Job: Community Research Liaison Officer

Job code

APP051113

Location

Auki, Solomon Islands

Opening date

27 Nov 2013

Closing date

10 Jan 2013

Type

National

An opportunity has arisen for an energetic, well-organized, responsible, community minded person who enjoys interacting with a wide range of people to work with a skilled and experienced team of researchers and technical staff as part of their team. Based in Auki this person will co-ordinate activities with communities in Malaita (particularly North Malaita) to support their action plans and co-ordinate partnerships with researchers from WorldFish and other organizations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Work closely with rural communities to monitor and support community action plans around fisheries management and agriculture
• Act as the community contact person in the Auki office
• Co-ordinate partnerships with training providers
• Assist research team to conduct community and household surveys
• Collect narratives with communities and work with communications team to prepare products suitable for communities' use
• Arrange field trip logistics for action research teams
• Manage field trip funds and providing timely and accurate acquittals
• Write trip and project reports and contribute to a range of communications products
• Conduct workshops, prepare relevant material needed for training/ workshop/ conference presentations
• Communicate project findings, problems and successes with supervisor, team members in Honiara and project leader in a timely manner

Candidates are sought with:

• Bachelor's Degree in development, social science, agriculture, fisheries or geography.
• Practical experience in working with communities
• Have a strong interest in implementing strength based approaches to community development of Aquatic Agricultural Systems (fisheries, aquaculture and agriculture)
• Flexible, willing to learn, and able to work across a range of projects and activities
• Must be able to spend time working in rural communities
• Have a high level of interpersonal and communication skills in English and in Pidgin, and the ability to communicate effectively with rural communities and their leaders
• Familiar with Microsoft Office and be able to write effective field trip reports
• Have the necessary skills to have responsibility for, and acquit, funds required to support field activities
• Must be prepared to join a hard working team who are committed to enhancing the lives of Solomon Islanders through improved coastal fisheries management and aquaculture development.

More Info and Application

[read more..]

Job: Logistics Officer

Location: Port au Prince
Closing Date: Tuesday, 26 November 2013

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 -Haiti

Haiti

The UNOPS Haiti office supports international partners and the Haitian Government in their work to improve lives following the 2010 earthquake. UNOPS project managers and their local employees are helping to check the safety of damaged houses, build transitional shelters for homeless families, provide cleaner toilets for those living in camps, clear canals of debris to prevent floods, repair roads, and construct maternity centres and schools.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS Haiti Operations Centre hasbeen operating in Haiti since 2004 years providing project management services,procurement and logistics services, and management advisory services for theHaitian Government, other UN agencies and international organizations in theareas of communication, governance, engineering expertise and humanitarianassistance.

Over the years, UNOPS developed a widerange of services able to provide rapid response in complex emergencysituations, from initial humanitarian assistance to complex logistics and procurement, applied baselines surveys, multi-sectoral assessments, as well asemergency preliminary assessments for the design of physical infrastructuresfor longer-term reconstruction or recovery.

In the context of the post-emergency and development phase in Haiti, UNOPS-HTOC operations have increased significantly. The nature of HTOC current andforecasted areas of intervention are large infrastructure projects (hospitals,roads, housing, buildings), health-related procurement such as medical equipment and ambulances, large volumes of IT equipment, vehicles and other goods.

The Health Infrastructure Unit is working in close relationship with the HaitianMinistry of Health to deliver several projects including design, construction and equipment of hospitals, laboratories and other health facilities that represent priority projects for the government.

Currently,UNOPS is constructing a new 200 beds departmental hospital in Gonaives, a midwife school in Port au Prince, several vaccines and drugs, 3 community hospitals (1st level of attention) and the first public rehabilitation center for disabled people along with 2 regional laboratories.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision and guidance of the Contract/Procurement Officer for quality assurance and the overall direction of the Head of Health Infrastructure Unit, the Logistics Officer (LO)shall be responsible for ensuring that all the logistical requirements of the Unit Projects are satisfactorily completed in a timely manner and in accordance with the Financial Regulations and Rules of UNOPS. The LO will have to work closely with every Project Manager or Coordinator of the Unit in order to understand their respective project's priorities, forecasts, and constraints. To this end, the Logistics Officer shall:

• Develop a monthly work plan based on the logistical requirements of the Unit Projects divided into three parts: (i) identifying the needs of the each Project (i.e. goods, services, works) and raise the appropriate requisitions, (ii) tracking of the incoming shipments/deliveries of the each project, and (iii) scheduling the movement of goods from each Project's premises to the work site and vice-versa; to this end, the Logistics Officer shall supervise the activities of the Project's Logistics Associates to ensure that all activities in the work plan are achieved in a timely and cost effective manner.
• Assist the Contract/Procurement Officer in ensuring that contracts are managed properly in accordance with the contract's internal control mechanisms such as, but not limited to, issuance of work orders, task orders, trip tickets, etc.; and to this end, ensure the proper accounting of all work orders and the like so that payment is made only for portions of the service that have been satisfactorily delivered;
• Ensure that project-funded assets are accounted for in accordance with the administrative instruction pertaining to the management of property, plant and equipment (PPE); ensure that the transfer/handover of assets are documented through the use of established forms (e.g. check-in forms, handover forms, loss and damage reports, investigation reports and check-out forms);
• Ensure timely payment of all invoices by establishing workflow procedures and internal control mechanisms for conducting receiving and inspection, invoice matching and request for payments; ensure likewise that the project has a record of outstanding warranties in case of disputes in the future;
• Liaise with and supervise the Project's Head Driver to ensure that the dispatch of vehicles are accounted for, maintain and update maintenance record of the Projects' vehicles (except for rented vehicles), and ensure that the vehicles are cleaned and inspected on a daily basis;
• Liaise/coordinate with UNOPS-HTOC's Logistics Unit with respect to (i) receiving and inspection of goods directly delivered to HTOC office, (ii) asset management of project-funded assets, and (iii) such other contracts of HTOC's Logistics Unit where the Project is either piggy-backing or utilizing the contractor's or vendor's goods/services/works;
• Prepare request for franchise for the tax- and duty-free entry of goods imported from other countries, and coordinate with HTOC's broker by requesting the Logistics Unit to raise the appropriate work/task order;
• Coordinate with field operations for the technical evaluation of bids/offers received by each Project in response to requisitions raised by field operations, and ensure that technical evaluation are undertaken in a fair, transparent and objective manner;
• Maintain an effective filing system for the Unit Projects' logistical requirements including, but not limited to, requisitions, technical evaluations, tender abstracts, POs, contracts, work/task orders, trip tickets, invoices, receiving and inspection reports, request for payments, work plans, personnel check-in/check-out forms, asset handover reports, loss and damage reports, investigation reports, warehouse inventory reports, etc.
• Coordinate with the HTOC's Logistics Unit for the proper disposal or transfer of assets in accordance with established procedures and administrative instructions;
• Ensure that Unit Projects' assets and vehicles are properly maintained in accordance with the warranty coverage of the asset, and ensure that it is properly checked by qualified technicians in accordance with the equipment's/vehicle's manual
• Performs such other duties and responsibilities as may be required or which may be considered as germane or analogous to the functions of a logistics officer depending on the operational requirements of the Unit Project.
• Assist the Contract/Procurement Officer in developing and maintaining a trip-ticket system to account for all cargo movements as well as the use of Project-owned and Project-rented vehicles, which shall include, as a minimum, the distance traveled by vehicles and the amount of cargo transported from one location to another;
• Assist the Contract/Procurement Officer in evaluating on a periodic basis (monthly or quarterly as may be appropriate) the utilization and cost-effectiveness of each Project's rented vehicles to ensure that utilization is maximized to the fullest extent possible and that overall cost is reasonably justified;

Education/Experience/Language requirements

• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance and Economics or any other related field; A Bachelor's degree in combination with relevant years of experience may be accepted in lieu of master's degree
• 2 years minimum experience is required
• Logistics/Inventory background
• Fluent in oral and written French and English;

Competencies

• Proven Strong leadership qualities;
• Flexibility in understanding any kind of assignment;
• Computer literate, thorough knowledge of MS Office and other computer software applications in use;
• Capable of working in a multi-national/cultural environment;
• Reliable and able to work under pressure, with long hours;
• Able to travel to the UNOPS areas of operations;

Contract type, level and duration Contract type:Local Individual Contractor (LICA) Contract level: Level 5 Contract duration: 6 months 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.

More Info and Application

[read more..]

Job: GENDER POLICY SPECIALIST

Location :

Panama City, PANAMA

Application Deadline :

03-Dec-13

Additional Category

Management

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Post Level :

P-4

Languages Required :

English Spanish

Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)

01-Jan-2014

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year renewable

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 year renewable

Background

UNDP is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP has a longstanding commitment to mainstreaming gender equality and promoting women's empowerment in its work. As the UN's lead development agency, with extensive field presence, UNDP has facilitated the integration of gender equality in the work of Country Offices through core and non-core fund investments and has initiated and implemented numerous innovative initiatives, some of them in partnership with UNWomen, that support both government and civil society work on gender issues.

UNDP is currently working its Gender Equality Strategy 2014-2017. The new strategy will be aligned with UNDP's Strategic Plan and will seek to ensure that the gender equality be central to the organization's strategic vision and planning for the next four years. In order for UNDP to sustain momentum and achieve measurable gender equality results, the organization has to continue restructuring itself and building its internal capacity to address the gender dimensions in all its work.

During the last 4 years (linked to the implementation of the first Gender Equality Strategy 2008-2013), UNDP has strengthened its capacity in Latin America and the Caribbean to support national counterparts to formulate policies, plans, programmes and projects promoting gender equality and women's empowerment through knowledge management.

The Regional Centre in Panama serves 24 country offices in Latin America and the Caribbean region. The overall priorities of the UNDP Regional Centers are to help countries in the region to better achieve development results through:

• Provision of policy advisory, programme development and technical support services to UNDP country offices;
• Implementation of regional programmes;
• Building of partnerships and the promotion of regional capacity development initiatives.

The Regional Centres are organized along the lines of UNDP practice areas.

In general, when it comes to gender, the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region sustained important progress in the institutional reforms oriented towards achieving gender equality, in accordance with the Beijing Platform for Action and the signing of international agreements like the CEDAW, including constitutional changes, the approval of laws to protect women, the creation of ministries or institutions for women's affairs, civil code modifications and the adoption of policies aimed toward gender equality . Another advance related to the higher participation of women in decision making bodies is the recognition of topics in which they are directly affected such as sexual and reproductive health rights (maternal mortality, teen pregnancy), the care economy and violence against women, among others. Although there have been setbacks and general obstacles to the effective implementation of the laws (such as impunity and the lack of financing, evaluation and compliance), these reforms represent an opportunity to strengthen women's rights. Along with this, the strong presence of emerging groups (Afro-descendants, indigenous people, youth, and LGBTTI groups, etc.) is posing multiple demands to build a citizen democracy in various countries of the region.

