Project Associate

Organizational Context

UNDP is the UN's global development network, focusing on sustainable growth, democratic governance, and climate change. This role sits within the Climate Change and Environment (CCE) Portfolio, specifically supporting the "Shifting to Zero Waste Against Pollution (SWAP) Initiative." This project aims to reduce chemical pollution and improve resource efficiency in five pilot cities globally, including Kocaeli, Türkiye.

Job Purpose

The Project Associate (PA) is dedicated entirely to the Shifting to Zero Waste Against Pollution (SWAP) Initiative, providing crucial support for its efficient and timely implementation. Under the guidance of the Project Manager and Project Field Coordinator, the PA will manage day-to-day project activities, prepare comprehensive progress reports and essential documentation, and facilitate communication with donors and key national and international stakeholders. This role is instrumental in supporting project planning, Annual Work Plan (AWP) formulation, and ensuring the quality of technical reports and project outcomes. The PA's contribution ensures high standards of service delivery, including strict adherence to deadlines, prompt responses, accurate information, and responsiveness to client needs, directly contributing to the project's overarching goal of reducing chemical pollution and improving resource efficiency in pilot cities.

Responsibilities

The Project Associate is responsible for comprehensive support in project planning and implementation. This includes providing inputs for Annual Work Plans (AWPs), assisting in the preparation of annual budgets and procurement plans, and facilitating their periodic revisions in consultation with project leadership. The role provides extensive administrative and logistical support for smooth project management, encompassing the organization of various activities like trainings, workshops, stakeholder consultations, and study tours, alongside managing travel logistics for project staff and foreign experts, including visa and accommodation. Key financial duties involve controlling budget expenditures, preparing payment and Daily Subsistence Allowance documents, and reviewing financial reports, as well as maintaining records for non-expendable equipment. The Associate will draft Terms of Reference and other essential administrative documentation for procurement, provide English translation, and actively support site-based joint activities with local stakeholders. Furthermore, responsibilities extend to meticulous filing and archiving of all project-related documents, organizing Project Steering Committee meetings, project reviews, site visits, and various project events. The Associate will also monitor implementation bottlenecks, propose necessary corrective actions, compile diverse project reports (monthly, quarterly, donor, final), draft official correspondence, notes, and briefs, and support the mainstreaming of gender equality. Crucially, the role provides administrative and documentation support for all procurement processes, including preparing inputs for tender documents and technical specifications.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible administrative or project experience is required with a high school diploma, or 4 years with a Bachelor's degree. Desirable experience includes project cycle management in public, private, NGO, or international organizations, particularly in climate change, environment, or chemicals and waste projects. Experience in budget planning and monitoring, working with UN Organizations, organizing events, and collaborating with governmental or local organizations is also highly valued.

Skills

Technical & Digital: Excellent command of office software (word processors, spreadsheets, databases). Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform, and model data. Digital awareness and literacy, including rapidly adopting new technologies. Business Management: Strong customer satisfaction/client management skills, including timely response, consistent solutions, and anticipating client needs. Effective communication (clear, concise, unambiguous written and verbal). Monitoring skills to provide feedback on performance. Ability to support budgetary aspects and manage team budgets. Procurement skills for acquiring goods/services. Languages: Fluency in both the UN language and the national language of the duty station is required.

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