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The Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) will be responsible for providing technical advice to the UNDP-GEF Programme Coordination Unit – Seychelles, which is responsible for the implementation of the UNDP-GEF portfolio of projects in Seychelles. In addition, the CTA will provide technical inputs for the development of new projects for submission under the various funding window of the GEF and other funding mechanisms. Currently, this portfolio consists of six projects under implementation:
Mainstreaming Biodiversity Conservation objectives in production activities in the Seychelles terrestrial and coastal environments.
Mainstreaming prevention and control of introduction and spread of Invasive Alien Species .
Capacity Development for Sustainable Land Management in Seychelles
Capacity Development for improved national and international environmental management in Seychelles
Enabling Seychelles to prepare its Second National Communication as a response to its commitments under the UNFCCC
Strengthening Seychelles’ protected area system through NGO management modalities
In addition, at least two other projects are expected to begin implementation in 2012:
Ecosystem Based Adaptation to Climate Change in Seychelles
Grid-Connected Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems
Duties and Responsibilities
Advise the relevant PMs on the technical aspect of the projects to ensure effective project implementation in-line with the formally approved project documents in order to achieve the stated project outcomes and outputs.
Provide strategic and technical guidance to project managers on the implementation of the projects.
Provide guidance and oversight to project managers to fulfil all required technical progress and reporting
Review tenders for procurements and provide inputs to tender documents, Terms of reference under the various projects and sit on evaluation committee and recommend bids (to Project Steering Committee, Evaluation Committee or UNDP).
Seek and evaluate funding opportunities with UNDP, GEF and/or other donors, including collaboration with the Government of Seychelles and UNDP to develop new projects for submission to the GEF.
Provide strategic guidance to the Project Steering Committees, as well as to the EMPS (Environmental Management Plan of the Seychelles) Steering Committee
Perform any other duty relevant to the assignment
Competencies
Very experienced (donor funded) project manager\
Expert in strategic planning and priority setting in a project context
Strong managerial and technical background, especially in natural resource management, procurement, disbursement, monitoring & evaluation
Leadership, negotiation and communication skills
Sensitive to government and civil society interactions
Advanced technical reporting skills.
Financial reporting skills and/or a strong economics/finance background
Knowledgeable about international development funding opportunities
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Minimum MA or MSc in Natural Resources Management or equivalent, with particular background in one or more of the following: Biodiversity Conservation; Sustainable Land Management; Climate Change Adaptation or Mitigation
Degree in Business or Public Administration preferred
Certified PRINCE-II Management and experience with UN ATLAS accounting system an advantage
Experience:
Minimum 10 years experience in national and international natural resources projects in multi-stakeholder settings, in particular concerning Biodiversity Conservation, Sustainable Land Management and/or Climate Change Adaptation or Mitigation, of which 5 years as a project manager or team leader.
Experience with participatory approaches and extensive stakeholder consultations.
Experience in managing programme or project financial management, procurement, contracting, recruitment, and staff management.
Experience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) preferred
Prior UNDP National Execution experience an advantage.
Prior UNDP/GEF project experience and knowledge of UNDP and GEF procedures and guidelines an advantage.
