Background

This project is part of the second generation of Biodiversity Enabling Activities (BD EA) under the GEF. Yemen has been Party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) since 1996. The project addresses the country’s need to continue to fulfill its obligations under the CBD, with particular focus on the Convention’s Article 6 and the CBD COP Decision X/2. Above all, the project is a significant contribution to Yemen’s efforts towards implementing the CBD Strategic Plan 2011-2020 at the national level. The project builds on the current status and achievements of Yemen with respect to biodiversity planning and reporting. It aims to integrate Yemen’s obligations under the CBD into its national development and sectoral planning frameworks through a renewed and participative ‘biodiversity planning’ and strategizing process. This process is expected to produce measurable targets for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. It will equally ensure that the value of ecosystems’ goods and services, as well as the challenges and opportunities for ecosystem-based adaptation and resilience are taken into consideration in the process. The project will achieve its objective through the implementation of three components, whose activities are thoroughly described in the GEF approved proposal for BD EA. They are: (1) A participative stocktaking exercise on biodiversity planning takes place and national biodiversity targets are developed in response to the global Aichi Targets; (2) The NBSAP is revised/updated and it fully integrates new aspects of the CBD strategic plan, such as mainstreaming and anchoring the implementation of the plan into national development frameworks, valuing ecosystem services and promoting ecosystem-based adaptation and resilience; and (3) National frameworks for resource mobilization, Convention reporting and exchange mechanisms are strengthened.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Manager (PM) will work under the overall guidance of the UNDP Poverty and Sustainable Development Team Leader and Programme Officer. She/he will provide overall technical direction and management support to the project of the national biodiversity planning to support the implementation of the CBD 2011-2020 strategic plan in Yemen. S/he will assist UNDP in coordination and monitoring of project activities. The PM will ensure that capacity of the National Project Team is fully strengthened in the interest of sustainability and continuity.

Specific responsibilities of the PM:
  • Ensure that project Objective, Outcomes, Outputs and Activities are executed in a timely and appropriate manner.
  • Develop annual work plans and budgets, and submit these to the Steering Committee and to the UNDP Country Office for approval.
  • Develop TORs for Consultants for technical services, consultants, experts, and specifications of materials as required by the project, in consultation with the Project Director/UNDP.
  • Facilitate, guide and monitor the work of consultants, and approve their deliverables in association with the Project Committee.
  • Organize and assist in project related activities, where required. These may include planning for meetings, local and national workshops, consultations, trips, and other project related activities.
  • Establish and maintain linkages with national and international organizations and persons which/who can be of assistance to the objectives of the Project.
  • Provide timely reporting of project status as required by the Project Committee and the UNDP.
  • Maintain records of Project Board meetings, decisions, actions etc.
  • Coordinate with other initiatives and programs whose outcomes and outputs are relevant to this project’s objectives.
  • Any other duties assigned by the Project Committee that have direct relevance to the project.

Competencies

  • Displays integrity and knowledge of UN principles and values
  • Strong analytical skills, adaptability, gender and cultural sensitivity
  • Excellent management, communication, and partnership building skills
  • Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills and team work.
  • Proven experience and capacity as a PM
  • Proficiency in standard computer software’s (Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point) and ability to use Internet

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • Should have a Masters degree in management, administration, environmental management or related field.
Experience:
  • A minimum of 5 years management experience at a senior level, or an advanced degree with 3 years management experience.
  • Relevant experience in environmental policy analysis, strategy development, and implementation.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the relevant UN Convention, environmental issues in Yemen, good leadership, coordination, communication, and facilitation skills are essential.
Language Requirements:
  • Excellent knowledge of English and Arabic, written and spoken.