Organization: UNDP – United Nations Development Programme
Location: Rangamati
Grade: Administrative support – NPSA-6, National Personnel Services Agreement
Occupational Groups:
Administrative support
Project and Programme Management
Peace and Development
Closing Date: 2024-10-25
Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Signing of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord in 1997 was a major political achievement marking the end of a protracted low-intensity conflict in the region. One of the key government strategies outlined in the 8th Five-Year Plan is to fully implement the provisions of the Peace Accord. The government also aims at implementing accelerated development activities in the region. Despite these good intentions, CHT still suffers from its remote location, diverse ethnic composition, and limited infrastructure, impacting essential services such as education, healthcare, and water access. Despite commitments, the CHT institutions haven’t achieved their full potential due mainly to undefined roles and pending elections, hindering effective service delivery and regional governance. The unique biodiversity of the CHT, including forests, wildlife habitats, and waterbodies, is at risk due to the diversion of forest land for population and settlement growth, inappropriate agricultural practices, and climate change.
To continue the momentum of successful implementation of the Promotion of Development and Confidence Building in CHT project (2003–2016) and Strengthening Inclusive Development in CHT (ERRD-CHT 2017-2023), MoCHTA and UNDP, with assistance from several Development Partners, have undertaken a new project titled Ecosystem Restoration and Resilient Development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (ERRD-CHT). The project focuses on enhancing resilient ecosystems, development and governance in the CHT by building community and ecosystem resilience through various development and conservation outputs and activities. Support for resilient livelihoods and micro-enterprises will be combined while conserving ecosystems and biodiversity and improving local governance by empowering local communities, including women and youth and marginalized sections, and institutions in partnerships with the Government of Bangladesh (GoB), counterparts, traditional leaders, and development partners.
The ERRD-CHT Project will produce results on four interlinked levels, thereby strengthening the population’s ability to strengthen resilience, development, and governance, which will affect people’s lives and livelihoods. The main objective of ERRD-CHT project is ‘to strengthen gender-responsive resilience and development through improved governance and ecosystems, and adaptive livelihoods with market access.” which will be achieved through the following four Outputs:
Output 1: Improved and resilient forest ecosystems and livelihoods.
Output 2: Enhanced capacity and institutional building of the CHT institutions and strengthened democratic governance with increased people’s participation, responsive communities and more effective service delivery.
Output 3: Inclusive and gender-responsive learning and empowerment among women and girls.
Output 4: Enabled environment for self-reliant youth development and leadership.
The project will be implemented in all 121 Unions of 26 Upazilas in the three Hill Districts of Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban. In the CHT, nearly 100,000 rural- and urban households will directly benefit from the project. It will include the extreme urban and rural poor and vulnerable groups, including women and youth.
Chittagong Hill Tracts Watershed Co-Management Activity II (CHTWCA II), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is part of “Ecosystems Restoration and Resilient Development in Chittagong Hill Tracts (ERRD-CHT)” – a project of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs (MOCHTA). Chittagong Hill Tracts Watershed Co-Management Activity II (CHTWCA II), within ERRD-CHT project, is being implemented with the goal: Strengthened gender-responsive local resilience through an integrated ecosystem management approach of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). CHTWCA II Outcome is to strengthen local resilience through an integrated ecosystem management approach that improves wildlife conservation and the governance of natural resources in the CHT.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Associate will support the Chief Technical Specialist, CHTWCA II, under ERRD-CHT, in managing and implementing all project components.
Key Functions:
Assist the team in preserving all records, maintaining documents and managing the team documentation.
Keep all necessary papers on the units, projects, reports, etc.
Arrange travels i.e. to compile WTP, initiate travel claims, arrange air tickets, vehicles, etc.
Assist Cluster/Unit members in organizing training, workshops, seminars, etc.
Assist Chief Technical Specialist in coordinating 3 district offices.
Assist the team members in monitoring the progress of project activities.
Process payments for the partners, keep all relevant records and coordinate with district teams related to the fund disbursements, including LOAs and RPAs.
Support knowledge building and knowledge sharing relevant to the assigned project.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Measurable Outputs and Performance Indicators
Maintaining related documents and database.
Making budgets and disbursement plans.
Arranging travels of the cluster members.
Assisting the Chief and other team members in compiling the monthly reports submitted by the district teams.
Coordinating with operations clusters to ensure the adequate support to the cluster activities.
Reviewing payment requests and processing them on time.
All necessary reports, documents, and records will be availableto the team.
Proper coordination will be ensured to prepare budgets, disbursement plans, and revisions of plans accordingly.
Institutional Arrangement
This position will report to the Chief Technical Specialist, CHTWCA II, under the ERRD-CHT Project.
Competencies
Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Thematic Area Name
Definition
Business Management Communication
Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
Ethics UN policy knowledge – ethics Knowledge and understanding of the UN Staff Regulations and Rules and other policies relating to ethics and integrity.
Administration & Operations Travel policy and procedures Knowledge of travel policy and procedures; ability to interpret travel policy, the Staff Rules, administrative circulars and financial regulations and rules on travel- related matters.
Finance Budget management Ability to support budgetary aspects of the work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Secondary Education is required.
University degree (Bachelor´s degree) in Business Administration, Public Administration, or equivalent field will be given due consideration, but is not a requirement.
Experience:
Minimum 6 years (with Secondary Education) or 3 years (with Bachelor’s Degree) of progressively responsible field-based administrative or project experience is required.
Required Skill:
Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database package.
Experience and sound knowledge in preparing and/or maintaining database is required.
Desired Skills:
Relevant field experience in Chittagong Hill Tract is highly desired.
Experience and a good understanding of organizational software programs and relevant operations are assets.
Experience and adequate knowledge in preparing reports, budgeting, and maintaining documents and records are desired.
Prior experience and proper knowledge to support organising workshops, training, seminars, etc are desired.
Demonstrated ability to analyse the progress of planned activities, evaluation and achievements.
Language:
Fluency in English and Bangla is required.
Working knowledge in any of the CHT languages or Chittagonian dialects is desirable.
Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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Note: UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, ethnicity and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and people living with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.