UNDP - United Nations Development Programme

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The Tax for SDGs Initiative places a particular focus on promoting the SDG agenda through reducing gender and social inequalities in tax and fiscal policy as well as taking forward climate action and environmental goals, and gender, health and Leave No One Behind (LNOB) outcomes. By enhancing domestic revenues, UNDP envisions that Sri Lanka will be able to implement the investments identified and achieve development aspirations within a short-to-medium period of time. Representing the views of developing countries in the global normative tax discussions is critical. To this effect the UNDP Tax for SDGs Initiative will also work to bring evidence, lessons learned and perspectives from developing countries into the regional and international dialogues on taxation. Accordingly, UNDP intends to support the government of Sri Lanka to address key issues including domestic resource mobilization to address the financing gap for development, as well as economic inefficiencies, lack of equity, exclusion, high costs of tax administration and compliance, tax avoidance and evasion, transfer pricing as well as inefficiencies in the tax system in general.

Against this backdrop, UNDP, led by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), Ministry of Finance is implementing a Tax of SDGs programme in Sri Lanka to enhance domestic resource mobilization and foster a stronger connection between development financing and taxation and consequently align tax policies and frameworks with the SDGs. These will be delivered through the following three outputs:

The IRD and other relevant departments of the Ministry of Finance engaged in taxation have increased capacity to tackle tax avoidance, tax evasion and Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs);
The Government of Sri Lanka increasingly aligns tax and fiscal policy with the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs); and
The evidence and perspectives from Sri Lanka is incorporated into regional and international discussions on taxation.

In this context, the Project Associate is required to support the effective implementation of the project. The Associate will work as part of a dynamic team, also supporting the Sustainable Growth Team and UNDP Country Office.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Economist and in close consultation with the Policy and Programme Specialist/Team Leader Sustainable Growth as required, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

Support the day-to-day implementation of activities outlined in the T4SDGs 2024 workplan, including administrative, budget, procurement management and technical coordination.
Collect, analyze and organize project data and information from various sources, preparing accurate and comprehensive reports, and documenting project progress, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
Support the Economist in relevant analytical and policy-oriented work on tax policy and administration, and on technical tax topics.
Draft internal UNDP briefing notes and talking points for Senior Management on UNDP Tax for SDGs Initiative, and other topical issues.
Draft TORs for experts and consultancies for smooth implementation of the programme.
Support in designing and formulating concept notes and action plans for various activities within the project and facilitate implementation.
Support in preparing project implementation progress reports—financial and narrative—on a quarterly/midterm/ annual basis or as and when required.
Review budget status and verify financial reports related to the programme.
Provide secretarial, logistics and technical support to Economist, UNDP CO, and IRD, Ministry of Finance in implementing the Tax for SDGs Initiative.
Collaborate on project communications, including Mid-Term Reports, Annual Reports and Newsletters.
Coordinate the organization of events, including high-level launches of the programmes.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Associate will be directly supervised and report to the Economist, and under the overall guidance of the Team Leader – Sustainable Growth Team. Throughout the project, collaboration and coordination with the Regional Programme Specialist of UNDP Tax for SDGs Initiative, the rest of the UNDP Tax team and other teams, to ensure Sri Lanka programme is well aligned to the broader global program objectives.

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results:

LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively:

LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously:

LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility:

LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination:

LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner:

LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:

LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Core Functional and Technical Competencies

Thematic Area	Name	Definition
External relations & advocacy	Event planning and execution	Ability to plan, manage, and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP’s overall brand and mandate.
Business Management	Communication	Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience Abilit to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
Business Management	Working with evidence and data	Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making
Business Management	Project Management	Ability to plan, organise, prioritise and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
2030 Agenda : People	Gender	Sexual Gender-based violence (SGBV)

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements	Secondary Education (GCE A/L) is required. OR University degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in development studies, social sciences, economics or any other relevant area will be given due consideration but it’s not a requirement.
Min. years of relevant work experience	Minimum of 6 years (with high school diploma) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) in related areas such as development, economic policy/research, or another relevant field is required.
Required skills	Experience in coordination and working across teams. Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section	Experience in policy and programming support is an advantage. Experience in analysis, research or communications work will be an asset. Experience working on fiscal policy or economic policies at large is an advantage. Experience with UNDP/UN system or other development actor would be an advantage.
Required Language(s)	Working knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil with excellent English communication skills.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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