National Project Manager (Open to All Applicants)

Background

Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below:

• Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)
• Tier 2: Staff holding UNDP appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts and Expert and Specialist UNVs with host entity UNDP 
• Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

The Sustainable Financing of Papua New Guinea’s Protected Area Network project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The funds are administered by UNDP and the government implementing partner is the PNG Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA). 

This project will extend Government of PNG’s ability to fulfil its protected area mandate and implement the Protected Area Policy. It achieves this by supporting the Government to: (i) secure stable and long-term financial resources for the management of protected areas across the country; (ii) ensure that these financial resources are allocated to contribute to improve management effectiveness of the protected areas across the country; and, (iii) ensure that they are managed cost-effectively and efficiently with respect to their conservation and other complementary development objectives. 

The project objective is to reduce the funding gap for Papua New Guinea’s protected areas in order to improve their management effectiveness, and livelihoods of their communal landowners. 

The objective will be achieved through the implementation of three key project components (outcomes). 

• Outcome 1: Enabling conditions for improving the sustainability of the protected area system. 
• Outcome 2: A Biodiversity Fund for PNG established and operationalised. 
• Outcome3: Mechanisms for improving management and financial sustainibility of selected protected areas tested and piloted to improve knowledge and learning. 

In recognition of this need, the project will assist with the development of a diversified mix of conventional and innovative funding sources and consolidate revenues to finance the ongoing costs of establishing and managing protected areas. It will assist the Government to establish a Biodiversity and Climate Fund (BCF) as a secure, accountable and transparent financial mechanism, for receiving, administering and disbursing funds. The project will, therefore, result in a system that will provide catalytic and long-term financial support that will lead to stable ecosystems (both within and outside of protected areas), coupled with the social transformations to ensure its sustainability (including transforming institutions to become supporters/facilitators of that process, and the establishment of long-term partnership.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) is implemented by UNDP on behalf of the GEF Partnership. UNDP oversees the Small Grants Programme (SGP) through the Vertical Hub and the Nature Hub of Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS). Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Small Grants Programme efficiently channels direct grants to non-governmental and community-based organizations to help them cope with climate change; conserve biodiversity; protect international waters; reduce the impact of Persistent Organic Pollutants; and prevent land degradation. Helping communities with their initiatives for sustainable livelihoods while generating global environmental benefits is the core inspiration of the Small Grants Programme.

Launched in 1992 as a corporate programme of the GEF, the GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) has supported local action for over thirty years to address global environmental concerns.  SGP aims to deliver global environmental benefits in the GEF focal areas of biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, protection of international waters, prevention of land degradation, and elimination of persistent organic pollutants through community-based approaches. To date, SGP has funded over 29,000 community-based projects covering more than 120 countries. It has gained considerable experiences at the community level, including adapting to climate change while addressing issues of the GEF focal areas.  Further information can be found at: https://sgp.undp.org/

Duties And Responsibilities

The key duties and responsibilities of the position incumbent are listed below.

Manage the GEF6 and SGP Projects to achieve agreed results, timelines and budgets 

• Manage and coordinate project activities based on the Project Document (design), including the supervision and guidance of project staff, consultants and experts, to achieve the Project results successfully. 
• In accordance with the Project Document and in close coordination with Government and the Chief Technical Adviser, plan and develop the Project’s Annual Work Plans. 
• Review all operational plans (procurement, HR etc.) and all related project workplan proposals, budget revisions and cash allocation submissions to manage donor funds within existing policies and requirements. 
• Procure the goods, services and personnel needed to implement project activities, including drafting TORs and associated contracting material. 
• Implement project governance arrangements including supporting Project Board meetings and ensuring the timely preparation of agenda, background material and minutes. 
• Regularly meet with the Government and other Project partners to ensure risk is careful managed and mitigation measures are implemented. 
• Manage and where necessary report up issues with potential to impact UNDP´s effectiveness, financial soundness and/or reputation to the Programme Team and senior Country Office management. 
• Ensure that UNDP´s corporate policies and procedures are complied with and that appropriate action is taken to immediately address problems and challenges. 
• Identify opportunities for deepening cooperation and recommending adequate approaches to dealing with different stakeholders based on information gathered during the Project's implementation. 
• Ensure appropriate management of project assets, attendance records, filing system etc. 
• Supervise the SGP Country Programme Associate/ Assistant and provide necessary guidance and coaching;
• Promote and maintain effective teamwork within the SGP Country Programme team, the National Steering Committee members, and with the UNDP CO team; 
• Prepare and implement annual work plan, including strategic and/or innovative initiatives, with set delivery and co-financing targets; draft annual SGP Country Office administrative and project operational budget proposal
• Set annual performance parameters and learning objectives for the SGP Country Programme team, assess their performance and provide feedback.

