UNDP Jobs

The UNDP-GEF project “National Biodiversity Planning to Support the implementation of the CBD 2011-2020 Strategic Plan in Uzbekistan” project plans to update existing NBSAP for Uzbekistan adopted in 1998. New CBD Strategic Plan, adopted at CoP-10 in 2010 in Nagoya, clearly addresses the need for updating NBSAPs, stating in Target 17 that “By 2015, each Party has developed, adopted as a policy instrument, and has commenced implementing an effective, participatory and updated national biodiversity strategy and action plan.” The strategic plan also covers a range of issues that will need to be incorporated into the revised NBSAPs, including guidance to countries to: a) fully realize the value of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and incorporate these values into national and local development and poverty reduction strategies (Targets 1 and 2); b) increase the global terrestrial protected area estate from 12% to 17% and the marine estate from 6% to 10% (Target 11); c) restore and safeguard key ecosystem services, especially for water, health and livelihoods (Target 14); and d) strengthen ecosystem resilience to climate change and promote ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation (Target 15).

This project seeks to fully incorporate the above issues into the NBSAP. This ‘new generation’ of NBSAP will help set a regional standard of excellence by creating a national road map for achieving the Aichi Targets. Special emphasis will be placed on mainstreaming biodiversity into development plans, incorporating protected area networks and sustainable production systems into ecosystem-based climate adaptation and resilience plans, and creating sustainable finance for biodiversity conservation through the full valuation of key ecosystem services.

The project objective is to integrate Uzbekistan’s obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) into its national development and sectoral planning frameworks through a renewed and participative ‘biodiversity planning’ and strategizing process, in a manner that is in line with the global guidance contained in the CBD’s Strategic Plan for 2011-2020.

Management of tasks, as per UNDP Operational and Programmatic Guidelines;

• Implement the approved AWP and ensure its implementation is in accordance with the milestones, outlined in the Project Document, and set delivery and co-financing targets.
• Ensure overall financial and operational management, including transparent use of funds and accurate financial and programmatic reporting.
• Undertake supervision and guidance of project staff/consultants, and maintaining a functional project office.
• Maintain existing UNDP partnership strategies with regard to providers of specialized expertise and possible co-financiers, leading to resource mobilization for project components.
• Liaise with other UNDP projects to implement possible synergies, including contribution in to the area of climate change mitigation and adaptation, and to desertification.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders to obtain any support and guidance required for management and implementation of project activities.
• Undertake other tasks, necessary for successful management of the project, as required by the supervisor.

Management of tasks related to Project Implementation

• Monitor and ensure efficient implementation of activities in accordance with the approved AWP, ensure best use of personnel and financial resources, and monitor progress against the initial quality criteria.
• Mobilize goods and services to initiate activities, including drafting Terms of References (job descriptions) and work specifications.

• Monitor and evaluate project outcomes and results for adopting corrective measures in project implementation, when necessary, to ensure timely delivery of required inputs and achievement of results and deriving lessons learned to inform future programming in conservation biodiversity in Uzbekistan.

• Monitor and facilitate and outreach activities, writing of success stories, press-releases, newspapers coverage, and other relevant PR campaigns.
• Monitor financial resources and accounting to ensure accuracy and reliability of financial reports, including proper utilization of funds and delivery, budget revisions, availability of funds, reconciliation of accounts, establishment of internal control mechanisms.
• As necessary, liaise with auditors and ensures follow-up to their recommendations.
• Manage and monitor project risks and take decisions on possible actions if required; update the status of these risks by maintaining the Project Risks Log.
• Be responsible for managing issues and requests for change by maintaining an Issues Log.
• Prepare, in cooperation with NPC, Project Annual and Quarterly Progress Reports (progress against planned activities, update on Risks and Issues, expenditures).
• Prepare, in cooperation with NPC, Annual Review Reports.
• Prepares and submits in a timely manner, other programmatic and financial reports required by the Programme Unit, Operations and the Project Board, and ensures that the reports meet corporate quality standards.
• Be proactive and work closely with the Head of Unit and Focal Point on Biodiversity Conservation in advising response to opportunities for resource mobilization and fundraising, including conceptualization and drafting of proposals.
• Support UNDP Country Office in communications with relevant bureaus at Headquarter levels.
• Liaise with UNDP CO, Environment and Energy Unit, other relevant units and UNDP CO Administration to ensure timely submission of required project reporting, information, and liaise, if required, with UNDP Regional Centre in Bratislava.
• Bear other duties, necessary for successful implementation of the project, as required by the supervisor

• Prepare Final Project Review Reports to be submitted to UNDP and the Project Board.
• Identify follow-up actions and submit them for consideration of UNDP.
• Manage the transfer of project deliverables, documents, files, equipment and materials to national beneficiaries.
• Prepare final Combined Delivery Report for signature by UNDP and the National Project Coordinator.
• Other duties, necessary for successful closure of the project, as required by the supervisor.

• Document lessons learned and best practices in conservation of biodiversity at the national level.
• Access global best practices, share them with other local and international stakeholders and ensure their incorporation into the project implementation and design process.
• Provide any other necessary support in coaching, guidance for the project staff that will boost their capacity to deliver results.

• Demonstrated capacity to develop and implement financial management and reporting systems under challenging circumstances.
• Ability to display cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

• Excellent managerial and leadership, communications and presentation skills;
• Good analytical and writing skills;
• Ability to use modern technology as a tool in every-day work;
• Ability to perform functional competencies
• Ability to share knowledge and experience
• Leadership and Self-Management Ability to focus on result for the client

• Bachelor degree in environmental management/studies/sciences or a related social sciences, international development/management, and/or earth studies

• Three years of working experience in development program in the area of environmental protection/management is desirable.
• Working experience with UNDP development projects is an asset

• Excellent command of spoken and written Russian are essential, knowledge of English and  Uzbek is an asset.