YUP Project Assistant

About Us:

We are a charity that uses design and architecture to empower vulnerable children, youth and their communities. We achieve this through built and research projects, delivered using a participatory approach that engages local communities. Check our 2023 Impact Report for more info on our work. We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Project Assistant to support our diverse projects and activities.

About the YUP project: 

The YUP project will document existing patterns of young people’s participation in urban governance in four cities across Indonesia and Lebanon, to document the forms it takes, its focus, and barriers and supportive factors. Based on this, the project will then work with diverse young urban activists and local governments in the four cities to design and trial contextually relevant digital platforms for young people to bring their voice and ideas on the urban issues that are a priority for them. 

The cities in Lebanon are Bar Elias (Bekaa) and El Mina (Tripoli). 

The project is part of TYPCities, a three-year research programme led by Fondation Botnar on “Technology and Youth Participation in the Governance of Intermediate Cities in Low and Middle Income Countries”. The project is done in partnership with The Bartlett Development Planning Unit (DPU) - University College London, Kota Kita and The SHM Foundation. 

Job Description:

The YUP Project Assistant will manage a range of administrative tasks, ensure smooth logistics for community activities, conduct research, and maintain accurate records. This role requires strong organisational skills, proficiency in various software tools, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Occasional international travel to the UK for strategic meetings with the YUP team may be required.

Project Coordination and Implementation:

• Handle logistics and operations of day-to-day field activity implementation and communication with stakeholders.
• Assist with the planning, implementation, and coordination of field-based activities.
• Assist in the planning of city forums (research meetings in the project cities with key stakeholders and the project team).
• Coordinate the logistics of community and research activities.
• Attend field-based activities.
• Monitor the quality and progress of field-based activities.
• Ensure adequate documentation and archiving of project management tools, reports, and means of verification.
• Assist in project communication across various departments, including finance, HR, communication, and policy.
• Assist the team of Citizen Scientists/Local Researchers in conducting fieldwork and research tasks.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Take notes and pictures during activities, upload and organise them on Google Drive.
• Assist the team in keeping organised records of project documentation.
• Prepare meeting minutes and distribute them.
• Take and maintain accurate attendance records for all activities.
• Draft initial reports based on activities and events.
• Monitor and submit timely, comprehensive, and compliant field-visit and activity reports.
• Implement community feedback and accountability mechanisms and ensure timely reporting of observations.
• Attend and report discussions and findings from fieldwork and research activities.

Research Support:

• Conduct literature reviews and gather relevant information for ongoing activities.
• Conduct desktop research.
• Assist in the preparation of research reports and presentations.
• Collect and analyse data related to community activities and project outcomes.
• Fill in research databases.
• Organise research data to be easily used by the research team.
• Support translation as needed.

Community Engagement:

• Participate in and support various community events and activities.
• Participate in relevant forums and coordination meetings at the community level.
• Support with the representational role in the targeted geographic communities.

Administrative Support:

• Create and manage Google Forms for various needs.
• Update tasks and projects in Asana and manage schedules in Google Calendar.
• Collect and organise receipts as needed.
• Maintain organised and thorough archives of project documentation.

Qualifications:

Experience: Previous administrative, project assistance, or coordination experience is preferred.

Skills:

• Proficiency in Google Suite (Drive, Calendar, Forms, etc.), Microsoft Excel, and Word.
• Familiarity with project management software (Asana) and communication tools (Slack).
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage time effectively.

Languages: Working knowledge of both English and Arabic is required.

Archiving: Strong ability to maintain organised and thorough archives of project documentation.

Research: Experience in conducting literature reviews, data collection, and analysis.

Good social skills and capacity to work with communities.

Attributes:

• Proactive and able to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a team player.
• Commitment to community service and engagement.

Benefits:

• Paid time off and holidays
• Opportunities for professional development
• Engaging and supportive work environment

We look forward to hearing from you and exploring how you can contribute to our team and community initiatives! Selected applicants will be invited for an interview. Shortlisting will occur in two steps: an initial assignment followed by interviews. Interviews will be competency-based and we expect these to take place virtually, using a video calling app (Zoom). CatalyticAction is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.