Regional Programme Associate-Chemical Waste

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.

Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. BPPS’s staff provides technical advice to Country Offices; advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represents UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private dialogues, government, and civil society dialogues, and engages in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas. BPPS works closely with UNDP’s Crisis Bureau (CB) to support emergency and crisis response. BPPS ensures that issues of risk are fully integrated into UNDP’s development programmes. BPPS assists UNDP and partners to achieve higher quality development results through an integrated approach that links results-based management and performance monitoring with more effective and new ways of working. BPPS supports UNDP and partners to be more innovative, knowledge and data driven including in its programme support efforts. 

Based in UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, the Nature, Climate and Energy Practice hosts the Environmental Finance (EF) Unit which has the objective of helping UNDP Country Offices to assist countries to access environmental and climate finance to address the dual objectives of addressing environmental and climate priorities in the context of efforts focused on the eradication of poverty and significant reduction of inequalities and exclusion for the pursuit of sustainable development. This objective is achieved through four inter-related areas of work on:

• sustainable management of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems;
• scaling up of climate change adaptation and mitigation;
• sustainable, affordable and accessible energy services;
• sustainable management of chemicals and waste.

These areas of work are aligned with the two Signature Solutions of UNDP Strategic Plan.

UNDP is an accredited implementing entity for the following environmental vertical funds:

• the funds managed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF): the Global Environment Facility Trust Fund (GEF TF), the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), and the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF); and
• the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

As an Implementing Agency for these funds, UNDP offers countries highly specialized technical services for eligibly assessment, programme/project formulation, due diligence, mobilization of required co-financing, project implementation oversight, results management and evaluation, performance-based payments, and knowledge management.

With its technical focus, UNDP’s Nature, Climate and Energy (NCE) unit is organized into substantive technical teams (Biodiversity, Water and Oceans, Climate Change Mitigation, Climate Change Adaptation, Chemicals & Waste) with a Principal or Senior Technical Advisor (PTA/STA) being the team leader within each area. Each team leader supports and guides a team of Regional Technical Advisors (RTAs) or Specialists (RTSs). As well as being a member of a technical team, each RTA/RTS is also a member of a regional team, which consists of RTAs/RTSs from all technical teams working together under the leadership of a Regional Team Leader. The regional teams are based in regional hubs from where they support UNDP’s country offices and partners in their region. The technical teams are organized around core thematic areas of nature, climate, energy, and chemicals and waste.

Sound chemical and waste management could reduce the risks of exposure to hazardous chemicals and protect the human health and environment. UNDP Montreal Protocol/chemical Programme focuses on providing policy and technical advisory, design, and implementation oversight of the chemical projects funded by Global Environment Facility, the Multilateral Fund, and bilateral donors. The Chemicals team is organized into a number of substantive technical teams with staff located in both HQs and UNDP’s Regional Hubs in Istanbul, Panama, and Bangkok. Currently, UNDP supports over 85 countries in meeting their obligations under the Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances and its Kigali Amendment on HFCs, Stockholm convention on POPs, Minamata convention on mercury, as well as strategic approach of international chemical management (SAICM). 

UNDP has been on the forefront of efforts to advance the Kigali Amendment to tackle climate change and improve cooling efficiency by partnering with developing countries, MLF, GEF, K-CEP, Clean Cooling Collaborative, Cool Coalition, bilateral donors and the private sector. UNDP’s Chemicals and Waste Programme helps client countries improve their capacities for sustainable production and consumption, clean air action plan, integrated waste management (healthcare waste, E-waste, plastics), sustainable and non-chemical development in SIDS, promotion of Green/Circular Economy, resource efficiency, good practice in Artisanal and Gold Mining sector (ASGM), and plastics management.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Chemicals and Waste Regional Technical Advisor/Specialist and coordination and guidance of the Director of the Chemicals and Waste team and RBEC Regional Team Leader (RTL), the Programme Associate will facilitate the effective delivery of the Hub’s portfolio in ECIS by providing high quality administrative and operational support and oversight throughout the development, implementation, monitoring/evaluation and closure of projects. This includes effective portfolio data management and monitoring to maximize COs’ timely compliance with UNDP and respective vertical funds requirements.

The Programme Associate will work in close collaboration with the Operations, Programme and Project teams in the COs, HQ, and the Regional Hub to address programme-related issues and to ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery.

Management and Support to projects under development (pipeline)

• Coordinate document processing related to project development in the region (regional and country level projects) as relevant to all stages of the project cycle;
• Processing documentation for submission, including final quality check regarding accuracy and compliance with formats and guidelines.
• Collection, analysis and checking for accuracy and consistency of information against established formats;
• Updating the EF Unit project data base (PIMS+);
• Tracking required information for project completion and/or processing requirements;
• Following-up on correspondence with project proponents, Country Offices (COs) and Headquarters, as relevant for GEF Chemicals and Waste, Montreal Protocol’s Multilateral Fund and bilateral projects;

Monitoring and support to projects (after vertical fund approval)

• Effective communication to COs on the processes relating to Delegation of Authority (DOA) and ensure COs receive a DOA Letter and the approved final UNDP Project Document and any other associated/necessary documents and requested clearance (including financial and technical clearance) in a timely manner once MP Chemicals Unit receives an approval/endorsement from a source of funds;
• Ensures Annual Work Plans are submitted for Regional Technical Advisor’s / Specialist’s approval and Authorized Spending Limit (ASL) issuance;
• Assist the Regional Technical Advisors / Specialists in reviewing projects’ annual and multi-year work plans in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with Donor requirements in terms of budgeting, and identify irregularities;
• Assist the Management and Programme Support Analyst in regional portfolio analysis, in particular, ensuring all data necessary for the analysis is collected from COs and consistent for any specific projects under his/her portfolio;
• Assist COs in completing budget revision processes in time for on-going projects under his/her portfolio.

