Project Associate – Operations : UNDP India

Apply by 1st March 24

UNDP has worked in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development, from democratic governance to poverty eradication, to sustainable energy and environmental management. UNDP’s programmes are aligned with national priorities and are reviewed and adjusted annually.

Job Identification 16393
Locations New Delhi, India
Posting Date 02/16/2024, 10:38 AM
Apply Before 03/01/2024, 10:38 AM
Job Schedule Full time
Agency UNDP
Grade NPSA-6
Vacancy Type National Personnel Service Agreement
Practice Area Nature, Climate and Energy
Vacancy Timeline 2 Weeks

Job Description
Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development. Together with the Government of India and development partners, we have worked towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance, enhancing community resilience, protecting the environment, supporting policy initiatives and institutional reforms, and accelerating sustainable development for all.

With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to supporting the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet.

UNDP India’s new Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on our prior work and aims to provide an
integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios:

• Strong, accountable, and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized.
• Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems, and resilient development for reduced vulnerability.
• South-South cooperation, gender equality and social inclusion are promoted across the pillars. The programme is supported by a framework of renewed partnerships and blended finance solutions, strategic innovation and accelerator labs, and data and digital architecture.
• You are invited to join a team of future-smart development professionals to support India in achieving the national and globally agreed goals. As part of the UNDP team, your focus will be to work with diverse stakeholders to find country-specific solutions that lead to sustainable development and reach those furthest behind first.

UNDP is currently working in various areas concerning sustainable development, from systems and institutional strengthening to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, and sustainable energy, environment, and resilience. The Action for Climate and Environment (ACE) Unit at UNDP is organized around the thematic areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation; disaster management and resilience; and access to clean and efficient energy.

India is committed to meeting its obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. All Parties are obliged to regularly submit the national reports under the Convention. Under the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) of Paris Agreement, Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) needs to be submitted which is framed to supersede the current reporting of biennial reports (BRs) for the developed country parties and the Biennial Update Reports (BURs) for the developing country parties under the Convention. Moreover, there is a need to strengthen and expand the current technical capacities with regard to the methodologies and tools to enhance transparency, as outlined in Article 13 of the Paris Agreement.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is supporting three projects related to national reporting obligations under UNFCCC and Paris Agreement and capacity building for Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement. United Nations Development Program (UNDP) India is facilitating support for implementation of all the three related projects, namely:

a) Fourth National Communications (4NC) and Fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR-4)
b) Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1)
c) Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT)

The projects would strengthen the institutional and analytical capacities within the country under the following inter-linked outputs:

Fourth National Communications (4NC) and Fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR-4)

Output 1: National Circumstance and institutional arrangements updated in BUR4 and 4NC
Output 2: Developing GHG Inventory as per 2006 IPCC Guidelines
Output 3: Impact, Vulnerability and Adaptation
Output 4: Finance, Technology and Capacity Building needs and support received
Output 5: Mitigation actions and Domestic – Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV)
Output 6: Preparation of BUR-4 and 4NC for submission to the UNFCCC; Knowledge management and Monitoring & Evaluation
Output 7: Stakeholder awareness, Capacity building and South-South Cooperation

Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1)

Output 1: Preparation and submission of first BTR in accordance with the Modalities, Procedures and Guidelines (MPGs) for the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF)
Output 2: Knowledge management and Monitoring & Evaluation Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT)
Output 1: Creating an enabling environment for enhanced transparency across all the levels of governance.
Output 2: Strengthening institutional and technical capacities for Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) of climate information.
Output 3: Instituting National Climate Information System (NCIS) to share relevant information in a transparent manner.

Duties and Responsibilities

Finance Level Support

• The Project Associate – Operations will be responsible for overall programme finance which will include budgeting, expenditure monitoring against approved AWPs, MYWPs, consolidation of financial; monitoring reports; internal and external reporting.
• Will be responsible for financial reporting to the GEF, UNDP India office and NATCOM Cell, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) and relevant agencies as may be required.
• Update data required for regular financial reviews and related financial reports required for internal review meetings by UNDP and NATCOM Cell including delivery and oversight meetings.
• Will be responsible for preparation of financial reporting for timely submission to Ministries and donors.
• Efficient contract management to ensure smooth implementation of project activities and to ensure that no contract lapses.
• Assist Programme team in preparing annual work plans
• Collect, collate and process annual audit reports/ FACE Forms submitted by institutes and other implementing agencies for submission to UNDP Finance team.

Administrative Level Support

• Support the team in organizing capacity building/training programs, events, meetings (inside and outside office) around finance procedures and audits, etc.
• Manage the project accounts during the entire project implementation period.
• Prepare the financial statements and financial forecasting for the projects.
• Liaise with relevant government agencies and other project partners for effective and timely receipt of various physical and financial reporting from across all project teams and partners.
• Liaise with UNDP CO finance team to ensure timely processing of payments.
• Ensuring all procurement and HR requests get timely processed. Work closely with other team members and conduct a quality check on RFPs, LoAs, ToRs for IC and NPSAs etc. prepared by team members; guide and mentor them in the preparation of quality documentation.

Logistic Support

• Arrange for logistics and system protocols for travel of team members, consultants, government officials, etc.
• Ensure timely submission and clearance of travel claims and other local reimbursements.
• Support all procurement processes including vendor identification, assessment, registration, recording of delivery, quality control, timely payments and closure.
• Provide inputs for the timely submission of all progress and other reports as may be required by GEF, UNDP India office and NATCOM Cell, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC)other key stakeholders.
• Coordinating with other operations and programme team members in the NATCOM Cell for effective delivery of results
• Perform any other tasks consistent with the level of the post and/ or assigned by the supervisor.
• The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

• Business Direction & Strategy Effective Decision Making Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient
  manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources
• Business Management Communication Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other
  appropriate channels.
• Business Management Monitoring Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activitie and programme performance and results.
• Business Management Digital Awareness and Literacy Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skillfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed.
• Business Management Operations Management Ability to effectively plan, organize, and oversee the organization’s business processes in order to convert its assets into the best results in the most
  efficient manner. Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms.
• Business Management Risk Management Ability to identify and organize action around
  mitigating and proactively managing risks
• Administration and operation Events management (including workshops,trainings, and meetings) Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education is required OR A university degree (Bachelors’ degree) in Operations /Finance/
• Administration or any other closely related field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

Minimum 6 years (with Secondary education) OR 3 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in procurement and financial management related to programme support services.

• Ability to interpret, resolve and report on operational challenges.
• Sound knowledge of General Financial Rules (GFR), regulations, and accounting procedures.
• Ability to promote accountability and resource-based management.
• Good understanding of audit requirements and ensure compliance to the audit requirements is an asset.
• Knowledge of MS Office and other relevant software packages is desirable.
• Documentation, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Establishes priorities for self, schedules activities to ensure optimum use of time and resources.
• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision, and values.
• Strong understanding and demonstrated work experience in handling finance and administration processes is required.
• Experience of working with national/state governments is desirable.
• Experience in financial and/or administrative processes of UNDP and/or international agencies will be an added advantage
• Fluency in English and Hindi is required.

Remuneration:

Remuneration starting at INR (9,38,398) / INR (78,200) as per the scale depending on qualifications and experience. The remuneration is excluding 8.33% pension amount paid over and above the salary.

Disclaimer: Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination 

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.