National Coordinator (GEF-SGP)

The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program (SGP), implemented by United Nations Development Program (UNDP), is a decentralized and country-driven program that seeks to provide maximum country and community-level ownership and initiatives for the achievement of the global environmental benefits.

SGP has been operational for the past 25 years supporting projects from Civil Society Organizations in 125 countries.  SGP has supported over 21,589 projects globally.  SGP’s mandate is to support community based initiatives by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) including farmers’ organizations, scientific community, women’s groups and the youth and children organizations to address global environmental challenges.  To meet its objectives, SGP works closely with government, micro finance institutions, academic and research institutions, private sector, and local authorities.

Past reviews of SGP conducted by the Joint GEF-UNDP evaluation show that SGP is recognized as a cost-effective mechanism for delivering financial and technical resources to local communities, and has an established, well-tested modality for working with local communities. SGP’s operational modality consists of a decentralized decision-making body called National Steering Committee (NSC). The NSC’s are very important institutional set up for the proper operation of the SGP.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment

1. financial and operational management of the Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Programme and its portfolio.
2. Support managerial function, by building an effective SGP Country Programme team and foster teamwork within the SGP Country Programme team, the National Steering Committee members, and with the UNDP Country Office team.  
3. Mobilize and leverage financial and other resources as well as establish partnerships at the programme and project levels for sustained and scaled up initiatives.
4. Facilitate knowledge management, share and exchange knowledge on lessons learnt and best practices of SGP programme and projects.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

Managerial Functions (20%)

• Supervise the SGP Country Programme team members and provide necessary guidance and coaching;
• Promote and maintain effective teamwork within the SGP Country Programme team, the National Steering Committee members, and with the UNDP CO team;
• Prepare and implement annual workplan, including strategic and/or innovative initiatives, with set delivery and co-financing targets; draft annual SGP Country Office administrative and project operational budget proposal;
• Set annual performance parameters and learning objectives for the SGP Country Programme team, assess their performance and provide feedback

Programme/Portfolio Development and Management (40%)

• Keep abreast of national environmental concerns and priorities as well as the socio-economic conditions and trends as they relate to the SGP, and assess their impact on SGP’s work and programme. 
• Collaboration in  formulation and implementation of the Country Programme Strategy (CPS), and its periodic review and update;
• Manage the SGP grant allocations and country operating budget, maintain the financial integrity of the programme by ensuring adherence to SGP Standard Operating Procedures as well as UNOPS rules and regulations, and ensure timely and effective use of SGP resources;
• Closely monitor the programme implementation progress and results;
• Organize periodic stakeholder workshops and project development sessions for civil society organizations (CSOs) and local communities, and potential applicants and other stakeholders to inform about SGP and its Strategic Initiatives;
• Work closely with CSOs and CBOs in preparation of project concepts and proposals to ensure that projects fit with the SGP Strategic Initiatives, Country Programme Strategy, and technical guidance notes;
• Authorize and manage project planning grants as required.
• Oversee ongoing SGP grant projects, and conduct periodic project monitoring field visits and provide technical and operational support and guidance to SGP grantees as required;
• Plan and serve as secretary to the National Steering Committee meetings. Support and closely coordinate with the National Steering Committee and Technical Advisory Group where relevant, in the process of project proposal review, selection and approval, especially the initial appraisal of proposals and assessment of eligibility.
• Support programme, project, and policy linkages between the SGP and the full or medium-sized GEF projects, planned or underway in the country, as well as those of other government, donors and development partners. 
• Report periodically to CPMT on programme implementation status, including annual monitoring reporting, financial reporting, audit, and update the relevant UNOPS and SGP databases.
• Undertake monitoring and evaluation of SGP Country Programme and projects, and grantmaker+ initiatives, in coordination with NSC and CPMT;
• Perform and coordinate administrative tasks (i.e. procurement, travel) adhering to SGP SOPs procurement rules and regulation; as required for programme implementation;

Resource Mobilization and Partnerships (20%)

• Maintain close working relationships with stakeholders as well as promote the value, comparative advantages, and ensure visibility of the SGP; 
• Assess interest and priorities of key donors and other development partners, and develop/update and implement the resource mobilization and partnership strategy to mobilize resources from and develop partnerships with the government, donors and other partners to best leverage SGP resources and develop programme level partnerships;
• Support SGP grantees in securing co-financing and project level partnerships, and assist in identifying opportunities and resources for sustaining and scaling up projects

Knowledge Management (20%)

• Document programme/project stories, lessons learned, and best practices in SGP programme/project development, implementation, and oversight;
• Access SGP and other global and regional knowledge, distill best practices and facilitate their dissemination and incorporation within SGP Country Programme and projects, UNDP CO, and to counterparts and partners;
• Support capacity building and networking of grantees to facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote uptake through Knowledge platforms, Knowledge fairs etc.

Key Competencies

(Technical knowledge, skills, managerial competencies or other personal competencies relevant to the performance of the assignment.  Clearly distinguish between required and desired competencies)

Integrity & Inclusion

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Leading Self and Others

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Partnering

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Results Orientation

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Agility

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Solution Focused

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Effective Communication

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education:

Advanced university degree in environment or natural resource management, Environmental Economics, Development, Business Administration or similar field. A Bachelor’s degree with 2 year additional experience may be accepted in lieu of the postgraduate degree.

Work Experience

• At least 2 years of relevant experience in environment and development work, which should include programme management, preferably with an extended specialized experience in any of the GEF-SGP thematic areas at the national level.

• Fluency in the official national language and English is required. Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset.

• Proficiency in standard computer software (word-processing, excel, presentations, databases and internet).

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

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.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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