Project Manager (CC,E&EU) - UNDP (Apply by: 15 June 2014)

Location :  New Delhi, INDIA

Application Deadline :  15-Jun-14

Additional Category:  Environment and Energy

Type of Contract :  Service Contract

Post Level :  SB-4

Languages Required : English

Duration of Initial Contract :  Until January 2015 (Extendable subject to project approval)

Background

UNDP in partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is developing a project aimed at strengthening states’ capacities to increase resilience to climate change. It is envisaged that the focus will be effective implementation of the SAPCC strategies in 3 target states and select sectors (e.g. water, agriculture, forests, DRR). Benefits are expected to be leveraged through demonstration, coordination and interstate learning. The key overall impacts of the project will broadly address: a) Climate compatible development at state level b) Co-benefits in terms of reduced carbon emissions c) Enhanced resilience of vulnerable communities. The project preparation phase is currently ongoing with the objective to develop the detailed project document.

The Project Manager to be hired under this partnership is for the project preparation phase and his/her contract may be extended for managing the implementation of the full length project depending on his/her performance. S/he will be based at UNDP, New Delhi and shall work under the guidance and supervision of the Climate Change Adviser, Energy & Environment Unit, UNDP New Delhi. The Project Manager will help UNDP to develop the entry proposal into a full scale project document, and thereafter managing the project life cycle of the approved project. As this is a full-time position, s/he cannot hold any other job/assignments during this assignment.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Manager will perform the following duties:-

• In consultation with the Climate Change Adviser, Energy & Environment Unit, UNDP, New Delhi, be responsible for planning, coordinating and monitoring the activities during the preparation phase of the project;
• Develop and implement work plan and critical results path, monitor activities of the Project and ensure accurate and timely reporting to UNDP and SDC;
• Ensure 100% delivery against planned project results and financial delivery targets in the workplan. Closely track slippage against work plan and take corrective action;
• Develop Terms of reference and concept notes to define scope of project activities;
• Commission activities like research studies, state level assessments training workshops etc. and manage the operational aspects of procurement, event management, logistics etc. in coordination with UNDP;
• Foster partnerships with key state government and relevant technical institutions working on climate change issues;
• Identify capacity development needs of implementing partners and arrange for necessary trainings. Facilitate technical assistance/support for project partners in all relevant areas as appropriate;
• Manage and track contracts with project partners and flag any potential risks and suggest its mitigation measures. Ensure timely contract management and payments;
• Undertake review meetings with partners and field visits to track progress made in implementation of the project and take corrective action as required;
• Review quality and consistency of reports and deliverables by partner institutions/ responsible parties including financial reports from all project partners;
• Regular financial management and reporting as per the UNDP financial guidelines; Ensure effective financial management and reporting as per the UNDP financial guidelines;
• Prepare quarterly project progress reports, prepare presentations and other documents for project steering committee and review meetings as required by UNDP;
• Facilitate and participate in the periodic review meetings and discussions related to project implementation, monitoring and follow-up;
• Supervise the work of team members or consultants, as may be recruited under the Project;
• Any other responsibility related to the project assigned by the Climate Change Adviser, Energy & Environment Unit, UNDP.

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: 

• S/he should be able to build strategic partnerships with a wide array of stakeholders working in the field of climate change;
• Have very good understanding of climate change issues at national/sub national level.
• Should have requisite client orientation to understand and meet client needs;
• Should have sufficient job knowledge, technical expertise for the position;
• Should be able to promote accountability and Resource Based Management.

Technical Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of environmental and climate change related concepts, theories, policies and practices;
• Sound understanding of current issues related to climate change and environment at the national and sub-national levels;
• Adequate experience in project development and management;
• Proficiency in the use of office IT applications.

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:

• Ability to lead the Project Management Team;
• 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:

Master’s degree from a recognized institution in environmental science/sustainable development/ Social sciences/ public policy.

Experience:

The Project Manager should have good understanding of climate change issues, with adequate experience of practical situations in India. S/he needs to be well conversant with the available knowledge on issues related to climate change impacts and adaptation for different sectors:

Essential:

At least 5 years of Program/project management experience;

At least 3 years of relevant post Masters Experience at the national level on climate change and related programmes;

Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills.

Desirable:

Experience of working with Central and/or State Governments/ NGOs/ Civil Society on similar assignments will be preferred;

Familiarity with the working environment and professional standards of international organizations and national and State Governments;

Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems is essential.

Language:

Excellent oral and writing skills in English and Hindi.

Remuneration package is 127,175/- per month (taxable).

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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.