UNDP Jobs - 56123- Project Officer - Biodiversity Finance Initiative

Project Officer - Biodiversity Finance Initiative (Open to Zambian Nationals Only)

Location :

Lusaka, ZAMBIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-Jul-2015

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

SC-9

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

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Team Leader, the Project Officer will be responsible for substantially supporting the national BIOFIN leader in the successful completion of the national project throughout its duration. He/she will provide back-office management support to the Project Team Leader and Senior Public Finance Expert, including the planning and implementation of work streams and budgets; managing the meeting of project timelines and milestones; facilitation and organization of outreach activities, press releases, project/UNDP/Government briefing notes; liaising with UNDP country office and global BIOFIN team to facilitate donor reporting and compliance, and UNDP procurement compliance; as well as support on administrative matters.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Providing support on the general administrative requirements of the project, including those related to project management and funding;
Assist in ensuring that project is executed in a timely manner;
Facilitate, guide and monitor the work of the national BIOFIN team;
Manage payment schedules;
Assist in project related activities, where required. These may include planning for meetings, local and national consultations, trips and other project related activities;
Maintain linkages with national and international organizations and persons;
Maintain records of meetings, decisions, actions, etc.;
Any other duties assigned by the National BIOFIN Leader that have direct relevance to the project.

Ensures financial oversight focusing on achievement of the following:

Manage the project budget; oversee overall resource allocation, together with the UNDP Country Office and BIOFIN Central Technical Unit;
Ensure financial resources are disbursed on time to implementing partners;
Maintain records of expenditures and collaborate in financial reporting.

Competencies

Ability to maintain overview in complex work situations, self-starter in supporting the coordinator in communicating and keeping timelines;
Able to gather and process data and information;
Excellent interpersonal skills to network among the national team and beyond to other national institutions;
Writes clearly professional correspondence adequately;
Highly organized person, sets priorities, produces quality outputs, meets deadlines and manages time efficiently;
Shares knowledge and is willing to provide support to others who request advice or help;
Works toward creative solutions by analyzing problems carefully and logically;
Maintains professional relationships with supervisors, co-workers and clients.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree or equivalent in management, administration, economics, environment or a closely related field.

Experience:

At least 5 years of experience, preferably in the implementation of projects;
Experience in dealing with international and national experts and institutions;
Exposure to environmental issues or biodiversity is desirable, but not required;
Sound understanding of key software packages (MS Office).

Language:

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