Programme Specialist, Biodiversity And Ecosystem Restoration Job in Undp

Job Description

• Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs.
• Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized.
• Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability.

• Leads engagement with potential donors, Government, line Ministries, knowledge partners, and project teams to identify and develop project ideas.
• Develop proposals to mobilize resources from donors such as GEF, GCF, bilateral and corporate CSRs.
• Develop concepts and proposals for leveraging financial and technical resources from government, private sector and other programmes in line with global commitments.
• Facilitate cross thematic partnerships and build linkages of projects under the NRM and Biodiversity programme with other programmes of UNDP.
• Liaison with inter departments to fulfil the project development requirements.

Management and implementation of projects:

• Ensure consistency and integration among the various programme elements and related activities provided or funded by various sources.
• Ensure smooth implementation of the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration projects in accordance with the project documents and UNDP s procedures.
• Monitor development and progress of assigned projects/programs, and ensure smooth management of the same.
• Contribute to the development of the annual work plans of all projects under the portfolio.
• Initiate and strengthen relationships with relevant stakeholders including relevant ministries, government agencies, and all project partners as well as UNDP regional technical team for GEF projects.
• Responsible for lead coordination and follow-up of all project activities with technical agencies, governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in the projects to ensure timely provision of inputs and achievement of outputs and deliverables.
• Provide technical inputs to the project activities where appropriate.
• Work closely with and provide necessary support to the respective project management units for smooth, effective and timely implementation of projects.
• Analyze the situation in project(s) implementation, identify operational and financial problems, and provide support for development of solutions.
• Initiating & forging strategic partnerships for strengthening policy, improved project outcomes & resource mobilization.

• Lead and facilitate the audit of all assigned projects and comply with audit recommendations and requirements.
• Develop and monitor project indicators, targets and milestones of the projects.
• Support finalization of the progress reports related to all projects in the portfolio such as Project Implementation Reports, Quarterly Progress Reports, Project Results Monitoring Pathway and Annual reports.
• Support in conducting Mid-term review and Terminal Evaluation of the projects.
• Ensure compliance of all projects with internal quality assurance (QA) protocols and timely update on internal system.

Build and maintain UNDP s strategic partnerships.

• Substantively contribute to the harnessing of effective partnerships and lead the identification and onboarding process for implementing partners.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with implementing and development partners, government officials, businesses, NGOs, other national and regional stakeholders, and beneficiaries to support and ensure accurate interpretation of key objectives, and to promote inclusive project implementation.
• Communicate relevant and critical information with key implementing partners and members of project governing bodies, and substantively contribute to project visibility efforts.
• Make recommendations to the CO management team on activities with potential for scale-up, replicability and synergies. Provide technical support to the implementing partners and act as a liaison between UNDP and the partners.
• Support resource mobilization efforts and project development

Communications and Knowledge Management

• Support in development and implementation of communication strategy and action plan for all projects under the portfolio.
• Support development of knowledge products such as factsheets, brochures, publications etc
• Lead the project related dissemination material development, provide necessary technical input, monitor and keep track of the progress to ensure timely deliverables.
• Help create visibility of the projects through various platforms including events and social media.
• Facilitate sharing of knowledge and information within the project teams and across other teams

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

• 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 competencies:

• UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction and Strategy

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities; linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions. Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP
• System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Business Management

• Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
• Risk Management: Ability to identify, analyse and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks

2030 Agenda: Planet

• Nature, Climate and Energy: Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Natural Resource Management

Required Skills and Experience

• Advanced university degree (Masters Degree or equivalent) in Environmental Science/ Natural Resource Management/Development Studies or related fields is required, or
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of Master s degree.

• Minimum 7 years (with Master s degree) or 9 years (with Bachelor s degree) of relevant experience in programmes and projects related to biodiversity & wildlife conservation, ecosystem restoration, natural resource management and sustainable finance.
• Demonstrated experience of working with government departments at central and state level is required.
• Good understanding of biodiversity & wildlife issues such as landscape approach, wildlife conservation, natural resource management and sustainable livelihoods along with knowledge of global environmental compliance targets.
• Good communication (written and oral), interpersonal and presentation skills, with an ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Proficiency in MS-Office, especially PowerPoint, Excel and Word; Advanced knowledge of spread sheet, database management and research skills will be an asset.
• Ability to work independently and deliver time sensitive tasks assigned.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the country.
• Experience of working in the policy domain, ability to design and oversee relevant research, and development of high-level projects.
• Experience of managing externally aided or/ and vertically funded projects.
• Experience of working closely with government, research, bi/multilateral development agencies and international organizations.

Required Languages:

• Fluency in English and Hindi is required.