At the same time the majority of the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are facing a paradigm shift expressed in a growing family diversity and the transformation of gender roles within it. The latter is associated with the massive incorporation of women into the labor market. Between 1990 and 2008, the average female participation rate in Latin America grew more than 10 percentage points, ending the decade at 53%. These changes have led some countries in the region to respond to the new social needs through public policies oriented towards reconciling home and work lives from a social co-responsibility perspective. Social protection public policies that include the organization of care, laws regarding leaves of absence, as well as proposals for measuring time poverty are important advances from the last decades together with the adoption of legal frameworks oriented towards recognizing and guaranteeing labor and social rights. Likewise, and despite a higher level of education, women have been able to gain more access to employment but of lesser quality in terms of a decent job, meaning remuneration, social protection, stability and the exercise of their labor rights. The burden of family responsibilities is the basis for the discrimination and disadvantages that they experience in the labor market.

At the individual economic level, poverty affects women most severely since they lack the same levels of economic autonomy enjoyed by men. Moreover, women do not have/control their own income compared to men (57% of women do not have their own income vis a vis 20% of men in the rural sector and 43% women vis a vis 20% in the urban sector) and 86% of single parent households are headed by a woman (in urban sectors).

In the political realm, substantial advances have been achieved in terms of greater presence of women in parliaments and decision making spaces. The most decisive factor to explain this trend is the adoption of affirmative actions or quota laws. However, the region should continue advancing the parity agenda and also support women's decision-making capacities within a system of power steeped in imbalances and restrictions on women.

As the most visible manifestation of discrimination against women, violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread human rights violations, constituting a threat to democracy. It is a barrier to achieving peace, a public health and social justice problem, as well as a burden on national economies. It is violence based on gender inequalities and discrimination.

The Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean (RBLAC) Gender Strategy and Action Plan addresses these crucial gender issues and outlines UNDP's priorities for work in the region on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Post Specific Context:

The Gender Practice Area of the UNDP Regional Center was set up in 2009 with the aim of promoting technical, political and cultural changes to gender equality in Latin America and the Caribbean. To achieve this goal the Area should strengthen national capacities for gender mainstreaming, support country offices to address these key priorities and support the implementation of the Gender Equality Strategy in the region.

The Gender Practice Area develops several key regional projects among which include 'America Latina Genera, knowledge management for gender equality', 'Innovation, Knowledge, and Gender Equality in LAC' , 'Political Participation of Women in Parliaments and diversity' and 'Gender Equality Management System in private sector', among others. The strategies in which the Area work is based are knowledge management, building partnerships, South-South cooperation and capacity development.

Presently, the Gender Practice Area is comprised by a Practice Leader, a P-3 Gender Specialist, a Programme/Finance Associate and a regional project team 'Latin America Genera'. The area needs to make a shift in the qualification of its team facing the new changes UNDP is going to undertake in the next years, in order to implement and manage the current cross-practice projects, to widen the advisory services and to build on the current competencies of UNDP country offices and national counterparts to formulate policies, plans, programmes and projects in order to promote gender equality and women's empowerment. As the post also intends to create regional spaces for exchange and learning so that gender and human development are at the center of our interventions in the LAC region, a senior specialist is required.

This position will work with the Team Leader of the Cluster to improve services delivery and to coordinate and manage all aspects of the gender LAC projects portfolio to assure successful implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Gender Practice Leader, the incumbent will carry out different responsibilities for the provision of gender technical assistance to UNDP/UN Agencies initiatives; LAC UNDP Country Offices and LAC UNDP regional Practice/ Practice Areas teams and, through them, to governments and other national actors in the areas of gender and democratic governance, gender mainstreaming, knowledge management and communication. The incumbent will also support the gender team specifically on the coordination and implementation of the Annual Work Plan.

Functions / Key Results Expected

The incumbent will be expected to have specific results in the following areas:

• Leadership, Coordination and practice management;
• Implementation of regional projects, oversight and support;
• Provision of top quality policy advocacy and advisory services to the regional and national organizations, country offices and national partners;
• Coordination of the Communication and Knowledge strategy.

Leadership, coordination and practice management

• Establishing and mainstreaming a strategic understanding of, and engagement with the substantive technical issues, institutions and processes within the region, including the regional Community of Practice, establishing contact with COs, and through COs developing strategic partnership with other agencies, donors, NGOs, the private sector, academia and the like;
• Prepare annual work plan to mainstream gender into the RSC overall integrated work plan;
• Identify regional and sub-regional development and integration opportunities and translates them into capacity development initiatives to address cross border issues;
• Coordinate and inform cross-practice collaboration in the RSC and capitalize on the approaches and tools in other practices,
• Support the Gender Team Leader to provide substantive and managerial coordination of the regional gender team and coordination for all personnel engaged in related operational activities in the RSC;
• Support and oversee regional gender programme activities and gender mainstreaming in the regional programme;
• At the UNDP CO´s and UNDLAC request, promote the integration of Gender into the CCA and UNDAF process and in its portafolio;
• Support the Gender Team Leader in establishing new partnerships with national and regional institutions, organizations, networks and agencies, especially UN agencies;
• Contribute to the development and formulation of global and regional policies, norms and standards in UNDP;

Implementation of regional projects, oversight and support

• Provide effective support for the overall day to day management of all aspects of the gender LAC projects portfolio on Democratic Governance, Gender Mainstreaming and for America Latina Genera- Gestión del Conocimiento para la Igualdad de Género and for timely feedback and reporting on implementation of programmes in support of the gender architecture;
• Ensure effective management of the projects through effective application and quality control of RBM tools, Atlas management, monitoring achievement of results, coordination of the mandatory and budget re-phasing exercises, closure of projects through review, participates in recruitment processes for Project;
• Prepare the gender work plan to integrate into the RSC overall work plan;
• Prepare global and regional reports about gender activities and projects;
• Contribute to the formulation of regional and CO programmes drawing upon lessons from programmes and other initiatives in the region and from global experiences;
• Oversee support to country offices on gender issues and liaise with country offices to support the inclusion of gender dimensions at the planning and programming stages of country and regional programmes;
• Support resource mobilization for gender in the region and develop multi-partner proposals; assists in the analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for initiation of new Project;
• Coordinate the Gender Associate Experts Network of the RSC.

Provision of top quality policy advocacy and advisory services to the regional and national organizations, country offices and national partners

• Provide Quality Assurance to ensure alignment with global development policies, norms and standards;
• Co-ordinate with the Gender Practice Leader delivery of demand-driven service delivery to country offices and regional programmes ensuring professionalism in support – e.g. timelines, responsiveness, quality in deliverables, etc;
• Ensure cross-practice approach and cross-regional collaboration;
• Development of country-oriented support tools addressing specific country request and challenges;
• Strengthen internal CO capacity on the use of UNDP corporate practice development frameworks; providing substantive advice and support and organizing capacity development activities;
• Promote partnership building with regional and local institutions and consultancies.
• Provide Quality Assurance to ensure alignment with global development policies, norms and standards;

Coordination of the Communication and Knowledge strategy

• Mobilizing the Gender Community of Practice at the regional level, by providing training and networking opportunities;
• Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to country policy goals;
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
• Ensure that all activities and projects are systematized and shared with the rest of the region through knowledge management;
• Ensure regular systematization of product as well as their translation into other languages;
• Support the implementation of a communication strategy and oversee the performance and actualization of the Regional Services Center and Gender web sites;
• Ensure the systematization, publication, translation and dissemination of all activities;
• Reflect the region-wide lessons learnt, best practices and knowledge into UNDP's strategies in the region;

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the efficiency of the Area as the incumbent will assume several initiatives included in Annual Gender Practice Area Work Plan and also he/she will contribute with research, analysis, technical assistance to improve services for Country Office focal points, internal and external clients and facilitate subsequent action by the supervisor. Incumbent's own initiative is decisive in results of work and timely finalization. The key results have an impact on the success of the projects within specific area of Gender. In particular, the key results have an impact on the design, operation and programming of activities and creation of strategic partnerships. The Gender Specialist´s role will impact the strengthening of the practice gender architecture of UNDP, the quality and relevance of programme and project services and the results of UNDP's programmes in the region in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

• Knowledge Management and Learning;
• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
• In-depth knowledge on development issues;
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice;
• Demonstrated substantive leadership and ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic, policy and operational objectives;
• Ability to strongly promote and build knowledge products;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
• Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects;
• Good knowledge of the Results Management Guide and Toolkit;
• Strong IT skills.

Management and Leadership

• Strong managerial/leadership experience and decision-making skills;
• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Strong ability to manage teams; creating an enabling environment, mentoring and developing staff;
• Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Ability to develop good inter-personal relationships and encourage team-building;
• Strong resource mobilization and partnering skill.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master's Degree or equivalent in Gender and Development, Social Sciences, Economics and/or Development Studies or related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in gender and development Experience in working with UN-UNDP CO;
• Work experience from a developing country or the LAC region highly desirable;
• Experience in leading/managing knowledge product development and dissemination;
• Demonstrated ability in coordination projects in gender and knowledge management; Experience in advisory on gender mainstreaming;
• Substantial experience in working with governments and international organizations on gender development issues;
• Ability to synthesize and analyze scientific, technical and policy documents;
• Experience with UNDP project cycle and general procedures;
• Knowledge on gender public policies and/or gender mainstreaming is a must;
• Knowledge on Communication will be desirable.

Language requirements:

• Fluency in Spanish and English is essential;
• Excellent written and verbal communication required;
• Working knowledge in Portuguese or French will be an asset.

Note:

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified. The electronic version of a UN Personal History Form (P.11) can be downloaded from the UNDP RSC website: http://www.regionalcentrelac-undp.org/en/p11forms.

Click here for important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders).

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

More Info and Application

[read more..]

Job: CONSULTANT - EITT EXPERT ROSTER (THE CARIBBEAN) - SP1 CLEAN ENERGY

Location : Home-based (with travel to the Caribbean)

Application Deadline : 02-Dec-13

Type of Contract : Individual Contract

Post Level : International Consultant

Languages Required : English French

Expected Duration of Assignment :Short/Long Term Assignments (subject to regional/country needs)

Background

UNDP Environment and Energy Group (EEG) is based in UNDP's Bureau of Development Policy and is responsible for providing leadership and technical support to delivery of the Environment and Sustainable Development pillar of UNDP's Strategic Plan. The principal areas of work are in environmental mainstreaming, environmental finance, adaptation to climate change, and local governance of resources, including energy. The Regional Service Centre (RSC) for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), located in Panama, is organized into substantive technical teams. The technical team for Energy, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology (EITT) provides high quality technical guidance and support to policy and project development and implementation partners, primarily UNDP country offices (CO) in the LAC region.

Specifically, the EITT team attracts and directs public and private investment, towards catalyzing and supporting environmentally sustainable pathways for energy use and supply, climate resilient infrastructure and low carbon transport and mobility. It provides detailed knowledge on related to sources of funds for environment work, and assists partners to obtain, use, and report on, such funding, with the main sources of funds including but not limited to: the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and its Adaptation Funds (LDCF, SCCF); the CDM carbon market; bilateral, multilateral, and sub-national donors; and partners including governments, NGOs, and the private sector.

