Background
The project, Establishing Systems for Sustainable Integrated Land-use Planning across New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea, funded by GEF-FOLUR, in the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG) will focus activities on the landscape of New Britain Island. At 3,330,890 ha, the island ranges from dense lowland plains to a central mountainous spine with peaks of over 2,000 m. With high levels of forest cover the island represents an area of high value biodiversity but is also at threat from rapid forest loss due to agricultural conversion with over 450,000 ha under permits for forest clearance. This pressure is driven by PNG’s socio-economic status, which includes a desire for economic development and income, rapid population growth and the high importance of agriculture in PNG’s economy, particularly Palm Oil and Cocoa. These impacts are exacerbated within the agricultural sector due to knowledge gaps in sustainable production, prevalence of unsustainable practices, unresponsive supply chains and limited access to finance.
In addressing these barriers, the project will help to deliver: 50,000 ha of land restored, 2,712,364 ha of landscapes under improved practices (excluding protected areas), 32.3 million metric tons CO2e of direct post-project. The project will also deliver direct economic and/or non-economic benefits to 66,647 individuals (28,838 females and 37,809 males). These results will be achieved through the following four interrelated components:
Component 1: Development of integrated landscape management systems Component 2: Promotion of sustainable food production practices and responsible value chains to reduce land stress and avert degradation and deforestation Component 3: Conservation and restoration of natural habitats Component 4: Knowledge management and impact monitoringThe two recruited Provincial Agriculture Technical Specialists (PATS - West New Britain Province and East New Britain Province) will be based within the Provincial Administration Offices. The PATS will act as the central technical officers for agriculture at the provincial level. Working closely with the National Agriculture Technical Specialist (NATS) they will help to coordinate, facilitate and input into all technical work linked to agriculture at the provincial level. They will also play an important role in integrating work under Component 2 into the Land Use and Development Planning processes under Component 1 in close collaboration with the Provincial Coordinator and Land Use Specialist.
Duties and Responsibilities
The two Provincial Agriculture Technical Specialists for Kokopo, East New Britrian Province will report to and be directly supervised by the Project Manager. The Provincial Agriculture Technical Specialists will be also expected to work under the technical direction of the National Agriculture Technical Specialist and under the overall guidance of the the UNDP Chief Technical Specialist.
The Provincial Agriculture Technical Specialists will be basesd at the project site and will be working closely with provincial counterparts, civil society, private sector in planning and coordinating the interventions of the key actors involved in the implementation.
Competencies
Core competencies:
Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discriminationCross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Business Direction & Strategy
Effective Decision Making. Ability to take decisions in a timel\\ and efficient manner in line with ones authority, area of expertise and resources.Business Development
UNDP Representation. Ability to represent UNDP and productively share UNDP knowledge and activities; advocate for UNDP, its values, mission and work with various constituencies.Business Management
Partnerships Management. Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies. Communication. Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience; Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels. Portfolio Management. Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investmentPartnership management
Relationship Management. Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding.General (across the functions)
Public relations. Ability to build and maintain an overall positive public image for the organisation, its mandate and its brand, while ensuring that individual campaigns and other communications and advocacy initiatives are supported in reaching the public.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Master’s degree in agriculture economics/development practices, agribusiness, agricultural extension, green commodities, or other related fields. Bachelor Degree in agriculture economics/development practices, agribusiness, agricultural extension, green commodities, or other related fields with 2 years of relevant experience.Experience:
Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in providing management advisory services, hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation, budget and financial resources in agricultural commodities for Bachelor’s degree holders At least 2 years’ experience in palm oil and/or cocoa sectors is desirable Microsoft Office, Windows-based applications, integrated web-based management systems, spreadsheets and databases Experience in project management Strong network and demonstrated ability to provide technical support and work closely with government officials, civil society and corporate sector Demonstrable expertise working with agricultural commodities, management and governance issues. Demonstrable technical knowledge of PNG Government policies and procedures with agricultural commodities, management and governance issues. Experience with multi-stakeholder initiatives, preferably with professional experience implementing projects with components of facilitating inter-sectoral and sectoral coordination. Ability to write clear and concise reports for an International audience Knowledge of UNDP policies and procedures is an asset. Strong project management and organizational skills, with experience in organizing and facilitating meetings and workshops is an asset.Required languages:
Fluency in spoken and written Tok Pisin and English.Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
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.
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