Project Management Specialist (Every Drop Matters (EDM), Global Programme Manager)

The Water and Ocean Governance Programme (WOGP) of UNDP works with all aspects of water governance and water themes that range from integrated water resources management, transboundary waters, and water supply and sanitation, to climate change adaptation, gender mainstreaming, human rights-based approaches, and capacity building.

Based on mutual recognition of the importance of equitable and effective water management, The Coca Cola Company (TCCC) and UNDP have entered into a partnership to make a concrete difference in people’s lives by supporting access to clean water and sanitation. The project will initially support innovative water supply and sanitation, and climate change adaptation projects over a wide geography including Turkey, the Black and Caspian Sea Basins, Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Arabian Peninsula.

Under the supervision of and in collaboration with the EDM Chair of the WOGP the incumbent will support the further development and implementation of the UNDP programme “Inclusive Community Based Water Management and Adaptation to Climate Change project for Catalyzing Achievement of the MDGs” funded by the Coca Cola Foundation and implemented in partnership with the UN Foundation. The programme is often referred to the “Every Drop Matters”-programme (EDM).

The incumbent will play a key role towards delivering UNDP portfolio on locally based water actions by serving as Global Programme Manager for the “Every Drop Matters” programme. The programme is currently entering into its second phase and will be implemented in over 30 beneficiary countries in 3 UNDP regions. The EDM manager will have responsibility for planning, developing and implementing the programme as well as for liaising and collaborating with internal and external partners, including staff and senior managers of UNDP and TCCC, participating project country representatives, other donors, UN partner agencies and international organizations and NGOs.

Support to the Development and Implementation of Project activities (30%)

• Manage programme activities and support the implementation of projects in countries participating, UNDP and TCCC.
• Close coordination with key implementation partners including HQ & UNDP Country Offices, UNF and TCCF.
• Organise biannual or annual Steering Committee meetings, including preparing the agenda, dissemination of meeting minutes to all participants, and implementation of Steering Committee decisions. 

Advisory Support to Country teams, Executing partners and Other (30%)

• Provide the country participating countries with technical and strategic advice ensuring highest technical quality to the formulation of local water supply, sanitation and adaptation projects funded by the programme.
• Assist country teams with development of EDM projects focused on sharing knowledge on best practices.
• Ensure effective interaction on needs and support components between country teams and EDM SC as well as safeguarding that the EDM SC are satisfied with the strategic guidance and collaborative initiatives provided through the programme.

Project Implementation Oversight and Monitoring (25%)

• Follow-up on project activities with due consideration to budgetary issues, including preparation of detailed reporting in line with donor and UNF requirements.
• Prepare regular reporting to the Steering Committee on the status of the project, impact assessment, project formulation, communication, and advocacy.
• Participate in missions in countries participating in the programme to provide technical and/or implementation backstopping support of water-related project activities.

Knowledge Management and Advocacy (10%)

• Promote the exchange of best practices and innovative approaches.
• Ensure that information materials, tools and advocacy publications for water are produced and effectively disseminated through the programme channels.
• In collaboration with internal and external partners actively identify and contribute to EDM advocacy and outreach. 

Resource Mobilization and Programme Development (5%)

• Contribute to strengthening donor relationships and raise funds for activities within the programme.
• Support an effective partnership with all stakeholders and ensure the long term sustainability of the programme.
• The incumbent is expected to work closely with other members of the UNDP WOGP, RTA’s etc. and to pro-actively seek and develop new donor partnerships.

Impact of Results:

Successful implementation of EDM activities in the more than 30 beneficiary countries in 3 UNDP regions leading to improved water supply, sanitation, reduced vulnerability to climate change and other direct MDG related outcomes. Through the support of long term partnership with stakeholders, the programme can be part of UNDP’s overall support of Sustainable Human Development and accelerated progress on the MDGs. In addition, the capacity of project managers at country-level will be strengthened. The above key results are instrumental for the implementation of the EDM programme which in turn contributes to fulfilling UNDP’s objectives related to ensuring environmental sustainability.

Specific impacts of the “Inclusive Community Based Water Management and Adaptation to Climate Change project for Catalyzing Achievement of the MDGs” include:

• Increases in the numbers of households in select regions of pilot countries that have access to improved water sources and basic sanitation.
• Adaptive capacity to climate change of the selected communities enhanced and incorporated into water resources management.
• Improvement in media, government, public awareness about water and sanitation issues in beneficiary countries, as measured by media references, statements by public officials.

The project further aims to implement a human rights based approach and to advance good practice for the implementation of the right to water and sanitation by paying special attention to the criteria of good practice, i.e. non-discrimination, participation, accountability, sustainability and impact, and by meeting the substantive criteria for the right to water and sanitation, i.e. availability, accessibility, acceptability, safety, and affordability. Capacity building activities will target communities and private sector, as well as government actors to advance approaches for equitable water supply and sanitation service provision and improve their ability to fulfill their respective roles and responsibilities.

• Corporate competencies include that the incumbent demonstrates integrity and shares the UN/UNDP’s values and ethical standards. Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of the EDM Programme in addition to displaying cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity.

• Functional competencies include strong managerial/leadership experience and decision-making skills as well as proven ability to provide strategic direction in practice area. In-depth practical knowledge of water resources management and adaptation to climate change as well as project managerial skills is essential.

• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and analytical skills. Proven ability to coordinate activities of a complex nature in a multi-stakeholder environment as well as ability to communicate convincingly orally and in writing on multifaceted subjects.

• Proven ability to lead a practice area and drive for results with a strong knowledge of results-based management and to manage complex budgetary arrangements. Demonstrated substantive leadership and ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic, policy and operational objectives. Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with diverse partners and clients.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across disciplines in a multi-cultural environment is important. Willingness to integrate ideas of others into own thinking and applies newly acquired skills. Independent judgment and discretion in advising on handling major policy issues and challenges.

Education:

• An advanced university degree in a field relevant to water management, development or capacity building is required.

Experience:

• Minimum 5-years of experience working with development issues. Solid experience in programme and portfolio management in relation to water supply and sanitation service delivery.
• At least 3 years of experience working in an international context and specifically having field experience from developing countries. UN experience is an asset.
• Experience in working with the private sector and/or private sector funded international development projects is a strong asset.
• Experience from working with various civil society groups, particularly CBOs/NGOs, operating in the field of water management, sanitation and climate change adaptation is a strength.
• Experience of working with water management is essential whilst experience working with local water governance and climate change water adaptation is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Excellent spoken and written English language skills.
• Other UN languages are highly desirable.