Programme Specialist Environment

Gabon is an upper middle income country (MIC) and its development aspirations are captured in the ‘Gabon Emergent’ plan. Support from UNDP to these development efforts is specifically tailored to the expectations of an upper MIC, focused on the provision of quality technical assistance and policy advice. The UNDP structure, furthermore, is determined by the UNDP Executive Board decision on differentiated presence.  This implies a reduced staffing in country supported by the regional UNDP presence. Therefore, to enable a smooth functioning of the office, expectations on staff, expressed in the JDs are different from the generic UNDP job descriptions.

Under the guidance of the RR, the Programme Specialist (PS) advises Senior Management on environmental and poverty reduction policies and trends and relevant linkages to UNDP programmes. Through the Head of Unit, the Environment Specialist provides analysis for formulation of strategies and briefings to Senior Management. The PS represents UNDP in his/her area of expertise as requested by his/her supervisor. S/he analyses political, social and economic trends and leads formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programme activities including provision of policy advisory services, with a particular focus on development of the GEF portfolio; provides policy advice services.

The PS supervises and leads programme team, international and national consultants including UNDP technical advisors and experts in strategic planning, coordinates activities and identifies new programme areas while ensuring consistency with UNDAF/CPD and national priorities; and provides creative responses to emerging challenges and opportunities. She/he works in close collaboration with the UNDP programme and operations teams, programme staff in other UN agencies, UNDP HQ staff, the Regional Service Center, and Government officials, technical advisers and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP Environment Programme delivery.

Ensures the effective management and implementation of  programme strategies of the CO with a particular focus on sustainable development focusing on achievement of the following results: Provide management and programmatic support to UNDP and counterparts for design, implementation and monitoring of the environment programme, recovery and development in line with the UNDP’s overall corporate strategy, the national environment policy and strategic frameworks as well as regional and global frameworks with particular attention to gender, rights based resources utilisation 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: Advice on possible areas for support and interventions in environment and recovery issues and/or adjustment of on-going programmes to ensure that UNDP programmes are in line with national policies and priorities. 

Ensures effective management of the CO Environment programme especially in the areas of sustainable development, focusing on quality control of the full cycle of programming from formulation to implementation of the programme achieving the  following results: Effective application of RBM tools and monitoring achievement of results, evaluation of the programme impact, and timely readjustments in portfolio. Design and formulation of CO Environment programme, 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, assistance with presentation of the project to LPAC, finalization of contribution agreement; determination of required revisions; coordination of the mandatory and budget re-phasing exercises, closure of projects through review. PO performs functions of Manager Level 1 in Atlas for POs and vouchers approval, participates in recruitment processes for projects and UNDP Staff. 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. Organization of cost-recovery system for the services provided by the CO to projects in close collaboration with Operations Manager. Overall, support and advises on the implementation and management of projects/programs by ensuring compliance with the results and in accordance with the established work plan; revise quarterly work plans for projects and programs by proposing corrective actions, including re-phasing of activities based on follow-up visits; act as a focal point for the dissemination of programming information within the office; write informative articles on the programme for publication to the website. Strategic oversight of planning, budgeting, implementing and monitoring of the  programme, tracking use of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. The Programme Analyst performs the function of Manager Level 2 in Atlas for development projects transactions approval. Effective monitoring, measuring the impact of the CO programme and evaluation. Constant monitoring and analysis of the programme environment, timely readjustment of programme. Follow up on audit recommendations. All exceptions are timely reported. Aggregate reports are regularly prepared on activities, outputs and outcomes. Preparation of donor reports. Organization of cost-recovery system for the services provided by the CO to projects in close collaboration with Operations Manager.

Establishes and maintains strategic partnerships and supports the resource mobilization focusing on achievement of the following results: Implementation of the CO partnerships and resources mobilization strategies to achieve programme outcomes, Creation and coordination of partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society etc. in particular re-launch UNDP’s strategic partnerships in the area of sustainable development, both in country (national counterparts – Ministers, GEF operational focal point, development partners) as well as internationally (UNDP Regional Service Center, GEF). Determination of programmatic areas of cooperation, 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 cost-sharing. Develop notes and records of activities and projects that feed UNDP and/or UNCT programming documents that could be presented to international donors and national funds as part of resource mobilization and establishment of strategic partnerships; Active contribution to the overall effort in resource mobilization

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 learned directly linked to programme country policy goals, in particular sustainable development. Coordination of development of policies and institutions that will address the country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners. Establishment of advocacy networks at national level and linked to international networks. Relevant, high-impact advocacy campaigns are implemented with key partners. Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme.

