Project Associate (Admin), SSPS Programme II

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

Bangladesh is the second-largest economy in South Asia, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of over USD 450 billion. Between 2000 and 2019, the economy grew at an average of around 6 per cent per year, accompanied by broad gains in human development. The national poverty rate fell from over 48 per cent in 2000 to about 18.7 per cent in 2022, and the Human Development Index reached 0.685 in 2023, placing Bangladesh in the medium human development category. The country is scheduled to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in November 2026.

Significant development challenges remain. GDP growth slowed to 3.49 per cent in fiscal year 2024–25, inflation has stayed elevated, and private investment is weak, constraining the economic diversification needed to create decent jobs. Bangladesh is also one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, highly exposed to natural and climate-induced hazards.

As the UN’s development agency, UNDP has worked in Bangladesh since 1972, partnering with the government to advance democratic governance, climate adaptation, environmental protection, and inclusive growth. This support spans high-quality policy and technical advice, implementation support, development financing, and knowledge sharing.

The programme portfolio is organized into two clusters and a Sub-Office in Cox’s Bazar; Democratic Governance, and Resilience and Inclusive Growth aligned to the Country Programme Document (CPD) and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). Each cluster is led by a Cluster Team Leader (functional title: Assistant Resident Representative) and Sub-Office by its head responsible for programme and project quality, results, and effective relationships with implementing partners and donors. Across both clusters, the Operations Team and the Programme Management Support Unit (PMSU) provide cross-cutting oversight and quality assurance, helping to ensure compliance, delivery readiness, and sound financial and operational management.

UNDP Bangladesh’s Democratic Governance programme works toward a country that is inclusive, capable, rule-based, accountable, and transparent, so that all citizens can contribute peacefully to national development. It focuses on three areas: strengthening effective and accountable governance that improves equitable access to justice and the rule of law; promoting participatory governance and a strong civil society so that all voices are heard; and advancing the civic, political, and economic empowerment of women and youth. In practice, this work spans support to justice-sector institutions and access to justice including legal aid and community-based dispute resolution such as the Village Courts alongside strengthening local government institutions and decentralized service delivery, advancing human rights, transparency, and anti-corruption, and supporting inclusive, credible electoral processes. UNDP partners with government, civil society, community, and academic institutions to make public institutions more effective, accountable, and responsive, with particular attention to women, youth, and marginalized and minority groups.

The Social Security Policy Support (SSPS) Phase II (2026–2030), implemented by UNDP Bangladesh in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of Australia, supports the implementation and continued reform of the National Social Security Strategy (NSSS). Building on more than a decade of engagement, the programme addresses persistent challenges in Bangladesh’s social protection system, including fragmented delivery, coverage and targeting gaps, limited gender responsiveness, and uneven implementation capacity, particularly at the local level.

The programme focuses on strengthening social protection governance and delivery systems, with particular attention to lifecycle-based support for poor and vulnerable populations. Through embedded technical assistance, government-led pilots, improved data and monitoring systems, and evidence-based policy support, SSPS Phase II will advance reforms in governance and local delivery, lifecycle social protection, climate-responsive and shock-adaptive social protection, urban and social insurance linkages, and gender equality and disability inclusion. The programme aims to translate policy commitments into effective, inclusive, and fiscally sustainable social protection that contributes to poverty reduction, human development, employment, and resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities

The project associate (Admin) will have the following specific duties and responsibilities:

Provide Administrative and Operational Support

• Support the day-to-day administrative operations of the project to ensure efficient Programme implementation.
• Prepare administrative correspondence, official documentation, meeting minutes, and maintain project e-filing and records management systems.
• Full compliance with UNDP POPP, rules & regulations, proper planning, supporting follow up of audit; implementation of the effective internal control framework.

Ensure Administration by focusing on achievement of the following results

• Support logistics, equipment and meeting and training materials and communication with vendors.
• Ensures timely delivery of procurement processes for the project
• Facilitate timely processing and payment of vendor invoices through the Quantum system, in accordance with UNDP rules and procedures.
• Assist the project team for all kinds of project management related activities including liaison with Cabinet Division & different government agencies/UNDP CO/donor partners, NGOs and other key stakeholders, as directed;
• Support in planning, organization and coordination of high-level meetings, workshops and result sharing/dissemination events involving appropriate stakeholders;
• Provide support in processing and settling Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA), travel claims, and other financial claims of staff and service providers in accordance with UNDP rules, policies, and procedures.
• Support management of programme vehicles and ensuring timely and efficient vehicle services for programme activities.

Support Procurement and Contract Administration

• Support the implementation of procurement plans for goods, services, and individual consultants in accordance with UNDP procurement policies.
• Facilitate timely and quality procurement of project goods and services in accordance with the Procurement Process Review (PPR) and applicable UNDP rules and procedures.
• Coordinate with the Project Manager and Project Analyst (Operations) in preparing and revising the procurement plan in line with the Annual Work Plan (AWP) and project requirements.
• Support efficient project procurement through technical bids, financial bids, proposals and contracts following the provisions of the NIM Guidelines.
• Support to prepare specifications for the equipment required for procurement in close work with Programme and ensure proper operation, maintenance, and appropriate distribution of such equipment.
• Ensure all payment being justified and checking proper records that the Assets Inventory / stock entries as per UNDP / NEX rules are completed.
• Coordinate with the Project Manager and Project Analyst (Operations) in managing project contracts, ensuring timely processing, compliance, documentation, and monitoring of contractual obligations.

