Deadline of this Job: 28 August 2022
JOB DETAILS: Scope of Work Under the supervision of the Deputy Director of the LDC Investment Platform Team, and in close collaboration with other colleagues in the LDCIP Team, the Southern Africa Investment Specialist will contribute to the deployment of capital from UNCDF’s suite of financing solutions in the region, while supporting interested UN Country Teams on issues related to SDG Investment Finance.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of key functions:
1. Sourcing and Screening of Investment Opportunities.
2. Due diligence and capital deployment.
3. Matchmaking with commercial capital and structuring.
4. Support to RCs/UNCTs and UNDS member entities.
5. Advocacy and knowledge management
Detailed Description of Job Roles and Responsibilities
1. Sourcing and Screening of investment opportunities
• Work with a range of UN agencies (including UNCDF) and other development partners in different countries of the Southern Africa region to identify innovative revenue-generating projects across their programmatic operations that require additional investment to grow and have a greater impact.
• If and where needed, initiate new specific sourcing activities such as requests for proposals, challenge funds, market scans, etc..
2. Due Diligence and Capital Deployment
• Ensure capital deployment in the Southern Africa region from the following financing vehicles (by order of priority): BUILD Malawi, BUILD Global, BRIDGE Facility
• Assess company financial statements and projections (balance sheet, income statement and cash flow analysis) of the prospective investee
• Conduct onsite and virtual due diligence of the investment opportunity, including company, industry and country analysis, and prepare the required documentation.
• Draft investment notes and memorandums during the various stages of the investment process.
3. Matchmaking with commercial capital and Structuring
• Develop a network of potential financiers, beyond the traditional financiers, to increase the fundraising potential of different UN agencies for revenue generating investment opportunities.
• Support selected prospects to access additional commercial funds by matchmaking them with a variety of financiers, such as domestic investors, local commercial banks, international impact investors, and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs
• Help structuring innovative transactions to enable investees to access adequate volume and quality of capital.
• If and when needed, provide selected pre-investment business advisory support to prospects that show strong commercial and impact promise but are still not considered “investment ready” by investors. This may include support in drafting business plans, support the building of financial models, helping initiate feasibility assessments, etc.
4. Support to RCs/UNCTs and UNDS member entities
• Promote UNCDF’s investment mandate and services to RCs/UNCTs in the Southern Africa region by providing training, informational sessions and ad’hoc support.
• Work with interested UNDS member entitities to craft, design, and implement innovative SDG finance initiatives that leverage blended finance and UNCDF’s investment capacity to attract additional private capital
5. Advocacy and knowledge management
• Contribute to adopting approaches to ensure that the lessons learned from the transactional work are captured and disseminated. Document and share lessons learned from the transactional work to inform investors, government officials, DFIs, and development partners.
• Support UN Country Team members, in convenings, events, advocacy, communication, planning, and analysis related to strategic financing and investment for the SDGs
Institutional Arrangement
The Southern Africa Investment Specialist will be directly reporting to the Deputy Director of the LDCIP Unit and the Programme Manager of the InvestmentAdvisory Initiative.
V. Competencies
Core competencies
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact.
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.
Learn continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.
Cross-functional and Technical competencies
Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Direction & Strategy – Business Acumen
• Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome. Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks.
Business Direction & Strategy – Effective Decision Making
• Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources.
Business Direction & Strategy – Negotiation and Influence
• Ability to reach an understanding, persuade others, resolve points of difference, gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue, negotiates mutually acceptable solutions through compromise and creates “win-win” situations.
Business Development Knowledge Generation
• Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need.
Business management – Project Management
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
Business Management – Partnerships Management
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
Business Management – Risk Management
• Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks.
Business Management – Monitoring
• Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results
Business Management – Customer Satisfaction/Client Management
• Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers’ needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.
Design thinking – Design thinking
• Solving problems by putting people at the centre, visualising ideas and making them tangible in order to improve them through and iterative process of developing and testing.
• Strong empathy skills, being able to put yourself “in someone else’s shoes”, understand needs, abilities, preferences, motivations, (everyday) experiences from different perspectives as well as their cultural, social, economical and political contexts. Ability to identify and challenge assumptions, (cognitive and social) biases and dominant mental models by generating new perspectives and frames that help redefine the problem, solution and opportunity space.
• Being able to work with incomplete information, ambiguity and opposing views, needs and constraints and synthesise them into solutions that are viable, technically feasible and useful.
Partnership Management – Relationship Management
• Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding.
2030 Agenda: Partnership – SDG Finance
• Impact Investment, incl. SDG Impact Finance
2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness – SDG Integration
• SDG Monitoring and Reporting.
• Responsive investment and impact measurement.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
• Master’s Degree in Economics, Finance, or Business Administration or Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field with 2 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of Master’s Degree will be taken in to consideration.
Experience:
• Minimum 7 years (Master’s degree) or 9 years (Bachelor’s degree) relevant work experience in either the financial sector or the private sector or a mix, preferably with investment and/or business management expertise.
• Experience working in venture capital and/or banking within an international financial environment, preferably in development finance institution, impact investor or similar, is highly preferable.
• Experience in private credit and/or equity for investments with a social mission in emerging/frontier markets, is highly preferable.
• Experience in project preparation and/or in development of investment opportunities, especially for investment projects with social objective in developing countries.
• Experience from fund management, preferably a fund with both financial and impact targets.
Additional/Substantive Work-Experience in any one or more of the below-mentioned investment/operational work-areas is considered highly preferable.
• SME finance, preferably in the agribusiness and/or clean energy and/or the digital space.
• Project finance, especially for projects structured as Public Private Partnership.
• Managing Guarantee instruments and their application to different types of financial structures and to different financial institutions.
• Investment in financial institutions, preferably in frontier markets
• Advocacy work, promoting business environments
Required skills
• Communication and relationship management (Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform): synthesizes information to communicate independent analysis.
• Report Writing: Ability to prepare quality reports.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
Further, the interested applicants should be to demonstrate:
• Active interest in investing in developing countries and understanding of emerging market environments, opportunities and barriers to investing
• Strong knowledge of financial markets and financing for sustainable development, with ability to apply it to strategic and/or practical situations.
• Full familiarity with a range of debt and equity instruments.
• Competency with financial modeling and analysis in Microsoft excel.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment, with a willingness to travel
• Computer literacy, including proficient use of research and applied software.
Required Language(s)
• Full working proficiency in English is required;
• Working proficiency in French will be considered a distinct advantage.
• Knowledge of any other local/regional languages knowledge will be considered an asset.
Professional Certificates
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent is an asset.
VII. The following documents shall be required from the applicants:
• a) Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
b) A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
c) Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.
Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP/UNCDF, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP/UNCDF advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP/UNCDF is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP/UNCDF rosters
Note: UNDPUNCDF reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP/UNCDF at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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Deadline of this Job: 26 August 2022
JOB DETAILS: It’s hard to believe that today 771 million people do not have clean water and 1.7 billion do not have a decent toilet – around 1 in 5 of the world’s population. Every two minutes a child under five dies from diarrheal diseases caused by poor water and sanitation.
