Background

The Project Technical Advisor/Manager (TA/PM) will conduct all necessary coordination and management activities to successfully implement the project. The PM will work closely with the staff from inter alia MEFCC, zones, districts, kebeles, university staff and contracted NGOs / researchers. The project manager will be based in the Project Management Unit (PMU) in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MEFCC) in Addis Ababa and report to Team Leader - Climate Resilient Green Growth in UNDP and the Project Steering Committee.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Oversee the implementation of the project activities in line with the Project Implementation Plan and under the guidance provided by the National Project Steering Committee (NPSC);
  • Base in MEFCC, at the implementing agency and coordinate project activities to ensure that the activities in each results area are implemented in accordance with the project objectives;
  • Leading the monitoring of project activities against the established indicators detailed in the project Logical Framework.
  • Liaise with implementing partners to ensure the timely project implementation and submission of project reports;
  • Conduct field visits as required to verify project activities implementation  relative to planned /stated targets;
  • Facilitate troubleshooting options with the relevant agencies to remove any bottlenecks that might arise during project implementation;
  • Manage the personnel of the PMU and its day-to-day activities, evaluate their regular periodic/annual performance and make recommendations with regard to their contract renewal;
  • Prepare and  ensure that the work plans and budgets are in conformity with the project objectives;
  • Oversee the outsourcing by competitive tender, monitor the procurement of works, goods and services for the project and ensure execution according to the rules and guidelines in conformity with the project procurement procedures manual. Coordinate and manage all procurement requirements (contracts and consultancies in the project, including reviewing consultancy reports)under the guidance of the project  implementer/NPSC;
  • Provide guidance to contractors and consultants engaged by the project;
  • Plan and arrange NPSC meetings and serve as the Technical Secretary for the Committee, prepare and circulate minutes of the meetings, and follow up on  the signature and implementation of the NPSC’s decisions and actions agreed;
  • Manage and monitor the project risks initially identified, submit new risks (if any) & mitigation measures to the NPSC for consideration and decision on possible actions if required; update the status of these risks;
  • Ensure that the financial management arrangements are in conformity with the UNDP regulations, and that all payment vouchers and payment orders are correctly authorized thereby ensuring that all expenditures are justified, within budget frames, and in line with project objectives;
  • Ensure that audits are organized on time and resulting recommendations are acted upon;
  • Keep the National Focal Point (NFP) informed about  key project implementation matters to facilitate the NFP’s work as liaison officer with the GEF sector Ministries, other stakeholders and UNDP;
  • Ensure appropriate public relations, awareness creation and marketing of the project among stakeholder groups and the public at large;
  • Prepare periodic monitoring reports (technical and financial) of the project for submission to  the UNDP and different agencies that are involved in the project implementation;
    • Oversee the preparation of monthly/quarterly/annual financial reports;
    • Quarterly project status reports;  
    • Monitoring and evaluation reports;
    • Six-monthly and annual project statues reports to the UNDP;
    • Annual financial statements for audit purposes.
  • Organise and facilitate stakeholder consultations and project review meetings as required;
  • Undertake closing out activities for the project which include final financial, procurement and technical reports, and the handing over of documents;
  • Undertake any other activity that may be necessary for the effective management of the project.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:   

  • Integrity and fairness - embodies UN values and promotes the well-being of all individuals regardless of gender, religion, race, nationality, or age;
  • Cultural sensitivity and adaptability – communicates effectively with and relates to people of different cultures, demonstrating an ability to see issues from other perspectives;
  • Strong corporate commitment - works to achieve the goals of the Forestry sector in the CRGE.

Functional Competencies:
           
Knowledge Management and Learning:

  • Promotes knowledge management in the Program and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
  • In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
  • Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of the Programme.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

  • Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting;
  • Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development Programmes;
  • Ability to apply development theory to the specific Program context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations;
  • Ability to manage for results: translates strategic aims into achievable plans, with established priorities, monitors them, making periodic adjustments as required.

Management and Leadership:

  • 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 openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
  • Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
  • Demonstrates outstanding communication skills oral and written communication skills;
  • Negotiation skills: capacity to work with diverse partners including Government, donors and civil society;
  • Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced university degree (at least MSc. or equivalent)  in Biodiversity, environmental sciences / management, environmental economics or another field relevant to the project.

Experience and Skills:

  • At  least 4 years of experience in a similar or related position;
  • Proven track record of technical and managerial experience in the implementation of large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects, including financial management and oversight of projects;
  • Experience in project management, especially with project financed by multilateral organizations;
  • Excellent skills in project planning, implementation, and team building;
  • Extensive knowledge and understanding of biodiversity and / or ecosystems issues, with special focus in forest / rangelands and payments for ecosystem services;
  • Knowledge biodiversity protection issues in the country and the CRGE will be an added advantage;
  • Experience in writing project success stories, lessons learned and best practices;
  • Knowledge of the GEF and UNDP funded projects and their technical and operational requirements.

Language Requirements:

  • Proficiency in English and Amharic. Knowledge of local languages will be an advantage