Job Identification : 12754

Locations : Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Posting Date : 08/02/2023, 08:41 AM

Apply Before : 08/13/2023, 03:59 AM

Job Schedule : Full time

Agency : UNDP

Grade : G6

Vacancy Type : Fixed Term

Practice Area : Management

Bureau : Bureau for Policy and Programme Support

Contract Duration : 1 Year

Education & Work Experience : Bachelor’s Degree – 3 year(s) experience OR High School certificate- 6 year(s) experience

Required Languages : English; French

Desired Languages : Spanish, and Portuguese

Vacancy Timeline

1 Week

Mobility required/no mobility

no mobility required

Job Description

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

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.

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in its Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in UNDP’s Strategic Plan.

Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. BPPS staff provides technical advice to Country Offices; advocates for UNDP corporate messages; represents UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora, including public-private, government and civil society dialogues; and engages in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas.

BPPS’s Hubs on Nature, Climate, Energy and Waste, with the support of the Vertical Fund Programme Support, Oversight and Compliance Unit, works with governments, civil society, and private sector partners to integrate nature, climate, energy and waste related concerns into national and sector planning and inclusive growth policies, support country obligations under Multilateral Environmental Agreements, and oversee the implementation of the UN’s largest portfolio of in-country programming nature, climate change, energy and waste. This multi-billion-dollar portfolio encompasses:

•  Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services including forests.
•  Sustainable Land Management and Desertification including food and commodity systems.
•  Water and Ocean Governance including SIDS.
•  Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.
•  Sustainable Energy.
•  Extractive Industries.
•  Chemicals and Waste Management.
•  Environmental Governance and Green/Circular Economy and SCP approaches.

This work advances crosscutting themes on innovative finance, digital transformation, capacity development, human rights, gender equality, health, technology, and South-South learning.

In addition to UNDP’s bilateral partnerships in Nature, Climate, Energy and Waste, UNDP is an accredited multilateral implementing agency of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Multilateral Fund (MLF), the Adaptation Fund (AF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). As part of UNDP’s partnership with these vertical funds (VFs), UNDP’s Environmental Finance Unit supports UNDP’s Nature, Climate, Energy and Waste related Hubs and provides countries specialized integrated technical services for eligibility assessment, programme formulation, capacity development, policy advice technical assistance, training and technology transfer, mobilization of co-financing, implementation oversight, results management and evaluation, performance-based payments and knowledge management services.

With its technical focus, UNDP’s Nature, Climate, Energy, and Waste (NCE&W) Hubs are organized into substantive technical teams (Biodiversity, Water and Oceans, Climate Change Mitigation, Climate Change Adaptation, Chemicals & Waste) led by a director, who leads and provides the strategic direction for his/her respective hub, supported by a team of Principal and/or Senior Technical Advisors (PTA/STA) being the team leader within each area. Each team leader supports and guides a team of Regional Technical Advisors (RTAs) and Specialists (RTSs). As well as being a member of a technical team, each RTA/RTS is also a member of a regional team, which consists of RTAs/RTSs from all technical teams working together under the leadership of the NCE&W Regional Team Leader. The regional teams are based in regional hubs from where they support UNDP’s country offices and partners in their region. The technical teams are organized around core thematic areas of nature, climate, energy, and waste.

The environmental vertical fund projects in Africa are supported at the national level by UNDP Country Offices (COs) and at the regional level by Regional Coordination Units (RCUs). The projects are located in Anglophone and Francophone countries.

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Technical Advisors and Specialists (RTAs/RTSs), and coordination and guidance of the Environment Regional Team Leader for Africa (RTL), the Programme Associate will facilitate the effective delivery of Environmental Finance vertical fund (EF VF) portfolio in Africa by providing support and oversight throughout the development, implementation, monitoring/evaluation, and closure of projects. This includes effective portfolio data management and monitoring to maximize COs’ timely compliance with UNDP and vertical fund requirements.

The Programme Associate will work in close collaboration with the Operations, Programme, and Project teams in the CO and Vertical Fund Programme Support, Oversight and Compliance Unit global team/staff to resolve complex programme-related issues and to ensure a consistent quality service delivery. The Programme Associate may occasionally be required to travel.

Duties and Responsibilities

1.) Management and Support to projects under development (pipeline)

•  Coordinate document processing related to project development in the region (regional and country level projects) as relevant to all stages of the project cycle.
•  Collection, analysis and checking for accuracy and consistency of information against established formats.
•  Updating the EF VF Unit project data base (PIMS+).
•  Tracking required information for project completion and/or processing requirements.
•  Following-up on correspondence with project proponents, Country Offices (COs), and EF VF Unit Headquarters.
•  Processing documentation for submission, including final quality check regarding accuracy and compliance with formats and guidelines.

2.) Monitoring and support to projects (after vertical fund approval)

•  Effective communication to COs on the processes relating to Delegation of Authority (DOA) and ensure COs receive a DOA Letter and the approved final UNDP Project Document and any other associated/necessary documents and requested clearance (including financial and technical clearance) in a timely manner once EF VF Unit receives an approval/ endorsement from a source of funds.
•  Ensures Annual Work Plans are submitted for RTA/RTS approval and Authorized Spending Limit (ASL) issuance.
•  Assist the RTAs/RTSs in reviewing projects’ annual and multi-year work plans in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with Donor requirements in terms of budgeting and identify irregularities.
•  Assist the Management and Programme Support Analyst in regional portfolio analysis, in particular, ensuring all data necessary for the analysis is collected from COs and consistent for any specific projects under his/her portfolio.
•  Assist COs in completing budget revision processes in time for on-going projects under his/her portfolio.