Join WaterAid as our Head of Project – R2R to change normal for millions of people so they can unlock their potential, break free from poverty and change their lives for good. On top of that you’ll be joining a 2020 Great Place to Work® award-winning organisation.
As our Head of Project – R2R you will provide strategic leadership and technical support to improve programme management and quality of implementation of the R2R programme including, managing all donor relations and ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
The role will be required to undertake extensive travel in country for programme management support and monitoring as well as occasional regional travels whenever necessary. It will be a 12 months fixed term contract with 37.5 hours of work per week.
In this role, you will Provide guidance and support senior programme staff to plan and deliver successful R2R programme through appropriate use of WaterAid’s policies, programme quality standards, frameworks and best practice
You’ll also:
• Ensure all work delivered is in compliance with WaterAid and donor policies, processes and quality standards and that key mechanisms are in place for ongoing quality assurance.
• Plan and proactively manage available R2R resources and budgets, use resources effectively, ensure efficiency and deliver value for money.
• Support the country programme to ensure appropriate modelling of quality approaches and delivering them at scale.
• Ensure that any contractual requirements related to R2R projects are fully being met by all involved, effectively monitored and evaluated, and that appropriate plans are in place to deal with any challenges that may arise during their implementation.
To be successful, you’ll need to be experienced or have an understanding of working in complex matrix management structures in a global organisation and working with implementing partners and government as main stakeholders;
• A Masters’ Degree in Development Planning or Development Studies or civil engineering, water and sanitation, or Public/Environmental Health from a recognized University.
• Minimum ten (10) years professional experience and at least five (5) in a senior management programme position in reputed international or national non-governmental organization (NGO).
• Significant experience and skills in the design, planning and management of complex development projects, including strong financial management skills
• In-depth understanding of national and international development issues, including experience working with key WASH sector donors
• Significant experience in setting up, developing and managing large and complex development programmes for similar organisations like WaterAid
• Fully committed to WaterAid’s vision, mission and values and a way of working that demonstrates this, with the ability to communicate this enthusiasm to others.
Visit our WaterAid website to apply: https://jobs.wateraid.org/en-GB/job/head-of-project-%E2%80%93-resolution-to-revolution/J3M21D6R4WTDT2HT8DZ.
We’re looking for people who share a commitment to our vision. We’re looking for people with an appreciation and respect for different people and ideas, and the energy and expertise to help tackle the most important challenges.
In return, you can expect to get inspiration from the change you help make happen, a sense of belonging and the feeling of being part of a global community. You will also experience stimulation and fulfilment, the chance to grow, and space to be yourself at your best. This is our pledge to you.
WaterAid is committed to ensuring that wherever we work in the world there is no tolerance for abuse (of power, privilege or trust), inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, harassment, bullying or exploitation of any kind. The safeguarding of the communities in which we work, staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf, is our top priority and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously.
We celebrate the diversity of our staff, partners and everyone with whom we work to create a culture where everyone feels respected, included and can be their best.
Deadline of this Job: 24 August 2022
JOB DETAILS: JOB SUMMARY
The Project Coordinator of the Biochar Pilot project will be responsible for implementing and coordinating activities of the pilot project with experts, farmers, partners, PIN staff and other actors, participating in design and agile management of the pilot project, ensuring the monitoring and evidence collection, participating in bi-weekly team checks. They will work closely with external experts in biochar production and its application in agriculture, with implementing partner staff and with lead farmers interested in biochar production. The Project Coordinator will directly report to Agriculture Project Manager and will work in close collaboration with international PIN staff including staff of the Innovation unit and sectoral advisors.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
1. Organizing and conducting in-depth interviews with farmers to better understand current production practices, coping strategies and opportunities for innovative practices
2. Organizing trainings in biochar production and application for lead farmers in collaboration with experts and partners
3. Ensuring necessary collection and analysis of data needed for producing evidence and learning
4. Overseeing the provision of inputs to farmers piloting the use of biochar
5. Participating in assessment of agencies facilitating access to carbon credit markets
6. Coordinating all project activities with all relevant actors
7. Participating in a team working based on agile management approaches (SCRUM, etc.)
Responsibilities
Project implementation
Direct implementation of the project and its activities:
• Organizing and conducting in-depth interviews with farmers to better understand current production practices, coping strategies and opportunities for innovative practices
• Organizing trainings in biochar production and application for lead farmers in collaboration with experts and partners
• Overseeing the provision of inputs to farmers piloting the use of biochar
• Participating in assessment of agencies facilitating access to carbon credit markets
• Work with the Project Manager in rolling out Community Feedback Response Mechanisms (CFRM)
Project management
• Coordinates and liaises with experts, partners, community leaders, farmers, extension workers or any other relevant stakeholders
• Responsible for community work (mobilization, community dialogue to gather feedback from community members)
Monitoring and Evaluation
• Leads collecting and analysis of monitoring data from communities and ensures regular reporting of project indicators
• Conducts monitoring visits to each target locationOversees regular community dialogue to gather feedback from community members
Project administration
• Stores official project documentation in orderly manner (both soft and hard copies)
• Ensures that project documentation is properly generated, approved & archived in the internal databases – ELO, Sharepoint etc., according to PIN and donor guidelines
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications
Bachelor degree in development, agriculture or other relevant qualification
Skills & experience
Essential
• Minimum of two (2) years experience in an NGO
• Minimum 1 year of experience in coordinating livelihoods or agriculture projects
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required
• Fluent in written and spoken English and able to communicate in Silozi part of the interview will be conducted in Silozi language
• Innovative and open-minded thinking
• Ability to use MS Office
• Experience in organizing and delivering engaging and interactive trainings to a varied audience
• Team management experience with similar programs
• Ability to observe and to provide feedback on the activities
• Ability to coordinate various actors
• Commitment to and understanding of PIN’s aims, values and principles
• Willingness to travel and being accommodated in remote and poorly serviced areas, upon need
Preferred
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to work under pressure to strict deadlines
• Ability to assess problems and recommend solutions
• Experience in conservation agriculture
• Experience in using mobile data collection tools (such as Kobo toolbox)
NB: WOMEN AND PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
Community Advocacy Officer job at Habitat for Humanity Zambia
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Advocacy and Policy Specialist, the Community Advocacy Officer is responsible for leading in the design, implementation and monitoring of HFHZ community interventions, ensuring the desired programming impacts on the target audience and being the focal point person in community engagement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Develop individualized, strength-based service plans in housing, land rights and other support services.
• Maintain regular contact with community members in order to keep in touch with their issues.
• Educate members about different services available to them offered by the government.
• Maintain and cultivate community partnerships in support of policies and goals.
• Create and implement systems to disseminate information and engage target communities.
