Project Assistant

Overview

The Project Assistant will support a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and UNDP partnership initiative in Riyadh. The role focuses on day-to-day project coordination, administrative follow-up, communication with government counterparts and stakeholders, and assistance with monitoring and reporting activities.

This cooperation is designed to strengthen strategic planning, foresight, governance, financial management, operational efficiency, and institutional capacity for talent development, leadership, and performance management. It also supports UNDP in delivering project services aligned with MoFA priorities and Vision 2030, while keeping MoFA engaged throughout planning and implementation.

Tiered Application Process

Vacancies under UNDP/UNCDF/UNV may follow a tiered eligibility structure. Applicants should review the tier mentioned in the vacancy title, if any, and apply only if they meet the relevant eligibility.

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff with permanent or fixed-term appointments whose posts will be abolished, or whose contracts will end or not be renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff with permanent or fixed-term appointments.
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff on temporary appointments, personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers.
• Tier 3 or no tier stated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, plus external candidates.

Key Duties

• Support the Head of the Partnership Office with daily administrative and technical tasks, and help track ongoing joint projects implemented with UNDP.
• Follow up on activities under the signed Project Document and coordinate progress with the Head of Office, UNDP, and project managers.
• Handle official correspondence and coordinate with internal departments and external entities to keep project communication flowing smoothly.
• Assist with coordination among government counterparts, UNDP, and other stakeholders involved in delivery of the project.
• Help manage Steering Committee matters, including correspondence, documentation, meeting notes, and tracking implementation of decisions.
• Contribute to the preparation of the Partnership Office governance framework and the Steering Committee Rules of Procedure by gathering inputs and drafting materials.
• Keep project records, files, and supporting documents organized, complete, and up to date using manual filing systems.
• Assist in preparing recurring reports such as RDPs, APRs, and CDRs by collecting data and coordinating inputs from project managers.
• Review project documents, including new project requests and amendments, to check alignment with approved guidance, procedures, and directives.
• Support procurement and contracting processes carried out through UNDP by receiving requests, guiding project managers on templates, reviewing submissions, and coordinating onward submission after approval.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and participation in knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Carry out additional duties within the role profile as needed for the effective functioning of the office and organization.

Reporting Line

The Project Assistant will report to the UNDP Programme Analyst and the Head of the UNDP Strategic Partnership Office on contractual, performance management, and administrative matters.

Competencies

The role calls for strong focus on results, creative and practical problem-solving, continuous learning, flexibility in changing environments, determination, partnership-building, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. The position also requires strategic thinking, timely decision-making, negotiation, project management, clear communication, and relationship management.

Required Education and Experience

• Secondary education is mandatory.
• A university degree in Social Sciences, Law, or Project Management may be taken into account, but it is not compulsory.
• At least four years of relevant experience in project support is required with secondary education, or at least one year of relevant experience is required with a bachelor’s degree.
• Fluency in both Arabic and English is required.

Required Skills and Desired Background

• Practical knowledge of project management principles and best practices.
• Strong ability to use office software such as MS Word and Excel, along with advanced familiarity with web-based management systems.
• Experience working with the UN or international organizations would be an advantage.
• Background in procurement procedures is considered an asset.
• Professional certification in project management is preferred.
• Experience with UN Results-Based Management and Monitoring & Evaluation is desirable.

Equal Opportunity and Conduct

UNDP promotes diversity and inclusive hiring, and employment decisions are made on merit and suitability. The organization does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination, or abuse of authority. Selected candidates will undergo applicable checks and are expected to uphold these standards.

Additional Information

UNDP may appoint one or more candidates from this vacancy and may also retain applications for other similar roles at the same grade level with comparable requirements. Candidates are encouraged to review UNDP guidance on the responsible use of AI during recruitment. No fee is charged at any stage of UNDP’s recruitment process.

Scam alert: no recruitment fee is required by UNDP at any stage.