UNDP Jobs - 62789- State Project Manager, Strengthening State Strateg

State Project Manager, Strengthening State Strategies for Climate Actions Project (Open to Indian Nationals Only)

Location :

Gangtok, Sikkim, INDIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

27-Jan-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year Renewable

Languages Required :

English

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

UNDP is implementing a project financed by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) which supports the implementation of the State Action Plans of Climate Change (SAPCC) in the states of Uttarakhand, Sikkim & Madhya Pradesh. The project aims at strengthening capacities to plan and implement relevant climate actions across select sectors including water, disaster management, forest and energy. Tools prepared and processes documented as part of the project will be shared with the larger community involved in practice of climate change. The project will also strengthen the state systems such as nodal institutions towards coordination of the activities envisaged under the SAPCC, facilitate implementation of climate change strategies with select sector departments, maximize the benefits through exploring inter-state cooperation; and showcase the actual implementation of SAPCCs.

The State Project Manager to be hired under this partnership is for the implementation of the project in Sikkim in three sectors (Forest, Water and Disaster risk reduction). S/he will be based at Gangtok and shall work under the guidance and supervision of the state climate change nodal officer based in Gangtok and National Project Manager based in New Delhi. The State Project Manager will work under the overall supervision of Head, Energy & Environment Unit, UNDP, New Delhi. He/She would be responsible for overall implementation of the approved project in Sikkim. As this is a full-time position, s/he cannot hold any other job/assignments during this assignment.

Duties and Responsibilities

The State Project Manager will be responsible for the following tasks:

Establish linkages and work in close coordination with the National Project Manager. Assist the National Project Manager in planning, implementation, supervision, monitoring and evaluation of all the project activities in the state of Sikkim;
Based on the overall project annual workplan, develop state specific annual work plans and ensure accurate and timely reporting to UNDP and SDC for activities of the project in Sikkim;
Provide information and inputs for developing Terms of reference for consultants/ consultancy firms to be hired to undertake project activities;
Commission activities like research studies, state level assessments training workshops etc. and manage the operational aspects of procurement, event management, logistics etc. in coordination with UNDP;
Identify capacity development needs of implementing partners and arrange for necessary trainings;
Interact with other state departments and provide support if required for implementation of strategies of the state action plan;
Coordinate with national team and other state teams under the project to share lessons and experiences;
Foster partnerships with key state government and relevant technical institutions working on climate change issues in Sikkim;
Manage and track contracts with project partners and flag any potential risks and suggest its mitigation measures. Ensure timely contract management and payments;
Undertake review meetings with partners and field visits to track progress made in implementation of the project and take corrective action as required;
Review quality and consistency of reports and deliverables by partner institutions/ responsible parties including financial reports from all project partners;
Regular financial management and reporting as per the UNDP financial guidelines; Ensure effective financial management and reporting as per the UNDP financial guidelines;
Prepare quarterly project progress reports, provide necessary information and inputs for preparing presentations and other documents for project steering committee and review meetings as required by National Project Manager;
Facilitate and participate in the periodic review meetings and discussions related to project implementation, monitoring and follow-up;
Supervise the work of team members or consultants, as may be recruited under the Project at the state level;
Any other responsibility related to the project assigned by the National Project Manager.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modelling 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 favouritism.

Functional Competencies:

Technical Skills:

In-depth knowledge of environmental and climate change related concepts, theories, policies and practices;
Sound understanding of current issues related to climate change and environment at the sub-national levels (particularly of the region);
Hands-on experience in implementation and monitoring of climate change projects;
Adequate experience in project management at state level;
Well conversant with the state action planning process and state action plan on climate change document.

Management skills:

Ability to lead the state Project Team of 3-4 people;
Ability to guide the technical experts and project assistant in implementing project activities at the state level to achieve the overall objective of the project;
Ability to lead consultative meetings at state level with government stakeholders to identify priorities and manage the timely delivery of project activities.

Communication Skills:

Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and other communication material for providing progress updates to government, donor and implementing partner;
Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree from a recognized institution in environmental science/sustainable development/ Social sciences/ public policy.

Experience:

Essential:

At least 8 years of Program/project management experience;
At least 5 years of relevant post Masters Experience at the national level on climate change and water related issues;
Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills.

Desirable:

Experience of working with Central and/or State Governments/ NGOs/ Civil Society on similar assignments will be preferred;
Familiarity with the working environment and professional standards of international organizations and national and State Governments;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems is essential.

Language:

Excellent oral and writing skills in English and Hindi;
Language skills common in the programme State is preferred.

Remuneration package is 116,169/- per month (taxable). UNDP also offers additional benefits which includes medical insurance coverage and limited pension reimbursement for the contract holder and encourages work life balance.

UNDP strives to have a workforce which reflects diversity and gender balance, and applies an equal opportunities approach. UNDP does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS status. All selection is on merit.