Background

The project offers an intervention strategy for the development of rural tourism in Armenia with the objective of creating sustainable income-generating opportunities as supplemental income source to bring down the level of rural poverty, contribute to equal territorial development and shape conducive environment for rural development. The concept applies integrated approach targeting strong local social networks that explicitly link local actors for the purpose of jointly promoting and maintaining the economic, social, cultural, natural, and human resources of the localities. The project has three main components:

1.      Planning of sustainable integrated rural tourism- The tourism assets of the community will be identified, assessed and prioritized for the further development by preliminary expert assessment and participatory planning mechanism, which will outline the vision and strategy for the rural tourism development in the community through wide consultation and participation of the local stakeholders.

2.      Increase income level through diversification of tourism products and services in the community- Developing human resources through sector-specific trainings (business management, food processing, sales, marketing, training local guides, etc.) will help to address the knowledge gaps and prepare the local communities to effectively manage the tourism enterprises. Meanwhile all the actors integrated in both production, service provision and management will be trained in sustainable utilization of tourism assets and adoption of mechanisms to bring down the environmental impact of their activities. In addition, the project will facilitate the access of the local tourism enterprises to seed financing through the loan mechanism of SME DNC.

3.      Sustainable Destination Management- Establishing institutions to engage the local stakeholders and authorities into management and development of the community as a tourism destination. Meanwhile UNDP will build synergies between its upcoming projects planning to use big data and establish an up to date information center in Yerevan to promote the new tourism destinations. In addition the project will help the new destinations to market the tourism services through ICT tools.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Integrated Rural Tourism Development Project Manager/Economist, the Project Assistant will provide support for implementation of tasks associated with the day-to-day management and operation of the project. S/he will be responsible for providing the following administrative and financial management support functions.  

·         Provides support to the Project Manager in planning, daily implementation, coordination and monitoring of project activities; liaising with Government entities and other stakeholders on consultations, providing information related to the expected project outputs;

·         Complies, analyses, summarizes data and records of Project activities;

·         Provides support in preparation of budget revisions, monthly, quarterly, progress and financial reports, briefing notes, outcome board materials;

·         Drafts and submits Requests for Direct payments to the UNDP Country Office, maintains financial records, monitors and reconciles expenditures, balances, payments, statements, other data for day-to-day transactions and report;

·         Ensures smooth financial operation of project activities and follows up on all financial transactions. Prepares vouchers, requisitions, creates receipts and monitors Project budgets in ATLAS.

·         Maintain Atlas logs on a quarterly basis;

·         Ensures accurate observance of administrative rules, regulations and procedures within the framework of Project and in line with UNDP SOPs for SC/IC/Procurement/Finance.

·         Makes all necessary arrangements for procurement/recruitment within the framework of the project. Supports in preparation of procurement/recruitment plans, selection notes, expert evaluation documents.   

·         Makes logistical arrangements for missions and expert’s visits, prepares briefing kits and background materials;

·         Ensures maintenance of records on assets management. Acts as the custodian for office furniture, including maintenance of inventory records, preparation of detailed reports as required; participates in Physical verification process.

·         Maintains accurate records of leave taken and due for all Project personnel.

·         Provides assistance to the project experts’ team through information dissemination, technical backstopping, report preparation, translations, information gathering and research, drafting information for web-pages and ensures regular updates;

·         Provides support to project management during the audits and evaluations;

·         Assumes administrative responsibility for organization of seminars, press conferences, workshops, advisory board meeting and other public campaign.

·         Drafts agendas; prepares leaflets, information note, press releases for media and stakeholders.   Takes notes and draft minutes of working meetings, workshops, advisory board meetings, etc.  Drafts correspondence relating to assigned project areas; clarifies, follows up, responds to requests for information, ensuring proper communication and information exchange within the Project Team.

·         Performs other duties as required.
 

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

·         Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.

·         Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning

·         Shares knowledge and experience

·         Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

·         Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of programme, managing data, reporting.

·         Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems.

·         Leadership and Self-Management

·         Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback

·         Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude

·         Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure

·         Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
 

Required Skills and Experience

Education: University degree in economics, social sciences, business administration or other related disciplines.  

Experience:  3 years of relevant administrative experience is required at the national or international level. Prior relevant experience with UNDP implemented projects will be an asset.

Computer skills: Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Languages: Fluency in English, Armenian and Russian.

Skills:
High level of integrity and professionalism, demonstrated initiative, tact and high sense of responsibility and discretion.
Result oriented; ability to work under pressure and in circumstances of diverse interests.  Demonstrated strong team spirit.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.

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