Project Associate (Open to Tier 0, 1 & 2 applicants) (36970)

UNDP•San Jose, CA

22h•Remote

About The Position

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Costa Rica focuses on promoting development and human rights, environmental protection, social inclusion, and strengthening the democratic system. This position will support two projects: the Finance for Biodiversity Initiative (BIOFIN) and the Strengthening of Environmental and Social Risk Management with an Emphasis on Nature in the Development Banking System (SBD). BIOFIN aims to mobilize at least USD 100 million in resources to address biodiversity financing challenges through innovative financial solutions and integration of gender equality. The SBD project focuses on developing and implementing an Environmental and Social Risk Management System (SARAS) integrated with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework to identify, assess, manage, and disclose nature-related risks and opportunities. This role requires close collaboration with UNDP country office, regional, and central offices, as well as remote collaboration with the global BIOFIN staff. The Project Associate will be responsible for administrative and financial management, budget execution, and financial support for projects under entrepreneurship programs supported by BIOFIN Costa Rica.

Requirements

Completed secondary education (High School Diploma).
Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in administrative, financial, or technical-administrative coordination functions in public institutions, private companies, and/or cooperation agency projects.
Experience demonstrating adaptation and sensitivity to cultural, gender, religious, ethnic, nationality, and age aspects.
Fluency in Spanish is required.
Intermediate knowledge of English is required.
Residency in Costa Rica, Costa Rican nationality, and/or a work permit in Costa Rica.

Nice To Haves

University studies (Bachelor's degree) in Business Administration, Management, Project Management, Accounting, Corporate Finance, Business Management, Project Evaluation, or a related field.
Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience (with a Bachelor's degree).
Specific experience in financial management, budget execution, and project management involving cooperation with governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations.
Experience in biodiversity finance and the development of biodiversity financing plans.
Experience in implementing financial solutions with a focus on biodiversity or climate change.
Experience in organizing events, seminars, or conferences with national and international participants.
Experience with administrative and accounting procedures in the public or international public sector.
Previous experience with the United Nations or international cooperation agencies.
Experience in data management using PowerBi or similar tools.
Experience in Human Rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Responsibilities

Support the formulation, management, execution, and monitoring of the annual and multi-year budget for the multi-donor platform of the Finance for Biodiversity Initiative (BIOFIN) in Costa Rica, adhering to the requirements of each donor, UNDP, and the BIOFIN Global team, including preparing budget adjustments.
Execute budget formulation, monitoring, execution, evaluation, and reporting activities for the project 'Strengthening of Environmental and Social Risk Management with an Emphasis on Nature in the Development Banking System (SBD)'.
Assist in the contracting processes for individuals and the procurement of goods and services according to acquisition plans, including communication with suppliers, quotation analysis, comparative tables, requisition creation, purchase order notifications, service receipt, and payment follow-up.
Maintain updated information in Quantum and Quantum+ for both projects regarding achieved results, identified risks, and other required information for transparency and accountability.
Manage procedures related to national and international travel for the internal team and external project partners, including airfare quotes, vehicle rental, profile creation, payment management, and per diem settlement.
Support the preparation of semi-annual and annual reports for the country office, the global BIOFIN project, and specific donors.
Supervise the financial performance of Responsible Party contracts signed by the BIOFIN project, including reviewing quarterly settlements, preparing reports, and processing cash advance requests.
Lead the logistical organization of activities (courses, meetings, workshops, seminars, and conferences) with strategic partners and counterparts.
Prepare meeting minutes, workshop systematizations, presentations, and correspondence.
Support the convening processes for the High-Level Technical Committee and the BIOFIN Advisory Technical Committee, as well as the Steering Committee of the SBD-SARAS-TNFD project.
Promote Human Rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls in all tasks and responsibilities, seeking compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda.
Support the process of designing the Biodiversity Financing Plan (BFP), including supporting the recurrent convening of technical working groups and preparing meeting minutes and follow-up on agreements.
Assist in the implementation of the BIOFIN methodology for prioritizing financial solutions for the BFP and systematizing the prioritization results.
Support knowledge creation, exchange, and capacity building, including participating in and organizing training sessions, and assisting in the dissemination and exchange of relevant data and lessons learned.
Perform other functions within the scope of the role as deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the Office and the Organization.