Job Opportunity for Project Management Assistant at United Nations in New Delhi

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, and overall supervision of the Head, APCTT, the incumbent is required to perform the following functions:

•Provides assistance in support of planning and implementation activities/processes for, typically, a large and highly complex component of the departmental programme/project initiatives.

•Supports in coordination, monitoring and expedition of activities of work pertaining to technology transfer programmes, including technology advisory services, partnership facilitation, capacity building on technology transfer as well as information dissemination of various technologies in the ESCAP member countries.

•Assists in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation; monitors status of programme/project proposals; takes necessary action to ensure project documents are completed and submitted to relevant parties for approval.

•Assists in the preparation and analysis of programme/project budget proposals; provides assistance in the interpretation of budget guidelines; reviews and coordinates submissions of programme proposals and budget estimates, ensuring that requisite information is included and justified in terms of proposed activities; propose adjustments as necessary; prepares reports and ensures that outputs/services are properly categorized.

•Collaborates with programme/project managers on performance reporting; liaises with relevant parties on the interpretation of the activities/services scheduled in the PB and various planning instruments such as the medium-term plan and internal work plans; provides assistance on reporting requirements, guidelines, rules and procedures and ensures completeness and accuracy of data submitted.

•Serves as focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of programme/project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with a diverse organisational units to initiate requests, prepare standard terms of reference against programme/project objectives, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions and resolve issues related to project implementation., e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, organisation of and participation in training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc.

•Prepares, maintains and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal databases; designs and generates a variety of periodic and ad hoc reports, statistical tables, graphic content, and other background materials/notes to facilitate inspection and other reviews; supports normative, analytical and background-research work in key areas related to the work programme.

•Supports development of knowledge products/ periodic publications on specific thematic areas/ topics, including coordination with external subject matter experts/ consultants and internal stakeholders; promote organization’s outreach activities through social media accounts for enhanced visibility.

•Drafts correspondence and communications related to all aspects of programme/project administration, including work plan and budgets, revisions and other related issues, as well as prepares unit contributions for a variety of periodic reports.

•Provides guidance and training to new/junior staff.

•Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge on thematic issues related to the activities of the Centre such as: science, technology and innovation (STI) policy; technology transfer and commercialization; new and emerging technologies; and technologies for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Knowledge of processes and procedures in general and those related to programme/ project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting in particular. Ability to identify and resolve a range of issues/ problems and to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

A first level or higher university degree in Economics, Management or areas related to science and technology, innovation and/or sustainable development is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in programme or project administration, implementation of technical cooperation project or related areas is required.

Experience in the areas of Science, Technology and Innovation policy, Innovation, Technology Transfer and Commercialization is highly desirable.

Experience in the United Nations Common System or international organizations is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Qualified applicants may be evaluated through a competency-based interview and/or other assessment methods.

Special Notice

Appointment against this post is on a local basis; candidates shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the APCTT office, irrespective of nationality and length of time the candidate may have been in the country. If no suitable local candidate is identified, candidates located elsewhere may be considered. The candidate is responsible for any expenses incurred in taking the relevant examinations at the duty station, and of any costs related to traveling and relocating to the duty station in the event of an employment offer.

This post is funded from extra budgetary resources. The initial appointment is for a period of one year. Extension of appointment is subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

Must have passed the United Nations Global General Service Test (GGST) at Headquarters or an equivalent locally-administered test at Offices Away from Headquarters.