National Project Manager (Strengthening State Strategies for Climate Actions Project) - UNDP (Apply by: January 27, 2016)

JOB DESCRIPTION
National Project Manager, Strengthening State Strategies for Climate Actions Project, UNDP

 

1. POSITION VACANT: National Project Manager, Strengthening State Strategies for Climate Actions Project, UNDP, New Delhi

2. BACKGROUND:

UNDP is implementing a project financed by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)which supports the implementation of the State Action Plans of Climate Change (SAPCC) in the states of Uttarakhand, Sikkim & Madhya Pradesh. The project aims at strengthening capacities to plan and implement relevant climate actions across select sectors including water, disaster management, forest and energy. Tools prepared and processes documented as part of the project will be shared with the larger community involved in practice of climate change. The project will also strengthen the state systems such as nodal institutions towards coordination of the activities envisaged under the SAPCC, facilitate implementation of climate change strategies with select sector departments, maximize the benefits through exploring inter-state cooperation; and showcase the actual implementation of SAPCCs.

For details about the organisation, please visit www.undp.org

3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

The National Project Manager to be hired under this partnership is for the project implementation phase (2015 to 2018). S/he will be based at UNDP, New Delhi and shall work under the guidance and supervision of the Head, Energy & Environment Unit, UNDP, New Delhi. The National Project Manager shall be responsible for overall implementation of the approved project under the guidance of the Project Steering Committee. S/he will be responsible for partnerships and coordination with SDC, MoEFCC, State Government and UNDP.

Key Job Responsibilities:

(1) Plan, coordinate, implement and monitor the activities of the project;
(2) Develop overall project annual work plan and critical results path in consultation with PMUs, monitor activities of the Project and ensure accurate and timely reporting to UNDP and SDC;
(3) Ensure 100% delivery against planned project results and financial delivery targets in the work plan. Closely track slippage against work plan and take corrective action;
(4) Develop and finalize Terms of Reference for Consultants/ Consultancy firms to be hired to undertake project activities;
(5) 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 and state level Project Management Unit;
(6) Guide and manage the project team consisting of three state teams (Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Madhya Pradesh) and project staff based at MoEFCC;
(7) Foster partnerships with key national and state government departments and relevant technical institutions working on climate change issues;
(8) Develop training need assessment exercise, formulate and capacity development plan with inputs from state project managers;
(9) Manage and track contracts with project partners and flag any potential risks and suggest its mitigation measures; Ensure timely contract management and payments;
(10) Undertake review meetings with partners and field visits to track progress made in implementation of the project and take corrective action as required;
(11) Review quality and consistency of reports and deliverables by partner institutions/ responsible parties including financial reports from all project partners;
(12) Ensure regular and effective financial management and reporting as per UNDP financial guidelines;
(13) Prepare half yearly progress reports for UNDP and donors; Also presentations and other documents for Project Steering Committee and Review Meetings as required by UNDP;
(14) Facilitate and participate in the periodic review meetings and discussions related to project implementation, monitoring and follow-up;
(15) Supervise the work of team members or consultants, as may be recruited;
(16) Establish linkages with international adaptation and mitigation best practices on combating climate change;
(17) Support development of strategies for sustainability and up-scaling project activities;
(18) Any other responsibility related to the project assigned by the Head, Energy & Environment Unit,UNDP.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES: 

Qualification:
Master’s degree from a recognized institution in Environmental Science/ Sustainable Development/ Social Sciences/ Public Policy.

Essential Experience:
(1) At least 12 years of Program/ Project Management experience;
(2) At least seven years of relevant post masters experience at the national level on climate change and related programmes;
(3) Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills.

Desirable Experience:
(1) Experience of working with Central and/or State Governments/ NGOs/ Civil Society on similar assignments will be preferred;
(2) Familiarity with the working environment and professional standards of international organizations and national and State Governments;
(3) Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems is essential.
Language:
(4) Excellent oral and writing skills in English and Hindi.

Skills and Competencies:

A. Corporate Competencies:
(1) Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
(2) Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
(3) Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
(4) Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

B. Functional Competencies:

1. Technical Skills:
(1) In-depth knowledge of environmental and climate change related concepts, theories, policies and practices;
(2) Good understanding of current issues related to climate change and environment at the national and sub-national levels;
(3) Good understanding of climate change modelling tools, vulnerability assessment frameworks;
(4) Adequate experience in multi-state project management on climate change/environment;
(5) Hands-on experience in design, formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of climate change projects.

2.Management Skills:
(1) Ability to lead the Project Management Team of 13 people;
(2) Demonstrated skills in building, mobilizing, and leading multi-disciplinary teams;
(3) Ability to guide the state programme managers in developing and implementing coherent suite of interventions at the state level to achieve the overall objective of the project;
(4) Ability to lead consultative meetings at national and state level with partners and senior stakeholders to identify priorities and manage the timely delivery of project activities;
(5) Reliable in delivering own parts of the work as part of a team effort.

3.Communication Skills:
(1) Good facilitation and communication skills;
(2) Ability to carry out research and communicate strategic pieces that guide decisions on strategic programme directions;
(3) Tailors and presents information to diverse audiences using a variety of communication delivery methods (E.g., Written, Electronic, Oral, Interpersonal Documentation);
(4) 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.

5. COMPENSATION OFFERED:

The budgeted compensation for the post is INR 146,892/- per month (taxable). UNDP also offers additional benefits which includes medical insurance coverage and limited pension reimbursement for the contract holder and encourages work life balance.

6. LOCATION: New Delhi

7. TENURE:

Fixed term contract for one year, renewable based on performance.Please note that the project is funded till 2018.

8. REFERENCE: NPM-UNDP

9. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Senior Consultant
Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.
1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar
New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110 025
Phones: 011-2684-2162; 011-4165-3612; 011-4101-1564 and 011-4101-1565
Email: npm-undp@sams.co.in

10. LAST DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:

Eligible candidates interested in this position are requested to immediately apply to npm-undp@sams.co.in with a cover letter, discussing their interest in and suitability for the position, along with an updated resume, giving details of three references, current cost to organisation and expected compensation, and definitely by or before, January 27, 2016.

Please note that tele-interviews with suitable candidates shall commence almost immediately.

For further details please visit www.sams.co.in.