Project Assistant

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the lead agency on international development of the United Nations. UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.

UNDP’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.

The management of conventional arms, particularly Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), is crucial for peace building, sustainable development, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In West Africa, the fight against small arms and armed violence continues to be a major challenge, despite initiatives by UNDP, EU ECOWAS, and government. The Regional Small Arms project aims to support ECOWAS in addressing instability factors and promoting a proactive approach to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and resolution. This intervention is implemented by UNDP Ghana Country Office to support the implementation of the Peace Security and Stability Mandate (PSSM), specifically advancing the "Practical Disarmament" component of the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework in Member-States (ECPF) in line with the ECOWAS convention on small arms.

The effective management of conventional arms particularly Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and their ammunition is one of the major global prerequisites for peace building, sustainable development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Peace and security challenges particularly in West Africa are primarily about preventing conflicts and bringing development. A major lesson UNDP learned over the years is that where small arms and armed violence dominate, development suffers. The fight against the trafficking of small arms and light weapons and Improvised Explosives Devices (IED’s) continues to prove a major challenge to the growth and development path for many countries despite earlier initiatives undertaken by different partners, UNDP, EU ECOWAS and government to provide support to member states. Post-election violence, recurrent armed violence, resurgent of the Boko Haram, activities of bandits, kidnappers and other organized crimes are a manifestation of the easy availability of SALW in the sub region.

Thus, the Regional Small Arms project seeks to support ECOWAS in its capacity to effectively address factors of instability and reinforce a proactive approach to peacebuilding, conflict prevention and resolution in West Africa. It is an intervention implemented by UNDP Ghana Country Office to support the implementation of the Peace Security and Stability Mandate (PSSM) which Specifically, Small Arms Project seeks to advance implementation of the component "Practical Disarmament" of the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework in Member-States (ECPF) in line with the ECOWAS convention on small arms.
The position is under the overall supervision of the National Project Coordinator – (OCWAR-T / GFFO SALW Project). the candidate will be responsible in supporting the Coordinator in the management of the activities of the Germany Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) project, and other SALW/WAM Project in Ghana; together ensuring smooth implementation of project deliverables and delivering on project results and ensuring prompt reporting in line with the Programme and partnerships agreements.

The candidate will undertake the following assignment:
A. Project Coordination and Implementation
• Provide logistical and administrative support to ensure the day-to-day smooth operation of the project, including organizing meetings, managing schedules, and addressing any issues that arise in daily activities.
• Collaborate with project teams to help develop detailed Annual Work Plans, ensuring they align with the project’s overall objectives and timelines while adhering to UNDP policies and guidelines.
• Oversee the execution of project tasks, ensuring that activities are implemented efficiently under the supervision of the Coordinator, within scope, and according to plan. This includes monitoring progress and identifying areas for improvement.
• Ensure all project activities are carried out according to UNDP’s standards, guidelines, and best practices, guaranteeing compliance with organizational policies and ensuring high-quality outcomes.

B. Reporting and Communication:
• Prepare detailed progress reports, tracking the status of project activities, milestones, and outcomes.
• Compile and prepare quarterly progress reports for onward submission to the Steering Committee, highlighting achievements, challenges, and any adjustments to the project plan or budget.
• Assist in gathering and synthesizing information for various reports, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are kept informed of project progress and results.
• Write and update concept papers, ensuring they meet donor requirements, reflect project goals, and align with funding strategies.
• Facilitate clear and accurate communication of project successes and outcomes, both within the project team and with external partners, to demonstrate the impact of the project.

C. Resource Mobilization and Partnership Development:
• Support the development of strategies aimed at securing additional funding and building partnerships with key stakeholders, ensuring the project has the necessary resources to achieve its goals.
• Perform research and analysis to identify potential sources of additional funding, particularly for the National Commissions (NATCOMs), and help explore new avenues for resource mobilization to sustain the project.