• Assist individual community members in achieving ownership of land and house documents and encouraging self-worth.
• Gather community data in order to assess program effectiveness and community resources.
• Prepare reports on community services impact and outcome.
• Participate and represent HFHZ in community meetings.
• Participate in HFH relevant communities of practice and collaborate with counterparts within HFH network as required.
• Establish a network of district and community level partnerships.
• Support the development of strategic planning and organizational analysis.
• Responsible for reporting and communication of progress and achievement of the specific assigned task.
• Perform other duties as required by the supervisor for achieving program effectiveness
Success Criteria:
• A high level of diplomacy and networking skills is required.
• Ability to work under minimum or no supervision.
• Must be a team player and ready to work in and contribute to team building environment.
• Strong project management background with the ability to implement projects within budget and time frame.
• Team builder appreciates cultural diversity and inclusion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer literate with good presentation skills.
• Adult training and facilitation skills required.
• Good organizational skills including accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle community and internal safeguarding issues as and when they arise following the laid down procedure.
• Good organizational skills including accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail.
Typical Training & Experience:
Minimum:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies, Social Work, Public Administration with demography or any other related Social Science.
Years of Related Experience: Over 3 years’ experience in community mobilization and engagement.
Qualifications:
Preferred – in addition to minimum:
Community Engagement/Management
Active support of HFHI Values:
Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves
Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular
Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission
Safeguarding: HFHZ requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.
Organizational Scope & Impact:
Various levels of the organization are potentially impacted, depending on the nature and focus of the model or process that is being implemented.
Problem Complexity, Planning and Policy level impact:
Indirect but strong impact on long-term planning, as new models and processes are piloted and shared, and new ways of implementation are recommended.
Influencing/People Leadership:
Internal – National Organization Staff
External – Other NGOs, Government (Local), Beneficiaries and other community members.
Nature of leadership provided to others – To influence processes and coordination among various stakeholders.
Working Conditions, Requirements:
• 40 hours of work per week, with one hour lunch break and 2 health breaks of 20 minutes each in a day.
Location:
This position is based in Kabwe
Travel Expectations: Expected to travel locally as and when need arises.
Will the individual in this role typically work with children or HFHZ beneficiaries (Yes)
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Head of programs, the WASH Specialist is responsible for development, preparation, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Infrastructure interventions within the HFH Country program. The purpose of the position is to provide technical guidance and management support for the improvement of access to sustainable WASH services and over all wellbeing of communities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Conduct technical assessments and data analysis of WASH services.
• Develop WASH designs, Bill of Quantities (BoQs), drawings, technical specifications, and tender documents.
• Support procurement of WASH projects in collaboration with Programs. Manager/ tender committee, Prepare and launch tender bidding procedure for contractor(s).
• Supervise and monitor engineering works related to WASH projects in the country.
• Inspect and certify all WASH Infrastructure before contractors are paid.
• Ensure that expenditures and budgets are well monitored and activities are implemented and completed within budget and schedule.
• Ensure that all WASH infrastructure are within the acceptable sector and country standards.
• Plan and organize capacity building programs for community water management committees, water quality surveillance and response planning, sanitation and hygiene promotion.
• Supervise and manage the performance of WASH officers, construction officers, sanitation officers and hygiene promoters.
• In liaison with Africa Area Snr WASH specialist, NO head of program and ND, develop capacity building plan and build capacity of WASH and construction officers.
• Support NO Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) team to conduct monitoring and evaluation of WASH projects.
• Support the resource development team when necessary in resource mobilization and drafting of WASH proposals.
• Develop, compile and submit WASH project’s progress and final reports to the head of program
• Represent HFHZ in National WASH sector meetings.
• Participate in development of HFHZ WASH annual plans and budgets
• Perform other relevant tasks as assigned.
Success Criteria:
• Ability to handle community and internal safeguarding issues as and when they arise following the laid down procedure.
• Ability to work under minimum or no supervision.
• Must be a team player and ready to work in and contribute to team building environment.
• Strong project management background with the ability to implement projects within budget and time frame.
• Clearly understand development and disaster WASH contexts and must have some years of experience working in both contexts.
• Experience working with multiple donors and understand donor requirements and how to meet them.
• Strong capacity building and facilitation skills.
• Experience in integration of housing and WASH.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer literate with good presentation skills.
• Able to use AutoCAD and ArcGIS.
• Fluent in English (oral and written).
• Report and grant writing skills.
• Adult training and facilitation skills required.
• Good organizational skills including accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail.
Typical Training & Experience:
Minimum:
Education: Bachelor Degree in Civil, Mechanical engineering or Geological Engineering.
Years of Related Experience: Over 5 years’ experience in WASH infrastructure projects (design, planning, tender procedures, implementation, budgeting, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation) and good understanding of current WASH sector trends and indicators.
Qualifications:
Preferred – in addition to minimum:
Additional training in project management, behavioral communication or community development.
Active support of HFHI Values:
Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves
Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular
Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission
Safeguarding: HFHZ requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.
Organizational Scope & Impact:
Various levels of the organization are potentially impacted, depending on the nature and focus of the model or process that is being implemented.
Problem Complexity, Planning and Policy level impact:
Indirect but strong impact on long-term planning, as new models and processes are piloted and shared, and new ways of implementation are recommended.
Influencing/People Leadership:
Internal – National Organization Staff
External – Other NGOs, Government (Local and National), Beneficiaries and other community members.
Nature of leadership provided to others – To inspire others into great teams.
Working Conditions, Requirements, etc. –
• 40 hours of work per week, with one hour lunch break and 2 health breaks on 20 minutes each in a day.
Location:
This position is based at the National Office in Lusaka.
Travel Expectations: Expected to make local and international travels as and when required.
Will the individual in this role typically work with children or HFH beneficiaries ( Yes ).
Position Purpose
Under the overall guidance of the Resident Representative and the direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative (DRR), the Programme Specialist, Head of Unit – Environment, Energy and Climate Change acts as the senior technical advisor on Environment, Energy and Climate Change for SDG acceleration in Zambia. S/he leads the CO efforts to ensure the achievement of the country programme results and provision of thought leadership and strategic positioning on climate change mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk reduction, renewable energy, environmental sustainability and sustainable natural resources management, resilience building, green growth and recovery and cross thematic problematics.
Success in achieving results for this portfolio relies on the development of strong national and international partnerships from a wide range of diverse stakeholders. The Programme Specialist, Head of Unit, is responsible for mobilizing joint advocacy, expertise and resources across UNDP global and regional initiatives in these fields, engaging with global and regional networks, and connecting with cooperating partners, academia, NGOs and private sector in involving them to successfully implement UNDP programmes in these fields. S/he will act as the thought-leader in her/his area of expertise in various fora including UNDP support to UN coherence and stronger UN Development System (UNDS) in Zambia.