Under the Signature Programme 1 (SP1 Clean Energy) 'Promoting access to clean and affordable energy systems and services', the EITT team works to address the urgent need to achieve greater access to clean energy for the poor, while at the same time enhancing the quality, security and affordability of energy services, based mainly on sustainable use of biomass and other renewable energies (e.g. wind, solar and small hydro), delivering electricity (both on-grid/mini-grid and off-grid solutions), providing clean fuel for heating and cooking, and promoting the productive use of energy (e.g. for agriculture or other sustainable livelihood purposes).

Duties and Responsibilities

Consultants selected for the roster will be working with the UNDP RSC for LAC and/or COs in the region to develop Energy, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology (EITT) projects under various climate change thematic areas. Based on finally agreed upon technical deliverables, and operational reporting lines, these experts will be utilized for short-term assignments to undertake specific tasks, including but not limited to the following:

• Assist in responding to requests from government counterparts and project proponents to develop Project Identification Forms (PIF), Project Preparation Grant (PPG) requests, and other project documentation for identified EITT priorities under the SP1 Clean Energy themes;
• Based on the identified long-term solution to be sought by the project, identify the barriers hampering the achievement of this solution, the proposed outcomes and outputs, as well as accompanying impact indicators, identified risks and critical assumptions, including suggested implementation arrangements for successful project delivery;
• Based on desk review and/or mission travel to Latin America (including Dominican Republic, Belize and Cuba), develop the proposal in collaboration with the relevant government, proponent, and CO per RSC guidance;
• Support the preparatory phase, and work with the RSC, CO, project proponent and relevant stakeholders to develop and review all comments received on the project documentation from countries, GEF Secretariat, STAP and other agencies, and finalize it, including project results framework, the Project Document and Request for CEO Endorsement, for approval;
• Identify potential co-financing contributions from project partners and stakeholders, advise on steps required for securing such co-financing contributions during the project preparation period, and obtain relevant documentation (e.g. co-financing letters);
• Support project inception and implementation phases with organization of workshops, Project Board and Steering Committee meetings, relate reports, and annual Project Implementation Reviews (PIRs), developing and implementing the monitoring plan, including to account for and track greenhouse gases emission reduction impact;
• Assist project teams in designing and implementing knowledge management plans, preparing project-related publications, capturing and analysis of best practices and lessons learnt, substantive contribution to public events and other KM products and activities;
• Undertake mid-term and final independent evaluations of EITT projects in the above areas.

Competencies

• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities, communication and leadership skills;
• Strong strategic planning, results-based management and reporting capabilities;
• Display cultural, gender, religion, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Familiarity with the Latin America and the Caribbean region preferable;
• Excellent team player with good interpersonal skills in multi-cultural environments;
• Ability to prepare financial/technical analyses, GHG estimations and logical frameworks;
• Ability to manage workload with minimum supervision, under pressure for tight deadlines.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree in energy, economics, engineering, or related climate change mitigation fields.

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in the field of climate change mitigation, i.e. with projects and policies on energy efficiency, renewable energy, technology transfer, sustainable transport and/or climate-resilient infrastructure;
• Proven and recent experience in the last 3-5 years with project design, formulation, development, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of international technical assistance projects;
• Knowledge of the latest GEF Focal Area Strategies under Climate Change Mitigation;
• Experience with GEF project development cycle, formulation of Project Documents;
• Experience in the Caribbean or comparable SIDS exposure (e.g. Africa, the Pacific) is a must.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) - Note: bilingual command of French required for Haiti.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

More Info and Application

[read more..]

Job: CONSULTANT - EITT EXPERT ROSTER (THE CARIBBEAN) - SP2 URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE

Location : Home-based (with travel to the Caribbean)

Application Deadline : 02-Dec-13

Type of Contract : Individual Contract

Post Level : International Consultant

Languages Required : English French

Expected Duration of Assignment :Short/Long Term Assignments (subject to regional/country needs)

Background

UNDP Environment and Energy Group (EEG) is based in UNDP's Bureau of Development Policy and is responsible for providing leadership and technical support to delivery of the Environment and Sustainable Development pillar of UNDP's Strategic Plan. The principal areas of work are in environmental mainstreaming, environmental finance, adaptation to climate change, and local governance of resources, including energy. The Regional Service Centre (RSC) for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), located in Panama, is organized into substantive technical teams. The technical team for Energy, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology (EITT) provides high quality technical guidance and support to policy and project development and implementation partners, primarily UNDP country offices (CO) in the LAC region.

Specifically, the EITT team attracts and directs public and private investment, towards catalyzing and supporting environmentally sustainable pathways for energy use and supply, climate resilient infrastructure and low carbon transport and mobility. It provides detailed knowledge on related to sources of funds for environment work, and assists partners to obtain, use, and report on, such funding, with the main sources of funds including but not limited to: the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and its Adaptation Funds (LDCF, SCCF); the CDM carbon market; bilateral, multilateral, and sub-national donors; and partners including governments, NGOs, and the private sector.

Under the Signature Programme 2 (SP2 Urban Infrastructure) 'Promoting low emission and climate resilient urban and transport infrastructure', the EITT team aims at promoting low emission urban and transport infrastructure and systems by enhancing the quality, affordability and security of energy and optimize its use, by integrating energy efficiency in buildings; by promoting sustainable, climate resilient urban and transport system planning and design, clean energy production, waste management and synergies in select industries (e.g. tourism, water).

