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Programme Associate - Environment

Kingston

  • Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
  • Location: Kingston
  • Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Administrative support
    • Environment
    • Project and Programme Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background

 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
 
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.

 
Job Purpose and Organizational Context
 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the lead development agency of the United Nations, connecting countries to a vast network of global knowledge, experience, technical and financial resources. UNDP works with governments and citizens on nurturing their own solutions to global and national development challenges, while developing local capacity to address these issues. The UNDP Multi-Country Office (MCO) in Jamaica also serves Bermuda, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands.

The MCO has an extensive nature, climate and energy portfolio implemented in partnership with the Governments of Jamaica & Bahamas and local partners with financing from the Global Environment Facility. The portfolio is designed to deliver strategic policy and advisory services; support Governments in meeting national and international climate & environmental obligations; advance low-carbon development; and improve environmental management capacities.

Under the guidance and supervision of the Programme Analyst - Capacity Development, the Programme Associate-Environment directly supports all the technical and strategic functions related to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) portfolio, spanning programme design and implementation guided by the UNDP’s Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures.  

The Programme Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations and is situated within the Programmes Unit of the UNDP Jamaica MCO.  They work in close collaboration with the operations, programme, and project teams within the MCO, Regional Bureau and UNDP HQs to resolve complex programmatic matters, exchange information and ensure efficient and consistent service delivery. 


 
Duties and Responsibilities

Ensures the administration and implementation of UNDP-GEF portfolio of projects focusing on the following:  

  • Supports the implementation of project activities including the monitoring of progress against the project results framework and the approved annual workplans.  
  • Supports the sourcing of personnel, goods and services including drafting terms of reference and work specifications and follow up of all contractors’ work  including review of deliverables throughout the project design and development phases.  
  • Supports the management and monitoring of  existing project risks and the identification and submission of new risks to the project board for consideration and decision on possible actions if required; maintenance of the project risks log.  
  • Supports effective application of Results Based Management tools, establishment of  targets and monitoring achievement of results including gender sensitive indicators across projects.
  • Support results reporting (e.g. progress reports, donor reports, annual reports, etc.).
  • Supports project evaluations and/or reviews, including preparation of terms of reference, participation in consultant selection and technical feedback on evaluations.
  • Plans and coordinates events, including conferences, seminars, workshops, consultations, meetings, press briefings and other programme activities.  
  • Ensures timely support of logistical services for the programme, including organizing missions, travel arrangements, DSA payments, hotel bookings, etc.  
  • Contributes to the implementation of the MCO’s communication plan including professional, clear and timely communication with partners and stakeholders, as required to ensure seamless implementation of logistical and events planning tasks and activities.  
  • Preparation of briefs for meetings of senior management with Government counterparts and minutes of meetings as appropriate.

Effective formulation of programme strategies and implementation of the country offices Resource Mobilisation Strategy focusing on the achievement of the following results: 

  • Undertakes research and consultation as required to support the formulation of new programmes/project.
  • Assists in the implementation of programme quality assurance and oversight processes for project development, implementation and closure based on donor requirements.  
  • Supports the implementation of the MCO’s partnerships and resources mobilization strategies with a focus on gender equality,  to secure projects with a GEN2 marker or higher and to achieve programme outcomes.
  • Supports the identification and development of proposals to support the  programmatic areas of cooperation, aligned to the strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors’ priorities.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and partnerships in the CO focusing on achievement of the following:  

  • Develop and maintain institutional relationships with Government Partners, networks, civil society organisations and key programmes, with a focus on nature, climate and energy.
  • Support communications on key results and contribute to the development of knowledge products, tools and trainings
  • Supports the preparation and dissemination of reports, newsletters and quarterly reports on programme implementation and interventions.  

Institutional Arrangement

  • The Programme Associate – Environment will work under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Analyst – Capacity Development . 

 

Core Competencies

  • Achieve Results:

​​LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline​

  • Think Innovatively:

​​LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements ​

  • Learn Continuously:

​​LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback​

  • Adapt with Agility:

​​LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible ​

  • Act with Determination:  

​​LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident​

  • Engage and Partner:

​​LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships​

  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion:

​​LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination ​

 

Cross Functional & Technical Competencies

Business Management

Risk Management

  • Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks

Partnership Management  

  • Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP Strategy and policies.

Project Management

  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

 

Business Direction and Strategy

Business Acumen

  • Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome.  
  • Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks.

Business Development

Knowledge Facilitation

  • Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally.

UNDP Representation

  • Ability to represent UNDP and productively share UNDP knowledge and activities; advocate for UNDP, its values, mission and work with various constituencies.  
 
Required Skills and Experience

 
Education:
  • Secondary Education is required.  
  • University Degree in Natural Sciences,  Social Sciences,  or related field will be given due consideration, but is not a requirement. 
Experience:
  • Minimum six (6) years ( with Secondary Education) or, minimum three (3) years in project/programme implementation at national or international is required.   
  • Minimum three (3) years of relevant project/programme development experience is required.  
  • Minimum three (3) years of relevant experience working with ministries, national or local institutions is desirable.  
  • At least 1 year of experience working in Nature, Climate or Energy sectors is an asset.    
  • At least two (2) years’ experience working with civil society organisations, ministries, national, local institutions and/or international organisations is an asset. 
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages; and experience in handling web-based management systems.
Disclaimer

 

 
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

 
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

 
Applicant information about UNDP rosters

 
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

 
Non-discrimination

 
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

 
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

 
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This vacancy is now closed.