Duties and Accountabilities
1. Provide effective UNDP leadership in sector policy development and provision of quality technical and policy advisory services relevant to Environment, Energy and Climate Change focus areas to the Government, UNDP and the UN System and other key stakeholders
• Serve as the UNDP focal point for the provision of overall technical and policy support to the GRZ on matters related to inter alia integration of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaption Plans (NAPs) and other climate change action strategies into sector, national, and sub-national development plans and budgets, promotion of climate and disaster risk informed development, promotion of access to clean renewable energy systems, enhancing environmental sustainability and sustainable natural resources management and overall technical and policy advisory support for achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Provide top quality climate change, disaster risk reduction, renewable energy environmental sustainability and sustainable natural resources technical and policy advisory support to relevant Government institutions and GRZ counterparts with focus on strengthening institutional capacity for policy, strategies and programmes formulation, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
• Support conducting of thorough climate, disaster and environmental risk and vulnerability assessments to effectively contribute to resilience building of ecosystems, people and livelihoods and contribute to collaborative preparation/revision of Common Country Analysis (CCA), UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD), project documents, Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and other internal and government planning documents.
• Identify opportunities in the practice areas for new programme/project development including joint programming with UN agencies.
• Operationalize the implementation of UNSDCF/ CPD in collaboration with the main partners and other UN Agencies while seeking and identifying the possibilities for joint programming and interagency collaboration.
• Analyze and present thematic issues in coherence and adherence to UNDP policies and the Strategic Plan signature solutions in the focus areas.
• Identify, in close collaboration with national and international partners, strategic programme areas of cooperation with a particular focus on the NDCs, NAPs, Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy, Renewable Energy Strategy, the 8NDP and other strategic national strategies.
• Keep abreast of all significant developments, both in Zambia and internationally, on climate change mitigation and adaptation from various platforms such as Conference of Parties (COPs) for various UN Conventions (UNFCCC, UNCBD, UNCCD and related frameworks), disaster risk reduction, renewable energy and sustainable natural resources management, environmental protection and monitoring, natural resources-based livelihood systems and nature-based solutions to climate and disaster risks, climate resilience and low carbon green growth for sustainable development resilience building and green growth, gender responsive and inclusive green solutions and coordinate closely with counterpart GRZ institutions, international stakeholders, lead agencies and adapt work plans and programme strategies, as required.
• Prepare regular strategic and technical notes, briefings to the attention of the Senior Management on emerging priorities, areas for strategic investments and development of new partnerships.
• Collaborate with UNDP Regional Hubs and HQ platforms to apply in country programming new global and regional initiatives, policies and knowledge products.
2. Provide leadership to ensure (i) the strategic positioning of the Environment, Energy and Climate change Thematic Area, through development of new pipeline projects, (ii) the oversight of Environment, Energy and Climate change Thematic Cluster and its expected results and (iii) day-to-day management of the Environment, Energy and Climate Change Thematic Cluster
Strategic positioning of the Environment, Energy and Climate change Thematic Cluster
• Assist in defining the strategic direction of the Environment, Energy and Climate change Thematic Cluster.
• Provide technical expertise and lead the development of new initiatives in the areas of Renewable energy, environmental sustainability, sustainable natural resources management, climate change and disaster risk reduction followed by strategies to build partnerships and mobilize resources.
• Ensure effective and agile leadership of the Environment, Energy and Climate change Thematic Area to meet the challenges experienced during implementation of the programmes and projects with positive responsiveness to opportunities and promptly address of externalities.
• Draft unit strategy/position papers and prepare presentations in line with the developed mandate to present to a variety of audiences.
• Contribute to UNDP integrator role and make substantive contribution to Result Groups (RGs) of the UN Country Team (UNCT).
• Ensure operationalization of the CPD through timely development of relevant pipeline projects and effective and efficient implementation of ongoing energy, environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction programmes and projects in collaboration with the main partners and other UN sister Agencies.
• Provide leadership to design and formulate UNDP climate and disaster resilience, renewable energy and sustainable natural resources management programmes, translating UN/UNDP and national priorities into sector and sub-national / local interventions.
• Represent the Unit in meetings as well as with donor coordination meetings related to the Unit thematic areas.
Oversight of Environment, Energy and Climate Change Thematic Cluster
• Provide leadership and directions to ensure effective and efficient management of the Environment, Energy and Climate Change Thematic Cluster.
• Review the Unit portfolio projects and suggest necessary programmatic changes/ amendments to ensure alignment with National Priorities, UNSDCF, UNDP strategic Plan, CPD, in addition to ensuring the proper incorporation of cross cutting themes (i.e. environment/climate change, youth/women employment, PWDs, human rights, gender mainstreaming, LNOB, etc).
• Lead the development of new initiatives and programmes in the areas of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.
• Ensures mainstreaming of environment, climate change, DRR and renewable energy issues into all aspects of the CO’s programmatic interventions
• Prepare Unit work-plans while ensuring complementarities and coordination within the portfolio and with other CO Thematic Areas.
• Ensure timely and well-sequenced execution of approved work plans and programmes, using multiyear framework for planning, budgeting and reporting, including the development of strategies to ensure delivery acceleration and timely reporting of results while managing risks of exposure to audit recommendations and maintaining UNDP standing and reputation.
• Ensure effective utilization of technical and financial resources of the Unit to achieve the unit expected outputs.
• Ensure strategic and operational oversight of planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring of the programme, tracking use of financial resources as per commitments with key partners and in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.
• Perform effective monitoring of results to measure the impact of climate change and disaster resilience building, energy access, sustainable natural resources management programmes including the coordination of necessary evaluation exercises (Results of monitoring and evaluation used to draw crucial lessons and constructive learning for timely readjustment of programme).
• Monitor the implementation of the portfolio Work Plans, undertake regular reviews, report on progress and make necessary revisions.
• Prepare financial projections and monitor progress and delivery of the portfolio in close collaboration with Programme Compliance and Oversight Unit (PCOM).
• Ensure the effective implementation of the cost-recovery strategies and systems, including the systematic set-up and implementation Direct Project Costing (DPC) or Delivery Enabling Services (DES) in close collaboration with PCOM and the Operations.
• Advise the senior management team on delivery implementation challenges and seek support from the other Unit team leaders to resolve obstacles and bottlenecks.
• Ensure the timely organization of project audits under the portfolio and follow-up for prompt implementation of audit recommendations including updates in the Comprehensive Audit and Recommendation Database System (CARDS).
• Oversee the timely periodical progress and financial reporting in compliance with UNDP rules and regulations to all cooperating partners, donors, Government stakeholders and UN counterparts while ensuring the need for informative, clear and transparent reporting against signed project documents and committed resources and timetables highlighting transformational changes.
• Systematize the effective application of RBM tools throughout the full programme cycle from the design to implementation and reporting and during the timely closure of projects.
• Lead the preparation of public communication and advocacy materials in close collaboration with the Communication Unit.
