International Consultant - Regional Project Coordination Expert (SSAs)

Background:

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) with 57 participating States is the world’s largest regional security organization. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis. For more detailed information on the structure and work of the Secretariat, please see: http://www.osce.org/secretariat

Since 2004, the OSCE has been engaged in supporting a long-term and comprehensive process to strengthen transboundary water co-operation and sustainable development in the Dniester River basin between Moldova and Ukraine. The evolving co-operation resulted in a number of milestone achievements including the signing and ratifying by Moldova and Ukraine of the bilateral Treaty on Co-operation on the Conservation and Sustainable Development of the Dniester River Basin (Dniester Treaty); the development of the Strategic Framework for Adaptation to Climate Change in the Dniester River Basin and its associated Implementation Plan; the establishment of the Commission on Sustainable Use and Protection of the Dniester River Basin (the Dniester Commission) as well as, more recently, the development and endorsement of the Strategic Action Programme for the Dniester River Basin for the period 2021- 2035.

A large-scale GEF/ UNDP/ OSCE project “Advancing Transboundary Co-operation and Integrated Water Resources Management in the Dniester River Basin through Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP)” (the Project) is currently being implemented in the region. The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) serving as the implementing agency, the OSCE as the executing agency, and support from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

The project is tasked with advancing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in the Dniester River basin through supporting the implementation of the SAP priority actions.

The key project components are:

• Strengthening Moldovan-Ukrainian cooperation in the field of water resources management;

• Strengthening the regulatory framework and national capacities to implement the SAP, country commitments under the UN Water Convention and the EU Water Framework Directive (EU WFD) in the Dniester River basin;

• Reducing anthropogenic impact to improve ecological status in the Dniester River basin as defined in the SAP;

• Adaptation to climate change and increasing preparedness for and resilience to natural disasters;

• Public awareness and involvement projects to empower and raise the capacity of stakeholders, project communications and outreach;

• Enhancing research for governance in the Dniester River basin as identified in the SAP.

Objective of Assignment: 

The incumbent will support overall project management and ensure efficient coordination, including planning, timely implementation, and execution of project activities at the regional level; technical oversight; monitoring progress and reporting; liaising with government counterparts and other key stakeholders in academia, civil society organizations, local authorities and the private sector in the project countries as well as with partner organizations; facilitate the organization of Project Steering Committee (PSC) meetings; and securing the necessary inputs for effective implementation. In doing so, the incumbent will observe OSCE rules and regulations, and conformity with GEF/ UNDP policies, approved project documents, and work plans.

Duration of Assignment:

Maximum 180 working days in a calendar year 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Environmental Programme Officer, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Project management and coordination related responsibilities;

2. Ensure project planning and workplan management;

3. Facilitate and oversee the implementation of project activities;

4. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting;

5. Support financial and administrative Oversight;

6. Ensuring compliance, risk management and quality assurance;

7. Facilitating stakeholder engagement;

8. Promote knowledge sharing, communication, and transboundary cooperation
    

Deliverables:

To be further defined at the time of contract conclusion, in line with the necessities of the above-mentioned project.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Second level university degree in in a discipline relevant to international relations or environmental management, preferably with a focus on water management and institution building;

• Minimum 10 years of professional/working experience in the field of project management role with technical experience in the field of sustainable development or transboundary water, ideally in combination with security issues, of which at least some in an international environment;

• Demonstrated experience in project management, with evidence of delivering projects on time and within budget, including preparing work programmes and budgets, and providing management and financial reports—preferably within the context of GEF-financed projects or UN/similar donor-funded projects, with a focus on capacity building in developing countries;

• Demonstrated experience in dealing with politically sensitive issues in a multilateral environment, with proven diplomatic and negotiating skills;

• Experience in, and sound knowledge of, transboundary water issues in Eastern Europe would be a distinct asset;

• Previous experience in the operational aspects of UN or similar donor funded Projects with a focus on capacity building in developing countries;

• Experience in managing the work of consultants, work as part of an inter-disciplinary and/or multi-cultural team;

• Excellent knowledge of English, including strong communication and drafting skills. Knowledge of either one (or both) national languages of the project countries is considered a major asset;

• Digital literacy and proficient use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint);

• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;

• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.