UNDP Jobs - 14721- Global Environment Fund (GEF) Project Development

Global Environment Fund (GEF) Project Development Officer

Location :

HANOI, VIET NAM

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

15-Mar-2010

Application Deadline :

21-Feb-10 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Two 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

Under the guidance and direct supervision of Assistant Country Director (ACD)/ Head of the Sustainable Development Cluster, the GEF Project Development Officer (GEF-O) is responsible for identification and formulation of Global Environment Fund (GEF) projects in order to achieve the following objectives:

1.   Enhancing partnerships with government counterparts, GEF Viet Nam Operational Focal Point (OFP), GEF agencies, donors and financial institutions for resources mobilization;

2.   Coordinating the preparation of a national action plan for project development and fund mobilization for Viet Nam under GEF5 replenishment (VN GEF5 Action Plan) and organization of a national dialogue for GEF5; implementing following up actions;

3.   Formulating projects for consideration of funding by GEF and other appropriate climate change funding windows.

The GEF-O works in close collaboration with the operations team, programme staff within UNDP, in other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society. The GEF-O contributes to the implementation of the one UN initiative in Viet Nam and participates in the UN Programme Coordination Group on Sustainable Development (PCG-SD).

Duties and Responsibilities

Performance of the GEF-O will be evaluated according to the following indicators:

1. Ensures enhancement of partnership with and capacity on project development for relevant government counterparts aiming at GEF resources mobilization for Viet Nam: (20%)

Development of partnerships with the GEF institutions, UNDP Regional Centre in Bangkok, UNDP HQ, UN Agencies, International Financial Institution’s (IFI’s), government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society for project development based on strategic goals of UNDP and country needs and GEF’s priorities;
Identification of capacity building and institutional development needs and implementation of appropriate interventions to enhance capacity and skills in the country for programme/project development and resources mobilization;
Analysis and research of information on GEF, new climate change windows of funding and other potential sources, preparation of substantive briefs on possible opportunities for project finance and co-finance;
Contribute to achievement of the Outcome 3 of the UN One Plan in Viet Nam, namely “Viet Nam has adequate policies and capacities for environmental protection and the rational management of natural resources and cultural heritage for poverty reduction, economic growth, and improving the quality of life”;
Actively participate in and contribute to UN system co-ordination and programming, specifically the Programme Coordination Group on Sustainable Development (PCG-SD), UN One Plan and through the UN Development Assistance Framework;

2. Ensures preparation of a national action plan for project development and fund mobilization for Viet Nam under GEF5 replenishment (VN GEF5 Action Plan) and organization of a national dialogue in 2010; implementation of follow up actions:

Coordinate a comprehensive review of the project formulation, management and implementation as well as resources mobilization under GEF4 (2007-2010), including documenting lessons learnt and recommendations for improvement in GEF5;
Work closely with Viet Nam GEF Operational Focal Point (OFP) in mobilizing and coordinating inputs for preparation of a national dialogue for Viet Nam in 2010;
Work closely with OFP in mobilizing and coordinating inputs for preparing a VN GEF5 Action Plan;
Actively contribute to the implementation of follow-up actions after the national dialogue and participate in the implementation of the VN GEF5 Action Plan.

3. Ensures effective formulation of new projects within GEF thematic areas (biodiversity, climate change, sustainable forest management, international waters, land degradation, chemicals/ persistent organic pollutants):

Thorough analysis and research of the country political, social and economic environment and preparation of substantive inputs to key strategic and policy documents, which direct and guide UN/DP support interventions to Viet Nam.
Work closely with the national counterparts to identify new project ideas within in the GEF thematic areas and UNDP priorities, initiate Project Identification Form (PIF), prepare Project Preparation Grant document for GEF consideration, presentation of the project to Project Appraisal Committee (PAC), lead the project formulation, enter project into Atlas, finalize contribution agreement; determine of required revisions;
Coordinate with the Headquarter GEF teams, Regional Center in Bangkok, governmental and other institutions to ensure effective formulation process leading to approval of the projects;
Performs functions of Manager Level 1 in Atlas for Purchase Orders (POs) and vouchers approval, participates in recruitment processes for projects;
Effective application of Result Based Management (RBM) tools in project formulation, establishment of management targets and monitoring achievement of results;
Introduction of performance indicators/ success criteria, targets and milestones;
Undertake and contribute to project management tasks as required.
Coordinate activities and communications to strengthen donor relationship including preparation of reports for donors, and the government counterparts as required.

Reporting structure
The GEF-O will work in Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) in UNDP Viet Nam. S/he will report to and work under the direct supervision of the Assistant Country Director (ACD)/ Head of the Sustainable Development Cluster.

The GEF-O works closely with Viet Nam GEF Operational Focal Point, UNDP-GEF Headquarter and Technical Advisors in Regional Center in Bangkok, Government counterparts and UN/DP staff in Viet Nam.

The GEF-O will participate in the UN Programme Coordination Group on Sustainable Development.

Expected Outputs

Enhancement of existing and creation of new partnerships with government counterparts and other institutions, including financial mechanisms;
Successful organization of a national dialogues for GEF5 for Viet Nam in 2010;
A good a national action plan for project development and fund mobilization for Viet Nam under GEF5 replenishment (VN GEF5 Action Plan) and a roadmap for implementation of the Plan;
Five (05) full project documents formulated and submitted to GEF for funding;
Regular reports/ briefs to the supervisor, and papers/speeches as UNDP contribution to/ interventions at relevant events.

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:

Knowledge Management and Learning

Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the Project and Joint Programme
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to lead implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects
Good knowledge of the Results Management Guide and Toolkit
Strong IT skills
Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/attitudinal change

Management and Leadership

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

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree in Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Climate Change or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or related field.

Experience:

Up to 3 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services and hands-on experience in management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects.
Experience in the use of computers and office software packages and handling of web based management systems.
Knowledge of GEF or working experience with GEF projects is advantageous.

Language Requirement:

Fluency in spoken and written English and Vietnamese.