Project Associate [Open to Internal and External Applicants]
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Solomon Islands is implementing the SENBIOSIS project, a nationwide initiative focused on transforming organic waste into energy through biogas technology. This project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve rural livelihoods by strengthening farmers' capacity and establishing sustainable financing mechanisms for biogas systems. The Project Associate role supports the procurement and administrative functions of this critical environmental and development project.
Job Purpose
The Project Associate will provide essential procurement and administrative support to the Solomon Islands Biogas Project (SENBIOSIS). This role is crucial for the successful implementation of the project, which aims to develop biogas technology to convert organic waste into clean energy, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing rural livelihoods. The incumbent will manage end-to-end procurement processes for project goods and services, coordinate logistics, and offer integrated administrative support. This includes ensuring compliance with UNDP rules, managing supplier relationships, facilitating international and local logistics, and supporting financial and HR administration. The position contributes directly to the project's objectives of promoting renewable energy solutions and sustainable development in the Solomon Islands.
Responsibilities
The Project Associate is responsible for managing all procurement activities for the SENBIOSIS project, ensuring compliance with UNDP rules, donor requirements, and national regulations. This includes procurement planning, preparing solicitation documents, managing bidding processes, supporting evaluations, awarding contracts, and monitoring supplier performance. The role also involves effective supplier and contract management, liaising with stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of goods and services. Additionally, the Project Associate will coordinate international and local logistics, including importation, shipping, customs clearance, and insurance for project-related equipment. Comprehensive administrative and operational support is required, covering travel, workshop logistics, asset tracking, and day-to-day assistance to project staff. Financial and HR administration support, including budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, and report preparation, is also a key responsibility. Maintaining organized records, drafting correspondence, and contributing to project reports are essential, alongside strengthening compliance, internal controls, and risk management. The role also supports knowledge building and sharing activities related to the project.
Work Experience
A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in procurement operations and administrative support for international development projects is required with secondary education. This requirement is reduced to 4 years with a Bachelor's degree. Demonstrated experience in managing domestic and international procurements, including customs procedures, logistics, shipping, and importation, is essential. Experience with renewable energy equipment, particularly biogas systems, and using procurement/project management platforms is highly desirable.
Skills
Procurement management, Supplier/relationship management, Project management, Monitoring & Evaluation, Documents and records management, Budget management, Financial reporting and analysis, Logistics coordination, Administrative support, Knowledge management.