Join the UNDP Team as a Project Associate in Vientiane, Lao PDR!
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a dedicated Project Associate to join its team in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to governance initiatives within a dynamic international organization. Interested candidates are invited to apply by January 31, 2025.
Project Associate Opportunity
Location: Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Job ID: 23466
Posting Date: January 16, 2025, at 06:32 AM
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025, at 06:59 AM
Schedule: Full-time
Agency: UNDP
Grade: NPSA-7
Employment Type: National Personnel Service Agreement
Practice Area: Governance
Bureau: Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific
Contract Duration: 1 year, with the possibility of extension
Education & Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree with 4 years of experience, or
- High School Certificate with 7 years of experience
Languages Required: English and Lao
Application Period: 2 weeks
Project Associate Job Description
Background
At UNDP, we prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as fundamental principles. We recognize diversity as a reflection of the various nations and cultures in which we operate. Furthermore, we promote inclusion to empower every team member to contribute to our mission effectively. By ensuring equity and fairness in all our actions, we adopt a “leave no one behind” approach, which emphasizes the importance of increasing representation among underserved populations. Therefore, we strongly encourage individuals from marginalized or excluded groups to apply. To discover more about working at UNDP, including our values and inspiring stories, visit the official website.
Commitment to Safeguarding
UNDP prohibits sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment—including sexual harassment—and discrimination. As a result, all selected candidates will undergo thorough reference and background checks.
Strategic Alignment
Aligned with the UNDP Strategic Plan (2022–2025) and the Country Programme for Lao PDR (2022–2026), UNDP collaborates with government bodies, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to address the national socio-economic priorities outlined in Lao PDR’s National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP provides policy advice and technical support to the Government across four key areas: (1) inclusive growth and reduced inequalities, (2) UXO clearance and risk education, (3) natural resources and climate change, and (4) accountable governance.
Long-Term Partnership
With over three decades of partnership with the Government, UNDP continues to build on past successes while aiming to help Lao PDR recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and transition from LDC status, focusing on inclusive growth and reducing inequality.
UNDP Lao PDR, Governance Unit
Governance Programming
UNDP focuses on enhancing effective governance in Lao PDR through policy advice and technical support. Key objectives include improving the rule of law, facilitating public participation, and advancing public administration reform.
Collaborative Framework
UNDP co-chairs several governance working groups within the Round Table Process, coordinating the implementation of national development plans and sustainable goals across various stakeholders.
Rule of Law and Access to Justice Portfolio
Project Management Role
The Project Associate will assist in managing the Rule of Law and Access to Justice Portfolio, which includes:
Court Project:
A 2.5-year initiative aimed at strengthening case management within Lao PDR’s court system through best practices and training programs.
Women Leadership in the Judiciary Project:
A regional project promoting women judges’ leadership and gender sensitivity in judicial processes, implemented in collaboration with the PSC, focusing on capacity-building and advocacy.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Associate will report directly to the Lead of the Rule of Law and Access to Justice Portfolio and collaborate closely with the Project Managers for all related projects.
Summary of Key Functions:
- Provide project management assistance by supporting administrative and logistical processes.
- Assist with financial, procurement, and human resources functions.
- Facilitate knowledge building and management.
Key Responsibilities:
- Actively contribute to the daily implementation of projects, ensuring alignment with expected results and work plans.
- Manage data effectively throughout the program implementation process and monitor performance indicators, success criteria, targets, and milestones. Prepare relevant reports and utilize corporate results-based management tools.
- Ensure adherence to procedural frameworks by learning and applying UNDP’s Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) as well as donor requirements.
- Prepare background materials for discussions, correspondence, and briefings.
- Take meeting minutes and provide translation and interpretation services between Lao and English.
- Organize efficient travel arrangements for the team, ensuring optimal use of UNDP resources.
- Assist in scheduling appointments, organizing meetings and events, and drafting correspondence for the Project Team.
- Maintain updated lists of contacts for relevant government and non-government partners.
- Keep policy, confidentiality, and general management files organized.
Financial, Procurement, and Human Resources Support
The Project Associate will actively assist with financial, procurement, and human resources tasks, focusing on achieving the following results:
- Learn the UNDP Quantum Platform: First, familiarize themselves with how to use the platform effectively.
- Administrative Support: Next, provide assistance in planning, executing, and reviewing Project Financial Reports on the Quantum Platform.
