UNDP Jobs - 11745- Regional Environment Project Manager

Regional Environment Project Manager

Location :

Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

18-Aug-09 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-5 (Fixed Term Appointment)

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year (renewable)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

2.5 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

UNDP Africa’s strategic vision places capacity development for pro-poor growth and accountability at the centre of all UNDP-supported activities in the region, given the fact that lack of capacity in these areas remains one of the key challenges faced by Africa today in its efforts to achieve the MDGs. To achieve this goal UNDP has set itself the tasks of strengthening African capacity in four broad based areas: i) poverty reduction and achievement of the MDGs; ii) consolidating democratic and participatory governance; iii) conflict prevention, peace building and recovery; and iv) energy, environment and sustainable development

The priorities outlined in the UNDP Strategic Plan (2008-2011) for Environment and Sustainable Development include; i) assisting countries mainstream environment, energy and climate change concerns, ii) strengthening institutional capacities for the delivery and management of environmental services and iii) helping countries prepare for and mobilize related environmental finance including their effective participation in the Bali road map and the eventual post Kyoto climate regime.

In line with corporate priorities and responding to Africa’s challenges, UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa, using the regional project entitled “Management of Environmental Services & Financing for Sustainable Development” will intensify the organization’s efforts of helping countries and regional institutions to integrate environmental management concerns in their development plans and strengthen their capacities to manage and deliver services in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The Regional Environment Project Manager post is established under the above mentioned project. He/she is responsible for the planning, management, oversight, wrap up, reporting and delivery of results according to the principles of results based management (RBM). The post reports to the Deputy Regional Director (DRD) in Johannesburg regional office for general guidance and direction.

Duties and Responsibilities

Functions / Key Results Expected

Project planning and implementation
Project management, monitoring and oversight
Policy advice and strategic technical guidance and leadership
Building strategic partnerships and alliances
Building knowledge and capacity

Project planning and implementation

Lead the analysis of the political, social and economic trends in the region and establish the implementation plan for the project. Collaborate with the Energy and Environment Practice Leader and other internal and external partners and stakeholders to map critical interventions, linkages and coordination of project activities to meet the desired outcomes.
Plan, manage, monitor, and oversee the different steps and stages of project execution, take decisions and timely actions to ensure results are achieved.
Plan and manage project resources (financial and human resources) to maximize project cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Propose new initiatives and areas for support based on changing regional trends, priorities, political and economic conditions, and prepare concept notes and/or project documents for funding.
Manage the preparation for Project Committees and Project Management Team Meetings and other designated forums and follow up on all decisions taken to ensure implementation and/or timely action.
Be responsible for all required and ad-hoc reporting requirements (quarterly and annual progress, financial, procurement, donor reporting, etc) for management information, oversight and action.

Project management, monitoring and oversight

Establish the work plan, activities, targets, budget, standards for measuring progress and results and determine the processes, tools and methodologies to be used to ensure effective and efficient project implementation and operations.
Monitor progress and identify risks for timely action and early resolution.
Authorize and/or approve the appropriate use of human, financial, assets and other organizational resources.
Determine the staffing needs, approve terms of reference, establish performance objectives and standards and ensure timely and appropriate feedback, guidance and support to ensure optimum performance.
Supervise and guide the project team, consultants and researchers who will be supporting the project’s initiatives.
Manage, monitor and report on all additional funding mobilized according to Agreements entered into to ensure full adherence to the terms and conditions of each Agreement signed.
Ensure compliance of all actions and activities with organizational rules, regulations, policies, strategies and internal control mechanisms and the achievement of results according to the principles of results based management (RBM).

Policy advice and strategic technical guidance and leadership

Provide authoritative advice and technical guidance on project implementation and delivery. Initiate strategic discussions and contribute to senior level government debate on environment and energy to advocate and promote organizational issues, and agenda.
Prepare/Submit policy proposals, position papers and/or documents for internal and external strategic discussions, consideration, policy formulation and assessment and/or approval.
Assess program impact and oversee the appropriateness and accuracy of methods used to verify progress and results. Develop innovative improvements to enhance performance.
Actively broker for innovative, alternative technologies and approaches to ensure maximum project impact and sustainability,
Advise UNDP senior management and senior national government officials on the direction, strategies and technical issues concerning the regional environment pror ogram.

Building strategic partnerships and alliances

Maintain dialogue with partners and stakeholders to advocate, promote and advance organizational issues, priorities, interests and competencies for a successful program and project delivery.
Coordinate and collaborate with clients, partners and stakeholders to link and harmonize approaches and to promote common interests and achievement of results.
Develop a strategy and plan of action for resource mobilization to achieve optimum interests and funding.
Represent UNDP in regional and global fora to promote, advocate and speak for the organization on strategic and common issues.

Building knowledge and capacity

Introduce innovation and best practices, access to knowledge and expertise and promote its application and standardization in UNDP and regional organizations.
Access UNDP’s worldwide and regional knowledge, best practices and lessons learned, distill best practices and ensure its dissemination for organizational and stakeholders learning and sharing.
Develop a strategic plan and manage the implementation of activities for learning and development of stakeholders and partners.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the overall performance of development projects and the successful implementation of both UNDP strategic plan and RBA’s regional program document 2008-2011. The full realization of project outcomes will strengthen UNDP’s position as a strong and reliable development partner and satisfaction on the part of clients, stakeholders, partners and donors.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary Ability to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government required.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, for effective advocacy and influence on policy makers.
Ability to analyze, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents.

Team Work

Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals
Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise
Ability to build strong client relations
Is willing to learn from others
Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position
Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings

Leadership and Self-Management

Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

At least a Masters degree in environmental science, environmental law, economics or a closely related development field.

Experience:

At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in development-related work at the policy level within a governmental, multilateral, bilateral or Civil Society Organizational-setting and within a multicultural environment at national or international level of which three of more years in senior-level management responsibilities of similar size and complexity is required.
Experience in countries in Sub Sahara Africa and substantive knowledge of environment and climate change issues in Africa, especially in the context of the Bali-road map.
Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector /consulting firm is a very strong advantage.
Ability to use computers and office software packages and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and experience in handling of web based management systems.

Language Requirements:

Fluency and proficiency in English and a good working knowledge of French is desirable.

Qualified women are encouraged to apply for this post.