3.) Portfolio Monitoring and Support (includes projects under development and under implementation)

•  Ensure all project information in EF VF Unit database (PIMS+) is correct and up to date at all times from the creation of a project in PIMS+ until the project’s operational and financial closure for projects under his/her portfolio.
•  Monitor project delivery and submission of progress reports and budget revisions for the region, identifying reasons for shortfall in delivery and alert RTAs/RTSs of any projects with concerns.
•  Undertake financial monitoring of the portfolio in the region and analyze individual projects’ budgets and budget revisions in close coordination with the COs and RTAs/RTSs.
•  Assist in all aspects of regional portfolio management, including tracking of standard project related management actions, monitoring and evaluation requirements and progress reports (TPR/APR, PIR) including processing of required documentation.
•  Maintains the electronic project data base fully updated, and where necessary, organizes and maintains hard-copy files of all projects and associated information and official documentation.
•  Assist in the preparation, updating, and dissemination of PowerPoint and other presentations and in managing dissemination of information that describe the work and achievements of EF VF Unit via the media.
•  Conduct financial follow-up and advise Country Offices (or executing agencies in case of regional or global projects without Project Principle Resident Representatives) with regard to the deployment of the funds and the project closure, as well as, the preparation of the quarterly reports flagging to the RTA any discrepancies, need for action, or progress in disbursement.
•  Maintain close contact with COs on projects in varying stages of the project cycle, tracking project development and/or implementation progress against established timeframes for project maturation and/or the attainment of implementation milestones as indicated in project annual work plans, recommending courses of action as appropriate and bringing to the RTAs’/RTS’ attention all technical issues that require attention/resolution.
•  Draft correspondence and assist with other administrative tasks as required.
•  Backstop other members of the Team and performs ad-hoc tasks, as required, to ensure the Team will deliver at the highest standard.
•  Support in all aspects of the organization of meetings, seminars, and workshops including making timely conference room booking, assisting in preparing, sending, and following up on invitations, agendas and/or background documentation, etc.

4.) Country Office Capacity Support

•  Managing information flow between COs and HQ on the regional portfolio to meet all reporting requirements.
•  In coordination with RTAs/RTSs, advise Environmental Focal Points on procedural issues, approval processes, and associated timeframes related to Environmental Finance project cycle management, according to the UNDP POPP, Environmental Finance Programming Manual, and any other appropriate Advisory Notes and guidelines.
•  Assist COs, Africa Team, or HQs on staff recruitment processes and consultant procurement processes, including the development of TORs, finalizing advertisements, long and short listing, organizing interviews, ensuring necessary records and documentation throughout the recruitment process, etc. as requested by RTAs/RTSs.
•  Work in close collaboration with the EF VF Unit Management and Programme Support Unit and the operations, programme, and projects’ staff in COs as required for resolving complex issues related to project administration or portfolio management.
•  Organize EF VF Unit training programme and workshops in the region as appropriate, including logistics, communications with COs, documentation requirements, and any other logistical and administrative support.

5.) Self-Development, Learning, Knowledge Management.

•  Learn from, and contribute to, corporate knowledge tools including programming manual and PA training manuals.
•  Organize and participate in EF VF Unit training programme and workshops as required, oversee logistics, documentation, and preparation/review of budget and authorization of expenses.
•  Coordinate focal area knowledge management activities. Manage dissemination of information through Power Point or similar means, resulting in public awareness of the work and achievements of the EF VF Unit.
•  Undergo training in, and comply with, UNDP and vertical fund requirements.

Competencies

Core

•  Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
•  Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
•  Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
•  Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
•  Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
•  Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
•  Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

•  Business Development: Knowledge Generation: Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for content, or responsive to a stated need.
•  Business Management: Monitoring: Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results.
•  Business Management: Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience, and Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
•  Nature, Climate and Energy: Climate Change Policies: Climate Finance: Ability to provide support and oversight throughout the development, implementation, monitoring/evaluation, and closure of projects in line with environmental vertical fund requirements.
•  Procurement: Sourcing: Ability to find, evaluate and engage suppliers of goods and services.
•  Finance: Budget Management: Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process; drawing and management of project budgets.
•  Digital & Innovation: Data Analysis: Ability to extract, analyze and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

•  Secondary education with at least 6 years of relevant experience preferably with specialized certification in Business or Public Administration, Finance or related area.
•  A bachelor’s degree in economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Natural Resources Management or other closely related field with at least 3 years of relevant experience would also be accepted.
•  Certification in project management would be an added advantage.

Experience:

•  Minimum of 6 years of experience, or 3 years with a bachelor’s degree, in financial resources management, budget management, programme/project management and/or administrative support functions.
•  Solid experience in project oversight and/or management highly desirable.
•  Knowledge of tools and methodologies to follow-up on projects or project cycle management preferred.
•  Experience at the national or international level with organizations that manage grants or vertical funds is an advantage.
•  Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, as a minimum; database management as a plus).
•  Good knowledge of an ERP System (such as Quantum) and UNDP Procurement, Programming, Finance and/or accounting structure will be considered an advantage.

Language:

•  Fluency in written and spoken English, French, and local language.
•  Knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese strongly desired.

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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