Technical Support (Climate Change) - UNDP (Apply by: 27 April 2014)

Technical Support - Climate Change,

Environment and Climate Change Department Government of Kerala and UNDP
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

Background

India has pursued a strong domestic agenda to counter climate change. India recognizes that a strategy for addressing climate change has to be based on the strategy of sustainable development. Keeping this in view, at the national level, India has come up with national Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

While the Central Government remains the key actor in shaping the climate change policy and creating the necessary institutional mechanisms for its implementation, involvement of state governments in tackling climate change is crucial. With the formulation of a national policy on climate change, it has become imperative to achieve coherence between the strategies and actions at national and state levels. The GoI-UNDP project on \'Strengthening Climate Change Sensitive Planning\' aims at building and strengthening the capacities at the national and state levels to address climate change issues. One of the major activities to be undertaken under this project is facilitating the preparation and the implementation of the State Action Plans and Strategies for addressing Climate Change.

UNDP is supporting the Government of Kerala in preparation and implementation of the State Action Plan on climate change. Government of Kerala has recently submitted its action plan to MoEF which focuses on the measures that state governments proposes in adopting a low carbon climate resilient development path on the basis of agro-climatic zones and sectors.

UNDP with support of Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) is building capacity of PRI members on Climate Change which will help the communities identify adaptation needs at the local level that focuses on reducing local level climate risk and vulnerabilities and bringing in climate change perspective in planning, implementation and monitoring of various projects by the Local Self Government. As an outcome, communities will be able to identify adaptation needs at the local level that focuses on reducing local level climate risk and vulnerabilities by increasing resilience to climate change.
Under the overall supervision of the Director, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Kerala and under the guidance of Director, Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) the position of the Project Officer is seen as a key resource for providing Technical Assistance and Advisory Support to the State Environment and Climate Change Department in implementation of the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) and coordinating capacity building activities at the state level under the UNDP-KILA (Kerala Institute for Local Administration) partnership.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Officer will work under the guidance of UNDP Climate Change Advisor and perform the following functions:

• Provide technical support to the state government on issues related to climate change; 
• Provide support for the identification of project partners/ agencies of appropriate experts, consultants and explore possibilities of mutual support on issues related to climate change;
• Develop and maintain a vibrant network of academic institutions, NGOs and other stakeholders; 
• working on climate change adaptation;
• Assist in collection and collation of knowledge on Environmental issues- local, regional, national as well as global.;
• Assist in coordination of implementation of projects and other activities in Kerala; 
• Contribute in raising awareness among key actors, in particular at government level, regarding climate change; promote, identify and support the replication of effective community based adaptation models;
• Coordinate implementation of capacity building activities agreed under UNDP- KILA (Kerala Institute of Local Administration) partnership;
• Prepare and submit required reports of project progress, monitoring and evaluation to UNDP in a timely manner.

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:

The Project Officer (Climate Change) will be a position with good understanding of climate change policy issues, with adequate experience of practical situations in India. S/he needs to be well conversant with the globally available knowledge on climate change, mitigation and adaptation.

• The Project Officer (Climate Change) should be able to build strategic partnerships with a wide array of stakeholders working in the field of climate change;
• Project Officer will need requisite client orientation to understand and meet client needs;
• Project Officer should have sufficient job knowledge, technical expertise for the position; 
• Project Officer should be able to promote accountability and Resource Based Management;
• Project Officer should have required competencies that will lead to promoting Organizational Change and Development.

Technical Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of environmental and climate change related concepts, theories and practice;
• Sound understanding of current issues related to climate change and environment at the state level;
• Proficiency in the use of office IT applications and internet in conducting research;
• Proven ability to work flexibly and independently with limited supervision in a multicultural team environment and deliver quality results against tight deadlines;
• Multi-task in an organization transcending across national boundaries and multiple time zones.

Communication Skills:

• Good facilitation and communication skills;
• Receives information to seek and understand differing perspectives;
• Tailors and presents information to diverse audiences using a variety of communication delivery methods (e.g., written, electronic, oral, interpersonal)Documentation;
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Team work:

• Appears credible and confident, remaining calm and pleasant when dealing with others in difficult situations; 
• Builds and maintains constructive relationships with colleagues (and reports where appropriate); treats people with respect, is co-operative, supportive and helpful with a positive contribution to the working environment;
• Reliable in delivering own parts of the work as part of a team effort; 
• Demonstrates an understanding of what other professionals contribute in order to work constructively within the office.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Masters in Environmental Studies/ Energy Studies/ Agriculture/ Natural Resources/climate Change or related field.

Experience:

Essential: Minimum 3 years of experience on climate change or environmental issues;

Experience of working with Governments/ NGOs/ Donors/ Civil Society on similar assignments will be preferred;

Desirable: Project Management Experience.

Language:

Excellent oral and writing skills in English and Hindi;

Language skills common in the programme State is preferred.

Remuneration package is Rs. 70,388/ per month (taxable).

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

For more information please visit : http://unjobs.org/vacancies/1397495551388