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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.
Job Purpose and Organisational context In support of the national development objectives for achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth and transformation, UNDP Lesotho is collaborating with the Lerotholi Polytechnic and the wider academic community to implement the Lesotho University Innovations Pod (Lesotho UniPod project). The Lesotho UniPod, is part of the UNDP Africa UniPod Timbuktoo intiative that was launched in 2022, aimed at promoting collaborations within African Universities and to position them as centres of influence for economic transformation and development intelligence. The Lesotho UniPod will be hosted by the Lerotholi Polytechnic and partner with the local institutions of higher learning to cultivate and expand national agenda on innovation and creativity.
Specifically Lesotho UniPod is expected to achieve the objectives for the Lesotho UniPod are:
• To establish a national ecosystem for innovations, anchored on local knowledge and solutions, research and learning by creating linkages between academia, industry, and grassroots to ensure responsive and relevant development policy and programming;
• Establish the institutions of higher learning as a think-tanks and encourage proactive and transformative development research, innovations, and creativity;
• foster youth entrepreneurship and advance value creation and economic transformation through development of local value chains and diversification and
• accelerate acquisition and integration of technologies in local innovations.
UNDP is looking for Project Associate to provide project administration, management and technical support for the Lesotho UniPod. The Associate will report to the Project Manager, and closely with other UniPod supervisors and staff to ensure compliance to established protocols and policies for the management of the UniPod. The Associate will work with the Project Manager, UNDP and the Lerotholi Polytechnic to establish management and administrative systems for the Pod.
Duties and Responsibilities
Administrative and financial control;
• Support the Project Manager in the implementation of the project and ensure compliance with administrative and reporting requirements, clearance procedures for finance, procurement, recruitment, travel, and related issues;
• Update and initiate processing project financial transactions
• Reconcile the records of payments with activities and ensur compliance with best practices in financial and procurement management practice
• Maintain, and facilitate proper inventory control and issuance of inventory items and supplies;
• Maintain and regular update asset registery and asset movement prototocls at all time to ensure safety of all Unipod assets
• Provide assistance in the preparation of budget, and other reports and prepare budget revisions as required;
• Actively participate in the preparation of work plans, operation plans as well as procurement plans for projects,
• Maintain a permanent file for the project and appropriate filing system documenting the implementation for all information related to the project
• Help with logistics surrounding training sessions organised for UniPod users
• Assist with planning and organisation of events such as competitions, seminars, etc.
• Support hosting of project steering committee meetings
Human Resources:
• Manage all the HR related documentation, such as attendance records, contracts of employment, annual leave, insurance, etc.
• Ensure the relevant HR database is set-up and functional
• Assist with logistical processes for staff recruitment process and travel
Reception/Customer Service:
• Be the first port of entry for visitors at the UniPod and facilitate tours into the Pod.
• Monitor traffic in and out of the space, helping maintain security and avoiding loss/ theft
• Maintain appearance and presentability of the front desk, retail, and reception areas 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 (Operations Management) Ability to effectively plan, organize, and oversee the organization’s business processes in order to convert its assets into the best results in the most efficient manner. Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms (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.
Administration and Operations (Documents and records management) Overall document (hard or electronic) management; registry and retention policy including storing and archiving
Finance (Audit risk management) Ability to address audit issues raised in the course ofan audit and propose solutions in order to ensure are true and fair audit opinion is achieved Accounting (General) Knowledge of accounting concepts, principles, frameworks, standards, regulations, policies and trends, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations Education
High School Education, with specialized Diploma Business Administration, Business Management or Accounting or University Degree in Finance, Business or Public Administration is desirable but not a requirement Experience:
6 years of administrative or programme/project support experience or a bachelor’s degree with 3 years of relevant working experience is required. Experience in office management is desirable
Language Requirements
Proficiency in Sesotho and English
Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: 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.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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Closing date: 16 June 2023