UNDP Jobs - 49177- Project Assistant, GEF (Open for Filipino National

Project Assistant, GEF (Open for Filipino Nationals Only)

Location :

Manila, PHILIPPINES

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

29-Aug-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-6

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

The UNDP Energy and Environment Team works on enhancing the environment's carrying capacity to support the country's sustained economic growth, alleviating poverty in the process.

This is through the:

Evolution and refinement of the legislative, institutional, and regulatory framework;
Use of market-based mechanisms and adoption of environmentally sustainable technologies to encourage private sector participation in environmental protection as well as greater community alliance in the formulation and implementation of local level initiatives; and
Establishment of a more effective system of environmental governance and delivery of environmental services, including monitoring and enforcement.

The UNDP Energy and Environment Team handles a wide range of UNDP/GEF projects under the Climate Change Mitigation, Climate Change Adaptation, Land Degradation, and Chemicals Portfolios that support the Philippines; from small-scale (small grants) to full scale project s above US$1M. But despite the differences in project size, all the projects apply the same dual approach: It utilizes the “top-down” approach since national priorities dictate the projects that UNDP/GEF supports. However it is also “bottom-up” since the community-based approach is used during project implementation. Project Preparation Grants were approved under the GEF5 cycle and are currently on-going and given the advent of GEF6 cycle and the anticipated amount of PIFs to be developed under this, additional manpower is most needed. Further there has been a substantial increase in the number of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Projects relegated to the Unit.

A Project Assistant to be directly reporting to UNDP Energy and Environment Team Leader is requested to provide technical and administrative support to the implementation of the projects preparatory grants approved under the GEF5 cycle under the Climate Change Mitigation, Climate Change Adaptation, Land Degradation, and Chemicals Portfolios. Further the Project Assistant shall be engaged to provide technical assistance on ongoing Disaster Risk Reduction Projects currently being implemented by IPs such as Climate Change Commission and Office of Civil Defense.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Programme Assistant will primarily support the Energy and Environment Unit and carry out the following tasks:

Provides effective technical and administrative support to the management of UNDP Projects under the Environment and Energy Portfolio - Project Preparatory Grants of GEF 5 approved projects under the Climate Change Mitigation, Climate Change Adaptation, Land Degradation, and Chemicals Portfolios, Disaster Risk Reduction Projects and in formulation of GEF6 cycle Projects.

Specifically:

Assists in the review of draft Project Documents, provide substantial comments to results framework and evaluate financial tables and annual budget breakdowns;
Provide technical inputs on the GEF 6 PIF preparation and formulation process;
Provide inputs and evaluate reports and outputs by key government partners under DRR projects;
Actively participate in DRR related activities such as table-top exercises, technical consultations and climate database generation in identified project areas;
Gather information/documentation to facilitate and complete the requirements to close GEF projects operationally and financially;
Supports in the organization of meetings, seminars and workshops, missions and other portfolio-related activities and coordinating logistics with relevant units whenever necessary;
Assists in preparing letters for transmitting legal and relevant project documents which are for signature. Keep fully signed copies in file for future reference;
Supports procurement for purchase of goods or recruitment of consultants, following up to ensure that contracts are issued and payments are made on time;
Create and maintain UNDP CO GEF database; (ongoing, PPG stage, GEF6 concepts and PIFs);
Prepare background information and documentation, update relevant program areas’ background and compile IEC materials for UNDP GEF Projects and DRR projects;
Actively support UNDP Energy and Environment Unit in knowledge management and knowledge networking;
Participate in meetings and conferences as may be assigned;
Assists in ATLAS financial monitoring such as creation and preparation of requisitions and vouchers;
Generate and assist in evaluating IPSAS reports such as CDR, PTD, PBB etc.

Competencies

Corporate Competency:

Demonstrates a high tolerance for change, complexity, and unpredictability;
Results-oriented and demonstrates teamwork while maintaining strong relationships with partners and clients, good interpersonal skills and satisfactory communication and writing skills;
Focuses on achieving results and sets priorities, produces quality outputs, meets deadlines and manages time efficiently.

Functional Competency:

Shares knowledge and is willing to provide support to others who request advice or help;
Facilitates meetings effectively and efficiently and to resolve conflicts as they arise;
Good communications and interpersonal skills;
Excellent drafting and analytical skills;
Good knowledge of basic MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint);
Experience in dealing with different government and private agencies;
Previous working experience with a UN agency an asset.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

College Graduate of a 4-year course on Economics, Public Administration, International Studies, Political Science, Social Science and other closely related fields.

Experience:

At least 3 years of experience of technical assistance and administration and support to management, planning and programming;

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English;
Well versed in national language.

The selected candidate will receive a salary that is commensurate with his/her background and work experience. Interested applicants are requested to complete the UN Personal History Form (P.11), available in our website http://www.ph.undp.org/jobs/ indicating the “Application to the Post Title and Vacancy No” on or before 29 August 2014. Kindly note that only completed P.11 forms will be reviewed. UNDP is an equal opportunity employer. Please note that we will contact only the short-listed candidates.