highly recommended. Basic medicines are available from pharmacies, but provision needs to be made for specialized medication. Security recommendations from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) must be followed by all UN Staff in the course of their assignments in Mali. For the sake of rewarding experience, UN volunteers in MINUSMA carry out their duties with flexibility, commitment, and a willingness to live and work in challenging conditions including heat and limited water and electricity supply.