General

Description of assignment title: Project Assistant

Assignment country: Afghanistan

Expected start date: 05/10/2023

Sustainable Development Goal: 11. Sustainable cities and communities

Volunteer category: National UN Youth Volunteer

DoA reserved for persons with disabilities: No

Host entity: UNDP

Type: Onsite

Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Gardez

Details

Mission and objectives

UNDP has been working across Afghanistan for more than 50 years on challenges related to climate change and resilience, gender, governance, health, livelihoods and rule of law. Guided by the government and its Development Councils, our work is fully aligned with the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework and National Priority Programmes, and is carried out in close coordination with partner UN agencies under the One UN Framework. As the UN’s development network, we connect the Afghan government and people with the resources and information they need to drive their own development according to their own priorities, as well as to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Context

Afghanistan is facing multiple crises and since the return of the Taliban to power, after the 15th of August 2021 and given the increasing numbers of internally displaced people, the operational and programmatic context for UNDP in Afghanistan has changed significantly. The level of programmatic and institutional risk is now much higher and hence saving livelihoods is critical for reducing the demand for humanitarian aid and emergency relief. The gradual development progress made over the last 20 years, including gains in the achievement of human rights, education, gender equality, health, social protection, and livelihoods, are at risk of being lost, especially for women and other vulnerable groups. These factors not only impact the economy, human security, and social cohesion, but are potential drivers of further conflict and violent extremism. UNDP has contributed to the gradual expansion of development investments across the country. From this experience we have seen that neither a one-size-fits-all approach, nor a fragmented sector-based approach has been effective. An integrated, innovative, and highly flexible approach is needed, one that puts people first, targets the most vulnerable and meets local needs by focusing on saving livelihoods, the fundamental underpinning of UNDP’s Integrated Local Socio-Economic Recovery and Community Resilience building efforts. UNDP’s knowledge and experience are being drawn on to develop and implement an immediate approach to local socio economic and social recovery and community resilience building in Afghanistan through the development emergency approach called as Area Based Approach to Development Emergency Initiatives (ABADEI). ABADEI Programme Description: The post-15 August 2021 power shift in Afghanistan resulted in severe political and social-economic instability in a climate of heightened uncertainty. The country faced challenges on multiple fronts, including COVID-19, poverty, food insecurity, droughts, energy crisis and micro- and macro-economic impacts. In response, UNDP launched the Area Based Approach for Emergency Initiatives (ABADEI), establishing eight regional offices to support the re-establishment of basic essential services and economic recovery. For the period 2023-2025, UNDP will continue to deliver critical economic and community resilience interventions through the implementation of ABADEI Phase Two, building upon established capacities, know-how and lessons learned. ABADEI Phase II Outputs include a). The Provision of Essential Services; b). Strengthening Community Livelihoods and Local Economic Activities; c). Strengthening Resilience to Climate and Disaster Risks and d). The Promotion of Community Ownership, Engagement and Social Cohesion. The project will partner with Community-based Organizations (CBOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), other social structures, the private sector, UN Agencies (UNAs) and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen and expand existing results and reach. The key goal of the project is to contribute towards generating two million (2,000,000) employment and income generating opportunities for Afghans over the course of three years, restoring local economies, livelihoods and essential services, while significantly impacting community and climate resilience, well-being and social inclusion/cohesion.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Programme/Project Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Project Assistant will:

•  Report to Area Manager with matrix management of ABADEI PMU.
•  Support to ensure Programme planning, implementation, and monitoring.
•  Assist in documentation of specific stages of projects/Programme implementation, best practices, case studies.
•  Prepare requests for payments, reports on expenses, budget revision and other required supporting documentation for all financial transactions; records these transactions accordingly.
•  Support review of financial reports submitted by Implementing partners, review vouchers/receipts and prepare supporting documents for recording expenditure in Quantum Coordinate with consultants/implementing partners on submission of deliverables, review and submit supporting documents for payment.
•  Provide logistical support and prepares background materials for use in workshops, seminars, training sessions, meetings, visiting missions, field trips, etc.
•  Assist in organizing meetings, workshops, conferences, and missions. Project Management.
•  Assist the Regional Office in implementing the activities related to the project and provide support in effective implementation.
•  Support in preparation of background material, organization of consultations with relevant stakeholders and document minutes.
•  Support meetings, consultations, and workshops, during the course of project.
•  Any other related task assigned from time to time by Project Manager. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:
•  Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day).
•  Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.
•  Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results, and opportunities.
•  Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
•  Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.
•  Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 – 26

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

1 years of experience in progressively responsible for program/project management required at the national or international level.

•  Experience in Project Cycle Management, Program Management, Administration, Procurement, Finance. Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge:
•  Direct experience providing technical advice to national entities officials is required.
•  Experience working with the UNDP framework or international organizational/ NGO at the national level.
•  Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.
•  Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
•  Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.

Area(s) of expertise

Development programmes, Economics and finance, Administration

Driving license

–

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Desirable Dari, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable Pashto, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Secondary education

Competencies and values

•  Professionalism
•  Integrity
•  Teamwork and respect for diversity
•  Commitment to continuous learning Communication
•  Flexibility
•  Accountability
•  Communication
•  Empowering Others
•  Integrity
•  Planning and organizing
•  Self-Management

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

This position is open for local applicants and UNDP will not provide any accommodation facilities. Entitlement; Entry lump sum: (onetime payment)USD 400 Volunteer living allowance: (per month)USD 624 Exit allowance ( for each month served, paid on successful completion of the assignment): USD 50. Medical and life insurance Cigna private insurance. Leave Entitlements;

•  Uncertified Sick Leaves: 7 days
•  Certified Sick Leave: 30 days
•  Maternity Leave: 16 weeks
•  Paternity Leave: 10 days leave
•  Training and leaning Leave: 10 days

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy