UNDP Vacancy Announcement for Project Assistant

VISION STATEMENT

UNDP Nepal works with the people and Government of Nepal, and other development partners to pursue equitable and sustainable human development goals through eradication of poverty, increase in livelihood opportunities, improvement in community resilience against conflict, disasters and impact of climate change, while laying down strong foundations for a society based on rule of law with an inclusive and participatory democracy.

Context

Within these thematic areas, gender equality and social inclusion are central to UNDP’s work. These principles are mainstreamed and addressed through targeted interventions aimed at the most marginalized and vulnerable groups. UNDP implements its programs in alignment with the current Country Programme (2023–2027) and is strategically repositioning its contributions to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in collaboration with national development partners.
UNDP also operates under the broader development framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023–2027. Nepal as a Party to UNFCCC prepared its National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) to address the immediate and urgent climate adaptation needs. Nepal’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) (2021-2050) sets out 64 adaptation programmes to address systemic and long-term climate risks by implementing short, medium, and long-term adaptation actions in key sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and disaster risk reduction, aligned to sectors outlined in the National Climate Change Policy (2019). The National Framework for Local Adaptation Plans for Action (LAPA) outlines effective delivery of adaptation services to the most climate vulnerable areas and people by integrating climate adaptation into local plans. Both NAPA and LAPA are important frameworks to guide the localization of SDG 13 at sub-national levels through integrated adaptation planning, enabling governments and communities to understand the extent and future climatic risks and empower them to effectively respond to minimise the impact.

Given Nepal’s vulnerability to climate change and the interconnected impacts on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations Country Team has identified Environmental Sustainability, Climate, and Disaster Resilience as a priority area under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023–2027. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution have been recognized as one of the three key accelerators/transitions for Nepal.
To address these challenges, UNDP, WFP, and UN-Habitat in Nepal are jointly implementing the project “Accelerating the Localization of Integrated Climate Actions in Nepal.” This joint project aims to contribute to the Climate Change and Biodiversity accelerator/transition by supporting Nepal in becoming a climate-resilient, low-carbon society that is sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive. To ensure the sustainability of the project’s outcomes, the initiative builds on ongoing efforts in SDG localization by demonstrating a successful model for planning and implementing joint actions on climate adaptation, mitigation, risk reduction, and environmental management at the provincial and local levels.
Integrated planning under the project is guided by strong interlinkages between climate, risk mitigation, and environmental factors, emphasizing their overall impact on livelihoods. The approach prioritizes vulnerability-focused, gender-responsive, and human-centric implementation to foster local ownership and long-term sustainability.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of Policy Advisor, the National UN Youth Volunteer will perform the following tasks.

•  Facilitate Local Coordination: Support coordination with the local government, specifically Hariwan Municipality of Madhesh Province, in developing an integrated climate action localization framework.
•  Document Collection: Assist in collecting reports and relevant documents from consultants and local governments on climate adaptation plans.
•  Context Setting: Review documents and reports related to local government plans and budgets, and prepare notes.
•  Organizational Support: Manage logistical, administrative, and financial arrangements for meetings, workshops, events, and missions.
•  Meeting Documentation: Draft meeting minutes as delegated to ensure accurate record-keeping.
• Progress Monitoring: Support the monitoring of project activities, ensuring adherence to timelines and alignment with project objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Assist in building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including government representatives, consultants, and community members, to ensure effective collaboration.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
•  Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
•  Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
•  Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
•  Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.
• Contribute to the development of an integrated, gender-responsive framework for localizing successful climate and environmental actions.
• Provide administrative, coordination, and logistical support for project implementation.
• Offer technical support to activity management teams and support units during implementation.
• Facilitate coordination with local governments throughout the project implementation phase.
•  Assist in organizing meetings and consultations during the project execution phase.
•  Ensure that Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspectives are systematically applied, integrated, and documented in all activities.
• Prepare a final statement of achievements related to volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, including reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in, and capacities developed.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 – 80

Required experience: 1 month

Nationality: Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience: 2 years

Languages

Nepalese, Level: Working knowledge, Required
English, Level: Working knowledge, Required

Required education level: Bachelor degree or equivalent in environmental science, rural development, social sciences, development studies, humanitarian action, or any related field;

Competencies and values

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP Nepal’s technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP Nepal’s procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP Nepal in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;

Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;

Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance, and commitment towards UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Skills and experience

• Experience: Demonstrated interest and/or up to 2 years of experience in environment and resilience, gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), rural development, and the “Leave No One Behind” (LNOB) principle is desirable.
•  Motivation: Strong commitment to contributing to climate action, local development, gender equality and social inclusion and a desire to serve others.
•  Skills: Excellent interpersonal, networking, and communication skills.
•  Teamwork: Willingness to collaborate and work as part of a team.
•  Adaptability: Flexibility, openness to learning, and readiness for new experiences.
•  Cultural Sensitivity: Respect for diversity and ability to adapt to different cultures, environments, and living conditions.
• Additional Experience: Prior volunteer experience or exposure to another culture (e.g., through studies, volunteer work, or internships) is highly valued.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in computer applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and social media tools.
• Working knowledge of other local dialects is an advantage

Area(s) of expertise

Social work, Development programmes

Driving license
–

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, lies under the Phase III of the UN Security classification, but is subject to change depending on the development of the security situation. Living conditions in Kathmandu are good. Comfortable inexpensive flats (furnished and unfurnished) are available in Kathmandu. Both imported and local foods and clothing are abundantly available. There is a short supply of water while it is also not safe to drink without treatment. Public transport is easily available and generally reliable though traffic congestion is extremely high. Kathmandu has a temperate climate with coldest temperature reaching just above zero at the night during the winter and mild but humid during the monsoon period, mid-June to end September.
Nepal is a unique country and UNDP Nepal is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

To Apply Visit: app.unv.org