Director, Montreal Protocol Unit

UNDP’s development efforts for the period 2008-2013 are defined by the Strategic Plan, which has established four development focus areas: (i) poverty reduction and the achievement of the MDGs, (ii) democratic governance, (iii) crisis prevention and post-conflict recovery, and (iv) environment and sustainable development. The environment and sustainable development focus area consists of three key result areas, which are to assist countries to: (i) mainstream environmental considerations into national development planning, (ii) catalyze environment finance, and (iii) support climate change adaptation and expand access to environmental and energy services for the poor.

UNDP seeks to develop country capacities to manage the environment and natural resources in a way that leads to long term sustainability and enhanced human wellbeing and integrate environmental and energy dimensions into poverty reduction strategies and national development frameworks. Environment and energy are essential for sustainable development.

The Bureau for Development Policy (BDP) is responsible for articulating UNDP’s global development policy using evidence gathered at the national, regional and global level. Driven by demand, and working through the Regional Bureaus and its Regional Service Centres, BDP provides global tools, analysis and capacities to support UNDP’s policy advice and programming on the ground.

The Environment and Energy Group (EEG) within BDP is led by a Director who reports to the head of BDP and collaborates extensively with other Practice Directors within BDP, Regional Bureau Directors and their staff. EEG staff work with other headquarters units, Regional Bureaus and regional programmes, as well as with environmental focal points in over 140 UNDP Country Offices and approximately 2,000 members of the global Environment and Energy Knowledge Network.

The Montreal Protocol Unit is one of the units within EEG with specialized technical and policy advisory team members in New York, Bratislava, Bangkok and Panama. MPU staff work in the areas of ozone layer protection and alternative technologies and chemicals to help mitigate climate change, mainstreaming sound management of chemicals and waste in national development plans, and catalyzing environment finance.

The Montreal Protocol Unit (MPU) was created in 1991 and following an agreement signed between the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF)’s Executive Committee and UNDP, which instituted UNDP’s role as one of the MLF implementing agencies of the MLF. MPU has been since the UNDP focal Unit for the financial and programme oversight of the trust fund entitled “UNDP-MP Trust Fund” (XB), which includes all UNDP activities financed by the MLF and other bilateral donors, such as Japan, USA, Canada and Italy. The MLF is replenished every 3 years at a level agreed by the Montreal Protocol Meeting of Parties (MOP).

Since the creation  of MPU, UNDP has implemented ( as of 31 Dec 2011)  2,100 projects in 105 developing countries, for a total amount of US$ 616 million in MLF grant income and eliminating over 66,000  tonnes of ozone depleting substances. This assistance resulted in significant climate co-benefits by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by over 3 gigatonnes of CO2-eq cumulatively. 

In 2007, Montreal Protocol was adjusted by its Parties to accelerate the phaseout of the HCFCs due to their substantive climate change impact. Implementing agencies were asked to help countries to mobilize resources to help developing countries to access, combine and sequence other sources of funds and use the MLF grant in a catalytic way to achieve ozone and climate benefits. In addition, MLF implementing agencies were called upon to act as brokers of public-private partnership and to foster innovation and private sector development towards low carbon growth and more efficient technologies. This includes finding synergies with other conventions, and activities to enable countries to leapfrogging selection of high GWP HFCs, among others, transforming markets for the adoption of ozone and climate friendly products. 

The Director of UNDP's Montreal Protocol Unit (MPU) is the senior-most member of MPU.  The selected candidate will report to the Director of the Environment and Energy Group (EEG).  He/she, under the delegated authority received from the Assistant Secretary General and Director of BDP, will be responsible both for the overall management of MPU programme and the financial and oversight of the UNDP-MP Trust Fund resources received by UNDP. Since MPU’s creation in 1991, UNDP has implemented (as of 31 Dec 2011) 2,100 projects in 105 developing countries, for a total amount of US$ 616 million in MLF grant income. He/she will work closely with and supervise the finance team, various sector experts, process consultants, national consultants, the programme coordinators within MPU and out-posted UNDP-MLF funded staff.  The selected candidate will evaluate agency and, national implementation (NIM) performance in project implementation.  Close co-operation with the MLF Secretariat, other implementing agencies (UNEP, UNIDO, World Bank) as well as bilateral agencies (such as Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the USA), will be essential. The selected candidate will also be required to work with other UN conventions and their Secretariats and Funds( such as the GEF), bilateral government partners and recipient governments to mobilize additional financing to maximize climate benefits of HCFCs phaseout and seek public and private partnerships to bring the market transformation and sustainability of intended outcomes.
The specific responsibilities of the selected candidate are as follows:

Programme Management:

• Manage the UNDP Montreal Protocol programme globally. That includes   the selection and recruitment of MPU technical, finance and operations staff, experts and consultants, supervise and monitor the work of MPU technical and programe support staff based in different regions, approve all budgets,  develop UNDP positions on critical MP technical and policy issues, establish internal guidelines and supervise MPU project design and formulation, approve UNDP MP work programmes in all developing countries/regions;
• Technical review and clearance of UNDP MP prepared national and sector plans and individual projects, in all sectors where MP controlled substances  and  its alternatives are used for consistency and applicability of MP guidelines prior to submission to the Fund Secretariat in Montreal, support/direct/advise the outposted  programme coordinators in their technical/policy discussions with the Fund Secretariat and with Governments, lead UNDP missions to countries as required to formulate overall UNDP MP work arrangements/responsibilities, interact with UNDP MPU staff and experts/consultants on all technical, funding and policy matters affecting project design, formulation and implementation and take decisions accordingly;
• Contribute to and supervise preparation of the annual UNDP Progress Report to the MLF, on projects and programmes covered and also UNDP's annual business plan submission to the MLF Executive Committee.  Evaluate compliance needs and follow priorities as far as assistance to countries as set out in the business plan;
• In relation to annual MPU Business Plans, improve operational procedures to better deal with large sector and national phaseout programmes, labor-intensive monitoring and reporting activities and substantive technical and policy advice to governments.  Continue development of innovative approaches for MPU to assist small and medium enterprises in their industrial conversion to ozone friendly substances and the access to alternative technologies that are cost effective, mature and environmentally friendly;
• In the case of UNDP MP Projects, discuss with concerned officials in both UNDP/HQ and in UNDP country offices the best implementation modality options so payment schedules and targets agreed under between countries and the Executive Committee of the MLF are met and compliance not jeopardized;
• For MP activities related to the ozone programme financed by the GEF (covering CIS countries) or others under the Chemicals and Climate Change focal areas, provide upon request of the Executive Coordinator of the UNDP-GEF Unit, principal technical advisory services ( based  on full cost recovery) to enhance harmonization of UNDP programme and policy positions  and to foster synergies across vertical funds; 
• Liaise with other implementing and bilateral agencies (UNEP, UNIDO, World Bank, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, USA and others) to ensure close coordination of Montreal Protocol activities in each country, as mandated by the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund;
• Ensure mainstreaming gender related issues and operate under  the principles of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management( SAICM), handling ozone depleting and other high global warming potential chemicals and waste  and associated programme activities in a sound way;
• Represent MPU in the EEG senior management meetings as well as at BDP management meetings, and in meetings with the Regional and Central Bureaux as required.  Contribute to the strategic direction of both BDP and EEG.

Finance and Evaluation:

• Under the delegated authority received from the ASG and Director of BDP, assume full responsibility for the financial management of the MP Trust Fund monies received by UNDP and ensure appropriate risk management/ safeguards procedures are followed;
• Review UNDP policy papers for the Montreal Protocol Executive Committee on issues including analysis of the proposed changes in support costs, and evaluation of the potential use of innovative financing packages under the Multilateral Fund (e.g. a mix of concessional loans and grants, revolving funds, sector financing packages, etc.);
• Review with UNDP's executing agencies  project activities and expenditures and preparation of status reports and financial expenditure summaries for projects supervised;
• Financially review MPU accounts and submit the audited annual financial statements to the Executive Committee;
• Further develop procedures to increase the speed of implementation with respect to implementation modalities;
• Respond to all evaluations, internal and external, on the operation of UNDP’s Trust Fund under the MLF (UNDP- MP Trust Fund). And be available for meetings with evaluation and audit as well as the UNDP Executive Board as required.

Representational:

• Make presentations, as needed, at workshops, seminars and conferences on UNDP’s Montreal Protocol work programme and policy develoments;
• Represent UNDP at international meetings MP related to foster synergies with other MEAs and maximize climate benefits of ozone depleting substances phaseout;
• Foster public –private partnerships;

• Meetings of the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund, three times a year;
• Meetings of the Open-Ended Working Group(OEWG) of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, and the Implementation Committee on Non-Compliance Procedures, once or twice a year;
• Annual meetings of the Parties (MOP) to the Montreal Protocol (at Ministerial-level);
• Interagency coordination meetings between the agencies and the Fund Secretariat, up to three times a year;
• Meetings of UNEP's MP Compliance Assistance Programme as part of the  Advisory Board, once a year;
• UNEP MP Regional Network meetings of ODS Officers as appropriate;
• Meetings which are relevant to MP work, such as the sound management of chemicals and waste, particularly the high global warming potential chemicals (such as The Climate and Clean Air Coalition on Short Lived Atmospheric Pollutants, CCAC etc.);
• UNDP Executive Board meetings as required;
• Meetings related to Internal and External Evaluations of the MP bilateral and MLF funded programmes;
• Special meetings and workshops.
• Interagency HPMP coordination meetings, in countries where UNDP is the Lead Agency (as chair/ co-chair).

