Background
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Office/Unit/Project Description
The project “Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) in the Marshall Islands)” implemented by the Government of the Republic of Marshall Islands (GoRMI) in collaboration with UNDP became operational in January 2020 with the objective to address expected impacts of climate change on water security on Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI).
RMI is a small island developing state in the Pacific. The nation is a large-ocean state, with a total land area of only 182 km², spread across over 2 million km² of ocean. There are 24 inhabited atolls and islands, which are mostly remote and lie merely 2 m above sea level on average. There are no rivers, streams or lakes in RMI and the number of small surface ponds is very limited.
GoRMI, with the assistance of UNDP, has developed a project on adaptation to climate change impacts to water supply in RMI. The project is co- financed by GoRMI and Green Climate Fund (GCF). The project will build resilience to the impacts of climate change on water supply, particularly in 24 atolls and islands that are highly vulnerable to drought. The project will invest in improving water security, water resilience and water governance through:
Water Security - Improving household and community rainwater harvesting and storage structures to increase resilience of water supply in 77 rural communities in the outer islands and atolls accounting for approximately 28% of RMI’s population, including 7,630 (49%) women, currently at risk. Water Resilience - Securing groundwater resources from contamination due to inundation caused by wave overtopping of seawater. Water Governance - Strengthening the technical capacities of national and subnational institutions and key stakeholders to integrated climate change risks into water governance processes so that management of climate change risks are coordinated, effective, participatory, equitable, and sustained over the long- term when risks are expected to worsen.The project aligns with GoRMI’s key climate change policies and strategies and has been developed through extensive consultation with government, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and beneficiary communities. The proposed project is aligned with RMI’s NDC and country work programme to the GCF. The NDA has issued a letter of no-objection and the proposed project is aligned with the work programme of the AE (UNDP) selected by the NDA.
This GCF project will be executed by UNDP, in close partnership with the GoRMI, given UNDP’s extensive experience in implementing climate change adaptation projects globally. The project implementation will be led by a team based in Majuro, RMI and Suva, Fiji.
Scope of Work
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Specialist (PM) is responsible for the management of UNDP programme within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned. The PS analyzes political, social and economic trends and leads formulation, management and evaluation of programme activities within his/her portfolio and provides policy advice services.
The PS will be working in close collaboration with the Resilience and Climate Change (RCC) Unit at Fiji MCO and FSM CO in directly implementing the ACWA project in the Marshal Islands. This will include planning, coordination, monitoring and evaluation and reporting and pulling together of project pipeline development under UNDP programme funds. The DPS works in close collaboration with the operations team, programme staff in 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. The Project Specialist will be based at Majuro but may be expected to travel as part of work responsibilities.
Institutional Arrangement
The Project Specialist will work under the supervision of the Project Manager, and work closely with the Team Lead for the Resilience and Climate Change (RCC) Team at Fiji MCO and FSM CO, and the Project management Unit (PMU) as well as the key government counterparts. Below is the ACWA project’s organizational structure – depicting the reporting line for this position.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions:
Ensure effective and efficient implementation of project activities as outlined in the Project Document. Ensure the day-to-day management of the operations aspect of the Project. Ensures creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy Ensure provision of top-quality technical advice to the GoRMI and facilitation of knowledge building and management. Ensure appropriate identification of project associated risks and challenges and recommend adaptive management strategiesEnsure effective and efficient implementation of project activities as outlined in the Project Document:
Facilitate Planning and development of Annual Workplans (AWP) and identify Annual Project Targets in accordance with the Project document in close coordination with the Government of RMI and other Project Stakeholders Support identification of areas for support and interventions within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned. Actively ensure the Procurement of acquired goods and services are done on time, in accordance with the UNDP Procurement Polices Lead/Support to the Project Manager (PM) with organizing Project Steering Committee Meetings four times a year. This includes the preparation and the timely distribution of Project Steering Committee Papers. Updates the PM on Project Budgets and Expenditures, with support from the Finance and Admin Associate Facilitate the establishment of a monitoring system for all Project Activities Proactively identify and discuss solutions to address issues/challenges during the duration of the Project that has potential to impact UNDP’s effectiveness, financial soundness and reputation.Ensure the day-to-day management of the operations aspect of the Project:
