Responsibilities

Project identification and development:

• Lead the identification of relevant and eligible project concepts in consultation with internal and external partners.
• Coordinate discussion and seek clearance for such concepts including with UNEP Divisions and regional offices.
• Advise project proponents on the revision of concepts to respond to issues raised by the peer reviewer or other reviews.
• Present and defend the proposal at the Project Review Committee (PRC) as required; and provide technical advice to the proponents in preparing the project document request for submission to donors.
• Monitor project milestones; coordinate the response to with FAO and UNDESA reviews and ensure that recommendations are considered in further project development.
• Work with the Fund Management Officer to internalize the fund approval.
• Coordinate and supervise project execution in accordance with UNEP policies and procedures.
• Support the executing partner in mobilizing co-financing for the project; Ensure that a project progress and completion report and financial reports are available upon completion of activities.
• Verify that project proposal meets UNEP quality-at-entry standards before submission to Branch Coordinator and for Project Review Committee (PRC) review.
• Follow up the project review process and promptly address any comments in consultation with project partners including FAO and UNDESA.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM:

• Knowledge of programme or project management in the fields related to the coastal and marine ecosystems conservation, restoration and sustainable use, blue carbon, blue economy, and other related sectors.
• The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
• Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems.
• Ability to conduct data collection using various methods.
• Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases.
• Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work, and manage conflicting priorities.
• Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

COMMUNICATION:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others,
• correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
• asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
• tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
• demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

TEAMWORK:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise;
• is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
• shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING:

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
• identifies priority activities and assignments;
• adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work;
• foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary;
• uses time efficiently.

Requirements

Education

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in project management, marine sciences, environmental science, ocean governance, environmental management, natural resources management or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of senior-level professional expertise in programme or project management in the fields related to the coastal and marine ecosystems conservation, restoration and sustainable use, blue carbon, blue economy, and other related sectors is required.
• At least three (3) years at the international level professional work experience within the UN or other international organizations is required. Work experience in developing countries, in Small Island States, is required.
• Experience in large-scale project design, management, supervision, coordination of multicounty programme/project, monitoring, and evaluation is desirable.
• Experience working with different donors and climate and environment funds such as Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Green Climate Fund (GCF) in a multicounty context is desirable.
• A minimum of Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.