Portfolio Monitoring and Support (includes projects under development and under implementation)

• Ensure all project information in EF Unit database (PIMS+) is correct and up to date at all times from the creation of a project in PIMS+ until the project’s operational and financial closure for projects under his/her portfolio;
• Support in all aspects of the organization of meetings, seminars, and workshops including making timely conference room booking, assisting in preparing, sending, and following up on invitations, agendas and/or background documentation, etc.
• Monitor project delivery and submission of progress reports and budget revisions for the region, identifying reasons for shortfall in delivery and alert RTAs of any projects with concerns;
• Undertake financial monitoring of the portfolio in the region and analyze individual projects’ budgets and budget revisions in close coordination with the COs and RTAs;
• Assist in all aspects of regional portfolio management, including tracking of standard project related management actions, monitoring and evaluation requirements and progress reports (TPR/APR, PIR) including processing of required documentation;
• Maintain the electronic project data base fully updated and, where necessary, organizes and maintains hard-copy files of all projects and associated information and official documentation;
• Assist in the preparation, updating, and dissemination of PowerPoint and other presentations and in managing dissemination of information that describe the work and achievements of NCE/Montreal Protocol Chemicals and Waste Programme via the media;
• Conduct financial follow-up and advise Country Offices (or executing agencies in case of regional or global projects) with regard to the deployment of the funds and the project closure, as well as, the preparation of the quarterly reports flagging to the RTA/RTS any discrepancies, need for action, or progress in disbursement;
• Maintain close contact with COs on projects in varying stages of the project cycle, tracking project development and/or implementation progress against established time-frames for project maturation and/or the attainment of implementation milestones as indicated in project annual work plans, recommending courses of action as appropriate and bringing to the RTA-RTS’s attention all technical issues that require attention/resolution;
• Draft correspondence and assist with other administrative tasks, as required;
• Backstop other members of the Team and performs ad-hoc tasks, as required, to ensure the Team will deliver at the highest standard;

Country Office Capacity Support

• Managing information flow between COs and HQ on the regional portfolio to meet all reporting requirements;
• Organize training programmes and workshops in the region as appropriate, including logistics, communications with COs, documentation requirements, and any other logistical and administrative support.
• In coordination with RTAs/RTSs, advise Environmental Focal Points on procedural issues, approval processes and associated timeframes related to Environmental Finance project cycle management, according to the UNDP POPP, Environmental Finance Programming Manual, MLF policies and guidelines and any other appropriate Advisory Notes and guidelines;
• Assist COs, regional team for ECIS, or HQs on staff recruitment processes and consultant procurement processes, including the development of TORs, finalizing advertisements, long and short listing, organizing interviews, ensuring necessary records and documentation throughout the recruitment process, etc., as requested by RTAs/RTSs;
• Work in close collaboration with the operations, programme and projects’ staff in COs, Regional Hub and HQ as required for resolving complex issues related to project administration or portfolio management;

Self-Development, Learning, Knowledge Management

• Learn from and contribute to corporate knowledge tools including programming manual and PA training manuals, Multilateral Fund policies and guidelines;
• Organize and participate in NCE Chemicals and Waste team training programmes and workshops as required, oversee logistics, documentation, and preparation/review of budget and authorization of expenses;
• Coordinate focal area knowledge management activities. Manage dissemination of information through Power Point or similar means, resulting in public awareness of the work and achievements of the Chemicals and Waste team;
• Undergo training in UNDP and vertical fund requirements

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 discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:

Business Management – Project Management

• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals.

Business Management – Monitoring

• Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results.

Business Management – Evaluation

• Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks.
• Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.

Business Management – Working with Evidence and Data

• Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making.

Business Management – 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.

Nature, Climate and Energy – Climate Change Policies; Climate Finance

• Ability to provide support and oversight throughout the development, implementation, monitoring/evaluation, and closure of projects in line with environmental vertical fund requirements.

Procurement – Sourcing

• Ability to find, evaluate and engage suppliers of goods and services.

Finance – Budget Management

• Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process; drawing and management of project budgets.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education preferably with specialized certification in Business or Public Administration, Finance, Environment or related area is required; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Engineering, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or Planning, Environment, Natural Resources Management, or other closely related field will be given due consideration.
• Certification in project management and/or procurement would be an added advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years experience (with Secondary education) or 3 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) in financial resources management, budget management, programme/project management and/or Administrative support functions is required;
• Solid experience in project oversight and/or management is highly desirable;
• Knowledge of tools and methodologies to follow-up on projects or project cycle management preferred;
• Experience at the national or international level with organizations that manage grants or vertical funds is an advantage;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, as a minimum; database management as a plus);
• Good knowledge of an ERP System (such as Atlas) and UNDP Procurement, Programming, Finance and/or Accounting structure will be considered an advantage;

Experience:

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Turkish;
• Knowledge of additional UN languages is an advantage.

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Disclaimer

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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