Project Associate [Open to Tier 1 & 2… at United Nations · Istanbul

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub for Europe and Eurasia (IRH) is an advisory hub for the region that provides policy and programmatic support to UNDP’s development activities, and works towards assisting Country Offices in the development of country-level initiatives, as well as implements regional-level projects with a wide range of partners. Since 2024, the IRH has led the regional implementation of “Greening the Future: Advancing Rights and Stability” project (hereinafter Greening the Future Project (GFP)) funded by the Government of Denmark and implemented in two Eastern Partnership Countries (Georgia and Moldova), as well as at the regional level.

The Greening the Future Project currently has 7 specific outputs, each characterized by a separate scope and budget, and implemented separate project personnel, with the total budget around 15 million US Dollars.

• Output 1. Enhanced Democratic Local Governance for Inclusive and Sustainable Local Development in Two Areas in Georgia through Area-Based Approach
• Output 2. Enhanced Governance in the Republic of Moldova through Multi-Stakeholder Engagement to Accelerate the Green and Inclusive Transition
• Output 3. Enhanced Regional Cooperation, Knowledge and Solutions for Accelerated Inclusive Green Transition and Inclusive, Anticipatory Governance
• Output 4. Strengthened Democratic Resilience in Moldova
• Output 5. Enhanced capacities of CSOs and media organizations to safeguard civic spaces in Georgia
• Output 6. Enhansing Crisis Management and Cybersecurity Resiliense of the Minsitry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova
• Output 7. Strengthened Local Governance for Resilient and Low Carbon Development in Consolidated Communities in Armenia (under development)

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Project Manager, the PA provides support to administrative and finance services ensuring high quality of work, including accurate, timely, and properly recorded/documented service delivery. The PA ensures effective delivery of project by entering and managing data and supporting programme implementation consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The PA works in close collaboration with colleagues at the three implementing Country Offices, as well as operations and other colleagues at the Istanbul Regional Hub. Please note that this position is open for citizens and residents of Turkiye only. The position is based in Istanbul, with the current office-wide policy of in-person presence a minimum of three days per week/

Duties and Responsibilities

Support management of project in Quantum , including but not limited to:

• setting-up the project and the annual work plans (AWP) in Quantum (ERP system);
• enhanced project management and pipeline module;
• track and monitor the use of allocations, track approval of budget revisions and their uploading;
• create e-requisitions, check budgets for accuracy, and do receipts for payments;
• Ensure oversight of the RP agreements and low value grants by the COs;
• Support and coordinate with Country Offices’ PAs as relevant

Support in project implementation and financial management of the project, including:

• support project management in performing budget cycle: planning, preparation, revisions, and budget execution;
• comply and verify budget and accounting data by researching files, calculating costs, and estimating anticipated expenditures;
• process all types of payment requests for settlement purposes including quarterly advances to the partners upon joint review;
• monitor budget expenditures, ensuring that no expenditure is incurred before it has been authorized and maintain a proper record of commitments and planned expenditures;
• prepare and submit expenditure and project budget status reports;
• prepare periodic accounting records by recording receipts, disbursements (ledgers, cashbooks, vouchers, etc.) and reconciling data for recurring or financial reports and assist in preparation of annual procurement plans;
• support procurement and contracting processes (Individual Consultants, services and goods); manage payments under the active contracts
• support documentation for Contract Assets Procurement (CAP) meetings and Regional Asset Contract Procurement submission;
• undertake project financial closure formalities including submission of terminal reports, transfer and disposal of equipment, processing of semi-final revisions, and support professional staff in preparing the terminal assessment reports;
• ensure that contractual processes follow the stipulated UNDP and donor (i.e. European Commission) procedures;
• compile technical and financial reports as required;
• ensure proper filing of all project related documents;
• perform project closure procedures in line with POPP

Provide event and meeting organisation support for assigned events, including:

• support the organisation and preparation of key project meetings, including necessary documentation, logistics, travel, administrative support and any follow up required (including producing meeting minutes and reports);
• support with organising tele-conferences and other means of engagement with stakeholders and partners;
• support the production of promotional materials;

Take care of internal communication and updates of project-related information on project platforms and social media including:

• communicate with IRH teams and Country Offices on financial and reporting matters, be a go-to-person for the implementing Country Offices for support and advise
• support annual targets setting and reporting;
• Engage in the IRH wide regional programme/project meetings and respond to related requests as needed;
• update events calendar and other platforms as requested.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core competencies:

• 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 Management

• Communication
  • 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
• Monitoring
  • Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results.
  • Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools.
  • Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns

Business Direction & Strategy

• Effective Decision Making
  • Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications

General (across the functions)

• Event planning and execution
  • Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP's overall brand and mandate.

Finance

• Financial reporting and analysis
  • Understands changes in regulatory, legal and ethical frameworks and standards for financial reporting in the public sector. Ability to extract, evaluate financial data, derive relevant findings and present them in a meaningful and coherent manner to facilitate effective decision making and performance monitoring.
  • Understands the benefits of integrated reporting, including nonfinancial resources such as human, social and intellectual capital, and environmental and governance performance
• Budget management
  • Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education is required, OR
• A university degree(Bachelor’s degree) in Business Administration, Financial Management, Public Administration, Communication, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or related field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
• Additional academic qualifications in business, economics, accountancy, international development, international law, governance, communication, peacebuilding, knowledge management, innovation, and law enforcement is an asset

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years (with high school diploma) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible administrative/management or project administration and/or coordination experience is required at the national and/or international organization

Required skills:

• Solid experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP.
• Experience organizing exchange workshops and/or training activities at the national or international level is required.

Desired skills:

• Demonstrated track record in the preparation of technical and financial reports, and accounts management of international projects is an asset for this position;
• Prior experience with UNDP/UN, project oversight or management would be an asset.
• Prior experience with donor-dunded project will be considered an asset.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Turkish is a requirement

Professional Certificates:

• CIPS Certification could be an asset

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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