Duties and Responsibilities

Consultants selected for the roster will be working with the UNDP RSC for LAC and/or COs in the Caribbean to develop Energy, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology (EITT) projects under various climate change thematic areas. Based on finally agreed upon technical deliverables, and operational reporting lines, these experts will be utilized for short-term assignments to undertake specific tasks, including but not limited to the following:

• Assist in responding to requests from government counterparts and project proponents to develop Project Identification Forms (PIF), Project Preparation Grant (PPG) requests, and other project documentation for identified EITT priorities under the SP2 Urban Infrastructure themes.\
• Based on the identified long-term solution to be sought by the project, identify the barriers hampering the achievement of this solution, the proposed outcomes and outputs, as well as accompanying impact indicators, identified risks and critical assumptions, including suggested implementation arrangements for successful project delivery;
• Based on desk review and/or mission travel to the Caribbean, develop the proposal in collaboration with the relevant government, proponent, and CO per RSC guidance;
• Support the preparatory phase, and work with the RSC, CO, project proponent and relevant stakeholders to develop and review all comments received on the project documentation from countries, GEF Secretariat, STAP and other agencies, and finalize it, including project results framework, the Project Document and Request for CEO Endorsement, for approval;
• Identify potential co-financing contributions from project partners and stakeholders, advise on steps required for securing such co-financing contributions during the project preparation period, and obtain relevant documentation (e.g. co-financing letters);
• Support project inception and implementation phases with organization of workshops, Project Board and Steering Committee meetings, relate reports, and annual Project Implementation Reviews (PIRs), developing and implementing the monitoring plan, including to account for and track greenhouse gases emission reduction impact;
• Assist project teams in designing and implementing knowledge management plans, preparing project-related publications, capturing and analysis of best practices and lessons learnt, substantive contribution to public events and other KM products and activities;
• Undertake mid-term and final independent evaluations of EITT projects in the above areas.

Competencies

• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities, communication and leadership skills;
• Experience with GEF project development cycle, formulation of Project Documents;
• Strong strategic planning, results-based management and reporting capabilities;
• Display cultural, gender, religion, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Familiarity with the Caribbean or comparable SIDS exposure (e.g. Atlantic, Indian or Pacific oceans);
• Excellent team player with good interpersonal skills in multi-cultural environments;
• Ability to prepare financial/technical analyses, GHG estimations and logical frameworks;
• Ability to manage workload with minimum supervision, under pressure for tight deadlines.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree in energy, economics, engineering, or related climate change fields.

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in the field of climate change mitigation and adaptation, i.e. with projects and policies on energy efficiency, sustainable transport and/or climate-resilient infrastructure;
• Proven and recent experience in the last 3-5 years with project design, formulation, development, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of international technical assistance projects;
• Knowledge of the latest GEF Focal Area Strategies under Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation;
• Experience in the Caribbean or comparable SIDS exposure (e.g. Atlantic, Indian or Pacific oceans) is a must.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) - Note: bilingual command of French required for Haiti.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

More Info and Application

[read more..]

Job: CONSULTANT TO SUPPORT GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO IN PROGRAMMING IPA II SUPPORT FOR JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS SECTOR

Location :

Home based and Podgorica, MONTENEGRO

Application Deadline :

28-Nov-13

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Post Level :

International Consultant

Languages Required :

English

Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)

02-Dec-2013

Duration of Initial Contract :

12 months

Expected Duration of Assignment :

20 days within period from December 1st, 2013 – October 1st, 2014

Background

On its path toward European Union membership, Montenegro makes important steps. The negotiations on Accession to EU were opened on 29th of June 2012, and so far Montenegro completed screening process and successfully opened and temporary closed two negotiation Chapters: 25 – Science and Research and 26 – Education and Culture. In terms of EU financial assistance, 235.7 million euros were allocated to Montenegro within the framework of Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) under the multi-annual financial perspective of EU for the period 2007-2013. The implementation of IPA programmes is currently managed by the EU Delegation in Podgorica. Montenegro is preparing the national authorities for the decentralised implementation of IPA programmes and it has already submitted application packages for the conferral of management for IPA Components I-IV. New EU multi-annual financial framework for 2014-2020 will be defined by the end of the year. Following the experience with on-going IPA, within this financial framework, the new Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance - IPA II will be deployed. As defined in art 2 of the Draft IPA II regulation , the financial assistance shall pursue the following specific objectives: (a) support for political reforms, (b) support for economic, social and territorial development, (c) strengthening the ability of the beneficiary country to fulfill the obligations stemming from membership in the EU by supporting progressive alignment with the EU acquis, (d) strengthening regional integration and territorial cooperation.

In this respect, IPA II should be more coherent, strategic, efficient, better targeted, more result oriented, and based on a sector wide approach aiming at improving the readiness of Montenegro for EU membership. Based on a strategic and sector wide approach, including multi-annually targeted intervention programmes, IPA II should support EU accession process through enhancing economic and social development in Montenegro, underpinning a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth agenda in line with the Europe 2020 strategy and to align progressively with the Copenhagen criteria. Under this new framework, stronger cooperation and coordination among the institutions is required and the programming process should ensure coherence between the EU financial assistance and national resources supporting the implementation of the pre-accession strategy.

This indicates that one of a major innovation in the IPA II instrument is focused at strengthening a sector approach in the utilization of future assistance. The sector approach under ΙΡA II is defined as a process which aims to broaden government and national ownership over public sector policy and decisions on resource allocation within the sector, thereby increasing the coherence between sector policy, government spending and the achievement of results.