Lead/support to the Project Manager in carrying out the following: Annual Work Planning Annual Budgeting Budget Revisions Procurement of Goods and Services Monitoring of Project Budget and Expenditure Contractual Management Quarterly progress reports (Narrative/Financial) Annual Progress Reports. Supervise the Project Personnel based in Suva and report to the Project Manager to ensure consistency on quality of work performed. Initiation of a project, presentation of the project to PAC, entering project into Quantum, finalization of contribution agreement; determination of required revisions; coordination of the mandatory and budget re- phasing exercises, closure of projects through review. The DPM performs functions of Manager Level 1 in Quantum for POs and vouchers approval, participates in recruitment processes for projects. Lead development of procurement strategy, operation, and ensure close coordination with Procurement team, Regional Bureau Hub (BRH) and HQ for timely procurement and supply activities. Ensure financial and substantive monitoring and evaluation of the projects, identification of operational and financial problems, development of solutions. Participation in audit of projects. Provide input to Audit management response, implement audit recommendation of the Project. Assist with the development and implementation of communication activities in close collaboration with the RSD Communication Officer and Project Management Unit (PMU) in Majuro. Support evaluation of the programme impact, monitoring and analysis of the programme environment, timely readjustments in portfolio.Ensures creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy focusing on achievement of the following results:
Under the leadership of the Team Leader and the PM, build partnership with the UN Agencies, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society in the specific thematic areas relating to the Project, based on country needs and priorities. Analysis and research of information on donors, 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/management. Management and implementation of partnerships with GCF and UNDP corporate programmes (e.g. GEF Small Grants Programme) Participate in UN related Meetings as and when requested.Ensure provision of top- quality technical advice to the Government of RMI and facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:
Ensure identification and compilation of sources of information related to policy-driven issues and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt that are directly linked to programme country policy goals. Provide input required towards the development of policies and institutions that will address the country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners. Actively support and facilitate formal and informal meetings with Government and Project Partners as/when needed for Project Updates. Ensure capturing and dissemination of lessons learnt during the project implementation and coordinator with Suva/ RMI based team for wider dissemination Facilitate the Projects’ representation/and or participation in international forums to draw/share best practices and lesson learned Participate in site visits to capture project progress on the ground Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme issues.Ensure appropriate identification of project associated risks and challenges and recommend adaptive
Management Strategies:
Conduct regular risk assessments with stakeholders to identify project-related challenges and likely emerging risks Regularly update the risk log in the system Recommend adaptive strategies to mitigate risks, such as rescheduling activities or reallocating resources. Establish feedback mechanisms to capture community challenges and adjust implementation plans accordingly Facilitate capacity-building workshops for stakeholders to strengthen risk management and adaptive planning skillsThe incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact. Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems. Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences. Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands. Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results. Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration. Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.People Management
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found here
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Business Direction & Strategy
Business Management
Project Management Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals. Risk Management Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks.2030 Agenda: Planet
Nature: Water Governance: Integrated Water Resources Management. Climate: Climate Change Adaptation: Water Resource Management and Access to Water. Required Skills and ExperienceRequired skills and competencies
Computer knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point.Desired additional skills and competencies
Experience working in institutional development, project development and management, procurement and budgeting. Experience of managing large scale project (over 3 million USD). Extensive knowledge and expertise on water supply and climate change adaptation Extensive experience of procurement and logistics in the Pacific Region Ability to lead, conduct, facilitate discussions with stakeholders. Strong teamwork ability and work independently skill with limited supervision are essential.Required Language
Fluency in English and Marshallese is required. Disclaimer