• Oversee and ensure maintenance of risks and issues logs of each programme/project within the Unit, including the management and mitigation of risks and issues timely and appropriately while raising them to senior management attention as required.
Day-to-day management of the Environment, Energy and Climate Change Team
• Provide day to day direction and leadership to guide and support the work of the unit team (including advisors, technical and programme specialists and support staff, consultants etc.), quality assurance, troubleshooting and supervision to the unit team.
• Advise on staffing requirements and administer recruitment processes in collaboration with PCOM and the Operations Section including the preparation of job descriptions, the composition of panels, the assistance with the written tests and interviews, etc.
• Ensure timely preparation and finalization of the Performance Management Document (PMD) or performance evaluation assessments for the Environment, Energy and Climate Change personnel.
• Regularly organize unit meetings, document the deliberations as well as agreed action points and ensure the timely follow-up of their implementations programme.
• Lead and coordinate the Environment, Energy and Climate Change contribution to cross-unit activities including the office response to corporate requests or periodical exercises such as the Results Oriented Annual Report (ROAR), the Integrated Workplan (IWP) exercises or similar processes.
3. Ensure coordination, build synergies, expand and strengthen strategic partnerships and support resource mobilization and innovative financing models to support effective implementation of relevant Environment, Energy and Climate Change Thematic Areas and their scaling up
Coordination and Synergy Building
• Ensure coordination and build synergies within the unit and across the country programme as well as with UNCT and other stakeholders including the private sector, the civil society, the academia, and beneficiaries.
• Coordinate with the other unit heads to ensure complementarity/harmonization with the activities and plans of the other units.
• Coordinate and build partnerships with UNCT Result Groups (RGs) to enhance programmatic synergies in the area of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.
• Coordinate with the Communications unit to ensure proper visibility programmes’ activities and timely reporting to Cooperating Partners.
• Engage regularly with the Strategic Policy Unit, to ensure alignment of programme goals with the revised GRZ and UNSDCF/UNCT priorities.
• Maintain close coordination with both Programme and Operations Sections by providing technical and programme support including the development of joint programmes when needed.
Partnerships Strengthening and Resource Mobilisation
• Develop and consolidate strategic partnerships, with government, non-government and private sector entities, development partners for joint programming and resources mobilization to achieve CPD outcomes/outputs.
• Determine and develop programmatic areas of cooperation based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and development partners’ priorities.
• Initiate, nurture, and coordinate partnerships with UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors including the GCF, GEF and other Trust funds, private sector, civil society for programme support and implementation.
• Prepare substantive briefs, advocacy materials and technical reports to report on the areas of cooperation, and for identifying further opportunities for collaboration.
• Represent UNDP on the UN Joint Team Task Forces, Result Groups (RGs) and contribute to joint planning, programme, and policy development, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and advocacy activity.
4. Strategic results management and facilitation of knowledge management and sharing
Identify sources of information related to policy-driven issues and make a synthesis of good practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme and policy applications.
• Ensure a robust evidence base documented experience from the projects implemented under the portfolio, with research and analysis carried out, where possible.
• Coordinate capacity development support to national implementing Partners (IPs) and Responsible Parties (RPs) in collaboration with the national partners, PCOM and the Operations Section.
• Draft and advocate the adherence to UN/UNDP policy positions on relevant issues.
• Establish an advocacy network at national level and linking to regional and global networks.
• Contribute to local and global knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Capture and analyse results, and produce timely results reports for office reporting, with special focus on tracking capacity change and gender equality impact.
• Communicate results through the use of multi-media channels to share results and knowledge products.
• Organize learning and training relating to the Unit’s area of expertise for CO’s staff and implementing partners
• Manage the dissemination and application of knowledge, best practices and programme results for advocacy, resources mobilization, learning and practice development.
• Supervise the recording, documenting and dissemination of best practices and lessons learned.
• Ensure the visibility of unit activities through regular updating on achievements, and provide advice on the visibility materials (newsletters, publications, blogs etc.).
• Proactively participate in UNDP regional and international fora on relevant thematic areas (This could include engaging in thematic discussions, contributing with analytical papers, publications, knowledge networks…etc).
5. Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:
• As a member of the Country Office Management Team (COMT), s/he also helps drive integration of work at all levels, from the overall direction by setting to ideas generation, design, implementation to reporting on results, driving and developing partnerships and contributing to the communication for development results. S/he supervises a diverse team with various profiles and manages the deployment of additional long and short-term expertise when required.
Core Competencies
• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
• Business Direction and Strategy – Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimising return on investment
• Business Management-Partnerships Management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
• Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
• Entrepreneurial Thinking: Ability to create clarity around UNDP value proposition to beneficiaries and partners and to develop service offers responding to client needs based on UNDP’s organizational priorities and mandate
• Partnership management-Resource mobilization: Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities, and establish a plan to meet funding requirements
• 2030 Agenda: Planet-Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery: Disaster and Climate Risk Governance
• Disaster Recovery Policy, Planning and Programming
• Gender Responsive Disaster Risk Management and Reduction
• Disaster Risk Reduction
• Planet Nature, Climate and Energy: Climate Change Adaptation: livelihoods
• Climate Change Adaptation: Public and private finance for adaptation solutions
• Climate Change Adaptation: strategies
• Climate Change Policies: Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)
• Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Natural Resource Management
• Energy: Renewable Energy
• Energy: Energy access
• Environment: Poverty-Environment Nexus
• Environment: Environmental and social impact assessments and safeguards
• Extractive industries
Requirements:
Education
• Master’s Degree or equivalent in environmental management, natural resources management, economics, business administration, social sciences or related disciplines or related field.
Experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience in working in the areas of: environmental and sustainable natural resources management, climate change adaptation and mitigation, resilience building, integrated approaches and nature-based solutions to climate change, disaster-risk reduction, renewable energy systems and energy access, gender-responsive and inclusive approaches for sustainable development
• Relevant experience at the national or international level in providing technical and policy advisory services in the general areas of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, disaster risk reduction and resilience
• Sound knowledge of multilateral environmental conventions and frameworks
• Sound expertise in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of complex environmental projects involving strategic national stakeholders and international organizations such as Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Global Environment Facility (GEF)
• Sound understanding of results-based management practices and quantification of environmental benefits
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages and handling of web-based management systems
Senior Management Experience
• Proven experience in middle/upper management positions for at least 3 years
• Minimum of 5 years’ track record of successful project/programme management experience with teams and budgets of comparable complexity and scope
• Hands-on experience in designing, planning, monitoring and evaluation of development projects
Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period
Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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Deadline of this Job: 02 September 2022.
JOB DETAILS: Position Summary:
Reporting to the Advocacy and Policy Specialist, the Community Advocacy Officer is responsible for leading in the design, implementation and monitoring of HFHZ community interventions, ensuring the desired programming impacts on the target audience and being the focal point person in community engagement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Develop individualized, strength-based service plans in housing, land rights and other support services.
