Project Assistant - Strengthening Election Management in Bangladesh (SEMB) Project - (Only Bangladeshi nationals are eligible to apply), Dhaka, Bangla

Background

In line with the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) mandate to work in developing countries in the areas of professional development and democratic governance, the Bangladesh country office has had long standing cooperation with the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC). Since 1997 UNDP Bangladesh has been proving support to BEC with a view to strengthening the democratic electoral process in Bangladesh through institutional capacity building which promoted an efficient and transparent electoral system.

Recently UNDP has taken a new 5-year technical assistance project to provide support to BEC. The project Strengthening Election Management in Bangladesh (SEMB) is focused on supporting greater capacity of the BEC by strengthening institutional and professional capacity. It therefore recognises the BEC is at a key juncture in its development and it will be vital for it to consolidate and systematise the advances it has made, thereby increasing the chances that the standards set in the 2008 elections can be maintained. The outline of project components that follows may be modified and refined to take account of changing circumstances and requests from stakeholders. This 5-year electoral support project consists of technical assistance designed to enhance and further consolidate the institutional and professional capacities of the BEC, its Secretariat and local offices to deliver its mandated functions of conducting fair, credible and transparent elections and further consolidating itself as a permanent, professional, credible and independent institution of governance. Specifically, the following outcomes are envisaged for the programme:

• Professionalised and strengthened training by the BEC
• Strengthened BEC capacity to efficiently manage decentralisation and institutional growth
• Reformed communications department and outreach to stakeholders
• Professionalised and strengthened ICT wing of the BEC
• Enhanced capacities to prepare and disseminate a credible and accurate photo voter register
• Support to activities in the run up to the parliamentary elections in 2014

The Project Management Support Unit requires a Project Assistant who, under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, will work closely with the designated project officer to ensure successful implementation of the project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

As full time member of the project team, the Project Assistant will work under the direct supervision and guidance of the Project Coordinator. Major responsibilities will involve the following:

• Assist the Project Coordinator/Project Officer and Project Management Team with day-to-day functioning of the project activities
• Assist the Project Coordinator in overall administrative management of the project
• Provide inputs in the preparation of Annual and Quarterly Work Plan and their successful implementation
• Liaison with different government agencies/UNDP CO/donor partners, NGOs and other key stakeholders, as directed;
• Assist in necessary action related to the project's human resource activities, e.g., recruitment, performance appraisal, job classification reviews etc.;
• Perform quality control function of project activities, including assessing impact and effectiveness, tracking outputs and results, and ensure timely and efficient delivery of project through a client-satisfaction approach
• Maintain an appropriate filing system documenting the implementation of approved work-plan activities,
• Support Project Coordinator/Project Officer in planning and providing logistic support to learning events/workshop/seminars and taking minutes and report writing
• Assist the NPD as instructed by the Project Coordinator and as feasible for attaining expected results in project implementation
• Assist Project Coordinator supervise downstream project personnel and monitor implementation of down stream project activities
• Assist Project Coordinator with providing support to and with facilitating work of national and international experts/ consultants and missions
• Map key competencies available in different countries and development organizations.
• Any other relevant tasks that may emerge as important in the course of this assignment, and which deems to be appropriate for the Project Coordinator to undertake.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN's values and ethical standards (human rights, peace, understanding between peoples and nations, tolerance, integrity, respect, results orientation (UNDP core ethics) impartiality
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

• Management and Leadership
• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback, timely responses to queries
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
• Demonstrates strong administrative skills and results oriented approach to work

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to engage with high ranking UNDP Managers, Government Officials and international donor community and provide policy advisory support services.
• Ability to identify opportunities, conceptualize and develop project reports
• Ability to analyse situations and act accordingly
• Ability to effectively support in strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
• Ability to formulate and manage budgets, manage contributions and investments, manage transactions, conduct financial analysis, reporting and cost-recovery: excellent project oversight functions, including audit, accurate and thorough risk assessment
• Ability to implement new systems and affect staff behavioural/ attitudinal change

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
• Display understanding of the relevant contemporary ICT tools and continuously act towards personal capacity building
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral): Sensitivity to and responsiveness to all partners, Respectful and helpful relations with all UN/UNDP staff,

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

At least a Bachelors degree in Social Science preferably in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, Development Administration or Public Policy.

Experience and Skill:

• At least 2 years project management experience preferably in the field of election/democratic governance areas;
• Extensive experience of working for UN/UNDP projects/development partners' programme
• Good knowledge of government machineries in managing projects
• Experience in managing learning events
• Sound computer proficiency essential.

Language Ability:

Strong ability in spoken and written Bangla and English.

Additional Qualifications:

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships at all levels to facilitate work goals
• Demonstrated team building capacity
• Knowledge building and dissemination capacity using modern sources and channels
• Good understanding of gender issue and positive approach towards the creation of gender balance in the office

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.