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Finnish Funds Project Coordinator P-3 - Environment & Climate Division

Duration of Assignment
11 months only
Organizational Context
Over the years the integration of environment and natural resources (ENR) issues has been a prime mover in encouraging a more holistic approach to project design and implementation in IFAD. In spite of this corporate interest, environment and common property resources has consistently been rated as one of the weakest impact areas in IFAD-funded projects evaluated by the Office of Evaluation since 2002 by successive annual reviews. IFAD has taken significant steps to reinforce its environmental and social performance. In this context, IFAD is reorienting its approach to better addressing both strategic issues and enhance quality at entry. The most recent and significant developments in this regard are the: (i) Environmental and Social Assessment (ESA) Procedures that were approved in December 2009; (ii) Climate Change Strategy approved in April 2010; (iii) ENRM Roll out plan developed in April 2011; and (iv) ENRM Policy approved in May 2011.

IFAD’s commitment to sustainable development is illustrated in its new Strategic Framework (2011 to 2015) wherein, a balance of economic growth, social cohesion and equity, agricultural productivity/production, environmental protection and sustainable natural resource management are considered as fundamental to its core mandate of rural poverty reduction. This commitment is also reflected in the new ENRM Policy (2011 to 2016) and the Climate Change Strategy. The Finnish-supported project: ‘Strengthening IFAD capacity to mainstream environmental and social issues in its projects and programmes’ initiative responds to and is aligned with the above-mentioned three corporate documents.
Duties and Responsibilities
The main objectives of this assignment include:

1. Strengthen integration of ENRM and climate change considerations in IFAD programme and project designs with a focus on enhancing alignment with the objectives of both the CC Strategy and ENRM policy (includes the ten core principles and best practise statements);

2. Ensure that the experiences generated from piloting Strategic Environmental Assessments and Environmental and Social Impact Assessments in selected projects would enhance broader learning and sharing, as well as institutional needs essential for an intersectoral approach to quality enhancement for enhanced ENRM impact. This includes the refinement of specific tools provided in IFAD’s ESAP (Strategic Environment Assessment, environmental classification of projects and programmes, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and the eleven Operational Statements); and

3. Generate and share lessons learned in 1) and 2) above to contribute to knowledge and innovation development.
The Coordinator will support the integration of environmental and social considerations in IFAD programmes and projects while at the same time building IFAD staff and country capacity on the rural poverty-environment nexus and on environmental sustainability outcomes. The incumbent would also ensure that IFAD’s portfolio experiences are up taken as inputs into the revision of ESA Procedures and associated management tools.

Detailed Tasks and Activities:

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Technical Advisor and in close collaborate with
the Regional Climate and Environment Specialists and Knowledge and Advocacy Manager, the Coordinator will:

• Lead the coordination of the project: i) carry out day-to-day tasks related to project implementation which include liaising with regional divisions and project logistical and planning matters; ii) develop TORs for consultants and annual work programmes (including indicators for monitoring progress) ; and iii) prepare project progress and completion reports

• Lead in strengthening the design of Environment and Climate M&E systems in IFAD: identify and strengthen indicators in the existing Results Impact and Management System (RIMS). Attention will also be given to refining the existing methodology for gauging annual resource trends for measuring and reporting progress; and

• Pilot SEA/ESIA tools and update IFAD’s Environmental and Social Assessment Procedures: i) pilot the use of Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) in selected projects (a total of three in 2011); ii) identify ESA-related training needs and training material, as necessary; and (iii) organise workshops, as necessary. Also contribute to the revision of key ENRM management tools namely, the Strategic Environmental Assessment, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Operational Statements and ensuring that they reflect the ENRM policy best practice statements.

• In close consultation with ECD’s Knowledge Advocay Manager,
• support the Quality Enhancement of programmes/projects designs:
• Contribute to generating lessons from integration of the ENRM policy guiding principles and best practice statements in project and programme designs; and
• Contribute to dissemination of lessons learnt and good practices: provide inputs to in-house knowledge platform and contribute to the development of an Environment and Climate Knowledge and Ideas Platform, support dissemination of lessons learned and good practices.

• Perform any other related duties as required by the Senior Technical Advisor – Environment and NRM.
Education and Experience
• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in development, social or environmental studies, agriculture or rural development studies
• A minimum of seven years experience in natural resource management and at least three years expertise in project coordination and supervision
• Sound knowledge of ENRM policy development and implementation, and especially of IFAD policies and programmes is essential for this position. Knowledge of issues linked to participatory approaches to NRM and local governance is desired.
• Professional experience in IFAD regions preferable
• Expertise on issues surrounding adaptation to climate change and mitigation of risk would be considered an asset
• Ability to write and edit technical reports, prepare summaries/information materials for policymakers and non-technical audiences
• Good working knowledge of Windows-based computing, and electronic communication.
• Full command of English is required. Command of another IFAD language (French, Spanish, Arabic) is an asset
Tech/Functional Competencies
• Good planner and implementer
• Ability to work in team and in a multi-cultural environment
• Proven ability to work under tight deadlines
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated capacity to multi-task
• Establishes good working relationship with clients and colleagues
• Practices good judgement and ability to decide on his/her own
Other Information
Contract Type: Temporary Professional Officer, local employment conditions (however international round-trip airfare/ terminal allowances may be granted where applicable). IFAD reserves the right to appoint a candidate at the appropriate grade commensurate with experience and knowledge.

IFAD can recruit employees only among its member states. Applications from women candidates are particularly encouraged.

Interested candidates are must apply by completing IFAD’s Personal History Form (PHF) in English. A separate CV may be attached if you so desire, only as a supplement and NOT a substitute to the PHF. The application should be made through the online system only. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY the instructions in “How to Apply” before you start.

Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful.


Finnish Funds Project Coordinator P-3 - Environment & Climate Division