Delivers effective programmatic implementation 

• Assess the project’s impact and oversee the appropriateness and accuracy of methods used to verify progress and results and prepare reporting requirements to UNDP, GEF, other donors and the national Government as required. 
• Ensure governance processes and procedures for the Project are correctly followed and that directions issued by the Project Board are followed up in a timely manner.
• Ensure gender considerations are mainstreamed into operational plans and that gender markers are reported on regularly. 
• Prepare, coordinate and ensure timely submission of quality reports such as the Inception Report, Project Implementation Review/Annual Project Report (PIR/APR), quarterly progress and financial reports, and ad hoc thematic and substantive reports/analysis/briefs as may be required by UNDP, GEF, CEPA and other oversight agencies; 
• Implement audit recommendations for the Project and provide inputs to audit management responses.
• Keep abreast of national environmental concerns and priorities as well as the socio-economic conditions and trends as they relate to the SGP and assess their impact on SGP’s work and programme. 
• Ensure formulation and implementation of the Country Programme Strategy (CPS), and its periodic review and update. 
• Manage the SGP grant allocations and country operating budget, maintain the financial integrity of the programme by ensuring adherence to SGP Standard Operating Procedures as well as UNOPS rules and regulations, and ensure timely and effective use of SGP resources.
• Work closely with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community-based Organizations ( CBOs) in preparation of project concepts and proposals to ensure that projects fit with the SGP Strategic Initiatives, Country Programme Strategy, and technical guidance notes;
• Authorize and manage project planning grants as required.
• Oversee ongoing SGP grant projects and conduct periodic project monitoring field visits and provide technical and operational support and guidance to SGP grantees as required.
• Plan and serve as secretary to the National Steering Committee meetings. Support and closely coordinate with the National Steering Committee and Technical Advisory Group where relevant, in the process of project proposal review, selection and approval, especially the initial appraisal of proposals and assessment of eligibility. 
• Foster programme, project, and policy linkages between the SGP and the full or medium-sized GEF projects, planned or underway in the country, as well as those of other government, donors and development partners. 
• Report periodically to the Central Programme Management Team (CPMT) on programme implementation status, including annual monitoring reporting, financial reporting, audit, and update the relevant SGP databases.
• Perform and coordinate administrative tasks (i.e. procurement, travel) adhering to SGP SOPs procurement rules and regulation, as required for programme implementation.

Facilitates and coordinates provision of high-quality technical advice, resource mobilisation and  partnerships 

• Coordinate the advisory activities of the Project’s technical staff and consultants. 
• Ensure that technical outputs are provided according to plans and up to highest technical standards. 
• Establish, maintain and facilitate strategic dialogue between Project staff and Government officials at national and local levels, NGOs, partners, donors and other stakeholders in Project sites and sectors of work. 
• Advocate positively for UNDP with partners and other stakeholders. 
• Identify resource mobilization opportunities in close collaboration with the Environment Portfolio. 
• Establish and maintain close working relationships with stakeholders as well as promote the value, comparative advantages, and ensure visibility of the SGP. 
• Assess interest and priorities of key donors and other development partners and develop/update and implement the resource mobilization and partnership strategy to mobilize resources from and develop partnerships with the government, donors and other partners to best leverage SGP resources and develop programme level partnerships.
• Support SGP grantees in securing co-financing and project level partnerships and assist in identifying opportunities and resources for sustaining and scaling up projects. 