• Maintain regular contact with community members in order to keep in touch with their issues.
• Educate members about different services available to them offered by the government.
• Maintain and cultivate community partnerships in support of policies and goals.
• Create and implement systems to disseminate information and engage target communities.
• Assist individual community members in achieving ownership of land and house documents and encouraging self-worth.
• Gather community data in order to assess program effectiveness and community resources.
• Prepare reports on community services impact and outcome.
• Participate and represent HFHZ in community meetings.
• Participate in HFH relevant communities of practice and collaborate with counterparts within HFH network as required.
• Establish a network of district and community level partnerships.
• Support the development of strategic planning and organizational analysis.
• Responsible for reporting and communication of progress and achievement of the specific assigned task.
• Perform other duties as required by the supervisor for achieving program effectiveness
Success Criteria:
• A high level of diplomacy and networking skills is required.
• Ability to work under minimum or no supervision.
• Must be a team player and ready to work in and contribute to team building environment.
• Strong project management background with the ability to implement projects within budget and time frame.
• Team builder appreciates cultural diversity and inclusion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer literate with good presentation skills.
• Adult training and facilitation skills required.
• Good organizational skills including accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle community and internal safeguarding issues as and when they arise following the laid down procedure.
• Good organizational skills including accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail.
Typical Training & Experience:
Minimum:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies, Social Work, Public Administration with demography or any other related Social Science.
Years of Related Experience: Over 3 years’ experience in community mobilization and engagement.
Qualifications:
Preferred – in addition to minimum:
Community Engagement/Management
Active support of HFHI Values:
Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves
Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular
Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission
Safeguarding: HFHZ requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.
Organizational Scope & Impact:
Various levels of the organization are potentially impacted, depending on the nature and focus of the model or process that is being implemented.
Problem Complexity, Planning and Policy level impact:
Indirect but strong impact on long-term planning, as new models and processes are piloted and shared, and new ways of implementation are recommended.
Influencing/People Leadership:
Internal – National Organization Staff
External – Other NGOs, Government (Local), Beneficiaries and other community members.
Nature of leadership provided to others – To influence processes and coordination among various stakeholders.
Working Conditions, Requirements:
• 40 hours of work per week, with one hour lunch break and 2 health breaks of 20 minutes each in a day.
Location:
This position is based in Kabwe
Travel Expectations: Expected to travel locally as and when need arises.
Will the individual in this role typically work with children or HFHZ beneficiaries (Yes)
Deadline of this Job: 19 September, 2022
JOB DETAILS: Position Summary:
Reporting to the Head of programs, the WASH Specialist is responsible for development, preparation, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Infrastructure interventions within the HFH Country program. The purpose of the position is to provide technical guidance and management support for the improvement of access to sustainable WASH services and over all wellbeing of communities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Conduct technical assessments and data analysis of WASH services.
• Develop WASH designs, Bill of Quantities (BoQs), drawings, technical specifications, and tender documents.
• Support procurement of WASH projects in collaboration with Programs. Manager/ tender committee, Prepare and launch tender bidding procedure for contractor(s).
• Supervise and monitor engineering works related to WASH projects in the country.
• Inspect and certify all WASH Infrastructure before contractors are paid.
• Ensure that expenditures and budgets are well monitored and activities are implemented and completed within budget and schedule.
• Ensure that all WASH infrastructure are within the acceptable sector and country standards.
• Plan and organize capacity building programs for community water management committees, water quality surveillance and response planning, sanitation and hygiene promotion.
• Supervise and manage the performance of WASH officers, construction officers, sanitation officers and hygiene promoters.
• In liaison with Africa Area Snr WASH specialist, NO head of program and ND, develop capacity building plan and build capacity of WASH and construction officers.
• Support NO Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) team to conduct monitoring and evaluation of WASH projects.
• Support the resource development team when necessary in resource mobilization and drafting of WASH proposals.
• Develop, compile and submit WASH project’s progress and final reports to the head of program
• Represent HFHZ in National WASH sector meetings.
• Participate in development of HFHZ WASH annual plans and budgets
• Perform other relevant tasks as assigned.
Success Criteria:
• Ability to handle community and internal safeguarding issues as and when they arise following the laid down procedure.
• Ability to work under minimum or no supervision.
• Must be a team player and ready to work in and contribute to team building environment.
• Strong project management background with the ability to implement projects within budget and time frame.
• Clearly understand development and disaster WASH contexts and must have some years of experience working in both contexts.
• Experience working with multiple donors and understand donor requirements and how to meet them.
• Strong capacity building and facilitation skills.
• Experience in integration of housing and WASH.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer literate with good presentation skills.
• Able to use AutoCAD and ArcGIS.
• Fluent in English (oral and written).
• Report and grant writing skills.
• Adult training and facilitation skills required.
• Good organizational skills including accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail.
Typical Training & Experience:
Minimum:
Education: Bachelor Degree in Civil, Mechanical engineering or Geological Engineering.
Years of Related Experience: Over 5 years’ experience in WASH infrastructure projects (design, planning, tender procedures, implementation, budgeting, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation) and good understanding of current WASH sector trends and indicators.
Qualifications:
Preferred – in addition to minimum:
Additional training in project management, behavioral communication or community development.
Active support of HFHI Values:
Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves
Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular
Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission
Safeguarding: HFHZ requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.
Organizational Scope & Impact:
Various levels of the organization are potentially impacted, depending on the nature and focus of the model or process that is being implemented.
Problem Complexity, Planning and Policy level impact:
Indirect but strong impact on long-term planning, as new models and processes are piloted and shared, and new ways of implementation are recommended.
Influencing/People Leadership:
Internal – National Organization Staff
External – Other NGOs, Government (Local and National), Beneficiaries and other community members.
Nature of leadership provided to others – To inspire others into great teams.
Working Conditions, Requirements, etc. –
• 40 hours of work per week, with one hour lunch break and 2 health breaks on 20 minutes each in a day.
Location:
This position is based at the National Office in Lusaka.
Travel Expectations: Expected to make local and international travels as and when required.
Will the individual in this role typically work with children or HFH beneficiaries ( Yes ).
Deadline of this Job: 28 August 2022
JOB DETAILS: Position Purpose
Under the overall guidance of the Resident Representative and the direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative (DRR), the Programme Specialist, Head of Unit – Environment, Energy and Climate Change acts as the senior technical advisor on Environment, Energy and Climate Change for SDG acceleration in Zambia. S/he leads the CO efforts to ensure the achievement of the country programme results and provision of thought leadership and strategic positioning on climate change mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk reduction, renewable energy, environmental sustainability and sustainable natural resources management, resilience building, green growth and recovery and cross thematic problematics.
