Programme Analyst - Environment and Climate Change

• Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative or ARR(P), the Programme Analyst is responsible for management of  UNDP programme within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned. The Programme Analyst analyzes political, social and economic trends and leads formulation, management and evaluation of programme activities within his/her portfolio, provides policy advice services.
• In parallel to its fast growing economic development, the UAE has recognized the environmental challenges that associated with such development. Accordingly, the Government is committed to achieving environment sustainability in all its development efforts. It is a culture rooted in the thinking and practice of the UAE founder, Late Sheikh Zayed. The Government has established institutions at the Federal and Emirate level to integrate the environmental dimension into development plans and has put the necessary laws, policies and resources to realize sustainability goals. The UAE has always been a leading country in the Arab region to initiate mega global environmental initiatives. To mention few examples, the First zero emission city in the world is being built in Abu Dhabi by MASDAR, a long standing Abu Dhabi Global Environment Data Initiative, an annual flagship Future Energy Summit, the hosting of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi and a Green Building Initiate of Dubai, are putting UAE on the global stage on energy and environment for the 21st Century.
• More recently, the UAE has focused its attention not only on climate change impacts and how it may affect its ecosystems and people but also the UAE has shown keenness in helping the international community addressing the causes of climate change by adopting and supporting global efforts to mitigate climate change and reduce overall carbon emissions. It pledged to promote renewable energy and create enabling environment for investment in cleaner production and clean energy technologies.
• In response to the above impressive track record, UNDP selected the Environment as one of the three thematic areas of focus in its Country Cooperation Framework (CCF) with UAE for the period 2008-2011.
• Organizational Context:
• The Programme Analyst supervises and leads programme support staff, coordinates activities of the projects’ staff. The Programme Analyst works in close collaboration with the operations team, programme staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP programme implementation.

Summary of Key Functions:

• Implementation of programme strategies
• Management of the CO programme
• Creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy  
• Provision of top quality policy advice services to the Government and  facilitation of knowledge building and management

1. Ensures implementation of  programme strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Thorough analysis and research of the political, social and economic situation in the country and preparation of substantive inputs to CCA, UNDAF, CPD, CPAP and other documents.
• Identification of areas for support and interventions within the thematic area of Environment and Climate Change.
• CO business processes mapping and preparation of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Results Management.

2. Ensures effective management of the CO programme within the thematic area of Environment and Climate Change  focusing on quality control from formulation to implementation of the country programme achieving the  following results:

• Effective application of RBM tools, establishment of management targets (BSC) and monitoring achievement of results.
• Design and formulation of CO programme within the area of responsibility, translating UNDP’s priorities into local interventions. Coordination of programme implementation with the executing agencies. Introduction of performance indicators/ success criteria, cost recovery, targets and milestones.
• Initiation of a project, presentation of the project to PAC, entering project into Atlas ( in small offices), finalization of contribution agreement; determination of required revisions; coordination of the mandatory and budget re-phasing exercises, closure of projects through review. Programme Analyst can perform functions of Manager Level 1 in Atlas for POs and vouchers approval, participates in recruitment processes for projects.
• Financial and substantive monitoring and evaluation of the projects, identification of operational and financial problems, development of solutions. Participation in audit of NEX projects.
• Follow up on audit recommendations. All exceptions are timely reported.
• Aggregate reports are regularly prepared on activities, outputs and outcomes. Preparation of donor reports.

3. Ensures creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy in cooperation with the Management Support and Business Development Team   focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Development of partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society in the specific thematic area of Environment and Climate Change based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors’ priorities.
• Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects, active contribution to the overall office effort in resource mobilization.   

4. Ensures provision of top quality advisory services and  facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to programme country policy goals.
• Support to development of policies and institutions that will address the country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme issue

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling 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 favoritism

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
• In-depth knowledge on development issues
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
• Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources
• Good knowledge of the Results Management Guide and Toolkit
• Strong IT skills
• Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change

Management and Leadership

• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Education:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Economics or related field

Experience:

• 2 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services, hands-on experience in design, project management, monitoring and evaluation of development projects in the field of environment/climate change.  Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in the languages of the duty station.