UNDP Jobs - 49576- Project Manager - Expanding Coverage and Managemen

Project Manager - Expanding Coverage and Management Effectiveness of the Protected Area Network (PAN) on the Island of Mauritius

Location :

Port Louis, MAURITIUS

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

15-Oct-2014

Application Deadline :

21-Sep-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-10

Duration of Initial Contract :

Completion of Project

Languages Required :

English French

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

Mauritius, like most oceanic islands, has high levels of floral and faunal endemicity and has suffered high extinction rates caused by a growing human population, habitat destruction and degradation. In order to safeguard the remaining biodiversity, the Government of Mauritius has established a terrestrial protected area network. This is supplemented by a number of different types of less secure conservation areas (7,168ha), under varying levels of protection. Under current conditions, the terrestrial protected area network (PAN) is however not effectively safeguarding the country’s unique terrestrial biodiversity.

This project seeks to strengthen the systemic, institutional and operational capacity to:

(i) identify, prioritize and target gaps in representation that can be filled through protected area expansion, and complementary conservation, efforts on private and state-owned land;
(ii) develop regulatory drivers and an incentives framework to support PA expansion, and complementary conservation, efforts on private and state-owned land;
(iii) establish and administer a conservation stewardship program to implement PA expansion initiatives on privately owned or managed land; (iv) effectively plan, resource and manage an expanded PAN comprising both private and state protected areas;
(v) cost-effectively mitigate the threats to, and pressures on, the unique biodiversity contained within the expanded PAN (notably the spread of invasive alien species);
(vi) ensure better integration of the PAN into the country’s socio-economic development priorities, in particular development of the tourism industry, to ensure its long-term financial sustainability; and
(vi) respond effectively to the needs of, and meaningfully involve, different stakeholder groups in the ongoing planning and operational management of the expanded PAN.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Functions:

Preparation and implementation of Project strategies and work plans;
Administrative, financial and operational management of the Project;
Mobilization and coordination of stakeholders and Project Steering Committee;
Provision of top quality policy advice services to the Government and facilitation of knowledge building and management;
Supervision of project personnel.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning:

Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
In-depth knowledge on sustainable development issues and the mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation;
Ability to advocate and provide policy advice;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of sustainable development programmes and projects, and mobilize resources;
Good knowledge of the Results Management Guide and Toolkit;
Strong IT skills;
Ability to lead implementation of new systems and processes, and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change.

Management and Leadership:

Focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Leads teams proactively and effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complex situations.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

A Master degree in Environmental, Natural Sciences or Natural Resources Management;
PhD is desirable but not a requirement;
Master degree in management/project management is also highly desirable and can be accepted in place of a degree in Environment if completed by adequate experience.

Experience:

At least 5 years of experience in natural resource planning and management (preferably in the context of protected area planning and management);
At least 5 years of project/programme management experience;
Working experience with the project national stakeholder institutions and agencies is desired;
Ability to effectively coordinate a large, multi-stakeholder project;
Ability to administer budgets and prepare work plans;
Ability to mobilize, train and work effectively with counterpart staff at all levels and with all groups involved in the project;
Strong drafting, presentation and reporting skills;
Good IT skills (word processing, presentation, spread sheets, internet, email).
Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Language:

Fluency in English and French (written & spoken).

Nationality:

Qualified Mauritian only.

Mode of Application:

Interested and qualified candidates should apply on-line through UNDP jobs website: http://jobs.undp.org or www.mu.undp.org (under Operations);
Please ensure that you upload the Personal History Form – P11 (available at www.mu.undp.org under Operations/Jobs) and your CV as one attachment in the relevant field of the on-line application;
You are required to provide the exact titles of your degrees/qualifications (as per certificates) in the Personal History Form and CV.
Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration;
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted;
Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Attention to all applicants:

As part of the application submission process, candidates must submit and upload the Personal History Form – P11 (available at www.mu.undp.org) and a CV as one attachment in the relevant field of the on-line application.

UNDP reserves the right not to make any appointment following this advertisement.