Background

UNDP Libya is working rapidly to respond to several crises in Libya by formulating and implementing projects that help stabilize the country and instill trust and confidence amongst communities, and between communities and the government. The UNDP Libya Country Office (CO) has made strong commitments to international donors,  its Libyan counterparts and citizens to help restore and improve public services; enhance the effectiveness and reach of existing public institutions; expand civic engagement and participation in political and development processes; increase economic opportunities in a more diversified economy; strengthen social cohesion, support elections, reconciliation and politic dialogue initiatives; and contribute to stability throughout the country to ensure development gains.

In this context, the UNDP Libya is rapidly responding to the situation in Libya. To this end, the Country Office is strengthening its internal capacities through an enhanced recruitment approach and re alignment of its programmatic offer in a bid to respond to the needs and priorities of the country. It is envisaged that this support will provide timely, cost effective, integrated and dynamic solutions for the delivery of much needed services under a rapidly changing context in the country thus ensuring smooth business continuity and sustainable development.

The UNDP Libya Environment Programme Specialist works in a complex and fluid operating context marked by political uncertainty, security constraints, and limited institutional capacity. Under the direct supervision of the DRR and over all strategic guidance of the RR, the Specialist is responsible for providing technical leadership on environmental and climate-related programming, ensuring alignment with national priorities and UNDP strategic frameworks, and integrating conflict sensitivity, risk management, and sustainability principles into programme design and implementation. The role requires close coordination with government counterparts, donors, and partners to deliver results while maintaining compliance with UNDP policies, procedures, and accountability standards.

Position Purpose

Under the overall guidance of the Resident Representative, and the day-to-day management of the Deputy Resident Representative-Programme, the Programme Specialist acts as a specialist of Environment and Energy advisor to the CO management, manages a major programme portfolio in the programme practice area assigned to him/her. The main role is to manage the assigned programme including continued monitoring of implementation. The Programme Specialist plays key role in strategic planning and identifies new programme areas while ensuring consistency with UNDAF/ /CPD priorities and creative responses to emerging challenges and opportunities.

The Programme Specialist works in close collaboration with the Programme and Operations teams in the CO, Programme staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society to successfully implement the UNDP programme

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Ensures the strategic direction of UNDP programme
  2. Ensures effective management of the Environment and Energy programme 
  3. Establishes and maintains strategic partnerships and supports the resource mobilization in cooperation with the   Programme Management Support Unit .
  4. Ensures provision of top-quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management 
As a head of the Environment and Energy Pillar, ensures the strategic direction of UNDP programme focusing on achievement of the following results:
Example of Duties:
  • Thorough analysis of the political, social and economic situation in the country andcollaborative preparation/revision of CCA, UNDAF, CPD, CPAP, AWP and other documents.
  • Identification of strategic programme areas of cooperation.
  • Operationalization of UNDAF/ SPCF/CPD in collaboration with the main partners and other UN Agencies. Identification of possibilities for joint programming.
  • Analysis and presentation of UNDP policies and their implementation in the CO.
  • CO business processes mapping and establishment of internal Standard Operating
Ensures effective management of the Environment and Energy programme focusing on quality control of the full cycle of programming from formulation to implementation achieving the following results:
Example of Duties:
  • Effective application of RBM tools, establishment of management targets (BSC) and monitoring achievement of results.
  • Design and formulation of CO programme within the area of responsibility, translating UNDP priorities into local interventions. Coordination of programme implementation with the executing agencies.
  • Strategic oversight of planning, budgeting, implementing and monitoring of the programme, tracking use of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. Programme Specialist performs the function of Manager Level 2 in Atlas for development projects transactions approval.
  • Effective monitoring, measuring the impact of the CO Environment &Energy programme and evaluation. Constant monitoring and analysis of the environment programme, timely readjustment of programme.
  • Follow up on audit recommendations. All exceptions are timely reported. 
  • Aggregate reports are regularly prepared on activities, outputs and outcomes. Preparation of donor reports. 
  • Organization of cost-recovery system for the services provided by the CO to projects in close collaboration with Operations Manager.

Establishes and maintains strategic partnerships and supports the resource mobilization in cooperation with the Programme Management Support Unit focusing on achievement of the following results: 
Example of Duties:
  • Implementation of the CO partnerships and resources mobilization strategies to achieve programme outcomes. 
  • Creation and coordination of partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society etc. 
  • Determination of programmatic areas of cooperation, based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors’ priorities.
  • Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification Proactively communicates on UNDP’s approach, strategy, and results, through media campaigns, public events and flagship publications

Ensures provision of top-quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results: 
 
  • Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country policy goals. 
  • Coordination of development of policies and institutions that will address the country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners.
  • Establishment of advocacy networks at national level and linked to international networks. Relevant, high-impact advocacy campaigns are implemented with key partners.
  • Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice; · Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Programme Associate 

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results:

 LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 

Think Innovatively:

 LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems 

Learn Continuously

 LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility 

 LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands 
Act with Determination  LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner

 LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion

 LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management (Insert below standard sentence if the position has direct reports.)

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.  

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies) 

Thematic Area Name Definition
Environment/Energy Nature, Climate and Energy  Environment: Environmental and social impact assessments, including data collection and analysis 
Environment/Energy

Nature, Climate and Energy 

Energy efficiency concepts, renewable energy, access to energy; technologies and practical application 
Environment/Energy Portfolio Management

Ability to select, priorities and control the organizations programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment
Environment/Energy Partnerships 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
Environment/Energy Resource Management

Ability to allocate and use resources in a strategic or tactical way in line  with principles of accountability and integrity
Environment/Energy Effective Decision Making

Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with ones authority, area of expertise and resources
Environment/Energy Results Base Management

Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results

Required Skills and Experience

Education
  • Master’s Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Economics, Development Economics, Environmental Sciences, Geography or other natural sciences or related fields.
  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
 Experience, Knowledge, and Skills
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in (a) the provision of analytical, advisory and technical assistance in complex development settings; (b) the design, monitoring and monitoring of development strategies/programmes and (c) the establishment of effective partnerships with a wide set of stakeholders including: national governments, civil society, academia, the UN and private sector. Or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience.
  • Proven experience and substantive expertise in environment and energy, particularly in areas related to: programming in efficiencies in renewable energy opportunities, waste management, pollution control, sustainable water programming, amongst others is required.
  • Proven ability to work in a collaborative fashion, through multistakeholder processes is required.
  • Prior experience in environment and energy strategy/programme development in crisis and transition settings an asset.
  • At least 5 years of experience working with UNDP in programme/project management, specifically in middle-income countries and crisis contexts. Proven ability to design, implement, and oversee complex projects in challenging environments is an advantage.
  • Extensive experience in the vertical funding process, with an in-depth understanding of how this process is contextualized within local political setups and government structures. Demonstrated ability to navigate and collaborate with various National Designated Authorities (NDAs) at different levels, particularly in Libya, to effectively coordinate vertical funding initiatives is an advantage.
  • Demonstrated expertise in the blue economy, maritime resources, and biodiversity, with a proven track record of working on relevant projects within the UN system. Specific experience in Libya related to water security, energy transition, climate change, environmental sustainability, and blue economy initiatives, with a focus on biodiversity preservation and sustainable resource management is an advantage.
  • Fluency in English and Arabic is required. 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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