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.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) leads efforts to combat poverty, inequality, and climate change, operating in 170 countries. In Afghanistan, UNDP has focused on climate resilience, gender equality, governance, health, and livelihoods for over 50 years, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Following the August 2021 power shift, UNDP is implementing projects to avert a humanitarian crisis and stabilize the economy.

UNDP addresses the challenges of displacement faced by millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and refugees through targeted area-based programming. This approach integrates community development plans to enhance access to resources and services while promoting social cohesion, economic empowerment, and regional business development.

In collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNDP has launched the Afghanistan Community Resilience Programme (ACRP). This initiative tackles the impacts of climate change and displacement in Badghis, Helmand, and Kandahar by building resilient livelihoods, improving agricultural productivity, and enhancing market linkages. The ACRP aims to address the socioeconomic effects of the poppy ban, with a focus on women and marginalized groups.

The programme will coordinate efforts through geographic targeting and outcome alignment, leveraging existing resources from the partner organizations. It includes data collection, monitoring, and knowledge sharing, ensuring that communities affected by the poppy ban receive essential support. ACRP will complement ongoing initiatives like the Community-Based Agriculture and Rural Development (CBARD-ALL 2.0) project.

Furthermore, the combined expertise of UNDP, FAO, and IOM will strengthen connections with national and international networks, including a newly established counternarcotics working group, to address strategic issues related to the poppy ban and alternative livelihoods. The Project Associate will manage project data and ensure compliance with UNDP regulations.

Under the overall guidance of Project Manager and direct supervision of Project Specialist, the Project Associate will be performing the key duties as mentioned below. 
 

Specifically, the scope of work will cover the following functions:

• Support the development of project activities from design through implementation, monitoring and evaluation focusing on the achievement of the following results.
• Assist in efficient delivery of the project, focusing on achievement of the following results.
• Ensure administration and implementation of operational strategies, adapt processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results.
• Supports the provision of high-quality technical support and facilitation of knowledge building and management, focusing on achievement of the following results.

1. Support the development of project activities from design through implementation, monitoring and evaluation focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Ensure coordination and networking with clients, stakeholders, and programme partners.
• Provide support with technical guidance in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, ensuring that results are delivered in accordance with the work plan, standards, allocations, framework and rules and regulations. 
• Support effective application of RBM tools, the establishment of management targets, and monitoring achievement of results. 
• Monitor work plan implementation, ensure it is on track, and support resolution of bottlenecks working with project coordination unit and project team.
• Provide support in planning and carrying out programme monitoring and preparing periodic and ad hoc reports including the annual report, donor reports.
• Ensure programme reviews and evaluations take place, manage the reviews and evaluation process and take a lead in preparing management response in consultation with project analyst (M&E) and other team members.
• Ensure coordination and networking with UN agencies, clients, stakeholders, and programme partners.
• Develop a coordination mechanism that allows sharing of information and harmonizes the work carried out by different partners.
• Develop ideas and concepts for possible areas of cooperation, and identification of funding opportunities for ongoing and new programme and projects.
• Support working relationships and creates programmatic linkages with relevant UN Agencies and counterparts as guided by the supervisor.
• Conduct field visits to ensure the programme quality follows UNDP regulations including social and environmental standards.
• Coordinate with partners to collect the regular reports including weekly, monthly and annual report,    conduct   technical review and consolidate.
• Coordinate with partner to produce high-quality human-interest stories and media content for various publications and usage for internal and external consumptions.
• Assist to external meetings within his/her area of programming when and as assigned.

