Project Associate

In the new phase of the M4EG (2025-2028) the main objective of the M4EG is to promote inclusive, green and innovative economic revival of secondary cities in Eastern Partnership Countries through systemic local economic planning, enhanced access to finance, amplified future-ready capabilities and strengthened local, regional and global networks.

The programme will focus on two main outcomes:

Improved and adaptive systemic local-level economic development planning and implementation through improved tools and capabilities for mission-oriented development and;

Enhanced access to financing for local authorities through support for pipeline development and financing absorption and management.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies, and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems. The specific duties and responsibilities of the Project Associate during the assignment will include, but not be limited to, the following:

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

• Track and monitor the use of allocations;
• Create e-requisitions, check budget for accuracy, and do receipts for payments;
• Generate financial reports and prepare monthly delivery monitoring tables for the assigned project, check for correctness, identify issues, contribute to development of solutions.

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;
• 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);
• Undertake project financial closure formalities;
• 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;
• Track ongoing agreements with local authorities.

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

• Support the organization 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 organizing 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 relevant units on financial and reporting matters;
• Support annual targets setting and reporting;
• Publish materials produced by communication experts on social media;
• 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.         

Institutional Arrangement:

• The M4EG regional initiative is led by UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub and the UNDP Moldova coordinates the local implementation in the Republic of Moldova.
• Under the guidance and direct supervision of the M4EG Project Manager, the Project Associate shall contribute to an effective and efficient implementation of the project activities via administrative and financial management.
• The Project Associate will apply and promote the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.
• The Project Associate will work in close collaboration with the Project Manager, UNDP Country Office (CO) team, as well as ensure coordination with the M4EG implementation team at UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub, for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex project-related issues and information delivery.

Required Skills and Experience:

Education:

• Secondary education is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, Economics, or related field will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years (with Secondary Education) OR 4 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of relevant work experience in the field of administration, finance, procurement, business administration or public administration.

Required Skills: 

• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems;
• Demonstrated experience in performing procurement and finance-related tasks is required.

Desired Skills:

• Demonstrated track record of experience in the preparation of technical and financial reports, and accounts management of international projects is an asset for this position;
• Prior experience in development assistance or related work for UNDP/UN, a development organization, consulting company, or NGO;
• Prior experience with EU projects.

Desired Languages:

• Fluency in English and Romanian is required.
• Knowledge of one or more minority languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Russian, Ukrainian and sign language, will be an asset.

Source: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/24455