This assignment of the JPC focuses on providing professional inputs to strengthening the development and management of UNDP Viet Nam’s biodiversity/forestry/agriculture portfolio. Specifically, the JPC will provide technical support to the identification, review and formulation of project proposals relevant to the Focal Areas on Biodiversity, Forestry and Agriculture. 

The work of the JPC entails reviewing available draft proposals, identifying needs for revisions and update of information to ensure appropriate fit with the donor’s guidance and policies. For this, the JPC will establish strategic partnerships and working relations with national counterparts and consultants appointed to revise existing and formulate new proposals as relevant. As such, the JPC will contribute to implementing the UN and UNDP Viet Nam resource mobilization strategy. In addition, the JPC may be engaged in ongoing project initiatives on biodiversity conservation, forestry management, sustainable agriculture management, and agricultural supply chain, conducting knowledge management and research assignments, and providing management oversight and policy advocacy in support of timely and quality delivery. Through the assignment, the selected JPC will benefit from (i) enhancing his/her technical expertise in the subject areas; (ii) building and expanding a professional network with development partners and the government of Viet Nam; and (iii) enhancing analytic and organizational skills.

Based in the Climate Change and Environment Unit, and under the overall direction of the Assistant Resident Representative, the JPC will report on a day to day basis to the Programme Analysts on Biodiversity/ Forestry/ Agriculture.  S/he will also work closely with relevant international technical specialists, programme officers and programme associates in the Unit. In line with UNDP rules and regulations, the JPC’s annual performance will be subject to the Performance and Management Development (PMD) process. The PMD evaluation will be conducted by the immediate supervisor, based on self-assessment of the JPC.  

Overview of the UNDP Vietnam’s Climate Change and Environment Portfolio

The UNDP Climate Change and Environment Portfolio covers the following areas of work: (i) low carbon development and green growth, including sustainable production and consumption pattern; (ii) renewable energy and energy efficiency especially in (sub-) sectors of transportation, construction, chemical fertilizers, pulp and paper and low-carbon bus public transportation; (iii) reducing emission from deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD), (iv) adaptation and resilience to impacts of climate change and natural disasters; (v) natural resources and biodiversity conservation; and (vi) environmental protection.

UNDP support focuses on advocacy, policy research and formation, capacity and partnership building and coordination, technology testing and transfer, piloting models and promoting participation of businesses and local communities.

Interventions are undertaken both directly by UNDP and through national execution projects. Biodiversity and environmental management related projects include: (i) Sustainable Forest and Forest Land Management in Viet Nam’s Ba River Landscape; (ii) Integrated sustainable landscape management through deforestation-free jurisdiction project in Lam Dong and Dak Nong, Viet Nam; (iii) The Biodiversity Finance Initiative: Mobilizing Resources for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development; (iv) Mainstreaming Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation objectives into socio-economic development planning and management of Biosphere Reservice in Viet Nam.

As a member of the Climate Change and Environment Team (CCE), the JPC can be expected to make contribution to the formulation of new projects, including preparing and revising concept notes, managing and conducting consultations with national and international counterparts and consultants, undertaking feasibility studies and research, developing full project documents, and appraisal of project proposals.

As a member of UNDP programme team, the JPC is responsible to oversight and implementation of projects assigned to him/her, to ensure quality planning, budgeting, procurement of services and consultants, and oversight of implementation, reporting and monitoring and evaluation for timely delivery of quality results/products.

As a member of UN family in Viet Nam, the JPC is expected to make contribution to the implementation of the UN One Plan, advancing UN’s delivery as one (DAO) agenda, enhancing synergies and impacts of UN support in the areas of biodiversity conservation and environmental management. The JPC will work in partnership with UN/DP colleagues, Government counterparts, project staff, and non-government organizations, as relevant, to ensure successful programme development and implementation to achieve One Plan results.