Project Assistant

Mission and objectivesThe United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Tunisia Country Office (CO) leads UNDP’s support to Tunisia in the achievement of its national human and sustainable development objectives in alignment with its national Agenda 2030 and the Paris Climate Agreement commitments. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Tunisia works on areas such as 1) inclusive growth and human development; 2) climate action, environment, energy, and disaster risk reduction; and 3) support to inclusive political processes, responsive institutions, rule of law, social cohesion, electoral support, and empowerment of women and youth. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Resident Representative (RR) leads and oversees the work of the Country Office, including a total of 140 staff and personnel, and a delivery of around $11 million in programmatic support to Tunisia in 2020. The RR also leads the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Tunisia’s efforts in cultivating, building, and nurturing strategic relationships and alliances, which are essential for advancing and successfully achieving the mission of The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) These relationships encompass a wide range and the number of key constituencies and development partners, that includes the Government of Tunisia, existing and emerging donor countries, multilateral institutions such as the IFIs, the European Union, civil society, the private sector, foundations, academia and think tanks, the wider UN system, as well as global, regional and national media. As a trusted and impartial partner working at the intersection of social, economic, and environmental agendas in Tunisia, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) plays a central role in supporting Tunisia’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and has supported the Government to develop and revise its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for climate action.

ContextTunisia submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2021, reaffirming its commitment to climate ambition, social equity, and transparency. With the energy sector accounting for over 60% of national greenhouse gas emissions, its decarbonization is a critical priority. Achieving Tunisia’s climate goals requires ambitious measures, including substantial improvements in energy efficiency. In this context, the transition to efficient lighting technologies offers considerable potential for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, a measure reflected in Tunisia's NDC objectives and national energy efficiency strategy. To support this transition, UNDP provides comprehensive technical and operational assistance to the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME), particularly to its Directorate of Energy Efficiency in Buildings (DDE). The DDE is the national entity responsible for advancing energy performance in Tunisia’s building sector by reducing energy use, promoting renewable energy solutions, and cutting emissions. It plays a central role in the implementation of the “Leapfrogging Tunisia’s Lighting Market to High-Efficiency Technologies” project. The initiative aims to overcome regulatory, technical, financial, and market barriers to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient lighting technologies. It supports the rapid transformation of the national market, contributing to lower electricity demand, reduced GHG emissions, and improved environmental outcomes, including better management of hazardous waste. The UNDP team, led by a UNDP Project Specialist, is fully seconded to the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME) and is based on-site, within the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME), to ensure close and continuous collaboration with national stakeholders. The Project Assistant will be stationed at the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME)and will provide administrative and operational support to facilitate the implementation of ongoing initiatives related to energy transition and energy efficiency led by the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME).

Task DescriptionWithin the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Project Specialist, and/or his/her designated representative(s), and in close coordination with the Directorate of Energy Efficiency in Buildings within the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME), the Project Assistant will Provide administrative and operational support to facilitate the implementation of ongoing initiatives related to energy transition and energy efficiency led by the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME), This support encompasses: • Maintaining daily coordination and follow-up with national project partners, particularly the Directorate of Energy Efficiency in Buildings at the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME), to ensure the smooth execution of ongoing initiatives; • Providing administrative and logistical support for organizing meetings, workshops, and events, including scheduling, sending invitations, managing logistics, and arranging travel and accommodation when required; • Managing official correspondence, preparing documents, and maintaining proper filing systems to ensure accurate record-keeping; • Ensuring the systematic maintenance and regular updating of documentation and archives related to ongoing initiatives to facilitate efficient access and retrieval; • Supporting procurement processes by assisting in documentation, follow-up, and ensuring the timely delivery of goods and services; • Assisting in budget monitoring by tracking administrative expenses and coordinating with finance units to facilitate timely payment processing; • Supporting the UNDP team in planning, monitoring, and evaluation activities, including by managing necessary transactions on relevant platforms (such as Quantum, Unity, etc.); • Facilitating smooth communication flows between the UNDP team, the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME) departments, and external stakeholders by ensuring timely sharing of information, including drafting meeting records and supporting their dissemination; • Performing any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Competencies and values• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP 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 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 the area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in the 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.

Living conditions and remarks1) -Living Conditions: Living conditions in Tunisia are highly appreciated and comparable to those in Mediterranean countries on the northern shore. The country enjoys a Mediterranean climate in almost all areas, except for the southern part, which has a more arid climate. In addition to its mild climate and diverse landscapes, Tunisia boasts a rich cultural heritage, making it one of the most visited countries in the world. The country is known for its gastronomic attractions and has a rich culinary tradition inherited from a millennia-old history. According to a ranking by the American magazine Ceoworld, Tunisia is the 7th least expensive country in the world. It has a recognized healthcare system and a high-quality educational system. The country is equipped with all the necessary structures and amenities for comfortable living. Tunis, the capital, is relatively easy to navigate. Public transportation is available and affordable. Crime rates remain relatively low, despite an increase in reported acts of violence. Tunisia is still undergoing a critical phase of democratic and social transition. It is important to stay informed about the political situation. Therefore, security advisories are systematically provided by the DSS and UNHCR security personnel. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her housing and other living essentials. 2)-Conditions of Service for national UN Volunteers: The contract lasts for the period indicated above with the possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. Travel to the duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event the duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities, and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health, and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service. Furthermore, in non-family duty stations that belong to hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC, a Well-Being Differential (WBD) will be provided monthly. UN Youth Volunteers get the following package: • Volunteer Living Allowance (around 1879.69TND/Month) • Entry Lump-Sum = USD 400 (one-time payment paid in TND) • Comprehensive coverage for health, life, and malicious acts for the UN Volunteer only. • Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment) 195.8 TND for each month served, paid on completion of contract. • Access to UNV E-Campus for training and learning, including access to LinkedIn learning. Additional information available at: • https://app.unv.org/calculator • https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service