Sector Leader (Energy &Env.)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, working in 177 countries and territories. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNDP is committed to helping the country through strengthened national and local capacities to carry out political, economic and social reforms and promote development.

In the programmatic period 2015 - 2019, UNDP supports the following programme priorities: (a) access to justice and increased human security; (b) reduction of regional, economic and social disparities; (c) sustainable management of environmental and energy resources, and green jobs creation; and (d) access to services and employment opportunities for the most vulnerable. In all areas, there will be an emphasis on conflict-sensitive, integrated and innovative programme design complementing country priorities and tailored to the post-flood recovery needs.

The Energy and Environment Sector of UNDP in BiH implements projects and activities within the area of energy efficiency, renewable sources of energy and environmental protection. In particular it works on climate change, biodiversity, biomass, and local level planning from a sustainable development perspective. Energy and Environment is one of the four focus areas of the UN Development Assistance Framework for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and UNDP is the lead UN agency working with the government on these issues.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative (Programme) the Sector leader will be responsible for management of UNDP programme activities geared towards supporting national and subnational institutions and provision of strategic policy advice within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned. The Sector Leader analyzes the relevant economic and social trends, leads identification, development, formulation and evaluation of programme activities within his/her area and provides policy advice services to the Country Office management team and local partners.

Sector Leader works in close collaboration with the operations team, programme staff in other sectors and other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP programme implementation.

Strategic policy advice in development and implementation of programme strategies

• Identification of areas for support and interventions within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned, including cross-cutting areas in close cooperation with other sectors;
• Provision of expert advice to the CO Senior Management in terms of priorities in the sector, as well as regarding the possible coordination and harmonisation of interventions with other sectors;
• CO business processes mapping and programme assurance within the assigned thematic areas;
• Liaison regarding programme development with Istanbul Regional Hub and relevant HQ departments in coordination with the Senior Management;
• Support to the inclusion of BiH in UNDP regional projects and multi-agency projects.

Management of the CO Programme within the thematic/sectoral areas: 

• Effective application of Result-based Management (RBM) tools, establishment of management targets (BSC) and monitoring achievement of results;
• Ultimate quality assurance throughout all project implementation phases, for projects within the sector, including initiation of a project, presentation of the project to Project Appraisal Committee (PAC), participation in the work of Project Boards, timely implementation of the project activities in line with planned delivery, recruitment of project staff, and closure of projects through review;
• Direct and indirect supervision and appraisal of project staff within the sector;
• Design and formulation of CO programme within the area of responsibility, translating UNDP’s priorities into local interventions: Coordination of efforts resulting in the preparation of full – fledged project documents, with incorporated overall and specific findings, leading to full harmonization between UNDP’s and the country’s priorities, and resulting in the increased mobilization of donor support in the thematic/sectoral areas assigned;
• Coordination of cross-cutting efforts across relevant projects, including among the sectors, and formulation of similar activities into combined interventions for the sake of aggregating the results and increasing impact;
• Coordination of programme implementation with the executing agencies;
• Introduction of performance indicators/ success criteria, cost recovery, targets and milestones;
• Ensure on a monthly basis the following inputs for review and discussion of the Senior Management Team: list of the activities, expenditures and results achieved during the previous month as compared to the work plan for each project within the Sector;
• Follow up on audit recommendations;
• Ensure that donor reports for all projects within the sector are regularly prepared reflecting programme activities, outputs, outcomes, and specific impacts.

Creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Development of partnerships with the UN Agencies, international financing organizations, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society in the specific thematic areas based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors’ priorities;
• Analysis of information on donors, facilitate information sharing and dialogue within the donor community preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects, active contribution to the overall office effort in resource mobilization;
• Identifies government and donor funding opportunities based on the UNDP programmatic agenda;
• Proposes strategic investments for maximised programme results.

Provision of top quality policy advice services to the Government and facilitation of knowledge building and management

• With the assistance of project staff, organises and coordinates sector efforts geared towards providing technical assistance, training, or advice to relevant government entities in the analysis of their performance, planning, developing strategic priorities or tools for financial cooperation;
• Ensures sufficient time for own and sector members substantive learning and up-dating of   knowledge of UNDP processes;
• Takes active role in the training activities of sector and projects;
• Leads sector and projects knowledge management activities;
• Contributes to the relevant knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Substantive contributions to key CO policy, strategy and programme documents

• Thorough analysis of the political, social and economic situation in the country and preparation of substantive inputs to Common Country Assessment (CCA), United Nations Development Assistance Framework, Country Programme Document, Country Programme Action Plan and other documents;
• In-depth analysis of specific thematic areas from the viewpoint of both the CO’s and the country’s programmatic priorities, for the sake of better adjusting the programme/project implementation strategies with the latest trends and developments;
• Ensure sufficient time for own and Sector members substantive learning and up-dating of   knowledge of UNDP processes;
• Liaise with Istanbul Regional Hub and relevant HQ departments in support of knowledge development.

Ensure gender mainstreaming within the Sector

• Ensures gender is effectively mainstreamed throughout the Sector plans and activities, work plans, budgets, reports, researches, analyses and, where specifically relevant, analyzed in detail gender aspects and make recommendations;
• Ensure gender equality is mainstreamed throughout team, consultants and staff management activities;
• Ensures knowledge on gender equality is incorporated in cluster’s knowledge management activities and products.

Innovation/Ability to make new and useful ideas work

• Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them

Leadership/Ability to persuade others to follow

• Plans and acts transparently, actively works to remove barriers

People Management/Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

• Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others

Communication/Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

• Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others

Delivery/Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

• Critically assesses value and relevance of existing policy / practice and contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutions

All technical competences are given at the Originate level: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

• Results-Based Programme Development and Management/Ability to manage programmes and projects with a strategy aimed at improved performance and demonstrable results;
•  In-depth knowledge of the Subject-matter/Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization and the fundamental concepts of related disciplines;
• Resource Mobilization/Promotes and encourages sector action with donors as well as appropriate government authorities for increased contribution to UNDP resources, including cost sharing modalities;
• Client Orientation/Ability to create an enabling environment for a smooth relationship between the clients and service provider;
• Disaster Risk Management/Knowledge of disaster risk management concepts and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations;
• Strategic Planning/Ability to make decisions that align with strategy, vision, and mission;
• Decision Making/Ability of making successful and ethical business decisions;
• Knowledge Management/Ability to capture, develop, share and effectively use information and knowledge.

Education: 

• Master's degree in Environment, Natural Sciences, Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences or related field.

Experience: 

• 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services, hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems;
• Relevant experience in BIH and the region in the area of energy and environment;
• Knowledge of relevant development trends, issues and policies in BiH and EU;
• Proven experience in dealing with local government, NGOs and donors;
• Good understanding of post-war and post-socialist transition contexts.
   

Language Requirements: 

• English and B/S/C languages

Other: 

• Willingness to travel;
• Non-Smoking environment.

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