UNDP Jobs - 53345- Programme Specialist

Programme Specialist

Location :

Brussels, BELGIUM

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

06-Feb-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

One year with possibility of extension

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

Organizational Context

In contrast to the large-scale tradable minerals and hydrocarbons sector, the low-value minerals and materials sector (LVMM) has closer links with the local economy, has the potential to generate more local jobs, and therefore can have a greater impact on poverty reduction. However, its income generation potential often remains unrealized or under-realized. This is in part due to the uncertain legal and regulatory framework in which the sector operates and the lack of publicly available and easily accessible geological data, which exacerbates wasteful exploration and discourages investment in the sector. Furthermore, there can be serious social and environmental impacts associated with low-value mining, with dire consequences on health and safety of workers in this sector and surrounding communities.

The project “Capacity development of mineral institutions and of small-scale private sector operating in low-value minerals in ACP countries” (short title: “Low-value minerals project”) aims to support the implementation of the ACP Framework of Action on the Development of Mineral Resources Sector endorsed by the ACP Committee of Ambassadors in 2011.

The project will provide capacity-building support to the small-scale private sector, associations/chambers, public institutions and social stakeholders that operate in the low value minerals and materials sector. The project will enhance the capacities of these entities to increase the sector’s productivity; better manage mining operations; adhere to national and international environmental and health standards; and prevent conflict through effective community relations.

This is a three year project, with a budget of €12.1 million (funded by the EU and UNDP) that will be implemented by UNDP.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, and in collaboration with the Senior Advisor, Extractive Industries (UNDP Regional Centre in Addis Ababa), the Policy Advisor, Extractive Industries (UNDP New York) and the Director of the UNDP’s Representation Office in Brussels, the Programme Specialist will have the following responsibilities:

Functions / Key Results Expected

Summary of Key Functions:

The Programme Specialist will provide programmatic, knowledge management and communications support on extractive industries, with focus on small-scale/ low-value mining, including ensuring coordination and alignment with all partners.

Project management

Support establishment and monitoring of contractual arrangements with partners at the regional/ sub-regional level;
Conduct assessments of partners' capacity;
Prepare guidelines for small grants under the project and ensure adherence to them;
Keep track of progress along the project monitoring indicators.

Communications and knowledge management

Support knowledge management and knowledge sharing across countries and regions as part of the project;
Ensure collection of project’s training materials, communications materials, reports and other key documents;
Ensure translation of materials as necessary;
Support trainers and trainees;
Create and manage project / training web site and portal etc.;
Coordinate workshops at the global level;
Develop communications guidelines for the project;
Ensure implementation of communications activities related to the project.

Impact of Results

As a result of the work in the areas mentioned:

Processes and guidelines are in place to support effective and efficient implementation of the Low-value mining project;
Synergies between training and other activities of the project at the global, regional and country level are realized due to effective knowledge management and knowledge sharing;
Project activities and results are effectively communicated.

Competencies

Core 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;
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment.
Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, achieving results;
Ability to work well in teams;
Excellent organizational and coordination skills;
Capable of managing several tasks simultaneously.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge of and ability to apply project management methodologies, standards and tools;
Knowledge in the field of sustainable development, extractive industries, natural resources, value chain development and/or small-scale mining;
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly for building networks and partnerships;
Very strong analytical and writing abilities, communication skills;
Knowledge of and ability to apply UNDP and EU rules and regulations is an asset.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree in public administration and/ or development studies;
Background in communications and knowledge management is desired.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience;
Experience in the fields of sustainable development, extractive industries, natural resource management, value chain development and/or small-scale mining is desired;
Experience in communications and knowledge management is desired.
Field experience is desired.

Language:

Very good command of spoken and written English required;
Fluency in spoken and written French desired.