- Contributing to a strategic understanding of, and engagement with, the substantive technical issues, institutions, and processes within the region, including establishing contact and developing strategic partnerships with other agencies, donors, NGOs, the private sector, scientific institutions and the like;
- Participating in the development and implementation of UNDP’s global and regional strategies on environment and sustainable development within BPPS and beyond. Engagement in policy and advocacy work with external partners where relevant;
- Providing policy development support and guidance to country offices and governments;
- Supporting the development of strategic UNDP policy position papers and internal briefing notes;
- Facilitating policy analysis and the development of technical tools and guidance;
- Maintain trusted relationships with country offices, government, and non-governmental partners’ role within the region;
- Keeping the Regional Team informed of trends and issues with respect to the substantive technical area and contribute actively to the development and implementation of the regional Environmental Finance Unit programming and Business plans;
- Keeping the Principal Technical Advisors informed of trends and issues in the region;
- Work in coordination with other RTAs/RTSs in the region to develop projects requiring technical guidance from multiple areas.
- Assisting in the maintenance of programme/project and portfolio information, and corporate information systems;
- Facilitating the identification, and sourcing of technical expertise and support, including assisting with the preparation of TORs, identification and evaluation of experts, and reviewing reports;
- Provide guidance on water, biodiversity, and ecosystem management including: strengthening management of protected area landscapes and developing protected area system finance schemes, mainstreaming biodiversity management in economic sector governance systems and markets, developing ecosystem-based adaptation and mitigation solutions to address climate change, and developing financial instruments for ecosystem management;
- Advise governments and other constituencies on issues related to fisheries management, integrated coastal management, governance of Large Marine Ecosystems, and integrated water resources management particularly in a transboundary context.
- Supporting programme and project identification and development, including on integrated approaches and multifocal area projects;
- Providing timely and quality information and technical advice on sources of funds, policies, priorities and activities, including the Global Environment Facility funds, the Green Climate Fund, other multilateral donors, bilateral donors and foundations;
- Identifying and suggesting to the PTAs and RTL priorities and entry-points for UNDP assistance;
- Facilitating the process of preparation, design, submission and approval of programme/project concepts and full-fledged proposals for financing;
- Providing guidance and support in the identification and sourcing of technical expertise and support, including assisting with the preparation of TORs, identification and evaluation of experts, and reviewing reports;
- Facilitating liaisons with potential financing agencies and institutions.
- Assisting with inception, contracting and startup of programmes/projects including establishment of indicators, benchmarks and work plans;
- Supporting UNDP country offices and programme/project implementation partners in supervision, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, troubleshooting and adaptive management;
- Preparing reports and communications pieces effectively showcasing socio-economic development benefits as well as environment results.
- Evaluating, capturing, codifying, synthesizing lessons, and stimulating the uptake of best practices and knowledge, including the development of knowledge materials;
- Peer reviewing, commenting on, and seeking to improve the technical quality of programmes/projects, policies, practices, guidelines, advisory notes, publications and the like;
- Contributing to the preparation of regional Community of Practice meetings;
- Supporting the preparation and delivering of training courses;
- Responding to queries on programme/project progress, impacts and lessons;
- Developing and carrying out a personal learning plan.
- Ability to make new and useful ideas work.
- Ability to persuade others to follow.
- Ability to improve performance and satisfaction.
- Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform.
- Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement.
- Knowledge of environment issues, concept and principles and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations.
- Knowledge of NRM concepts, principles and policies and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations.
- Knowledge of economics concepts, principles and policies and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations.
- Knowledge of development planning processes and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations.
- Develop programmes and projects through a process of logic.
- Ability to identify and organize programmes and projects to implement solutions and generate resources.
- Ability to manage programmes and projects with a strategy aimed at improved performance and demonstrable results.
- Ability to productively share UNDP knowledge and activities (at UN and other venues).
- Knowledge of methodologies, tools, systems and apply practical experience in planning, monitoring, evaluating and reporting.
- Ability to efficiently handle and share information and knowledge.
- Ability to plan, organize, motivate, and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
- Ability to provide guidance on marine and freshwater ecosystem management and governance, particularly in a transboundary context. Ability to guide the design and implementation of multi-sectoral and sectoral programmes and projects at different scales, and to work with multiple stakeholders across a wide range of disciplines.
- Master’s degree or higher in marine science, water resources management, environmental sciences, or in economics or social sciences with a specialization in environment and development, or other closely related field.
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience working with developing countries in the field of marine, freshwater, and/or terrestrial ecosystem management;
- Minimums 3 years’ experience with conceptualizing and developing internationally financed projects and programmes;
- Minimum 3 years’ experience working with developing countries in the policy development and implementation processes associated with marine and freshwater resources, ecosystem and/or biodiversity resources in development context;
- Demonstrable experience in working across different disciplines and connecting natural resource issues with the sustainable development agenda;
- Experience working with developing countries on transboundary water systems management and governance an advantage;
- Experience working with developing countries on ecosystem-based mitigation and adaptation to climate change an advantage;
- Experience working with multilateral, bilateral and/or regional environmental funds. Experience with the Global Environment Facility is an advantage;
- Experience in project management (direct experience an advantage) and guiding project implementation and management an advantage;
- Experience in establishing and/or maintaining strategic and long-term partnerships;
- Experience in facilitation and coordination;
- Full computer literacy;
- Experience working in Africa region is an advantage;
- Working experience in an international organization is an advantage as is knowledge of UNDP policies, procedures and practices.
- Excellent knowledge of the English language, with exceptional writing, presentation, and communication skills;
- Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese is an advantage.
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. This vacancy announcement will be used to populate a roster of qualified candidates from which future Regional Technical Specialist for Water, Ecosystems, and Biodiversity assignments will be drawn. Kindly note that the Roster will consist of internal and external candidates found suitable for Regional Technical Specialist for Water, Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Fixed Term Appointments (FTA) at P4 levels. These candidates will have to be endorsed by the UNDP Compliance Review Board (CRB) after having successfully undergone a competitive recruitment process including a thorough technical assessment and a competency based interview. These individuals will be required to complete an application and, if successful, will be considered as “pre-approved” candidates for a duration of up to 3 years.
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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Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension