Programme Officer- Environment/Climate Change (for Samoan nationals only)

The UNDP Multi-Country Office Samoa serves the four country programmes of the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau.  The environment/climate change portfolio constitutes 90% of the programme, with emphasis on natural resource management at the community level, focusing on resilience of communities to climate change through 1)climate change adaptation and mitigation programmes, 2) disaster risk management and reduction, and 3)alternative livelihoods. The programme also requires working at sector levels such as forestry, health and agriculture to build climate change adaptation into development and implementation of sector-wide programmes, as a contribution to governments commitment to carbon neutrality by 2020.

UNDP seeks to demonstrate MDG impact through an integrated, coordinated and gender responsive approach to equitable sustainable environmental management. Our programmes support the practice of the human rights principles of participation, accountability, empowerment, gender equality and non-discrimination in natural resource management to protecting the environment. Promoting human rights and protecting the dignity and integrity of men, women and children are key principles in the delivery of our environmental/climate change programmes.

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

• Thorough analysis and research of the political, social, economic and environmental situation in the country and preparation of substantive inputs to CCA, UNDAF, MCPD, CPAPs and other documents.
• Analysis and synthesis of proposals on the areas of support and interventions relate to environment and within the other thematic/sectoral areas assigned.
• As part of the UN coherence process, development and consolidation of the UN-Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau’s environment and or other relevant thematic/sector related policy interventions by participating in discussions with other UN agencies.

2. Participates in effective management of the MCO programme in the area of environment and within the other thematic/sectoral areas assigned focusing on quality control from formulation to implementation of the country programme achieving the  following results:

• Design and formulation of MCO programme within the area of responsibility, translating UNDP’s priorities into local interventions.
• Initiation of a project, presentation of the project to LPAC, entering project proposal into Atlas, preparation and finalization of AWPs/Project document for new projects, finalization of contribution agreement; determination of required revisions; coordination of the mandatory and budget re-phasing exercises, closure of projects through review. Programme Analyst performs functions of Manager Level 1 in Atlas for POs and vouchers approval, and participates in recruitment processes for projects as needed.
• Application of conceptual models in support of programme design.
• Financial and substantive monitoring and evaluation of the projects in and out of ATLAS, identification of operational and financial problems, development of solutions.
• Follow up on audit recommendations. All exceptions are timely reported.
• Preparation of inputs for reporting, including donor reporting.
• Contribution to application of RBM tools and monitoring achievement of results.

3. Supports creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy focusing on achievement of the following results:

• 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.
• Given the anticipated flow of fast start climate change funds of $30 billion dollars, a significant part of the programme officer's work would be to prepare quality proposals that meet the scrutiny of international competitiveness to successfully draw down on funds for all four countries.

4. Provides top quality advisory services to the Government and other counterparts 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.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme issues.
• Professional growth through active learning.

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 and Learning Management 

• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office.
• 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 apply conceptual models in support of 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.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.
• 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, or other related fields.

Experience

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

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Samoan, both verbal and writing.