IPA II includes support through the following policy areas: Transition process and Institution building; Regional Development; Employment, Social policies and Human Resources development; Agriculture and Rural Development; and Regional and Territorial Cooperation. In order to help programming process within the beneficiary countries, European Commission prepares a comprehensive Common Strategic Framework (CSF) and, in even stronger cooperation with beneficiary countries, multi-annual Country (or multi-country) Strategy Papers (CSPs) which should reflect the priorities in each policy area per country and/or on multi-country level for period 2014-2020. The Country Strategy Paper will be articulated around sectors grouped per policy area, and in the latter phase of programming process the Sector Programmes will cover the translation of the priorities and objectives identified in the CSP, at the level of sector, into specific programme/measures/actions/projects.

The fundamentally important national strategic documents in Montenegro for the period until 2020 are the National Programme for Accession, as a basic strategic document for harmonization of national legislation with EU acquis, which will be prepared by the end of 2013; the already adopted Action plans for negotiations chapters 23 and 24 and other action plans for particular negotiation chapters; the Development Directions of Montenegro for 2013-2016 and Pre-accession Economic Programme 2013-2016 (PEP). In addition, there are number of sectorial strategic documents which are relevant for specific sectors.

The process of drafting CSF and Country Strategy papers has already started and is built on national strategies in beneficiary countries for the next 7-year period.

The drafted Country Strategy Paper for Montenegro, as the main strategic multi-annual programming document for period 2014-2020, predicts design of the following sectors:

• 1) Justice, Home Affairs and Fundamental Rights;
• 2) Public Administration Reform;
• 3) Human resources Development;
• 4) Private Sector Development, Competitiveness and Innovation;
• 5) Agriculture and Rural Development;
• 6) Environment and Climate Changes;
• 7) Transport;
• 8) Energy; and
• 9) Cross-border Cooperation, which will be part of multi-country strategy paper.

Very important sector in new programming process is Justice and Home Affairs and Fundamental Rights (JHA&FR). This sector covers two accession negotiation chapters: Chapter 23: Judiciary and Fundamental rights, and Chapter 24: Justice Freedom and Security. Regarding future programming of IPA actions within this Sector the already adopted Action plans for negotiations chapters 23 and 24, as well as negotiation positions of the Government of Montenegro for these two chapters have particular importance. The preparation of JHA&FR Sector support programme for IPA II assistance will include result and activities planned in some other strategic documents such are: Strategy of Justice Reform (which is under development); Strategy to combat corruption and organized crime 2010-2014; Strategy for the prevention and suppression of terrorism, money laundering and terrorism financing 2010-2014; Strategy for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings 2012 – 2018; Strategy for the reintegration of returned persons on the basis of the Agreement on readmission 2011-2015; Strategy for Resolving the issues of refugees and internally displaced persons in Montenegro, with special reference to the area of Konik 2011-2015; Strategy for integration of persons with disabilities 2008-2016; Strategy for the minority policy 2008 - 2018; Strategy against Domestic Violence 2011-2015; Action plan for achieving gender equality 2013-2017; Strategy of improving the quality of life for LGBT people 2013 – 2018; Integrated Border Management Strategy 2013-2016; National Security Strategy.

These documents as well as other Government's plans and needs will be basis for further development of JHA&FR sector. Designing of this sector support programme within IPA II will include key objectives and measures, already defined in Action plans for Chapters 23 and 24, that need to be implemented for the purpose of establishing the independent judiciary; impartiality, accountability, professionalism, and strengthened competences of judges and public prosecutors; successful decline of the level of corruption and organized crime within Montenegrin society, as well as improved quality of implementation of fundamental rights and improved quality of life of all minority and vulnerable groups.

JHA&FR sector is comprehensive field of work with number of included relevant stakeholders, from the Ministries of Justice, Interior and Human and Minority Rights to the State Prosecutor office, courts on all level, Police Department, Customs Administration, Directorate for Anticorruption, and Bureau for the care of Refugees etc.

For IPA II programming this sector can be divided into following five main subsectors: Judiciary, Fight against corruption, Fundamental rights, Migration, Asylum, Visa policy, External Border and Schengen, Fight against organized crime.

Judiciary

A new strategy for judicial reform for the period 2012-2018, which is in the process of development, should ensure the strengthening of the independence, efficiency and professionalism of the judiciary. The main objectives of judicial reform are: strengthening the independence and accountability of the judiciary as well as increasing the efficiency and professionalism within the judicial system in Montenegro. Strategic documents in this subsector already recognized the needs for further support: development of a recruitment and promotion system for judges and prosecutors based on the of standards of performance and regular assessments for judges and their permanent horizontal transfer; rationalization of the judicial network; strengthening of the enforcement system; strengthening of the Judicial Training Centre; development of a reliable statistical system.

Fight against corruption

Montenegro needs to strengthen capacities for the implemetnation of the further improved legal and institutional framework for prevention and suppression of corruption and preventiomn of conflict of interess. Montenegro also needs to effectively implement free access to information rules and strengthen the protection of whistle-blowers. Capacities and expertise need to be strengthened in particular in the area of financial investigation and in the area of seizure, confiscation, and management of proceeds of crime. The initially recognised needs for further support within this subsector are strengthening and revising the institutional framework for prevention of corruption and conflict of interest as well as for controlling asset declarations of public officials. Beside the fields for further support are control of political party funding, free access to information, protection of whistle-blowers, as well as inter-agency cooperation in area of financial investigation, seizure, confiscation, and management of proceeds of crime.

