Antecedentes

Addressing challenges related to the natural environment in South Sudan is complex due to the nature and diversity of interacting factors that combine to create adverse environmental impacts. These factors include, inter alia, unregulated, unplanned and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources; climate change; predation as a result of the two decade conflict; large numbers of returnees; and extraction of oil. All of these factors play a part in exploiting and destroying the natural resource base of South Sudan, compromising the livelihoods of the communities who depend on the land and its resources for a living, and setting South Sudan on a potentially unsustainable development path.

The Government of Republic of South Sudan (GoSS) has drafted an environmental policy offering opportunities to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of the oil industry, charcoal production, poaching, and logging, all of which constitute significant environmental threats and also potential triggers for renewed conflict within South Sudan. This environmental policy was approved by Council of Ministers in 2012 and bill, is anticipated to be presented to the GoSS Council of Ministers and Parliament for review and approval in the coming months. Irrespective of the work so far done, the current context of the Republic of South Sudan as a newly emerging state, remains far from realizing its ambitions stipulated in its Transitional Constitution of 2011, which states that “…for the benefit of present and future generations, and through reasonable legislative action, [South Sudan] will secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting rational economic and social development”.

UNEP and other development partners are currently engaged in building institutional and technical capacity within the GoSS. This gradual process seeks to encourage GoSS to adopt the environmental control measures that can slow the pace of degradation to the natural environment, to help mitigate the severity of future environmental impacts as South Sudan develops. At the same time, it is essential that more immediate and direct action needed to be taken to address the huge of environmental challenges. In order to guide and provide technical support to GoSS on priority issues in environment and natural resources, a team of professional staff (Internationals and Nationals) is being established within UNEP South Sudan office in Juba. 

In line with the above UNEP South Sudan office is seeking the services of qualified South Sudanese National to fill a vacant post of Admin/Finance Associate to be based in Juba.

Under direct supervision of and reporting regular progress of work to the UNEP OIC South Sudan, a successful candidate will work closely with the UNDP South Sudan operation staff (HR, Finance and Procurement Team) in Juba, relevant companies, and relevant government counterparts supporting and directing UNEP projects and office operation issues.

Deberes y responsabilidades

Summary of key functions:

• Effective support towards implementation of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and others project activities;
• Support effective and high quality financial management;
• Provision of support to administrative functions of the project;
• Support the UNEP South Sudan in technical and administrative oversight of the project, including identification of delivery issues, project risks, and lessons learned;
• Maintain financial integrity of the UNEP South Sudan projects, monitor office operation budgets and manage financial transactions via UNEP soft wear system where appropriate.

Effective Support towards Implementation of the projects, including the following:

• Assist in organizing UNEP events, workshops, project working group/taskforce meetings, missions related to the project as well as logistical arrangements;
• Maintain working-level contacts with NGOs, governmental institutions, donors, project working group/taskforce meetings, and participate at events for information dissemination purposes;
• Support project team in preparing annual work plan and quarterly work plans and other reporting materials;
• Assist in the project implementation and monitoring, including where necessary participation in field visits;
• Draft administrative letters, memos, etc, and respond to basic queries when required.

Support Effective and Quality Financial Management, including the following:

• Review and process payment requests from vendors through obtaining necessary clearances and authorizations and ensuring payments are effected promptly;
• Prepare and maintain the funds disbursement table and calendar and report on it on monthly basis to the OIC;
• Prepare and review financial reports; and
• Draft administrative or office operation management budget proposals and management of expenditure within budget lines;
• Maintain basic financial records, track expenditure and monitor UNEP financial authorizations;
• Ensure the efficient use of financial resources entrusted to UNEP South Sudan office, with proper accountability and transparency.

Support Administrative Functions of the Project and Office, including the following:

• Manage and organize day-to-day office work and ensure the smooth running of UNEP’s office in Juba;
• Procure office equipment (including communication and audio equipment, supplies etc.);
• Establish proper project filing system and maintain files and documentation in good order;
• Prepare travel arrangements for staff, consultants, relevant counterparts, and process DSA/Per Diem  payments;
• Ensure flow of information and dissemination of materials with all the concerned partners;
• Maintain personnel files, performance evaluation reports, leave records, and other pertinent personnel/consultant records;
• Ensure the transparency of the procurement and contractual process, and the use of international best practices;
• Manage vehicles and transport as requested and administer the inventory of UNEP assets and ensure that proper records are maintained;
• Ensure the staffs leave attendance and leave records are properly maintained;
• Ensure UNEP is compliant and fully embedded in UNDSS and other UN security systems;
• Supervising the drivers and other support staff as required.

Competencias

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNEP’s mission, vision and values;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Ability to maintain effective rapport with different kinds of people.

Functional Competencies:

• Knowledge Management and Learning;
• Shares knowledge and experience;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to perform a variety of standard tasks related to results management, including screening, projects data entering, filing, provision of information;
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to master new material quickly;
• Ability to manage priorities in order to meet tight deadlines;
• Good communications, interpersonal and reporting skills.

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;
• The ability to manage the work of teams, subordinates and consultants;
• A proven ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary and/or multi-cultural team;
• Demonstrated capacity for leadership and management.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Education:

• Minimum requirement is Diploma in Business or Public Administration, Accounting, Social Sciences related to Environment, Economics. Any other relevant multi-disciplinary background is considered useful.

Experience:

• At least 6 years of progressive responsible work experience related to program/project operations, including financial reporting previous working experience with a UN or NGOs is an asset;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems;
• Excellent and demonstrated communication, consultation, negotiation and writing skills;
• Understanding of international stakeholders and development partners;
• Proven organizational, financial, inventory and budgetary skills as well as familiarity with financial and technical rules, regulations and procedures relevant to project implementation;

Language:

• Fluency in spoken and written in English.