Background

Launched in 2008, the NAPCC represents a multi-pronged, long-term and integrated strategy for achieving key climate change goals: namely, “achieving national growth objectives through a qualitative change in direction that enhances ecological sustainability, leading to further mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions”, and “devising efficient and cost-effective strategies for end-use demand-side management”. The NAPCC encourages planning and coordination at different levels, especially state (sub-national) level. States and Union Territories of India have prepared the State Level Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs), which define state-level objectives and strategies that are aligned with the objectives of the NAPCC.

At the sub-national level, state governments are responsible for developing state-specific action programmes for the power, transport, industry, buildings and municipal energy efficiency and forestry sectors in line with NAPCC. However, moving from development of a plan/strategy to implementation is a challenge for state governments because of a number of institutional, technical and financial barriers.

UNDP in partnership with MoEFCC and with support from Global Environment Facility (GEF) is implementing a project on “Market Transformation and Removal of Barriers for Effective Implementation of the State-Level Climate Change Action Plans” with an overall goal to increase awareness, scientific knowledge, technical and institutional capacities in the energy sector for implementation of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy mitigation strategies in two states (Jharkhand and Manipur).

The development objective of the project is to stimulate implementation of climate change mitigation actions stated in the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCCs); maximize the benefits through exploring inter-state cooperation; showcase the actual implementation of SAPCCs; demonstrate institutional mechanisms for inter-state networking and cross-learning, including information sharing and technology dissemination; and develop and implement a common monitoring system to assess progress on the SAPCCs in the select states. 

The National Project Manager to be hired under this programme is for the project implementation phase (2016 to 2018). S/he will be based at UNDP, New Delhi and shall work under the guidance and supervision of the Head, Energy & Environment Unit, UNDP New Delhi. The Project Manager is responsible for overall implementation of the approved project. As this is a full-time position, s/he cannot hold any other job/assignments during this assignment.

Duties and Responsibilities

The National Project Manager will be responsible for the following tasks:

  • Be responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and monitoring the activities of the project on energy efficiency and renewable energy;
  • Develop overall project annual work plan and critical results path in consultation with PMUs, monitor activities of the Project and ensure accurate and timely reporting to UNDP and GEF;
  • Ensure 100% delivery against planned project results and financial delivery targets in the workplan. Closely track slippage against work plan and take corrective action;
  • Develop and finalize Terms of reference for consultants/ consultancy firms to be hired to undertake project activities;
  • Commission activities like research studies, state level assessments training workshops etc. and manage the operational aspects of procurement, event management, logistics etc. in coordination with UNDP and state level Project Management Unit;
  • Manage the project team of Jharkhand and Manipur;
  • Foster partnerships with key national and state government departments and relevant technical institutions working on climate change issues;
  • Develop training need assessment exercise and formulate capacity development plan with inputs from state project managers.
  • Manage and track contracts with project partners and flag any potential risks and suggest its mitigation measures. Ensure timely contract management and payments;
  • Undertake review meetings with partners and field visits to track progress made in implementation of the project and take corrective action as required;
  • Review quality and consistency of reports and deliverables by partner institutions/ responsible parties including financial reports from all project partners; 
  • Regular financial management and reporting as per the UNDP financial guidelines; Ensure effective financial management and reporting as per the UNDP financial guidelines;
  • Prepare half yearly progress reports for UNDP and donor, prepare presentations and other documents for project steering committee and review meetings as required by UNDP;
  • Facilitate and participate in the periodic review meetings and discussions related to project implementation, monitoring and follow-up;
  • Supervise the work of team members or consultants, as may be recruited under the Project;
  • Establish linkages with international mitigation best practices on combating climate change;
  • Any other responsibility related to the project assigned by the Climate Change, Energy & Environment Unit, UNDP.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling 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 favouritism.

Functional Competencies:

Technical Skills:

  • In-depth knowledge of renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate change, related concepts, theories, policies and practices;
  • Good understanding of current issues related to energy, climate change at the national and sub-national levels;
  • Good understanding of climate change modelling tools, vulnerability assessment frameworks;
  • Adequate experience in multi-state project management on climate change, renewable energy and energy efficiency;
  • Hands-on experience in design, formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate change projects.

Management skills:

  • Ability to lead the Project Management Team of 6 people;
  • Demonstrated skills in building, mobilizing, and leading multi-disciplinary teams;
  • Ability to guide the state programme managers in developing and implementing coherent suite of interventions at the state level to achieve the overall objective of the project;
  • Ability to lead consultative meetings at national and state level with partners and senior stakeholders to identify priorities and manage the timely delivery of project activities;
  • Reliable in delivering own parts of the work as part of a team effort.

Communication Skills:

  • Good facilitation and communication skills;
  • Ability to carry out research and communicate strategic pieces that guide decisions on strategic programme directions;
  • Tailors and presents information to diverse audiences using a variety of communication delivery methods (e.g., written, electronic, oral, interpersonal)Documentation;
  • Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Master’s degree in energy studies/ development studies/ Environment/ Economics. 

Essential:

  • At least 12 years of Program/project management experience;
  • At least 8 years of relevant Experience at the national level on energy efficiency, renewable energy projects/programmes;
  • Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills.

Desirable:

  • Experience of working with Central and/or State Governments/ NGOs/ Civil Society on similar assignments will be preferred;
  • Familiarity with the working environment and professional standards of international organizations and national and State Governments;
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems is essential.   

Language:  

  • Excellent oral and writing skills in English and Hindi.   

Remuneration package is INR 146,892/- per month (taxable). UNDP also offers additional benefits which includes medical insurance coverage and limited pension reimbursement for the contract holder and encourages work life balance.

UNDP strives to have a workforce which reflects diversity and gender balance, and applies an equal opportunities approach. All selection is on merit.