Project Specialist

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.

UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. UNDP advocates for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP has been supporting the development efforts of Kazakhstan since independence, with major focus on all pillars of sustainable development: social, economic and environmental. Its work is aimed at strengthening human development for all so that no one is left behind. UNDP in Kazakhstan in partnership with Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyz Republic Country Offices (CO) implement a cross-regional EU-funded action aimed at building a sustained regional collaboration for Afghan women’s economic and social empowerment. In 2019, the pilot action was launched to strengthen human capacity development in Afghanistan by increasing women’s access to quality higher education and TVET through cooperation with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. In 2021, the action was enlarged with the participation of Kyrgyzstan in the framework of Phase II of the project.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Project Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Project Assistant will be responsible for provision of administrative functions to development project(s). The key responsibility of the Project Specialist is to provide full support for the implementation of all project activities and ensure smooth and interrupted performance of the below functions:  provision of operational support to the project and programme management;  coordination of travel arrangements, logistics, and hotel reservations, preparation of travel authorizations, processing requests for special category visas;  attendance at Project meetings, and Project supported Working Group meetings when required and support with preparation of agenda, presentations, minutes of meetings;  collection of information for DSA, travel agencies and other administrative surveys, support to organization of common services activities;  ensuring strict adherence and compliance with financial procedures while processing Travel Claims for Staff and Workshop Participants, fostering transparency and accountability;  provide comprehensive support to the Project Manager in all aspects of project implementation in accordance with the project documents, annual work plans and other agreements between UNDP and Responsible Partners, as well as UN Women;  support the Project Manager in preparation of projects related documents;  prepare and consolidate interim quarterly and annual narrative reports to the donor;  closely interact with project participants on project and personal issues. Conduct online and offline consultations, support in resolving adaptation issues in Kazakhstan, address project related and personal inquiries and requests, represent interests in interaction with local executive bodies, etc.;  preparation of requests for direct payment, cash advances, reports on expenses, budget revision and other required supporting documentation for all financial transactions; records these transactions accordingly;  preparation of vendor forms and creation of Vendor List;  providing accurate updates on the status of financial resources as required, fostering a transparent and accountable financial administration;  prepare bank documents, e.g., T/T. and assist in banking runs for events;  proactive follow up on deadlines, commitments made, actions taken and coordination of collection and submission of the reports to supervisor;  support developing Responsible Partner Agreements and Terms of Reference for host institutions, and ensure proper delivery of technical services and submission of narrative and financial reports;  support financial allocations, ensure timely NEX advance payments to Responsible Partners, and monthly stipends payments to project participants in accordance with UNDP rules, regulations and procedures;  generate Quantum reports, including Account Activity Analysis, Combined Delivery Report, Project Budget Balance;  perform other related duties as necessary and in line with the Internal Control Framework of the Country Office and related SOPs.

 Accountability  Adaptability and flexibility  Planning and organising  Professionalism  Self-management

esearch, finance, logistics, knowledge management, academia, education and management.

Experience in working with national ministries, NGOs, UN agencies, and other international organizations is desired.

Practical experience in the area of higher education, community development, local economic development, study abroad scholarship is desired.

Experience in drafting, editing and producing written analytical memos and reports is desired.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Almaty. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

As of November 2023, national UN Volunteer Specialists in Almaty, Kazakhstan receive USD 966/month as a Volunteer Living Allowance.

Other benefits include: • Entry lump sum - USD 400 (one time payment) • Relocation costs - $200 at beginning and end of assignment if the selected candidate doesn't live in Almaty) • Volunteer living allowance (as mentioned above) - USD 966 / month • Learning - Access to UNV's learning and career development resources • Annual leave - 2.5 days per month • Insurance - Comprehensive coverage for health, life and malicious acts for the UN Volunteer and health •insurance coverage for up to 3 eligible dependents . See the Conditions of Service for more details on eligibility criteria. • Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment)

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.