Project Assistant – Conservation Project

About the role

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock (MAINL), in partnership with UNDP, is seeking a Project Assistant to support the implementation of the six‑year GEF‑funded project “Safeguarding Zanzibar’s Forest and Coastal Habitats for Multiple Benefits”. The role provides essential financial, logistical and administrative support to ensure the project meets its biodiversity and climate‑resilience objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Support implementation of project activities in line with the approved Project Document and Annual Work Plans (AWPs).
• Assist in preparing, consolidating and revising AWPs, budgets and implementation schedules.
• Compile and organise project data to facilitate planning, monitoring and reporting.
• Track budget utilisation, prepare payment requests, monitor advances and liquidations, and flag variances to the Project Manager.
• Contribute to financial and narrative reports, including quarterly, annual and GEF reporting inputs.
• Support the Annual Procurement Plan, prepare technical specifications, manage solicitation documents, follow up with vendors and track contracts.
• Maintain procurement records, ensure compliance with UNDP procedures, and support inventory and asset verification.

Required profile

• Experience in project support, financial administration or procurement, preferably in an international development or environmental context.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Familiarity with UNDP/GEF reporting and procurement guidelines is an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Required skills

• Budget tracking
• Financial reporting
• Procurement management
• Asset inventory management

What we offer

• Opportunity to contribute to a high‑impact conservation project in Zanzibar.
• Professional development within a UNDP‑partnered environment.
• Exposure to biodiversity, sustainable land‑use and climate‑resilience initiatives.