Ensure quality assurance and monitoring and progress controls

• Sound SGP programme results and impacts, in alignment with national strategies and priorities and SGP strategy and approaches, that contribute to transformational change in society and economy to conserve the global environment and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, Innovative, technically sound and socially inclusive grant portfolio is developed and implemented. 
• Effective and efficient use of resources to create maximum project/programme impact. Increased trust by clients and donors and increased opportunities for visibility, partnerships and co-financing.
• Monitor the Project’s progress to ensure that it is in accordance with the timetable set out in the Project Document and prepare regular updates and reports to Project Boards and senior Country Office staff on progress, issues, emerging risks/problems and recommendations for remedial actions. 
• Ensure adequate systems are in place to gather data and information to monitor activities effectively against targets and result areas. 
• Monitor and provide rigorous quality assurance for the Project's financial, procurement and administrative processes to make sure that they are conducted in line with UNDP rules and regulations and within project timelines. 
• Exercise quality control over the development of a portfolio of project ideas and concepts, and closely monitor the programme implementation progress and results. 
• Undertake monitoring and evaluation of SGP Country Programme and projects, and grant maker initiatives, in coordination with National Steering Committee (NSC) and CPMT

Facilitate knowledge management and communication 

• Ensure that the Project systematically builds the capacities of implementing and project partners through the introduction of innovation and best practices. 
• Facilitates access to knowledge and expertise and promotes the application of these through the Project implementation. 
• Promote teamwork, information sharing and collaboration within the Project and between the Project Team and the larger Environment Portfolio within the UNDP Country Office. 
• Ensure capturing and dissemination of lessons learnt during the Project’s implementation. 
• Document programme/project stories, lessons learned, and best practices in SGP programme/project development, implementation, and oversight. 
• Access SGP and other global and regional knowledge, distill best practices and facilitate their dissemination and incorporation within SGP Country Programme and projects, UNDP CO, and to counterparts and partners; 
• Take part in capacity building and networking of grantees to facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote uptake through Knowledge platforms, Knowledge fairs etc.
• Organize periodic stakeholder workshops and project development sessions for civil society organizations (CSOs) and local communities, and potential applicants and other stakeholders to inform about SGP and its Strategic Initiatives

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The immediate supervisor of National Project Manager is the Chief Technical Advisor, while working under the overall guidance of the Assistant Resident Representative, Environment and Climate Change. . 

• The incumbent will have a matrix reporting line to the SGP Regional Programme Specialist, in accordance with SGP Operational Guidelines;
• The incumbent will be responsible for the supervision and development of the SGP Programme Associate/ Assistant. 

Competencies

Core Cores:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
• Learn Continuously:   LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning
• Adapt with Agility:        LE VEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
• Act with Determination:  LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously
• Engage and Partner:       LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making 

People Management

• UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.. 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies) 

Business Development -Knowledge facilitation      

• Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange.

Communications

• 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

Business Management

Results-Based Management

• Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools. 

Business Direction & Strategy            

System Thinking

• Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Project Management

• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals. Partnership management 

Strategic Engagement

• Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives.
• 2030 Agenda: Planet Nature Local Action.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental or Natural Resource Management, Economy, Public Policy, Law, Environmental Economics/Management, Business Administration or a related field is required. Or

A first level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree 

Experience:

Minimum 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience in managing environment / natural resource management projects / initiatives at national or local levels/ Development or UN agencies is required.

• Proven experience in managing and/or providing services for the design, management and monitoring and evaluation of UN/DP Programmes and/or development projects including results-based management is required.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software package (MS Word, Excel, etc.) is required.
• Progressively responsible experience in project or programme management or related area at international and/or national level is desirable. 
• Experience in any of the GEF-SGP thematic areas at the national level highly desirable.
• Knowledge of strategic programmes and operational policies of UN/DP is an asset.
• Proven experience working in a sensitive environment requiring liaison and collaboration with multiple actors (e.g. NGOs, CSOs, government, etc.) is desired.

Required Languages

• Fluency English and Tok Pisin is required. 

Equal Opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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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