Project Associate – Digital Legal Aid

Mission and objectivesUNDP's mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with Bangladesh ever since its birth and through its remarkable journey from a war-ravaged economy to a middle-income country. It remains a catalyst in Bangladesh’s journey from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. UNDP assists in building institutions and helps strengthen institutional capacities through people-centric, pro-poor, inclusive and sustainable policy making and development governance.

ContextBangladesh’s 8th Five Year Plan (2021–2025) prioritizes access to justice and the rule of law as central to governance reforms. To achieve these priorities, the National Legal Aid Services Organization (NLASO) is tasked with expanding coverage, enhancing institutional capacity, and adopting digital solutions to reach marginalized groups. In partnership with the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, UNDP Bangladesh is implementing the Digital Legal Aid in Bangladesh project, which promotes rule of law, gender-sensitive legal aid, and online dispute resolution (ODR). The project also aims to empower disadvantaged communities, including women and minorities, to access equitable justice. To support these objectives, UNDP seeks a National UN Volunteer Specialist – Project Associate, Digital Legal Aid who will provide operational, administrative, and coordination support to the project team, ensuring timely implementation of activities in line with UNDP rules and procedures.

Task DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of the Project Manager, IP-SARG, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Documentation, Reporting, and Archiving: • Prepare briefing notes, draft and finalize meeting minutes, and ensure follow-up on agreed actions. • Collect and validate data, compile background materials, and contribute to the preparation of reports and presentations. • Maintain a structured documentation and archiving system to ensure accountability and institutional knowledge management. 2. Operational Support: • Provide administrative assistance to ensure the smooth functioning of the project. • Organize meetings, workshops, and field visits, including preparation of agendas, logistics, and participant coordination. • Draft routine correspondence and maintain updated contact lists of partners and stakeholders. 3. Coordination and Communication: • Facilitate communication with implementing partners, service providers, and government counterparts. • Assist in following up on deadlines, commitments, and action points. • Support internal team coordination and contribute to a collaborative working environment. 4. Additional Duties • Support timely reporting and assist in donor briefing note preparation. • Contribute to stakeholder mapping and facilitate dialogues with partners. • Carry out any other tasks assigned by the supervisor in line with the assignment objectives.

Competencies and values• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Building Trust • Creativity • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Creativity • Empowering Others • Ethics and Values • Judgement and decision-making • Knowledge Sharing • Leadership • Managing Performance • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management • Technological Awareness

Living conditions and remarksDhaka is located in central Bangladesh. Not only is it the capital city, but it is also the largest in the country. It is the centre of political, cultural, and economic life in Bangladesh. The official language is Bengali, while English is the working language of UN Agencies. In recent decades, Dhaka has seen the modernization of services, communications, and public works. The city is attracting large foreign investments and greater volumes of commerce and trade. It is also experiencing an increasing influx of people from across the nation; this has reportedly made Dhaka one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Good English-speaking medical, dental services, and educational centres are available for internationals. Dhaka is connected to other cities by rail, road, and by air and internationals can move easily from one city to another. Dhaka has venerable green spaces, including many gardens and parks, historical places, and nice restaurants. The weather is tropical - hot and very humid during the summer monsoon season (April-September) and drier and cooler in the winter (October-March). Historically, Bangladesh has been a safe country for internationals so far. While Dhaka is not categorized as a hardship station, the volunteer should be prepared for limitations in freedom of movement on foot, by public transport, and to certain locations.