Fundamental rights

The basic objectives of IPA support in this filed should help Montenegro in improvement of the legal and institutional framework for the comprehensive protection of fundamental rights (civil and political rights as well as social, economic and cultural ones) and anti-discrimination. More specifically, already recognized needs are in areas of the enforcement of fundamental rights, discrimination against some particular vulnerable groups (such are Roma, IDPs, LGBT population, women and persons with disabilities), gender equality, LGBT rights, Trade unions rights, personal data protection, the penitentiary system, mental health.

Migration, Asylum, Visa policy, External Border and Schengen

The basic legal and institutional framework in these areas is in place, but Montenegro need to achieve full alignment with EU and international standards in both asylum and migration. Alignment with the EU acquis in the field of visa and borders/Schengen will be a major technical and financial challenge and IPA II should provide additional support in these fields. A comprehensive Schengen Action Plan, covering visa policy and Schengen acquis alignment, as well as new strategy and an action plan for Integrated Border Management need to be developed and further implemented. All that will require substantial investments to modernize equipment and facilities at the border.

Fight against organised crime

Within the framework of organized crime the key challenges in Montenegro are the fight against drug smuggling, trafficking in human beings, money-laundering. The existing legal framework requires changes to reach the full alignment with the EU and international standards in this area. Also capacity of the authorities to effectively counter organized crime needs to be improved. These efforts contain modernizing of the technical equipment, including IT databases, but also improved quality human resources reinforce inter-institutional cooperation.

In order to be capable to develop high quality support programmes in various sectors defined in CSP, NIPAC office as well as SPOs and their units in line ministries will need additional support. As a consequence, the Capacity Development Programme (CDP) is implementing project which answers on some of the most pressing challenges regarding the development of capacities to ensure adequate and timely preparations of the Country Strategic Paper, and annual/multi-annual sector programmes and their measures, actions and/or projects. As a part of this project CDP will engage international expert for support the Government in programming JHA&FR sector support programme within IPA II.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives of the assignment: The objective of the assignment is to support NIPAC office and other structure of the Government of Montenegro in development of Sector support programme/measures/actions/projects for Justice, Home Affairs and Fundamental Rights.

Job content and expected results: During his/her assignment in Montenegro, the consultant will have a number of meetings with representatives of Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, and other relevant stakeholders involved in preparation of the JHA&FR sector support programme, as well as with MFAEI, Delegation of European Commission and Capacity Development Programme.

In order to be better prepared for work, consultant will receive in advance all relevant documents related to his/her engagement and tasks, such as: drafted Country Strategy Paper for Montenegro, Action plans for Chapters 23 and 24, as well as other relevant sector strategies in areas of Justice, Home Affairs and Fundamental rights.

The international consultant will perform the:

• Review the relevant strategic documents in field of JHA&FR, which will be sent to her/him prior the first visit to Montenegro in order to assess their suitability for sector wide approach in IPA II programming;
• Conduct needs assessment and analyses the readiness of Montenegrin structures to apply sector wide approach in area of Justice, Home Affairs and Fundamental Rights;
• Review second draft of CSP and provide relevant inputs for its improvement in area of JHA&FR;
• Assist JHA&FR sector working group in understanding and defining correlation between CSP, policy area, sectors, measurers and indicators applying holistic approach to the sector but also providing quality inputs for each of the programming segment and development of relevant documents;
• Organize coaching and ‘on the job training' on IPA II programming for staff in beneficiary institutions which participate in programming process for JHA&FR sector;
• Coordinate the work of engaged short term experts for specific tasks in field of JHA&FR sector support programme/measures/actions/projects development if needed;
• Draft JHA&FR sector support programme/measures/actions/projects;
• Prepare a report on completed tasks at the end of his/her engagement.

Timing and reporting: The consultant will work under direct supervision of CDP Programme manager. She/He will be obligated to provide short (4-6 pages) mission reports on her/his deliverables during the assignment, and final report (up to 15 pages) at the end of engagement.

Time duration and travel: The assignments of the consultant will be 20 days from December 1st, 2013 – October 1st, 2014. The consultant will be obligated to make at least four (4) missions up to five (5) working days (per mission) to Montenegro.

Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UN/UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrates ability to manage complexities and work under pressure, as well as conflict resolution skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• University degree in social sciences, Management, Strategic Planning and Institutional Development or any relevant field.

Experience:

• At least ten (10) years of professional experience;
• Proven experience in programming and implementation of EU structural funds and pre-accession funds will be an advantage;
• Proven experience in developing strategic and project documents for EU funded projects in pre-accession countries;
• Experience in applying sector wide approach in programming of EU funds;
• Expertise on Decentralized Management (DM) environment and development of DM in candidate countries for EU membership will be an advantage;
• Proven experience in providing training and coaching to government officials and public servants;
• Relevant experience from working within an IPA contracting authority or in an EU Delegation in one of the new EU member states will be an advantage;
• Superior writing skills, clear and persuasive and experienced enough to prepare a comprehensive guidelines;
• Working knowledge of PC-based word processing and e-mail technology.

Language:

• Excellent written and spoken English;
• Basic knowledge of local language would be distinctive advantage.

Application Process:

Interested applicants are requested to submit their applications by November 27th, 2013 by using the Apply now button. The application should contain a duly completed Personal History Form (P11) that can be downloaded from http://www.me.undp.org/content/montenegro/en/home/operations/jobs.html . Only the short-listed applicants will be contacted and requested to submit a letter of interest including a price quotation indicating the lump sum (in EUR) requested for the work and travel envisaged in the section "Duties and Responsibilities".

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

More Info and Application

[read more..]