UNDP Jobs - 48765- Re-advertisement

Re-advertisement - Project Associate

Location :

Colombo, SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

10-Oct-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year

Languages Required :

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

Candidates who previously applied need not apply again.

The Kelani River Basin in Sri Lanka is the home to approx. 25% of the population of Sri Lanka and the basin provides more than 80% of the drinking water requirement for Greater Colombo. The Kelani Basin environment quality is threatened by pollution of water, air and soil as a result of uncontrolled industrial, agricultural and urban growth.

However the potential exists to improve the understanding of stakeholder groups (Govt. Agencies, Local Authorities, Communities, Private Sector etc.) on the impacts of human interventions on Kelani River Basin environment quality and take measures to improve local government service delivery, environment management by industries, urban development and agriculture. The overaching objective is to ensure and maintain the environment quality of the Kelani River Basin to support the ecosystem services and habitat (human as well as plants and animals) in the long-term. While doing so it is expected that the Kelani Basin improved environment would help to improve health and quality of life as well.

In this context UNDP Sri Lanka along with a number of Government (Ministry of Environment & Renewable Energy and Western Provincial Ministry of Agriculture, Central Environment Authority, Agrarian Development, Minor Irrigation, Industries & Environment), Local Authorities and Private Sector are implementing an awareness and technology promotion project to improve environment best practices in the Kelani River Basin targeting “water” as the central theme under the name “Every Drop Matters.” UNDP seeks to recruit a project associate to support the implementation of the project in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy and other key partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

Functions / Key Results Expected:

Liaise between UNDP and the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy to implement the project;
Develop detailed Annual Work Plans and implement in consultation with the Ministry;
Prepare and report on quarterly finances and act as liaison between the project, UNDP CO and UNDP Operations Team;
Prepare in consultation with the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy, quarterly financial and narrative progress reports for the Project;
Consult with the Ministry on relevant aspects of project implementation, especially monitoring of project outputs and results;
Prepare terms of reference for consultancy services, as per the agreed work plan and in consultation with the Ministry of Enrionment and Renewable Energy;
Support all hiring of consultants and specialist services required by the project for effective implementation;
Undertake monitoring missions to field locations, if need arises;
Provide regular updates to UNDP on the programmatic direction of the Ministry of Environnment and Renewable Energy on operationalizing the Pavithra Ganga programme in Sri Lanka;
Assist the Ministry to liaise with the relevant government departments, ministries and other institutions and international and local donors to obtain sufficient support for the Pavithra Ganga Programme;
Undertake project monitoring activites and prepare results based regular reports, annual reports, donor reports and briefs.

Impact of Results:

Efficient and coordinated implementation of project activities;
The achievement of delivery targets and results as outlined in the project work-plan in a timely manner;
Strengthened partnerships with Implementing Partners and expanded partnership with relevant government agencies and civil society.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling 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 favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Understanding of results-based management and reporting functions;
Ability to support formulation and monitoring of management projects;
Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Secondary level qualification required;
Bachelors Degree or equivalent in Project Management, Development Studies, Natural Resource Management or related field will be of added advantage.

Experience:

The candidate should have minimum 5 years’ experience in the field of Natural Resource Management including a minimum of 2 years of experience in project management, including handling contracts, financial management, donor reports, project monitoring;
Experience in supporting development/capacity building activities especially in the government institutions will be advantageous;
Past experience with UNDP or UN-related programmes will be of added advantage.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English, including excellent written and oral communication skills; and
Working knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil is essential. “