Job: Global Project Manager

Location: Home based 
Deadline: Sunday, 20 October 2013 

Description

UNOPS mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need. Working in some of the world's most challenging environments, our vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness.

UNOPS provides services in sustainable infrastructure, sustainable procurement and sustainable project management, with projects ranging from building schools, roads, bridges and hospitals to procuring goods and services and training local personnel.

By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground.

We employ more than 6,000 personnel annually and on behalf of our partners create thousands more work opportunities in local communities. Through our headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark and a network of regional and country offices, we oversee activities in more than 80 countries.

UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.

Background Information - Development Group Cluster

Development Group Cluster

The UNOPS Development Group Cluster is based in the North America Office and supports a diverse and complex portfolio including partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (the Bureau for Development Policy, the Human Development Report Office, and the Special Unit for South-South Cooperation), the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Capital Development Fund, the United Nations Secretariat and a broadening community of primarily New York-based UN partners in the delivery of project management, implementation and administration services.

Background Information - Job-specificThe recruitment is under the on-going UNDP/GEF/UNOPS global project Supporting Country Action on the Programme of Work on Protected Areas. This project works in 47 countries supporting improvements in the protected area systems, in accordance with the countries' commitments under the CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas (PoWPA) approved at the VII Conference of Parties of CBD in 2004. In each country the project provides GEF financing of USD 100,000 to 250,000 (plus co-financing) supporting national Ministries of Environment and their partners in implementation of 1-5 most critical PoWPA Activities, which include ecological gap analysis, economic valuation of natural resources, establishment of vocational training courses, development of sustainable financing plans for protected areas, analyzing and improving protected area governance and legislation, etc.. The majority of the 47 countries are Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Development States (SIDS). The project operates a web-site: ‘www.protectedareas.org' presenting information on project progress. Lessons learned through this project will have a direct bearing on several ongoing knowledge management and planning efforts, including the BESNET knowledge portal, the NBSAP Forum, the BIOFIN project, and the development of NBSAPs across 45 UNDP-supported countries. The lessons from the project will also support UNDP technical teams in ensuring that products are fully incorporated into GEF VI programming. Functional ResponsibilitiesDuties and Responsibilities The Global Project Manager (GPM) will work closely with the UNDP PoPWA Project Task Manager and UNOPS Portfolio Manager to provide countries advice in support of individual countries. They will liaise with recipient countries to manage progress and ensure timely reporting; update the project web-site; inform the international community of project progress; compile global reports; and prepare information about project progress and lessons learnt for presentation to UNDP, CBD and GEF. Below are some of the functionalities: Regular support to countries and advice on implementation (40%)

• Request and evaluate final technical and financial reports from countries.
• Advise countries on opportunities to include assessment results and products into GEF VI programming.
• Provide advice and guidance on how to integrate protected area products and PoWPA Action Plans into national biodiversity planning efforts.
• Initiate action on countries with unsatisfactory performance in agreement with UNDP Project Task Manager and UNOPS. This may include: sending reminders on reporting; requesting clarifications and additional information; visiting a particular country or sending an independent reviewer on a mission; and/or requesting action of UNDP headquarters and/or Global Project Advisory Board to deal with a particular case/country.

Project lessons generation and sharing on the global level (50%)

• Prepare 'lessons-learnt' notes and project power-point presentations, and share them with UNDP, GEF, CBD as requested.
• Collaborate with the web-designer, UNOPS and UNDP project task manager to update the project website and restructure it as necessary to present lessons more effectively.
• Prepare quarterly progress bulletins and upload them to the website.
• Circulate lessons learned through media or printed materials as requested.
• Lead stream on World Parks Congress (2014).
• Contribute to the development of a publication on protected area finance.
• Collaborate with UNDP Technical Team (RTAs) in the formulation of GEF-6 projects based on key products of EAG.
• Develop, produce and disseminate publication highlighting results of Early Action Grant project showcasing range of lessons learned.
• Develop tools, learning materials and guidance documents related to key aspects of biodiversity planning, including issues related to mainstreaming, valuation, incentives, protected areas, resilience and resource mobilization.
• Advise and provide technical guidance to countries not participating in the UNDP Global Biodiversity Finance (BIOFIN) project re resource mobilization aspect of NBSAPs.
• Develop learning products and best case studies from early lessons, and regularly develop materials and resources to communication platforms, such as the UNCBD/UNDP/UNEP NBSAP Forum.
• Develop guidance, materials and technical support on protected area and biodiversity resource mobilization.

Project technical and budget reporting at the global level (10 %)

• Maintain a database on all project financing and co-financing.
• Prepare drafts of standard UNDP/GEF annual Project Progress Reports, for consideration of the UNDP Project Task Manager.
• Lead organization of the final evaluation of the project, and support its operational and financial closure.
• Control project expenditures, and prepare draft budget revisions to reflect the most realistic annual budget scenario in close collaboration with UNOPS; communicate with UNOPS Portfolio Manager regularly on financial and administrative matters.
• Provide technical support to UNDP-supported countries on a variety of issues related to protected areas, biodiversity planning and resource mobilization
• Attend global policy meetings as required

CompetenciesPlanning and Organization Excellent organizational skills; Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. Communications Excellent communication, networking and negotiation skills. Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Competency in word processing, spreadsheet and database management. Respect for Diversity Ability to work with a variety of constituents; Proven ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender and geographical balance. Respect for, and understanding of, international political processes; ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and discretion; Accountability High degree of motivation and ability to work with little supervision. Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable Education/Experience/Language requirementsEDUCATION Master's Degree or higher in Environment, Natural Resource Management or a Development related field. EXPERIENCE

• At least 10 years professional experience in environmental issues
• Experience with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and its Partners
• Demonstrated competency in biodiversity matters
• Demonstrated experience in project management, monitoring and evaluation; experience in grant management an asset
• Demonstrated close familiarity with UNDP and GEF policies and procedures
• Flexibility to travel at least 8-12 weeks per year.

LANGUAGE Proficiency in English

Contract type, level and durationContract type: International ICA Contract level: IICA-SP 4 Contract duration: Six months with the possibility of extension; subject to fund availability and satisfactory performance. For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: http://www.unops.org/ENGLISH/WHOWENEED/CONTRACT-TYPES/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements-ICAs.aspx Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks. THIS POST WILL REQUIRE EXTENSIVE TRAVEL.

More Info and Application