UNDP: Project Assistant – Riyadh

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

Through this renewed umbrella cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the strategic objectives of the Ministry are framed within a flexible framework that allows for modification and expansion in line with its evolving institutional priorities. The Project Document, signed on 1 September 2025, continues to build on the successful collaboration established under the previous phase, maintaining adaptability in defining activities, tasks, and projects to be identified annually in support of MoFA’s deputyships. These workstreams will be aligned with MoFA’s priorities and jointly reviewed by UNDP project management and the respective deputyships prior to submission to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for endorsement.

This cooperation seeks to strengthen strategic planning and foresight capacities across the Ministry, enhance governance, financial management, and operational efficiency, and advance institutional capacity for talent development, leadership, and performance management. At the same time, it enables UNDP to deliver high-quality programme and project services that respond to MoFA’s needs and contribute to the achievement of Vision 2030 objectives. This approach ensures national ownership and alignment by engaging MoFA throughout all stages of project design, planning, and implementation.

Scope of Work

The Project Assistant will be working on MoFA-UNDP project and will support programme activities, liaise with government partners and other stakeholders and support the monitoring and evaluation of programme results.

Duties and Responsibilities

Project and Operational Support

• Provide administrative and technical support to the Head of the Partnership Office in managing daily operations and following up on joint projects implemented with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
• Follow up on projects implemented under the signed Project Document, ensuring progress of procedures in coordination with the Head of the Office, UNDP, and Project Managers.

Coordination and Communication Support

• Manage official correspondence and coordinate with relevant departments and entities inside and outside the Ministry to ensure smooth workflow and effective exchange of project-related information.
• Support coordination with government counterparts, UNDP, and other stakeholders involved in project implementation.

Steering Committee and Governance Support

• Support and follow up on matters related to the Steering Committee, including correspondence, documentation, meeting records, and follow-up on decisions, in coordination with the Head of the Office and UNDP.
• Assist in the preparation and development of the Partnership Office governance framework and the Steering Committee Rules of Procedure by collecting information, organizing inputs, and drafting related materials.

Documentation and Records Management Support

• Maintain, organize, and update project files and documents manually to ensure accuracy, completeness, and ease of access.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Compliance

• Support the preparation of periodic project reports, including RDPs, APRs, and CDRs, by collecting required information and coordinating inputs with Project Managers.
• Support the review of project-related documents, including new projects or requested amendments, to ensure compliance with approved guidelines, procedures, and directives.

Procurement and Contracting Support

• Assist in contracting and procurement procedures carried out through UNDP, including receiving recruitment or procurement requests, guiding Project Managers on required templates, reviewing submissions, and coordinating onward submission to UNDP following approval

Support knowledge building and knowledge sharing

• Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Other Duties

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

4. Institutional Arrangement

The Project Assistant will report to the UNDP Programme Analyst and Head of UNDP strategic partnership office on contractual, performance management, and administrative matters.

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 (insert up to 7 competencies)

Thematic Area
Name
Definition

Business Direction and Strategy
Strategic Thinking
Develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.

Business Direction and 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.

Business Direction and Strategy
Negotiation and Influence
Reach a common understanding/agreement, persuade others, resolve points of difference through a dialogue, negotiate mutually acceptable solutions and create ‘win-win’ situations

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

BusinessManagement
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

Partnership Management
Relationship Management
Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust, and mutual understanding.

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements: Secondary education is required, or
University Degree in Social Sciences Law, Project Management will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Min. years of relevant work experience: Minimum of four (4) years (with secondary education) or one (1) year (with bachelor’s degree) of experience in project support.

Required skills: Experience and knowledge of project management principles and best practices
Experience in IT and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of web-based management systems

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section: Work experience with the UN and international organizations would be an asset.
Experience in procurement procedures is an asset.
Professional Project Management Certification is desired.

Experience with UN Results-Based Management and Monitoring and Evaluation.

Required Language(s): Fluency in Arabic and English is required.

Professional Certificates: N/A

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.