Project Assistant

Role Overview

This position supports the implementation of a six-year biodiversity and climate resilience initiative in Zanzibar. The project, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and funded by the Global Environment Facility, runs from February 2026 to February 2032. It focuses on conserving forests and coastal habitats, improving sustainable land use, strengthening institutions, and supporting effective monitoring and reporting.

The Project Assistant will work within the Project Management Unit under the National Implementation Modality and provide administrative, financial, procurement, documentation, and logistical support to help the project deliver against its conservation and development objectives.

Project Components

The initiative is organized into four parts: strengthening policy and institutional systems for biodiversity and ecosystem management; improving the management of Protected Areas and Community Forest Management Areas through better plans, infrastructure, governance, and livelihoods; advancing knowledge management and gender mainstreaming; and ensuring monitoring and evaluation in line with Global Environment Facility and UNDP standards.

Key Duties

Support day-to-day project execution, help prepare and update annual work plans, budgets, and implementation schedules, and organize data needed for planning, monitoring, and reporting. Assist with financial tracking, payment requests, advance/liquidation monitoring, and the preparation of financial and narrative updates, including quarterly, annual, and GEF-related inputs. Help manage procurement activities by supporting procurement plans, drafting technical specifications and solicitation documents, following up with vendors, tracking contracts, and maintaining compliant records. Contribute to inventory control, asset verification, and documentation that is ready for audit and aligned with UNDP procedures.

The role also includes maintaining risk, issue, and action logs; monitoring progress against results and indicators; preparing materials for Project Steering Committee meetings, technical working groups, missions, and workshops; coordinating travel and logistics; maintaining stakeholder records; and supporting knowledge-sharing, lessons learned, training, and capacity-building activities. Other tasks within the functional profile may be assigned as needed for the effective running of the office and organization.

Competencies

The role calls for attention to detail, reliable delivery, adaptability, curiosity, problem-solving, teamwork, respect for diversity, and the ability to communicate clearly. Additional strengths relevant to the position include working with evidence and data, digital fluency, client-oriented service, monitoring and evaluation, budget support, and event coordination.

Education and Experience

A secondary education qualification is required. A bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Administration, Development Studies, or a related field will be considered an advantage, though it is not mandatory. Candidates need at least five years of relevant experience if they have secondary education, or at least two years of relevant experience if they hold a bachelor’s degree. Relevant experience may include project administration, logistics, monitoring and evaluation support, operations, or similar work.

Skills and Tools

Applicants should be comfortable using computers, office software such as MS Word and Excel, web-based management systems, and advanced spreadsheet and database tools. Experience with government, UN, or donor-funded projects is preferred, along with exposure to financial reporting, monitoring and evaluation tools, project management processes, and procurement procedures in national or international organizations.

Equal Opportunity and Safeguarding

The organization welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and makes hiring decisions based on merit and suitability. It is committed to an inclusive workplace where everyone can contribute and grow. Harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination, and abuse of authority are not tolerated. Selected candidates are subject to relevant checks and must follow the applicable standards and principles.

Recruitment Notes

The organization may appoint one or more candidates from this vacancy and may also consider applications for similar roles at the same grade with comparable requirements. Applicants are expected to follow the organization’s guidance on the responsible use of AI during recruitment. No fee is charged at any stage of the hiring process.