Success in achieving results for this portfolio relies on the development of strong national and international partnerships from a wide range of diverse stakeholders. The Programme Specialist, Head of Unit, is responsible for mobilizing joint advocacy, expertise and resources across UNDP global and regional initiatives in these fields, engaging with global and regional networks, and connecting with cooperating partners, academia, NGOs and private sector in involving them to successfully implement UNDP programmes in these fields. S/he will act as the thought-leader in her/his area of expertise in various fora including UNDP support to UN coherence and stronger UN Development System (UNDS) in Zambia.
Duties and Accountabilities
1. Provide effective UNDP leadership in sector policy development and provision of quality technical and policy advisory services relevant to Environment, Energy and Climate Change focus areas to the Government, UNDP and the UN System and other key stakeholders
• Serve as the UNDP focal point for the provision of overall technical and policy support to the GRZ on matters related to inter alia integration of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaption Plans (NAPs) and other climate change action strategies into sector, national, and sub-national development plans and budgets, promotion of climate and disaster risk informed development, promotion of access to clean renewable energy systems, enhancing environmental sustainability and sustainable natural resources management and overall technical and policy advisory support for achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Provide top quality climate change, disaster risk reduction, renewable energy environmental sustainability and sustainable natural resources technical and policy advisory support to relevant Government institutions and GRZ counterparts with focus on strengthening institutional capacity for policy, strategies and programmes formulation, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
• Support conducting of thorough climate, disaster and environmental risk and vulnerability assessments to effectively contribute to resilience building of ecosystems, people and livelihoods and contribute to collaborative preparation/revision of Common Country Analysis (CCA), UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD), project documents, Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and other internal and government planning documents.
• Identify opportunities in the practice areas for new programme/project development including joint programming with UN agencies.
• Operationalize the implementation of UNSDCF/ CPD in collaboration with the main partners and other UN Agencies while seeking and identifying the possibilities for joint programming and interagency collaboration.
• Analyze and present thematic issues in coherence and adherence to UNDP policies and the Strategic Plan signature solutions in the focus areas.
• Identify, in close collaboration with national and international partners, strategic programme areas of cooperation with a particular focus on the NDCs, NAPs, Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy, Renewable Energy Strategy, the 8NDP and other strategic national strategies.
• Keep abreast of all significant developments, both in Zambia and internationally, on climate change mitigation and adaptation from various platforms such as Conference of Parties (COPs) for various UN Conventions (UNFCCC, UNCBD, UNCCD and related frameworks), disaster risk reduction, renewable energy and sustainable natural resources management, environmental protection and monitoring, natural resources-based livelihood systems and nature-based solutions to climate and disaster risks, climate resilience and low carbon green growth for sustainable development resilience building and green growth, gender responsive and inclusive green solutions and coordinate closely with counterpart GRZ institutions, international stakeholders, lead agencies and adapt work plans and programme strategies, as required.
• Prepare regular strategic and technical notes, briefings to the attention of the Senior Management on emerging priorities, areas for strategic investments and development of new partnerships.
• Collaborate with UNDP Regional Hubs and HQ platforms to apply in country programming new global and regional initiatives, policies and knowledge products.
2. Provide leadership to ensure (i) the strategic positioning of the Environment, Energy and Climate change Thematic Area, through development of new pipeline projects, (ii) the oversight of Environment, Energy and Climate change Thematic Cluster and its expected results and (iii) day-to-day management of the Environment, Energy and Climate Change Thematic Cluster
Strategic positioning of the Environment, Energy and Climate change Thematic Cluster
• Assist in defining the strategic direction of the Environment, Energy and Climate change Thematic Cluster.
• Provide technical expertise and lead the development of new initiatives in the areas of Renewable energy, environmental sustainability, sustainable natural resources management, climate change and disaster risk reduction followed by strategies to build partnerships and mobilize resources.
• Ensure effective and agile leadership of the Environment, Energy and Climate change Thematic Area to meet the challenges experienced during implementation of the programmes and projects with positive responsiveness to opportunities and promptly address of externalities.
• Draft unit strategy/position papers and prepare presentations in line with the developed mandate to present to a variety of audiences.
• Contribute to UNDP integrator role and make substantive contribution to Result Groups (RGs) of the UN Country Team (UNCT).
• Ensure operationalization of the CPD through timely development of relevant pipeline projects and effective and efficient implementation of ongoing energy, environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction programmes and projects in collaboration with the main partners and other UN sister Agencies.
• Provide leadership to design and formulate UNDP climate and disaster resilience, renewable energy and sustainable natural resources management programmes, translating UN/UNDP and national priorities into sector and sub-national / local interventions.
• Represent the Unit in meetings as well as with donor coordination meetings related to the Unit thematic areas.
Oversight of Environment, Energy and Climate Change Thematic Cluster
• Provide leadership and directions to ensure effective and efficient management of the Environment, Energy and Climate Change Thematic Cluster.
• Review the Unit portfolio projects and suggest necessary programmatic changes/ amendments to ensure alignment with National Priorities, UNSDCF, UNDP strategic Plan, CPD, in addition to ensuring the proper incorporation of cross cutting themes (i.e. environment/climate change, youth/women employment, PWDs, human rights, gender mainstreaming, LNOB, etc).
• Lead the development of new initiatives and programmes in the areas of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.
• Ensures mainstreaming of environment, climate change, DRR and renewable energy issues into all aspects of the CO’s programmatic interventions
• Prepare Unit work-plans while ensuring complementarities and coordination within the portfolio and with other CO Thematic Areas.
• Ensure timely and well-sequenced execution of approved work plans and programmes, using multiyear framework for planning, budgeting and reporting, including the development of strategies to ensure delivery acceleration and timely reporting of results while managing risks of exposure to audit recommendations and maintaining UNDP standing and reputation.
• Ensure effective utilization of technical and financial resources of the Unit to achieve the unit expected outputs.
• Ensure strategic and operational oversight of planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring of the programme, tracking use of financial resources as per commitments with key partners and in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.
• Perform effective monitoring of results to measure the impact of climate change and disaster resilience building, energy access, sustainable natural resources management programmes including the coordination of necessary evaluation exercises (Results of monitoring and evaluation used to draw crucial lessons and constructive learning for timely readjustment of programme).
• Monitor the implementation of the portfolio Work Plans, undertake regular reviews, report on progress and make necessary revisions.
• Prepare financial projections and monitor progress and delivery of the portfolio in close collaboration with Programme Compliance and Oversight Unit (PCOM).
• Ensure the effective implementation of the cost-recovery strategies and systems, including the systematic set-up and implementation Direct Project Costing (DPC) or Delivery Enabling Services (DES) in close collaboration with PCOM and the Operations.
• Advise the senior management team on delivery implementation challenges and seek support from the other Unit team leaders to resolve obstacles and bottlenecks.
• Ensure the timely organization of project audits under the portfolio and follow-up for prompt implementation of audit recommendations including updates in the Comprehensive Audit and Recommendation Database System (CARDS).
• Oversee the timely periodical progress and financial reporting in compliance with UNDP rules and regulations to all cooperating partners, donors, Government stakeholders and UN counterparts while ensuring the need for informative, clear and transparent reporting against signed project documents and committed resources and timetables highlighting transformational changes.
• Systematize the effective application of RBM tools throughout the full programme cycle from the design to implementation and reporting and during the timely closure of projects.
• Lead the preparation of public communication and advocacy materials in close collaboration with the Communication Unit.
• Oversee and ensure maintenance of risks and issues logs of each programme/project within the Unit, including the management and mitigation of risks and issues timely and appropriately while raising them to senior management attention as required.
Day-to-day management of the Environment, Energy and Climate Change Team
• Provide day to day direction and leadership to guide and support the work of the unit team (including advisors, technical and programme specialists and support staff, consultants etc.), quality assurance, troubleshooting and supervision to the unit team.
• Advise on staffing requirements and administer recruitment processes in collaboration with PCOM and the Operations Section including the preparation of job descriptions, the composition of panels, the assistance with the written tests and interviews, etc.
• Ensure timely preparation and finalization of the Performance Management Document (PMD) or performance evaluation assessments for the Environment, Energy and Climate Change personnel.
• Regularly organize unit meetings, document the deliberations as well as agreed action points and ensure the timely follow-up of their implementations programme.
• Lead and coordinate the Environment, Energy and Climate Change contribution to cross-unit activities including the office response to corporate requests or periodical exercises such as the Results Oriented Annual Report (ROAR), the Integrated Workplan (IWP) exercises or similar processes.
3. Ensure coordination, build synergies, expand and strengthen strategic partnerships and support resource mobilization and innovative financing models to support effective implementation of relevant Environment, Energy and Climate Change Thematic Areas and their scaling up
Coordination and Synergy Building
• Ensure coordination and build synergies within the unit and across the country programme as well as with UNCT and other stakeholders including the private sector, the civil society, the academia, and beneficiaries.
• Coordinate with the other unit heads to ensure complementarity/harmonization with the activities and plans of the other units.
• Coordinate and build partnerships with UNCT Result Groups (RGs) to enhance programmatic synergies in the area of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.
• Coordinate with the Communications unit to ensure proper visibility programmes’ activities and timely reporting to Cooperating Partners.
• Engage regularly with the Strategic Policy Unit, to ensure alignment of programme goals with the revised GRZ and UNSDCF/UNCT priorities.
• Maintain close coordination with both Programme and Operations Sections by providing technical and programme support including the development of joint programmes when needed.
Partnerships Strengthening and Resource Mobilisation
• Develop and consolidate strategic partnerships, with government, non-government and private sector entities, development partners for joint programming and resources mobilization to achieve CPD outcomes/outputs.
• Determine and develop programmatic areas of cooperation based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and development partners’ priorities.
• Initiate, nurture, and coordinate partnerships with UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors including the GCF, GEF and other Trust funds, private sector, civil society for programme support and implementation.
• Prepare substantive briefs, advocacy materials and technical reports to report on the areas of cooperation, and for identifying further opportunities for collaboration.
• Represent UNDP on the UN Joint Team Task Forces, Result Groups (RGs) and contribute to joint planning, programme, and policy development, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and advocacy activity.
4. Strategic results management and facilitation of knowledge management and sharing
Identify sources of information related to policy-driven issues and make a synthesis of good practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme and policy applications.
• Ensure a robust evidence base documented experience from the projects implemented under the portfolio, with research and analysis carried out, where possible.
• Coordinate capacity development support to national implementing Partners (IPs) and Responsible Parties (RPs) in collaboration with the national partners, PCOM and the Operations Section.
• Draft and advocate the adherence to UN/UNDP policy positions on relevant issues.
• Establish an advocacy network at national level and linking to regional and global networks.
• Contribute to local and global knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Capture and analyse results, and produce timely results reports for office reporting, with special focus on tracking capacity change and gender equality impact.
• Communicate results through the use of multi-media channels to share results and knowledge products.
• Organize learning and training relating to the Unit’s area of expertise for CO’s staff and implementing partners
• Manage the dissemination and application of knowledge, best practices and programme results for advocacy, resources mobilization, learning and practice development.
• Supervise the recording, documenting and dissemination of best practices and lessons learned.
• Ensure the visibility of unit activities through regular updating on achievements, and provide advice on the visibility materials (newsletters, publications, blogs etc.).
• Proactively participate in UNDP regional and international fora on relevant thematic areas (This could include engaging in thematic discussions, contributing with analytical papers, publications, knowledge networks…etc).
5. Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:
• As a member of the Country Office Management Team (COMT), s/he also helps drive integration of work at all levels, from the overall direction by setting to ideas generation, design, implementation to reporting on results, driving and developing partnerships and contributing to the communication for development results. S/he supervises a diverse team with various profiles and manages the deployment of additional long and short-term expertise when required.
Core Competencies
• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
• Business Direction and Strategy – Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimising return on investment
• Business Management-Partnerships Management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
• Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
• Entrepreneurial Thinking: Ability to create clarity around UNDP value proposition to beneficiaries and partners and to develop service offers responding to client needs based on UNDP’s organizational priorities and mandate
• Partnership management-Resource mobilization: Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities, and establish a plan to meet funding requirements
• 2030 Agenda: Planet-Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery: Disaster and Climate Risk Governance
• Disaster Recovery Policy, Planning and Programming
• Gender Responsive Disaster Risk Management and Reduction
• Disaster Risk Reduction
• Planet Nature, Climate and Energy: Climate Change Adaptation: livelihoods
• Climate Change Adaptation: Public and private finance for adaptation solutions
• Climate Change Adaptation: strategies
• Climate Change Policies: Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)
• Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Natural Resource Management
• Energy: Renewable Energy
• Energy: Energy access
• Environment: Poverty-Environment Nexus
• Environment: Environmental and social impact assessments and safeguards
• Extractive industries
Requirements:
Education
• Master’s Degree or equivalent in environmental management, natural resources management, economics, business administration, social sciences or related disciplines or related field.
Experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience in working in the areas of: environmental and sustainable natural resources management, climate change adaptation and mitigation, resilience building, integrated approaches and nature-based solutions to climate change, disaster-risk reduction, renewable energy systems and energy access, gender-responsive and inclusive approaches for sustainable development
• Relevant experience at the national or international level in providing technical and policy advisory services in the general areas of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, disaster risk reduction and resilience
• Sound knowledge of multilateral environmental conventions and frameworks
• Sound expertise in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of complex environmental projects involving strategic national stakeholders and international organizations such as Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Global Environment Facility (GEF)
• Sound understanding of results-based management practices and quantification of environmental benefits
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages and handling of web-based management systems
Senior Management Experience
• Proven experience in middle/upper management positions for at least 3 years
• Minimum of 5 years’ track record of successful project/programme management experience with teams and budgets of comparable complexity and scope
• Hands-on experience in designing, planning, monitoring and evaluation of development projects
Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period
Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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