- Procurement Organization: Additionally, organize the purchase of equipment, supplies, and services according to the Annual Work Plan, ensuring timely follow-up on requests.
- Hiring Assistance: Furthermore, help with hiring by reviewing job descriptions, creating job postings, screening candidates, and facilitating interview panels.
- Leave and Travel Tracking: Finally, keep track of staff leave and travel plans to ensure smooth operations.
Knowledge Building and Management
The Project Associate will also contribute to knowledge building and management to achieve the following results:
- Meeting Targets: In collaboration with Responsible Parties, work closely to meet Quarterly and Annual Targets outlined in the Project Document, following UNDP timelines.
- Event Organization: Organize events for Project Staff and compile lessons learned and best practices to enhance project outcomes.
- Knowledge Contribution: Actively contribute to knowledge networks, communities of practice, and online knowledge platforms to share insights and resources.
- Interpretation and Translation: Provide high-quality interpretation and translation as needed for the project, ensuring clear communication.
Additional Duties
Lastly, the Project Associate will take on other tasks as necessary to help the Office and the Organization run smoothly, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to the team’s success.
Core Competencies
- Achieve Results (Level 1): The Project Associate plans and monitors their own work, pays attention to details, and consistently delivers quality outcomes by the deadline.
- Think Innovatively (Level 1): They remain open to creative ideas and known risks, act as pragmatic problem solvers, and seek ways to make improvements.
- Learn Continuously (Level 1): The Project Associate is open-minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, and actively seeks feedback.
- Adapt with Agility (Level 1): They adapt to change, handle ambiguity and uncertainty constructively, and demonstrate flexibility.
- Act with Determination (Level 1): They show drive and motivation, remain calm under pressure, and exhibit confidence in their abilities.
- Engage and Partner (Level 1): The Project Associate demonstrates compassion and understanding towards others, forming positive relationships.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion (Level 1): They appreciate and respect differences, are aware of unconscious bias, and confront discrimination.
Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies
- Business Management
- Customer Satisfaction/Client Management: The Project Associate responds promptly and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provides consistent solutions, and delivers timely, quality results that meet real customer needs. They contribute to the development of customer service strategies and seek ways to add value beyond immediate requests while anticipating clients’ needs and concerns.
- Project Management: They possess the ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals.
- Risk Management: The Project Associate can identify risks and organize actions to mitigate and proactively manage them.
- Results-based Management: They manage programs and projects with a focus on improving performance and delivering demonstrable results.
- Business Development
- Knowledge Generation: The Project Associate has the ability to research and transform information into useful knowledge that is relevant to the context or responsive to stated needs.
- Procurement
- Contract Management: They understand contract management concepts, principles, and methods, applying this knowledge to both strategic and practical situations.
Required Skills and Experience
Education
Candidates must have completed Secondary Education. Alternatively, a University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in fields such as Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Social Sciences, or a related discipline will be considered beneficial, though it is not mandatory.
Experience
- General Experience: Candidates should possess a minimum of 7 years of experience in administration or project management support if they have completed Secondary Education. If they hold a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience is required.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in using computers and office software packages, including MS Word and Excel, is essential. Moreover, candidates should have advanced skills in spreadsheets and web-based management systems, such as ERP financials and database packages.
- Project Management Support: Experience in providing project management assistance by supporting administrative, operational, and logistical processes is necessary.
- Financial and Procurement Support: Candidates must demonstrate experience in supporting financial, procurement, and human resources processes.
- Communication Skills: A proven ability and relevant experience in effective communication are required.
- Web-Based Management Systems: Experience handling web-based management systems is desirable.
- Knowledge Sharing: Relevant experience in knowledge building and knowledge sharing is also essential.
- UN System Experience: Experience within the UN system is considered an asset.
Required Languages
Fluency in both English and Lao is necessary for this position.
Disclaimer
Important Information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ Holders)
Under US immigration law, accepting a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. Therefore, UNDP advises applicants for all professional-level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or they must have submitted a valid application for US citizenship before starting employment.
UNDP cannot provide advice or assistance regarding US citizenship applications, so applicants are encouraged to consult with qualified immigration lawyers for guidance.
Applicant Information About UNDP Rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. Additionally, applications may be retained for consideration for other similar positions within UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job descriptions, experience, and educational requirements.
Non-Discrimination
UNDP maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Consequently, all selected candidates will undergo thorough reference and background checks and are expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
Furthermore, UNDP is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin, or any other status.
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