2.)  Assist in efficient delivery of the project, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Participate in the preparation of work plans, operation plans and procurement plans and periodical reviews thereof.
• Provide support in quality control and assurance of the project activities, including assessing impact and effectiveness, tracking outputs and results, and ensure timely and efficient delivery.
• Maintain an appropriate filing system and documenting the implementation to enable further operational and financial closure of the project.
• Provide support in regular monitoring and data collection of the project activities in accordance with work plan and procurement plan.
• Provide assistance to partner agencies involved in Project activities, performing and monitoring financial aspects to ensure compliance with budgeted costs in line with established policies and procedures. 
• Assist the project team in drafting project progress reports with financial data.
• Provide regular updates to the Project Specialist/Manager and flag any deviations from the work plans immediately.
• Compile, organize and file information and documents for reference and use by team members.

3.) Ensure administration and implementation of operational strategies, adapt processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance with respective UNDP & donor rules, regulations, & policies of finance and procurement activities, financial recording/reporting system & follow-up on audit recommendations and Implementation of effective internal controls and maintain responsibility for the inventory of the project assets.
• Provide general secretarial and administrative assistance to the project in close liaison with UNDP teams and other UN agencies.
• Perform preparatory work for mandatory and general budget revisions, annual physical inventory, auditing; and assist external evaluators in fulfilling their mission.
• Undertake administrative, logistical, travel, procurement, financial and asset management tasks in full compliance with UNDP rules, regulations, and policies.
• Provide support to procure goods and services required by the project, in liaison with the relevant staff and units of UNDP Country Office.
• Provide administrative support in arranging project related meetings when needed. 
• Organization of procurement processes including preparation of RFQs, ITBs or RFPs documents, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their preliminary evaluation, note-to-files and justifications in cooperation with the UNDP Operations Unit.

4.) Supports the provision of high-quality technical support and facilitation of knowledge building and management, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provide support in identifying and synthesizing best practices and lessons learned directly linked to Regional Project Office programme.
• Provide support in coordinating and ensuring best practices and lessons learned are taken into consideration while developing work plans and programme strategies.
• Ensure that lessons learned from various project interventions are captured and recorded and reinforced.

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

Institutional Arrangement

Under the overall guidance of Project Manager and direct supervision of Project Specialist, the Project Associate will be performing the key duties as mentioned above.

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 Management - Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.

Business Management - Customer Satisfaction/Client Management: Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

Business Development - Knowledge Generation: Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.

Business Management - Risk Management: Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks.

Business Management - Results-based Management: Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus on improved performance and demonstrable results.

Finance - Budget Management: Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.

Procurement - Contract Management: Knowledge of contract management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.

Education:

• Secondary education is required.  A first-level university degree (Bachelor´s degree) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, or Social Sciences will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement

Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years (with secondary education) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible administrative/management or programme experience at the national and/or international level is required.

Required  skills 

• Experience with project results tracking and reporting.
• Experience with collecting, developing, and disseminating project success stories.
• Experience with developing and applying tools to collect, monitor and address the grievances of the project beneficiaries.
• Experience with developing and monitoring implementation of the project risk register. 

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), and web-based management systems, and up-to-date, advanced knowledge of data management tools and database packages. 
• Experience with the EU or other donor funded programs/projects.
• Two years of working experience with UN or Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) at the local or international level.

Required Language(s) 

• Fluency in English  is required. 
•  Fluency in Dari or Pashto is required

Special Notice

Appointment or assignment against these positions is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is taking efforts to improve gender parity, including full implementation of the UN-wide, and Departmental Gender Strategies. We are committed to providing an inclusive culture and exciting opportunities for women in the security and operations field.

This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
•Appropriate testing, as determined by the Secretariat may be required.
•Travel within and outside of the country may be required.
•Possession of a valid Afghanistan driver's license is required.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by himor her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

Please note that candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. The selection process for this job opening will be conducted pursuant to ST/AI/2010/3 on the "Staff Selection System" and include the compliance review process by a review body described in staff rule 4.15.

The Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and administrative issuances governing staff appointments
can be viewed at: http://www.un.org/hr_handbook/English

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term "sexual exploitation" means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term "sexual abuse" means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term "sexual harassment" means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator's working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to
support their participation in the recruitment process.

By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to
temporary positions.

Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on "Manuals" in the "Help" tile of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the
information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.