National Project Assistant

About UNDP and the Role

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is dedicated to supporting country-led initiatives aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across 170 countries. In Saudi Arabia, UNDP collaborates closely with national institutions to advance socio-economic development, enhance institutional capacities, and contribute to policy formulation and reporting. The National Project Assistant will play a pivotal role in supporting UNDP’s technical advisory and project management activities in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, a transformative national development blueprint.

Key Responsibilities

The National Project Assistant will provide comprehensive operational and administrative support to ensure the successful execution of UNDP projects in Saudi Arabia. The role involves close collaboration with the UNDP team in Riyadh and senior management to facilitate project planning, coordination, monitoring, and reporting. Specific duties include:

• Project Coordination and Oversight: Assist in the timely execution of approved project work plans, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and stakeholder expectations.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Track project progress throughout the cycle, providing timely updates and identifying potential risks or deviations requiring intervention.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate the exchange of information among programme partners, including government entities, donors, and implementing agencies, to foster collaboration and transparency.
• Administrative and Logistical Support: Organize and manage project-related activities, including meetings, seminars, and workshops, while ensuring adherence to UNDP’s administrative protocols and resource optimization.
• Travel and Logistics Management: Coordinate travel arrangements for project teams, ensuring efficiency, compliance with UNDP policies, and alignment with client satisfaction standards.
• Asset Management: Maintain accurate records of project assets, prepare periodic reports, and ensure proper utilization and accountability in accordance with UNDP guidelines.
• Support to Senior Staff: Provide technical expertise and administrative assistance to the National Project Officer, contributing to strategic decision-making and operational excellence.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates for this position should possess a strong background in project administration, coordination, or a related field, with a minimum of two years of relevant experience. Proficiency in English and Arabic is essential, along with excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Familiarity with UNDP’s operational procedures, project management frameworks, and stakeholder engagement strategies is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to sustainable development, adaptability to dynamic environments, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multicultural team.

Eligibility and Application Process

This position follows a tiered application process, as outlined below:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff with permanent or fixed-term appointments whose posts may be abolished or contracts terminated in 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff with permanent or fixed-term appointments.
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff with temporary appointments, regular PSA contracts, or Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers.
• Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV, other agencies, and external candidates.

Candidates must review the tier specified in the vacancy title and ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before applying. The National Project Assistant will work under the supervision of the National Project Officer and collaborate closely with UNDP’s senior management in Saudi Arabia to drive impactful and sustainable development outcomes.