Advocacy and promotion  UNDP’s mandate, vison and mission focusing on achievement of the of the following results: Public and policy advocacy for Multi-lateral Environmental Agreements (MEA’s) and Millennium Development Goals by participating in relevant forums, conferences and trainings. Support to monitoring progress and formulation of strategies towards follow up of MEA’s and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Management of events and publications on environment issues. Liaises with the Communications Specialist so as to have a focused approach to advocacy focusing on achievement of the of the following results: Public and policy advocacy for Multi-lateral Environmental Agreements (MEA’s) and Millennium Development Goals by participating in relevant forums, conferences and trainings.  Support to monitoring progress and formulation of strategies towards follow up of MEA’s and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Management of events and publications on environment issues. Liaises with the Communications Specialist so as to have a focused approach to advocacy

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity/commitment by demonstrating highest levels of integrity and acts in accordance with the Standards of Conduct for international civil servants;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favouritism;
• Promotes and demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s vision, mission, values and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Knowledge Management and Learning.

Functional Competencies:

• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
• In-depth knowledge on development issues;
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice on energy, environment, crisis prevention and recovery issues;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
• Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to UNDP practice areas;
• Develops deep understanding in one or more Practice Areas;
• Ability to give guidance to team members.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to fully participate in strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
• Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources. Strong IT skills;
• Ability to lead formulation and monitoring of management projects;
• Solid knowledge and ability to apply UN regulations, policies and procedures;
• Capable of working in a multi cultured environment;
• Ability to input into business process re-engineering implementation of new systems (e.g. RBM) and ICT.

Management and Leadership:

• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback and differing views;
• 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 humoured even under pressure;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Solicits feedback from team members about the impact of his/her own behaviour;
• Ability to effectively plan, implement, monitor and evaluate own work.

Advocacy/Advancing A Policy-Oriented Agenda:

Analysis and creation of messages and strategies

• Creates effective advocacy strategies;
• Performs analysis of political situations and scenarios, and contributes to the formulation of institutional responses

Results-Based Programme Development and Management:

Contributing to results through provision of information

• Provides information for linkages across programme activities to help identify critical points of integration;
• Provides information and documentation on specific stages of projects/programme implementation;
• Provides background information to identify opportunities for project development and helps drafting proposals;
• Participates in the formulation of project proposals.

Building Strategic Partnerships:

Identifying and building partnerships

• Effectively networks with partners seizing opportunities to build strategic alliances relevant to UNDP’s mandate and strategic agenda;
• Identifies needs and interventions for capacity building of counterparts, clients and potential partners;
• Promotes UNDP’s agenda in inter-agency meetings.

Innovation and Marketing New Approaches:

Developing new approaches

• Seeks a broad range of perspectives in developing project proposals;
• Identifies new approaches and promotes their use in other situations;
• Creates an environment that fosters innovation and innovative thinking;
• Makes the case for innovative ideas from the team with own supervisor.

Resource Mobilization (Field Duty Stations):

Implementing resource mobilization strategies

• Analyzes information on potential bilateral donors and national counterparts to recommend a strategic approach;
• Identifies and compiles lessons learned;
• Develops a resource mobilization strategy at the country level;
• Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing.

Developing tools and mechanisms:

• Makes the case for innovative ideas documenting successes and building them into the design of new approaches;
• Identifies new approaches and strategies that promote the use of tools and mechanisms.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise:

In-depth knowledge of the subject-matter

• Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines;
• Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally;
• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments;
• Demonstrates comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools and utilizes these regularly in work assignments.

Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals:

Analysis and creation of messages and strategies

• Performed analysis of political situations and scenarios, and contributes to the formulation of institutional responses;
• Uses the opportunity to bring forward and disseminate materials for global advocacy work and adapts it for use at country level. 

Client Orientation:

Contributing to positive outcomes for the client:

• Anticipates client needs;
• Works towards creating an enabling environment for a smooth relationship between the clients and service provider;
• Demonstrates understanding of client’s perspective;
• Solicits feedback on service provision and quality.

Core Competencies:

• Promoting ethics and integrity, creating organizational precedents;
• Building support and political acumen;
• Building staff competence, creating an environment of creativity and innovation;
• Building and promoting effective teams;
• Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication;
• Creating an emotionally intelligent organization;
• Leveraging conflict in the interests of UNDP & setting standards;
• Sharing knowledge across the organization and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning;
• Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
• Fair and transparent  decision making; calculated risk-taking.

Education:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or related field;
• Prince2 training and certification, RMG.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in the area of environment, energy and poverty reduction at the national or international level in providing management advisory services, hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects and establishing inter-relationships among international organization and national governments;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Language:

• Fluency in both French and English required.