National Project Assistant

Role overview

This position supports project delivery and coordination for UNDP’s work in Saudi Arabia. The role sits within the Riyadh country office and focuses on helping manage day-to-day administrative, logistical, documentation, reporting, and coordination tasks tied to project implementation, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement.

Tiered application process

Vacancies in UNDP/UNCDF/UNV often use a tiered eligibility system. Applicants should check the tier mentioned in the vacancy title, if any, and confirm they are eligible before applying.

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV international personnel holding permanent or fixed-term appointments whose roles are due to be removed, or whose contracts will end or not be renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff with permanent or fixed-term appointments.
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff on temporary appointments, regular PSA contracts, and Expert or Specialist UN Volunteers.
• Tier 3 or no tier shown: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, plus external candidates.

Background

The United Nations Development Programme works with countries to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals through partnerships and operational support. In Saudi Arabia, the cooperation with UNDP supports national development priorities linked to Saudi Vision 2030, including strengthening government capacity, policy support, reporting, and technical assistance across reform initiatives.

For this assignment, UNDP will provide technical advisory support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its Riyadh country office, along with broader project management support. The National Project Assistant works closely with the UNDP team at MEP and consults with senior management in KSA, while contributing to project oversight, planning, coordination, monitoring, and reporting.

Key responsibilities

• Support the administrative and operational setup needed for project delivery.
• Help ensure daily implementation of approved project work plans on time.
• Track project progress throughout the project cycle.
• Assist the National Project Officer in coordinating information flow among programme partners.
• Help organize and run project-related activities.
• Provide administrative support for meetings, seminars, and workshops.
• Arrange travel for the team when needed, while using UNDP resources appropriately and supporting client satisfaction.
• Keep asset records updated and prepare asset reports.
• Support travel and logistics coordination as required.
• Draft routine correspondence related to project implementation and prepare official documents.
• Assist in arranging meetings, workshops, and conferences.
• Prepare meeting minutes and translate or interpret them between Arabic and English.
• Support other programme tasks requested by the National Project Officer, UNDP programme staff, or management.
• Help carry out project implementation and procurement actions in line with UNDP procedures, including consultant and institutional contracting.
• Suggest practical solutions when administrative issues arise.
• Maintain complete and orderly project documentation.
• Keep working files and permanent records in line with corporate requirements for audit, evaluation, and closure.
• Support project work-plan preparation through data collection, organization, analysis, and coordination with institutions.
• Prepare background material for discussions, correspondence, and briefings.
• Assist with progress reports by gathering, preparing, and analyzing financial and other relevant data.
• Document lessons learned.
• Compile, reproduce, and distribute project outputs.
• Perform any other duties assigned by UNDP.

Institutional arrangement

The National Project Assistant reports to the UNDP Project Officer and remains in regular consultation with the National Project Manager.

Competencies

• Working knowledge and experience with government entities in Saudi Arabia.
• Strong alignment with UN values and ethical standards, including integrity and fairness.
• Professional, conscientious, deadline-oriented, and results-focused working style.
• Sensitivity and adaptability across culture, gender, religion, and age.
• Plans own work carefully and delivers accurate output on time.
• Opens to new ideas, solves problems pragmatically, and improves processes where possible.
• Willing to learn continuously and seek feedback.
• Adapts well to change and handles uncertainty constructively.
• Maintains motivation and steadiness under pressure.
• Builds positive working relationships and collaborates effectively.
• Respects differences and supports inclusion.

Technical and functional capability

• Ability to work with evidence and data for analysis and decision support.
• Comfort with digital tools and rapid adoption of new technology.
• Client-focused communication and service orientation.
• Clear written and verbal communication tailored to the audience.
• Ability to track activities and report on progress against plans.
• Budget support for work planning and team budget management.
• Event coordination support, including logistics, venue selection, accommodation, transport, catering, and related disbursements.

Education and experience

Secondary education is required. A bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Business, Public Administration, International Affairs, Law, or a related field may be considered an advantage, but it is not mandatory.

Applicants with a high school diploma need at least 5 years of progressively responsible administrative or project experience. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree need at least 2 years of such experience.

Required qualifications

• Experience in research, analysis, and reporting within project environments.
• Proven familiarity with working alongside governmental entities in Saudi Arabia.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office, Windows XP, and internet tools.
• Solid communication, report-writing, and analytical ability.

Preferred qualifications

• Background in project cycle management within the public sector, private sector, or international organizations is an advantage.
• Consistent demonstration of integrity, fairness, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
• Ability to work with cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity.

Language requirements

Fluency in both spoken and written English and Arabic is required.

Equal opportunity and compliance

UNDP is committed to diversity, inclusion, and merit-based hiring. The organization does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination, or abuse of authority. Selected candidates may be subject to relevant checks and are expected to follow UNDP’s standards and principles.

UNDP may appoint one or more candidates from this vacancy and may also consider applications for similar roles at the same grade and with comparable qualifications.

Candidate guidance and scam warning

Applicants are encouraged to review UNDP guidance on responsible use of AI in recruitment. UNDP never charges any fee at any stage of its hiring process.