UNDP Jobs - 56122- Team Leader/Senior Public Finance Expert

Team Leader/Senior Public Finance Expert - Biodiversity Finance Initiative (Open to Zambian National Only)

Location :

Lusaka, ZAMBIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-Jul-2015

Application Deadline :

30-May-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-10

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year, Renewable

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Two Years

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 Team Leader will also save as Senior Public Finance Expert (TL/SPFE) and will assist the focal point in coordination of BIOFIN process in Zambia. He/she is expected to have senior experience and to provide substantial technical expertise in assuring horizontal integration and consistency of studies, as well as quality assurance of national products and processes throughout the duration of the project. He/she will also specifically be responsible for the delivery of the Public and Private Expenditure Review and the public finance elements of the Strategy for Mobilizing Public and Private Resources, in addition to outreach activities to national and relevant international stakeholders.

The Team Leader/Senior Public Finance Expert will report to the Ministry of Lands Natural Resources under the technical advice from UNDP Country Office and the BIOFIN Global Technical Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

With support from BIOFIN focal point, the TL/SPFE will assist in the coordination and management of BIOFIN implementation, ensuring activities are carried out on time and within planned budget;
In consultation with the UNDP Country Office and BIOFIN Global Technical Unit and supported by the ProjectOfficer, elaborate/revise work plan, reporting schedule and budget;
Assist with the identification and selection of national consultants and experts, in close collaboration with the UNDP Country Office and the BIOFIN Central Technical Unit;
Supervise the work of national experts and institutions to ensure that outputs are delivered on time, on budget, and to high quality standards;
Work closely with the Project Officer to ensure administrative requirements are managed and executed in a timely manner;
Support the formulation and management of the National BIOFIN Steering/Advisory Committee;
Establish and maintain links with other related initiatives including National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan (NBSAP) project;
Lead project monitoring, reporting and evaluation;
Lead capturing and documenting of lessons from project implementation and make recommendations to the National Steering/Advisory Committee for more effective implementation of activities;
Prepare BIOFIN progress reports (substantive and financial) regularly for UNDP and project partners;
Creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy;
Provision of top quality advice services and facilitation of knowledge building and management.

Ensures implementation of Project Outreach and Communication focusing on achievement of the following results:

Engage stakeholders and strongly position BIOFIN objectives and processes towards relevant government departments and partner institutions, to catalyse transformational outcomes;
Ensure collaboration of counterparts on data and information provision, expert review and verification;
Work with national and international counterparts, NGOs and other groups to ensure effective implementation of project activities;
Organize national workshops (initial, interim, final);
Prepare for Policy and project briefs for dissemination;
Prepare detailed reports and analyses of national BIOFIN project results and impacts including in preparation for COP12 and for project end;

Ensures effective Technical Leadership and Support focusing on the following:

Provide key technical leadership on Public Finance and substantial technical expertise in assuring horizontal integration and consistency of work streams/studies;
Provide technical support and overall coordination to the national BIOFIN team to complete BIOFIN deliverables in a consistent manner, provide quality assurance of national products;
Ensure that drafts of the work are sent to the BIOFIN team regularly to provide backstopping;
Support the focal point in coordination of national BIOFIN and NBSAP processes for mutual reinforcement.

Competencies

Excellent organizational skills;
Strong analytical, writing and communication skills;
Excellent financial and budgetary skills;
Ability to prepare publications, reports and presentations;
Ability to manage and work with a multidisciplinary and multicultural team;
Strong motivation and ability to work and deliver under short deadlines;
Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback;
Able to work independently with little or no supervision;
Familiarity with government strongly desired.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree or equivalent in finance, economics or a closely related field, or equivalent relevant work experience.

Experience:

At least 7 years of experience in management or public finance, preferably at senior level in government;
Experience in dealing with international and national experts and institutions;
Exposure to environmental issues or biodiversity desirable, but not required;
Sound understanding of key software packages (MS Office).

Language:

Fluency in the UN and national language of the duty station.