UNDP Jobs - 44960- Environment Programme Analyst (For Lao Nationals O

Environment Programme Analyst (For Lao Nationals Only)

Location :

Vientiane, LAO PDR

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

01-May-2014

Application Deadline :

28-Mar-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

NO-B

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 Year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 Year (renewable)

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 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.

Background

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Chief of the Environment Unit, the Programme Analyst is responsible for the management of UNDP programme within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned. The Programme Analyst analyzes political, social and economic trends and leads formulation, management and monitoring of projects activities within his/her portfolio, provides policy advice services.

The Programme Analyst works in close collaboration with the operations team, programme staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP programme implementation.

In Lao PDR, the UNDP Environment Unit Programme supports government of Lao PDR in integrating its environmental commitments within the national development goals, policies, plans and programmes; in developing capacity on environmental issues, and in particular in improving private investment management in the natural resources sector, promoting participatory natural resources management and responding to climate change in the agricultural, and water resources sectors. In partnership with other organizations, UNDP supports the government’s efforts towards sustainable use of natural resources with special focus on poverty reduction and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

In order to support the goals of the Environment Unit Programme, UNDP is seeking a qualified Programme Analyst to provide policy, technical and managerial support to projects in the agriculture and natural resources management sectors

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Implementation of programme strategies
Management and monitoring of the UNDP Country Office agriculture and natural resources management project portfolio.
Creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy.
Provision of top quality policy advice services to the Government and facilitation of knowledge building and management.

Ensures implementation of programme strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

Thorough analysis and research of the political, social, and economic situation in the country and preparation of substantive inputs to UNDP strategic documents including Common Country Assessment (CCA), UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), Country Programme Document (CPD), Country Programme Action Plan (CPAP) and other documents.
Identification of areas for support, cooperation, and interventions within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned, particular in strengthening existing policies, plans and programmes related to the agriculture and natural resources management sectors.

Ensures effective management and monitoring of the UNDP Country Office programme within the assigned thematic areas, focusing on quality control from formulation to implementation of the country programme, achieving the following results:

Effective application of results-based management tools: establishment of management targets, monitoring of results and impact leading to timely programme/projects readjustments, including work plan and budget revisions.
Ensure regular and quality reporting on programme/projects activities, outputs, and outcomes and facilitate reporting to donors.
Facilitate planned programme/projects evaluations or Tripartite Review Missions and participate in NIM project audits
Review evaluation/audit reports with Government counterparts leading to corrective measures, policy recommendations(s) and required follow-up actions.
Design and formulate programmes/projects within the area of responsibility, translating Government and UNDP priorities into local interventions.
Perform functions of Manager Level 1 in Atlas (UNDP’s Financial Management System) and participate in recruitment and procurement processes for projects.

Supports creation of strategic partnership and implementation of the Country Office’s resource mobilization strategy, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Development of partnerships with UN Agencies, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector and civil society within the assigned thematic areas, based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donor priorities
Identify potential donors for new priority programmes/projects, prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation and contribute to the overall resource mobilization efforts
Assist in effective and systematic outreach to all government and non-governmental partners, advocating for UNDP’s goals and its thematic focus

Ensures provision of top quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Identification of sources of information related to agriculture and natural resources management and synthesis of good practices and lessons learnt directly relevant to programme implementation and policy development
Support policy development and institutional strengthening in the agriculture and natural resources management sectors
Sound contributions to knowledge networks, communities of practice in agriculture, natural resources management and related sectors
Contributions to trainings on agriculture and natural resources management issues for project and country office staff and other relevant stakeholders/partners.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the success of country programme within specific areas of cooperation. In particular, the key results have an impact on the design, operation and programming of activities, creation of strategic partnerships as well as reaching resource mobilization targets.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Advocacy/Advancing A Policy-Oriented Agenda

Level 1.2: Preparing information for advocacy

Identifies and communicates relevant information for a variety of audiences for advocating UNDP’s mandate

Results-Based Programme Development and Management

Level 1.2: Contributes into results through primary research and analysis

Assesses project performance to identify success factors and incorporates best practices into project work
Researches linkages across programme activities to identify critical points of integration
Monitors specific stages of projects/programme implementation
Analyzes country situation to identify opportunities for project development
Participates in the formulation of project proposals and ensures substantive rigor in the design and application of proven successful approaches and drafts proposals accordingly

Building Strategic Partnerships

Level 1.2: Maintaining a network of contacts

Maintains an established network of contacts for general information sharing and to remain up-to-date on partnership related issues
Analyzes and selects materials for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders

Innovation and Marketing New Approaches

Level 1.2: Enhancing processes or products

Generates new ideas and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things
Documents and analyses innovative strategies/best practices/new approaches

Resource Mobilization

Level 1.2: Providing inputs to resource mobilization strategies

Analyzes information/databases on potential and actual donors
Develops a database of project profiles. Identifies opportunities for project proposals for presentation to donors

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Level 1.2: Basic research and analysis

Generates new ideas and approaches, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things
Documents and analyses innovative strategies and new approaches

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Level 1.2: Fundamental knowledge of own discipline

Understands and applies fundamental concepts and principles of a professional discipline or technical specialty relating to the position
Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks
Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments
Demonstrates in-depth understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools and utilizes these regularly in work assignments

Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals

Level 1.2: Preparing information for global advocacy

Identifies and communicates relevant information for advocacy for UNDP’s goals for a variety of audiences
Identifies and takes advantage of opportunities for advocating for UNDP’s mandate

Client Orientation

Level 1.2: Establishing effective client relationships

Researches potential solutions to internal and external client needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion
Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines
Anticipates client needs and addresses them promptly

Core Competencies:

Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity
Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
Self-development, initiative-taking
Acting as a team player and facilitating team work
Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
Creating synergies through self-control
Managing conflict
Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge
management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member
Informed and transparent decision making

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree or equivalent in agriculture, natural resources management, environmental management/science, water resources management, rural development studies

Experience:

Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in agricultural development and natural resources management at the national and/or international level, in providing management advisory services and hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects.
Proven experience in multi-stakeholder coordination,
Proven ability to work independently or under pressure and handle multiple activities,
Knowledge of UNDP and the UN system is an advantage,
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in spoken and written English and Lao is essential
Strong communication skills with ability to express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing.