GENERAL INFORMATION: UNEP Division of Environmental Policy Implementation. GEF Climate Change Adaptation, DEPI

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1 UNEP Junior Professional Officer Terms of Reference GENERAL INFORMATION: UNEP Division of Environmental Policy Implementation Post Title: Branch/Unit: Location: Duration: JPO GEF Climate Change Adaptation GEF Climate Change Adaptation, DEPI Nairobi 2 years initially with the possibility of a third year 1. Background Information The United Nations Environment Programme, is an implementing agency of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The GEF was established on the basis of collaboration and partnership, as a mechanism to promote international cooperation and foster actions in providing new and additional grant and concessional funding to eligible countries to meet the agreed incremental costs of measures designed to achieve agreed global benefits defined in six focal areas: biodiversity, climate change, Climate change, ozone land depletion, land degradation and persistent organic pollutants. The UNEP-GEF Climate Change Adaptation work is engaged in the development and implementation of projects to be funded by GEF and other funds supported by GEF such as LDCF (Least Developed Countries Fund), SCCF (Special Climate Change Fund) and Adaptation Fund., based on UNEP s comparative advantages and UNEP s Program of Work on adaptation. 2. Why the JPO is needed A JPO Task Manager to support the growing UNEP-GEF Adaptation Portfolio is needed. Under the supervision of the Chief of the GEF Adaptation Unit, the JPO will assist in the development and implementation of the UNEP-GEF Adaptation Portfolio. In this capacity, the incumbent will work on adaptation project formulation and supervision of implementation while addressing vulnerable country needs. The requested duration is from September October The duty station will be in Nairobi, with travel approximately 4-6 times a year to project countries and for policy meetings. The role is divided into four components as follows: 1

2 3. Supervision Direct supervision by: Ermira Fida Title supervisor: Chief, GEF Climate Change Adaptation Unit Unit supervisor: DEPI- Division of Environmental Policies and Implementation Location supervisor: UNEP Headquarters, Nairobi Address, telephone, fax: P.O Box 30552, Nairobi 00100, Kenya Tel Nature of supervision: The JPO will be introduced to the Team by the direct supervisor and given a brief training about the job including for UNEP s work on adaptation and UNEP s role in GEF and expected deliverables.. The incumbent will complete a PAS Work Programme so as to ensure clarity of his/her work goals and objectives. The incumbent will work closely with the direct supervisor with weekly briefing and discussion on status of work programme and accomplishments of the job objectives. Initially the incumbent will work and assist the direct supervisor in the project development and project oversight under the direct supervision of the supervisor and the supervisor will also function as his/her mentor. After two-three years, it is expected that, through the on-the-job training, the incumbent should be able to function more independently as task manager for projects of larger magnitude. First appraising officer: Title first appraising officer: Unit first appraising officer: Policies and Implementation - Location first appraising officer: Ermira Fida Chief, GEF Climate Change Adaptation Unit DEPI - Division of Environmental UNEP Headquarters, Nairobi Second appraising officer: Keith Alverson Title second appraising officer: Coordinator, Climate Change Adaption & Terrestrial Ecosystems Branch Unit second appraising officer: DEPI - Division of Environmental Policies and Implementation - Location second appraising officer: UNEP Headquarters, Nairobi 2

3 4. Duties, Responsibilities and Output Expectations The JPO provides support to the identification, development and implementation of projects funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and other funds for adaptation supported by GEF such as LDCF, SCCF and Adaptation Fund and implemented by UNEP. The JPO contributes to other UNEP and GEF corporate activities within his/her field of expertise. He/she is expected to cover a portfolio of projects that are relatively complex and are of strategic importance. The JPO contributes to meet knowledge management objectives by codifying and summarizing lessons derived from the projects for which s/he provides oversight. Terms of reference 1. Project Implementation (initially assisting the climate change adaptation task manager in carrying out the project implementation oversight, and later directly involved in project oversight): Oversee the implementation of the Climate change projects funded by GEF: Monitor progress in project implementation through solicitation and review of periodic reports of EAs and the preparation of quarterly summary and annual reports of implementation progress; Identify opportunities for, and initiate actions to secure, partnerships and collaboration with other agencies, the private sector, NGOs, or UNEP programme units in the development of new projects, strategies or methodologies; Provide input to the development of budget and work programme planning of the DEPI, and prepare technical reports on the portfolio operations for the use of UNEP management; Review Project Implementation Reviews (PIR s), to provide guidance to EAs to ensure projects are progressing towards meeting project objectives and PIRs of high scientific and technical quality; contribute to PPR and 3

4 SMPR; Identify projects at risk and develop the necessary approaches for mitigating the identified problems. 2. Technical Advice and Evaluation (initially the incumbent will be engaged in commenting on technical outputs of the projects, and later provide technical advice in his/her own capacity): Liaise with the Office of Evaluation to see that project evaluations are carried out in a timely way and with high quality outputs. 3. Project development and concept identification activities: Support TM s in sourcing and developing new project ideas, including research and liaison with project proponents. The incumbent will devote time to the development of new concepts in the focal are of Climate change Adaptation for submission to the GEF pipeline. 4. Contribution to the coordination of work among the GEF Climate Change Adaptation team members The incumbent will devote time to the development of project database and information management system of the Team through internet based exchange. Output expectations 1. Improved efficiency of the oversight of the project, leading to accelerated implementation of project activities and efficient achievements of the project objectives 2. Contribution to the development of a comment visions and programmes for the transboundary water systems. 3. Facilitated coordination and information exchange among the projects on project lessons learnt and technical achievements 4

5 4. Increased awareness of the international community on the achievements of the GEF projects in the Climate Change Adaptation Unit. 5. Travel When required. He/she is expected to travel 4-6 times a year to project countries and for policy meetings. 6. Training and Learning Element The incumbent will receive a formal introductory training on the GEF and UNEP's role in GEF. Although most of training activities are onthe-job training, the incumbent will also be attending training courses organized on result management framework, project monitoring and indicators, and/or project risk assessment. The JPO will have the opportunity to participate in training programmes on climate change adaptation and knowledge management where and when opportunities arise. If possible, project development & implementation and leadership training programmes will also be offered. Language training is available in the six UN languages at a rate of approximately US$200 per semester Learning elements -After one year the JPO is able to: be conversant with the result management framework and start applying measurable indicators for the project monitoring and evaluation purposes. -After two years the JPO is able to: be able to use the project monitoring and evaluation tools, including risk assessment, setting and monitoring of indicators, for the purpose of actual project monitoring and evaluation. -After three years (if applicable) the JPO is able to: proactively and independently participate in the project oversight and development work. 7. Qualifications and Experience 5

6 Education: Advanced university degree (masters and above) or equivalent working experience in natural resources management or other environmental sciences/studies and related fields. Additional experience in adaptation to climate change is required. Work Experience: At least 4 years of experiences at the national level or two years at the international/regional level, which are relevant to climate change; Ideally, work experience with projects in developing countries; Ideally demonstrated successful experience in project design, management, supervision and monitoring; Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of French language highly desirable, knowledge of other UN language an asset. Skills Research and analytical skills. Good writing and communication skills. Ability to execute multiple tasks. Team player with excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to work in a multi-cultural/multi national environment. Competencies: Professionalism Professional competence and mastering of environmental and in particular climate change adaptation issues. Communication Good communication skills (spoken and written), including the ability to present sensitive issues and prepare reports on short notice Teamwork Ability to work collaboratively to achieve organizational goals in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity Planning and organizing Ability to identify priorities, work to tight deadlines, handle concurrent projects and coordinate the work of others 6

7 8. Living Conditions at Duty Station The living conditions in Nairobi are favourable, the city offers a variety of good houses and related facilities for comfortable living of JPO in Kenya. Nairobi has recently been classified by the UN as a C hardship duty station, entitling UN staff to annual home leave. 7