Project Technical Officer (Duty Station: Vava'u, Tonga)

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. 

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP

UNDP in the Pacific has developed its multi-country programme document (MCPD, 2023-2027) to guide its interventions in the next five years in full alignment and directly to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF, 2023–27). The Office covers 10 countries in the Pacific with an extensive portfolio which has grown over time. The UNSDCF and UNDP MCPD are designed in full alignment with the 2030 agenda, Samoa Pathway, and 2050 Blue Content Strategy, which is endorsed by the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) among others. The UNDP Pacific Office next five-year plan strategic priorities are encapsulated under three outcome areas: (i) Planet, (ii) Prosperity, and (iii) Peace.

The marine biological diversity of the Kingdom of Tonga is crucial to the well-being of its people and the country's economy. However, this diversity is under threat from various sources, including habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. The GEF project “Implementation of the Fanga’uta Lagoon Stewardship Plan (Tonga R2R Phase II) and replication of lessons learned from the Tonga R2R Phase I to priority areas in Vava’u” aims to protect Tonga's indigenous marine species and ecosystems through a holistic Ridge to Reef management approach. This includes strengthened governance, enhanced capacity building, and the development of resilient blue/green livelihoods. The project focuses on conserving wetland ecosystems and implementing an integrated strategy to prevent destructive activities, with the objective of effectively implementing the Fanga’uta Stewardship Plan (FSP) and replicating successful strategies in priority areas in Vava’u. The project consists of three interrelated components: 1) Conservation of critical lagoon ecosystems and catchment management. 2) Governance for sustainable management and biodiversity conservation, and 3) Awareness raising and knowledge management of ecosystem functions and services.

The Technical Officer will provide technical oversight and support in delivering the project outputs as outlined in the project document, to the required standards of quality and taking into account the implications of time and cost of Tonga component of the regional project in close collaboration with the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) , Department of Environment, counterparts, partners and relevant stakeholders. The highest standards of integrity, discretion and commitment to UNDP principles are essential as well as ability to meet deadlines and maintain high-quality of outputs working under pressure.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager of the Project, and Team leader of the Resilience and Climate Change unit in Suva, Fiji, and working closely with the MCO oversight and Performance unit, The Technical Officer works closely with the national authorities working in the thematic area of the project, the donor community, and other UNDP programmes and projects in the country. The Technical Officer works with the project experts and counterparts of the Government beneficiary institution(s) and engages with other national institutions, international organizations, and other relevant actors.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager of the R2R Tonga Project and Team leader of the Resilience and Climate Change unit in Suva, Fiji, and working closely with the MCO oversight and Performance unit, the Technical Officer will provide technical oversight of Tonga component of the regional project in close collaboration with the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), Department of Environment.

Develop guidelines and update management plans in the area of biodiversity and Conservation.

• Manage the overall coordination and guidance of the technical aspects of the project, in particular, oversee and guide the preparation/update of management plans, SMA planning, management and monitoring.
• Oversee and coordination of the technical inputs from the Vava’u Ma’alahi Taskforce Committee and national consultants.
• Support/oversee and guide the conduct of technical consultations and workshops to develop the Vaipua Channel management plan and PA management plans, strategies for SMA, including mapping and zoning, CMC planning and knowledge management and M&E planning and implementation of related guidelines, tool kits and manuals and regulations, etc.
• Support and guide the development and organisation of awareness and publicity programs and materials.
• Support plans and protocols for inter-agency coordination during the preparation of management planning, SMA and livelihood activities 
• Assess major and minor amendments to the project within the parameters set by UNDP-GEF;
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of biodiversity resources and ecosystems to inform the development of conservation guidelines and management plans, considering ecological, social, and economic factors.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including local communities, indigenous groups, and government agencies, to integrate traditional knowledge and sustainable practices into biodiversity conservation guidelines and management plans.
• Establish monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track the implementation of conservation guidelines and management plans and assess conservation interventions' effectiveness in preserving biodiversity and ecosystem health.
• Engage in participatory processes to gather input from diverse stakeholders and experts and to incorporate their perspectives into developing and updating biodiversity conservation guidelines and management plans.

Establish partnerships, coordination and open communication channels, and build the government's capacity.

• Oversee and support capacity-building and training programs for all relevant local agencies, special interest groups and local communities.
• Monitor events as determined in the project monitoring plan and facilitate update the plan as required.
• Develop and implement capacity-building programs for local stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, and non-governmental organizations, to enhance their understanding of biodiversity conservation principles and practices.
• Design and deliver training workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns aimed at building the technical and operational capacities of relevant stakeholders in biodiversity monitoring, conservation planning, and sustainable resource management.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions and peer-to-peer learning opportunities to promote best practices in biodiversity conservation and foster collaboration among stakeholders.
• Support the development of educational materials, guidelines, and toolkits to assist stakeholders in integrating biodiversity conservation into their policies, plans, and activities.
• Collaborate with external partners and experts to identify capacity development needs and opportunities and to leverage resources for training and skill-building initiatives.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of capacity development interventions and provide recommendations for continuous improvement and adaptation based on feedback and lessons learned.

Provide inputs to the project monthly, quarterly, annual, and final reports and evaluations. 

• Perform regular progress reporting to the project board as agreed with the board, including measures to address challenges and opportunities.
• Oversee progress related to project risks – including social and environmental risks.
• Capture lessons learned during project implementation.
• Facilitate preparation of revisions to the multi-year work plan, as needed, as well as annual and quarterly plans if required.
• Monitor implementation plans, including the Social Environmental Screening Procedure (SESP), gender action plan, stakeholder engagement plan, restoration plans, potential land and waste management plans and any environmental and social management plans.
• Monitor and track progress against the GEF Core indicators.
• Support the Mid Term Review (MTR) and Terminal Evaluation process.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.