Policy Advisory/Programme Support-Delivery:

• Provide targeted policy advice to the EEG Practice Director, RBx and CB, Countries, and UNDP country and regional offices in the thematic areas within the purview of the MPU;
• Contribute to the design and formulation of programmes drawing upon lessons from global experiences;
• Provide effective guidance and follow-up to ensure timely feedback and reporting on implementation of programmes in support of the practice architecture;
• Mobilize financial resources and ensure effective utilization by policy and technical advisors and global programmes managed by the MPU;
• Provide guidance on cross thematic issues and lead the development of cross practice synergy.

Knowledge Management:

• The Director will produce and/or oversee the publication of discussion and technical papers, policy documents, programming kits, and other knowledge products and ensure that these products are disseminated with key partners as an input to policy discussions. Ensure that knowledge management products are distributed through the digital workspace, in particular providing policy inputs to RBx and CB and UNDP Country Offices.

Impact of Results:

The MPU Director’s role will impact the ability of countries to comply with a MEA and their access to financial resources, the strengthening of the global practice architecture of UNDP, the quality and relevance of programme and project services in the practice area and the results of UNDP’s programmes in the region in the practice area.  In turn it will impact on UNDP’s capacity to deliver on its Strategic Plan 2008-2013.

Corporate:

• Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modeling the UN/UNDP’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.

Functional:

• Strong ability to apply various practice/thematic area related development theories to the specific context, including translating practice principles into effective policy and programme interventions in the field;
• Demonstrated  technical and substantive knowledge of the thematic area and its synergies;
• Strong substantive knowledge of the  practice area and ability to link knowledge to UN/UNDP global policies, treaties, processes and frameworks;
• Capacity to interact with senior officials and credibly influence senior decision makers in UNDP programme countries and other international development organizations;
• Strong analytical, negotiation and communication skills, including ability to produce high quality technical and policy reports and related knowledge products, represent the organization and present global policies, norms and tools;
• Professional experience in the Montreal Protocol thematic area.

Leadership:

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and to provide credible leadership;
• Innovative approaches/experience on global development issues;
• Demonstrated intellectual leadership and ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic overview and corporate vision;
• Demonstrated flexibility in leadership by performing and/or overseeing the analysis/resolution of complex issues;
• Strong managerial/leadership experience and decision-making skills with proven track record of mature judgments ;
• Ability to conceptualize and convey strategic vision from the spectrum of development experience;
• Knowledge and expertise/recognized expert in practice area;
• Proven ability to lead a practice area and drive for results;
• Demonstrated ability to be accountable for practice’s global policies.

Managing Relationships:

• Demonstrated well developed people management and organizational management skills;
• Strong ability to manage teams; creating an enabling environment, mentoring and developing staff;
• Excellent negotiating and networking skills with strong partnerships in academia, technical organizations and as a recognized expert in the practice area;
• Strong resource mobilization and partnering skills and ability to accept accountability for management of large volume of financial resources.

Managing Complexity:  

• Ability to address global development issues;
• Substantive knowledge and understanding of development cooperation with the ability to support the practice architecture of UNDP and inter-disciplinary issues;
• Demonstrated substantive leadership and ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic, policy and operational objectives;
• A sound global network of institutional and individual contacts. Knowledge Management and Learning Ability to strongly promote and build knowledge products;
• Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
• Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices from within and outside of UNDP;
• Provides constructive coaching and feedback.

Judgment/Decision-Making:

• Mature judgment and initiative;
• Proven ability to provide strategic direction in practice area;
• Independent judgment and discretion in advising on handling major policy issues and challenges, uses diplomacy and tact to achieve results.

Education:  

• Master's degree in the physical/natural/social sciences Substantive knowledge of Montreal Protocol, environmentally friendly alternatives to ozone depleting substances(ODS) and replacement technologies and practices.

• A minimum of 15 years work experience with environmental issues at the national/international level required, which should include at least 5 years of direct experience on national/international level on policy, technology transfer and technical assistance related to ozone layer protection , and the policies and procedures of  the Multilateral Fund(MLF) for the implementation of the Montreal Protocol;
• Should have worked on and managed national or international level ozone layer protection activities/projects;
• Should have good communication skills and ability to effectively present both technical and policy related aspects to audiences that could both include technical and policy officials;
• Knowledge of UN policies and procedures an advantage, having worked for one of the four (World Bank, UNIDO, UNEP) implementing agencies under the MLF an asset;
• Managerial experience essential and ability dealing with large workloads and short deadlines under diversified conditions;
• Prior track record in managing trust fund or programe resources  and in being financially responsible for their utilization;
• Ability to travel often a necessity;
• Must be very familiar with word processing and data management packages and communications through the internet.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency and proficiency in English;
• Working knowledge of Spanish and/or French an asset.

UNDP Personal History form (P11):