Joint Programme Manager

Details

Mission and objectives

Who we are UNDP is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help empower people and build resilient nations. UNDP has been working in Liberia since 1977 in peace and in crisis times. UNDP is committed to helping Liberia achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) as well as the country’s national development priorities as set out in its newest Pro-Poor Development Agenda. UNDP provides technical assistance within the framework of the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) which is fully aligned with Liberia’s National development Agenda. What we do UNDP supports Liberia's national development agenda and works closely with national institutions and local communities to promote, advocate and contribute to good governance, peace and security. Our work focuses on engendering national initiatives and strategies that help facilitate long-term development transformation in the lives of the people of Liberia. We offer global perspectives, complementary support and ideas on strategic development projects and capacity building in continued efforts to promote and protect human rights and improve environmental management. The end result of this transformation would be a country that is characterized by peaceful and inclusive politics and diversified economy, stable institutions, enforces the laws fairly, land tenure problems have been resolved, natural resources are efficiently managed and health and education standards have reached those of other middle income countries.

Context

UNDP and UN FAO have developed the Joint Programme, Community-Based Forestry and Protected Area Management: Boosting Biodiversity Conservation and Improving Livelihoods of Forest-Fringe/Forest-Dependent Communities and Groups in Liberia. The project seeks to strengthen management of community forests and protected areas in Liberia through improved governance of community forest management bodies, capacity building of forest regulatory institutions, empowerment of national CSOs/NGOs and Forest and Farm Producer Organizations, integrated natural resources management and the promotion of sustainable livelihood incentives for forest fringe communities. The Joint Programme, building on the experiences of each organization, will work across the following four components: Component 1: Enabling policy, governance framework and institutional capacity for CFM Component 2: Promote effective community-based management of PAs and INRM in the target landscapes Component 3: Create and strengthen resilient, low-emission land management, equitable, non-timber forest product smallholder value chains through sustainable business development of forest and farm producers, and their organizations (e.g., cooperatives) Component 4: Knowledge management, communication and awareness, gender mainstreaming, and monitoring & evaluation The Joint Programme builds on the findings of the Snap Analysis for the Forestry Sector in Liberia commissioned by the Embassy of Sweden in Liberia. The UNDP components of the Joint Programme under the Green & Inclusive Growth (GIG) Portfolio, which seeks to support the Government of Liberia in delivering pro-poor growth, equitable development of human capital and support sustainability in natural resources management. This GIG Portfolio is complementary to and builds on existing frameworks and plans of action such as the Sustainable Development Goals, AU’s Agenda 2063, the PAPD 2018–2023, UNDP Strategic Plan 2018-2021, UNDP Country Programme Document for the Republic of Liberia (2020-2024) and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2020-2024 for Liberia. To this end, the programming objectives are aligned with national needs and priorities and is intended to support the government to deliver on its obligations to its citizens. It was developed following consultations with government counterparts, civil society actors, community members, relevant UN Agencies and other development partners. To coordinate the Joint Programme and facilitate the implementation of the portfolios of the participating UN agencies, UNDP with collaboration of UN FAO wish to recruit a Joint Programme Manager. The Joint Programme Manager will provide overall coordination for the work of UNDP and UN FAO under the programme and will ensure a harmonized approach between the agencies for the realization of the programme outcomes and outputs. The Joint Programme Manager will also be responsible for monitoring of and reporting against all Joint Programme activities.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Deputy Resident Representative/Programme -ai or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Joint Programme Manager will: • Ensures effective representation and Strategic Advisory Support, focusing on the achievement of the project results • Provide substantive technical oversight and technical backstopping for both UNDP and FAO components on SFM and livelihood interventions. • Oversee all programme implementation functions, including budget and finance management, work planning, procurement, recruitment, monitoring and evaluation and reporting functions; • Coordinate and manage the overall delivery of the programme in an effective and efficient manner, working closely with institutional counterparts, development/UN/donor partners and civil society organisations (CSOs); • Compile annual work plans, human resources plan, procurement plan in line with the programme outputs and objectives, to be approved by the Project Steering Committee; • Monitor the delivery status and submit quarterly narrative and financial reports to UNDP and UN FAO management on the progress of the overall programme in relation to the agreed work plan and implementation strategy, with the support of the Programme Specialist; • Ensure that the programme plans and activities are closely coordinated with the stakeholders - both national and international - and that a high level of collaboration and cooperation is in place at all levels; • Monitor the programme, with the support of the programme’s Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist, by preparing indicators to monitor progress and submitting results-based progress reports; • Assess the impact and effectiveness of the programme through regular field visits and highlight achievements, progress and challenges through impact and results-driven reports; • Ensure full functionality of technical assistance for each programme component, closely cooperating with the technical officers of UNDP and UN FAO as required within the framework of the programme, and in support of its results; • Conduct thematic analysis and programme review, including strategic guidance on activity planning, implementation strategies and future programme orientation with the support of the Programme Specialist; • Oversee the preparation of policy briefs and other knowledge products as part of the programme contributions to the sector • Draft the sustainability strategy and exist strategy for the programme and ensure its effective execution, ensuring they are executed in partnership with all stakeholders; • With support of the Programme Specialist, monitor the programme risk log and update it on a quarterly basis as required; • Follow up and coordinate, together with national partners, donors and development partners, the conduct of periodic Programme Board meetings and follow up on the decisions and recommendations made