UNDP GEF Jobs - 50952- Programme Associate - (Open to Georgian Nationals

Programme Associate - (Open to Georgian Nationals Only)

Advertised on behalf of

UNDP GEF

Location :

Tbilisi, GEORGIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

07-Nov-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 months

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 Global Environment Facility (GEF) has established the Small Grants Programme (SGP) in Georgia to support projects consistent with global environmental priorities. The SGP supports activities of NGOs and Community-Based Organizations towards climate change abatement, conservation of biodiversity, protection of international waters, reduction of the impact of persistent organic pollutants and prevention of land degradation while generating sustainable livelihoods. The Programme successfully works in a number of countries worldwide introducing effective approaches and methods to conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. More information on the GEF SGP can be found on www.sgp.undp.org

GEF Small Grants Programme in Georgia is also delivering EU funded new initiative: “Strengthening Environmental Governance by Building the Capacity of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)”, which aims to promote sustainable development and improved environmental management in target countries from two neighbouring regions of the European Region through more effective civil society participation in environmental governance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Effective day-to-day substantive, administrative and financial support to the national SGP team and the National Steering Committee to ensure the smooth operation and management of the GEF-SGP (Global Environment Facility – Small Grants Programme) programme portfolio, timely and efficient response to queries from different grantees and stakeholders, closely monitoring the achievement of the national annual SGP delivery and co-financing targets, and updating of relevant databases.

Assist in Programme Development and Management:

Assist the NC in organizing periodic stakeholder workshops and project development sessions for NGOs, Community Based Organizations (CBO) and local communities, and other stakeholders to explain about SGP and EU NGO project, and to assist potential applicants in making the link between local environmental problems and the global concerns of the GEF focal areas and operational programmes;
Work closely with NGOs and CBOs in preparation of project concepts and proposals to ensure that individual projects fit the GEF-SGP Strategic Framework;
Assist the NC in conducting periodic programme monitoring field visits and provide technical and operational support and guidance to SGP grantees as required;
Work closely and support the National Steering Committee and its deliberations during the process of project proposal selection and approval, especially the initial appraisal of proposals and assessment of eligibility.

Support to Programme implementation:

Contribute to day-to-day support to programme/project implementation and ensuring conformity to expected results, outputs, objectives and work-plans;
Assist the NC in prescreening project concepts and project proposals;
Assist the NC in development and amendment of application forms and other management tools, requirements of the programme and other SGP documents;
Provide day-to-day support to new and already approved projects and the grantees, as required;
Organize SGP advocacy events, workshops, round-tables, missions for NC and other SGP events;
Maintain working-level contacts with NGOs, governmental institutions, donors, other SGP stakeholders, and participate at events for SGP information dissemination purposes;
Draft progress reports and other reporting material to the CPMT, UNOPS and UNDP CO, and assist NC in preparation of semi-annual and bi-annual progress reports;
Draft articles, publications, speeches, letters, memos and other documents on behalf of NC, and respond to queries on SGP programme matter;
Create and maintain SGP project database and SGP stakeholders database;
Maintain and update the SGP website, SGP Global database and UNDP CO website with SGP information;
Support and assist NC as and when needed.

Financial Management:

Review and process payment requests from grantees and vendors through obtaining necessary clearances and authorizations and ensuring payments are effected promptly;
Maintain financial integrity of the programme within UNDP CO and externally, implement and monitor accounting system and databases of SGP country operational budget;
Prepare and maintain the grant disbursement table and calendar;
Review financial reports submitted by grantees and advise the NC as required;
Draft administrative budget proposals;
Enter, extract, transfer data from ATLAS and SGP database and produce reports as required;
Provide other financial reports as required.

Administrative Functions:

Procure office equipment if required;
Manage and organize everyday office work;
Establish a proper filing system and maintain files and documentation in good order;
Draft routine correspondence and communications;
Prepare background information and documentation, update data relevant to the programme areas and compile background material for the NC and NSC;
Ensure flow of information and dissemination of materials with all concerned parties;
Follow up of travel arrangements and DSA payments for the NC and NSC members;
Maintain personnel files, performance evaluation reports, leave records, and other pertinent personnel/consultant records;
Ensure all reporting and/or submission deadlines from HQs are met;
Provide logistical and other support to the local SGP team and visiting missions, as required.

Resource Mobilization:

Assist the NC in establishing and maintaining close working relationships with stakeholders, advocate SGP policies, comparative advantages and initiatives, and ensure visibility;
Identify opportunities and areas eligible for GEF-SGP support, and mobilize resources from the Government, donors and other partners to best leverage the GEF-SGP resources.

Knowledge Management:

Actively support the SGP and the NSC teams in their efforts towards knowledge management and knowledge networking.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Proven ability to collaborate with different actors (UN, Government, civil society, etc.);
Good communications and interpersonal skills;
Excellent drafting and analytical skills;
Good negotiation and problem-solving skills.

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrated commitment to UNDP's mission, vision and values;
Sensitivity and adaptability to cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University degree in environmental management, business administration, general management or similar field.

Experience:

At least 3 years of relevant experience in development work, which should include programme support and/or management, preferably with an extended specialized experience in any of the GEF-SGP focal areas at the national level;
Previous working experience with a UN and/or other international or donor agencies in an advantage.

IT skills:

Excellent knowledge of MS Office, database and Internet use.

Language requirements:

Fluency in oral and written Georgian and English Languages.