<< Back

This job listing is no longer active.
Please use our Environment Jobs Search to find current vacancies.

Title

Technical Advisor – Invasive Alien Species Project

Posted
Reference   (Please mention Stopdodo/Environment Jobs in your application)
Sectors Terrestrial / Aquatic Ecology & Conservation
Location Sri Lanka - Asia & M East
Type Temporary / Contract / Seasonal
Status Full Time
Level Mid Level
Deadline 18/05/2015
Company Name UNDP
Contact Name Human Resources
Website Further Details / Applications
UNDP logo
Directory Entry : UNDP is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. For environmental jobs with UNDP visit their website. Or for more environmental jobs search environmentjobs.com
Also Listing:
Description

TECHNICAL ADVISOR – INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES PROJECT

Location : Colombo, SRI LANKA
Application Deadline : 18-May-15
Additional Category Management
Type of Contract : Service Contract
Post Level : SB-4
Languages Required :
 
Duration of Initial Contract : One Year


Background

UNDP supports the Biodiversity Secretariat of the Ministry of Environment to implement a number of projects funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), of which one such project is the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) project for which assistance is sort.

Invasive Alien Species Project: Sri Lanka’s geographic location, varied climatic conditions and topography have given rise to its unique biological diversity. The country’s globally significant biodiversity is being threatened by increasing introduction, establishment and spread of invasive alien fauna and flora. As Sri Lankan markets become increasingly integrated into the global economy and in the face of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, it is likely that the threats posed by invasion will worsen in the future as would their impacts on the natural environment, human production systems and pro-poor economic growth.

Weak and overlapping legislative and institutional mandates, the lack of a coherent or integrated strategic planning and management framework combined with limited information base and awareness of the threat posed by invasive alien species (IAS) are contributing to the loss of biodiversity as well as undermining associated economic processes and human well-being. The project will support the development of an enabling policy and legal environment for effective IAS control. It will assist in finalizing the National IAS Policy, develop the National IAS Control Act for approval by the Cabinet of Ministers and finalize the National IAS Strategy and Action Plan through stakeholder participation and technical assistance. The project will also enhance integrated management planning and action, with corresponding budgetary and technical support for the prevention, detection, and management of IAS. It will build capacities of the National Focal Point for IAS and other stakeholders, especially those involved in enforcement and of local communities, to encourage their support for IAS control activities. Information related to IAS will be assembled and managed through a national database that will be made widely accessible through the internet. For this, the project will support the finalization of the National IAS Communication Strategy to create awareness and further strengthen the understanding of IAS control and establish site-specific, cost-effective IAS control mechanisms through public-private partnerships.

The project will be executed by the Biodiversity Secretariat of the Ministry of Environment of Sri Lanka in close cooperation with national level line agencies and research institutes, provincial governments and directorates, national and local NGOs and community representatives.

 


Duties and Responsibilities
  • Support the  National Project Director (NPD) to implement the project, manage project experts, manage technical inputs and project risks and monitor project outcomes and results;
  • Overall guidance and supervision of the IAS project technical actions;
  • Support NPD to formulate policies, regulations and guidelines required to implement IAS control and management at national, district, and local levels;
  • Review and guide relevant agencies and consultants on technical aspects of their work and ensure timely delivery of results
  • Support implementing agencies to develop best practice project proposals to achieve outputs in strategic areas and submit for approval;
  • Guide and support BDS and related professionals and consultants to develop various  manuals, guidelines, fact sheets, assessment reports under related IAS themes;
  • Coordinate with the Government counterpart and various stakeholders for effective coordination and policy dialogue in the field of IAS;
  • Provide high quality technical advisory services to state sector and non-state sector agencies to develop IAS control and management plans;
  • Create strategic partnerships for BDS related to IAS and coordinate and network with various stakeholders, NISSG, including regional agencies to take forward the project;
  • With the assistance of technical coordinator, monitor the project results, ensure timely delivery of results and train the Ministry staff attached to the Project Implementation Unit;
  • Facilitate training, awareness and effective communication of project actions for key stakeholders related to IAS;
  • Assist to develop TOR and necessary documents for the procurement of any specialist services required to implement project activities;
  • Perform any other duties that fall under incumbents’ expertise and as reasonably required by the project.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the successful implementation of the project and the timely delivery of its key outputs against the agreed work plan; and also effective monitoring of the project outcomes. In particular, the key results have an impact on the operation and programming of activities, effective and time-bound monitoring and reporting as well as building strong partnerships with government, non-government, and private sector agencies.

 


Competencies

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:

  • Development and Operational Effectiveness;
  • Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
  • Ability to lead formulation and monitoring of management projects;
  • Solid knowledge in financial resources and human resources management, contract, asset and procurement, information and communication technology, general administration

Management and Leadership;

  • Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
  • Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.

Knowledge Management and Learning;

  • Promotes knowledge management in a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

 


Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Master’s Degree or equivalent in Natural Science, Environment, Development Studies, or related field.

Experience:

  • Minimum 5 years post-masters work experience in environmental sector, executing responsibilities of Senior Manager/ Director level  and Advocacy for developing national plans/programmes with state sector and non-state sector  stakeholder engagement;
  • Good analytical and problem solving skills and related ability for adaptive management;  
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment, to effectively manage it and to motivate its members and other project counterparts to effectively work towards the project’s objective and expected outcomes;
  • Good communication skills and competence in handling project’s external relations at all levels; and
  • Familiarity and prior experience with the Government and UNDP policies and guidelines are considered as an asset

Language:

  • Fluency in written and spoken English;
  • Sinhala or Tamil.
Add to My Account
<< Back