PSD Programme Assistant - UNV

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.

The UNDP is implementing a Private Sector Development Programme (PSDP) that aims to contribute to Government’s efforts to accelerate the country’s transition to a productive, competitive and resilient nation. The development of this programme is consistent with SDG 8 to: “Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all” and SDG 9 to: “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. The PSDP deploys a suite of instruments including the Malawi Innovation Challenge Fund (MICF), the Growth Accelerator and newly created instruments (Impact Investment Fund and Business Incubation) as part of the continuum of the entrepreneurial journey, from early to growth stage enterprises.

The programme will cover the period 2020-2023 to meet milestones contributing to positioning Malawi as a productive, competitive and resilient nation. Largely, the programme will use a combination of different instruments over this period to support the private sector inclusive of Micro, Small and Medium-sized enterprises to access financial support, technical advisory services, business development services and business incubation services for increased productive capacities, innovation, business growth and acceleration, and job creation. The programme will also work with the Ministry of Trade and Industry to address some of the challenges related to the business enabling environment.

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator (Inclusive/Green Business), the Programme Assistant will provide technical and administrative assistance to project management team in the implementation of project activities in accordance with UN Financial and Project Management Rules and Procedures and, in doing so, contribute to the efficient implementation of the programme.

The team is looking for a dynamic, agile team member and a quick thinker that can action swiftly the given tasks.

Summary of Key Functions:

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator (Inclusive/Green Business), the programme assistant will provide technical and administrative support to the PSD programme, by performing the following key functions:

• Support to the implementation of activities related to UNDP private sector engagement • Support to knowledge management and monitoring and evaluation activities.

The following will be the specific duties and responsibilities:

Support in the day-to-day implementation of the project

Ensure project documents i.e., workplans, procurement plans, minutes etc are shared with relevant units and maintained in accordance with project management principles

Assist with logistical and administrative arrangements in support of experts and/or missions

Ensure and maintain an accurate filing system of financial reports, payment vouchers, and other project correspondences

Support with setting up meetings for the regular reporting (monthly, quarterly and annually) on the implementation of the activities related to the reporting period and prepare minutes for the same

Perform duties in accordance with UN and Government policies and procedures.

Support logistics and draft write-ups on spot checks, PSD interest research areas etc.

Assist with logistical and administrative arrangements for project management and quality assurance meetings such as Steering Committee Meetings, Review meetings, Field Visits, Workshops, Symposiums etc.

Support with logistical and administrative tasks for PSD internal and external engagements

Draft meeting minutes, agendas, prepare meeting packs etc.

Support with arrangements for joint monitoring visits to projects sites.

Maintain a filing system for all programme documents including quarterly reports, financial reports including payment vouchers and delivery reports, and project asset inventory

Support concept development and research initiatives

Perform other duties and task as requested related to the implementation of the programme

Demonstrate commitment to UNDP's vision, mission, values and strategic goals;

Experience working under minimum supervision and tight deadlines;

Experience working collaboratively in a team structure in a multicultural environment;

Respect for Diversity: Understanding of the United Nations system, operations and structures.

private sector development or in any related developmental projects

Experience and skills in project support, and implementation of technical and administrative assistance activities;

Experience in program management support;

Good understanding of UN/UNDP policies, procedures, programming modalities is an asset;

Experience in multi-donor projects is an asset;

Good organizational and communication skills;

This is a UN Volunteer position. It attracts no salary. However, the successful candidate will be supported with a modest Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) on a monthly basis. Other benefits include medical insurance for the volunteer and up to three registered beneficiaries. The successful candidate will be required to move to the duty station (Lilongwe) if currently out of Lilongwe. Thus, they will be expected to find their own accommodation.