Coordinate Logistics and Administrative Support for Meetings and Workshops

• Support to organize logistical arrangements for meetings, workshops, consultations, conferences, training events, field missions, and official travel.
• Coordinate venue arrangements, travel, accommodation, transportation, interpretation services, and meeting documentation.
• Coordinate and provide administrative and logistical support for Project Board, Project Steering Committee (PSC), Project Implementation Committee (PIC), Central Management Committee (CMC), and other programme-level meetings.
• Support the planning and logistical arrangements for foreign training, study tours, and other capacity-building activities, including coordination, documentation, and related administrative support.
• Support in preparation and processing of Travel Requests (TRs) and Travel Claims (TCs), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable administrative procedures.

Support Government Reporting and others

• Support the National Project Director (NPD) in managing and ensuring compliance with Government of Bangladesh financial management procedures and systems, including the Public Procurement Rules (PPR) 2008, Integrated Budget and Accounting System (iBAS++), Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED), electronic Project Management Information System (e-PIMS), ADP/RADP Management System (AMS), Foreign Aid Management System (FAMS), Annual Development Programme (ADP), and Revised Annual Development Programme (RADP), while ensuring the timely preparation and submission of all required financial and administrative documentation.
• Support the National Project Director in preparing periodic administrative and financial reports and maintaining accurate, complete, and up-to-date supporting documentation in compliance with the requirements of the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED), Financial Accounting and Management System (FAMS), electronic Project Management Information System (e-PIMS), ADP/RADP Management System (AMS), Annual Development Programme (ADP), and Revised Annual Development Programme (RADP).
• Maintain project inventory, asset registers, office supplies, and administrative records in accordance with UNDP policies.
• Supervise support staff (Secretary, Office Assistant, Messengers, Drivers, Guards, etc.) and coordinate with outsources company to ensure support and seek smooth support;
• Compose various Govt. official letters in Bangla using Bijoy and NIKOSH
• Develop and implement a proper archiving system for all Programme and administration related files, reports and correspondence for easy access and future reference;
• Prepare monthly leave records for the project staff and international consultants
• Obtain Annual Physical verification on the Project Non-Expendable Inventory.
• Perform any other administrative, operational, and coordination-related functions and responsibilities as may be assigned by the National Project Director (NPD), Project Manager, Project Analyst (Operations), to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the SSPS Programme.

Support knowledge building, knowledge sharing and capacity building relevant to the assigned project.

• Participate in training and organize briefings on internal procedures for the project staff. Provide support to other capacity building activities, including to the design and delivery of tools, materials for workshops, or platforms that tap into the collective intelligence of communities and mobilize action.
• Provide support in the dissemination and sharing of relevant data and lessons learned within the CO and regionally. Keep pulse on emerging best practices nationally, regionally, and internationally that relate to the work of the assigned project.
• Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. Support compiling and systematizing project knowledge, products and tools as well as their wide distribution to partners.

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 Project Associate (Admin) will work under the direct supervision of Project Analyst (Operations), Social Security Policy Support (SSPS) Program II.

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 Thematic Area Name Definition 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 Management Project Management Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals Procurement Procurement The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source Procurement Sourcing Ability to find, evaluate and engage suppliers of goods and services Procurement Data Management Knowledge of processing, storing, and validating procurement data Administration & Operations Events Management (including retreats, trainings and meetings) Support offices with event management including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation etc. Administration & Operations Onboarding of personnel Knowledge of policy and procedures on administrative onboarding, including issuance of office ID, email address creation, office space, telephone extension, Argus profile set up, issuance of office ICT equipment

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education is required. OR
• A University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in development studies, Business Studies, Human Resource Management, or a related field will be given due consideration but not a requirement.

Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years (with high school degree) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in proven track record and exposure to development and NIM project in the areas of Government of Bangladesh Reporting systems, Operations, Admin and logistic support.

Required Skils:

• Minimum 2 years of proven experience of working with Government of Bangladesh Reporting systems, including Public Procurement Rules (PPR) 2008, Integrated Budget and Accounting System (iBAS++), Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED), electronic-Project Management Information System (e-PIMS), ADP/RADP Management System (AMS), Foreign Aid Management System (FAMS), and ADP/RADP is required
• Demonstrated experience in administrative and operational support, including office administration, records management, document control, and coordination of routine administrative processes is required.
• Experience supporting procurement, contracting, logistics, travel, events, and/or financial administration is required.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, accuracy, and compliance in handling administrative and operational documentation is required.

Desired Skils:

• Experience using UNDP corporate systems, such as ERP, or comparable enterprise resource planning systems is desired.
• Experience in procurement, travel, asset management and human resources procedures in development Sector, INGO’s, Government organization is desired.
• Experience working with Government of Bangladesh financial and administrative systems, including Public Procurement Rules (PPR) 2008, Integrated Budget and Accounting System (iBAS++), Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED), electronic-Project Management Information System (e-PIMS), ADP/RADP Management System (AMS), Foreign Aid Management System (FAMS), and ADP/RADP, where relevant is desired.
• Experience in providing administrative and logistical support for high-level meetings and workshops, including national conferences, Project Board meetings, Steering Committee meetings, Implementation Committee meetings, workshops involving Members of Parliament, and other programme-level events is desired.
• Experience in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and relevant programme management software is desired.

Required Language:

• Fluency in English and Bangla is required.

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.

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