Programme Analyst, Montreal Protocol Unit

UNDP’s Montreal Protocol/Chemicals Unit (MPU/Chemicals) within the Environment and Energy Group, Bureau of Development Policy, is enhancing its capacity and operations in Latin America and the Caribbean region, in response to the new challenges and opportunities presented by the inter-linkages between chemicals management, ozone layer protection and climate change, to better assist its client countries and to meet the requirements of its expanding portfolio of programmes the region. The Programme Analyst will work under the guidance and supervision of the Portfolio Manager – Chemicals, in charge of coordination of MPU/Chemicals regional activities in Latin America and the Caribbean, for UNDP’s Montreal Protocol Unit/Chemicals as part of the Environment and Energy practice team operating from the UNDP Regional Centre in Panama. Due to the global characteristics of the programme and the diversity of specialization and skills required, the Programme Analyst can be requested to support any other region, as deemed necessary by the Chief of the Unit. The Programme Analyst will provide quality programme management expertise to the Montreal Protocol/Chemicals team in the Latin America and the Caribbean, region for development and implementation of UNDP’s Chemicals related programmes, strategies and projects, under chemicals conventions/protocols such as the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). The porgramme analyst will also work with Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) initiatives as well as on opportunities related to cross-convention synergies, such as inter-linkages between ozone layer protection and climate change. The portfolio in Latin America is growing noticeably and UNDP business plan for the current and following replenishment of the Multilateral fund and the GEF are also growing. The Programme Analyst will interact and collaborate closely with the programme and operations teams in the UNDP Montreal Protocol/Chemicals Headquarters, the UNDP Regional Centre, Convention and funding secretariats, UNDP country teams and government focal points in the region and bilateral and multilateral partner agencies as pertinent to execution of duties, in order to facilitate compliance with convention objectives, knowledge delivery, programme development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The Programme Analyst will also interact closely with private sector and civil society partners in context of this portfolio of projects and programmes. The Programme Analyst will promote and ensure a client-oriented approach in the execution of his/her functions, consistent with UNDP policies, rules and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions: Implementation of programme strategies Management of the MP/Chemicals Unit programme in some countries of Latin America and the Caribbean Support the development of strategic partnerships and the implementation of the resource mobilization strategy Provision of top quality policy advice services to the Country Offices and Governments and facilitation of knowledge building and management Participation in Cross Programme/Practice and Mainstreaming Supports the implementation of the Chemicals programme strategies focusing on achievement of the following results: Discuss with assigned countries on their needs and demand for UNDP assistance to help them to implement the Stockholm Convention on POPs and the Montreal Protocol, as related to national and sector specific priority interventions required. Interact with bilateral, multilateral, private sector and civil society partners, including identification of potential opportunities for cooperation to support resource mobilization efforts; Coordinate inputs from various stakeholders and partners in the project/programme formulation process; Research and compile background resources, such as statistical and historical data, relevant studies, papers and publications and presentations for supporting the proposals; In close coordination with the UNDP country offices and government focal points in the region, assist the Portfolio Manager – Chemicals for Latin America and the Caribbean in managing the process of identification, preparation and submission of proposals to the related funding sources/secretariats, which comply with relevant formats and guidelines; in ensuring governmental focal points and Country Offices engagement in the process, ensuring that such selections enter into UNDP Ozone/Chemicals Business Plans prepared by MPU. Assist in ensuring timely submission of proposals to UNDP and coordinating interagency cooperation when required. Supports the effective management of the UNDP Chemicals programme within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned focusing on quality control from formulation to implementation of the programme, achieving the following results: Contribute to and provide inputs to chapters of the Unit’s Business Plans, Work Programmes, thematic/sectoral strategies, new partnerships strategies, etc… as required for the MP/Chemicals Unit. Undertake the necessary research, compile data, prepare analysis. Assist the Portfolio Manager – Chemicals for Latin America and the Caribbean manage the chemicals portfolio in the Latin America and the Caribbean region by supervising the full project’s implementation life-cycle as dictated by the respective focal areas and administrative rules, including assistance to country offices and their respective E&E environment units with project implementation, regular financial monitoring of projects’ delivery, advisory on annual progress and expenditure reporting with the overall aim of minimizing project delays Assist the Portfolio Manager – Chemicals for Latin America and the Caribbean in reviewing project proposals submitted by experts for technical consistency between objectives and results, compliance with policies and procedures as set by UNDP, GEF and/or Multilateral Fund and any other donor/trust fund related to the Chemicals programme UNDP implements, in evaluating their contribution to meeting the objectives of the programme., Assist the Portfolio Manager – Chemicals for Latin America and the Caribbean in preparing submissions and responding to questions raised by Secretariats and meetings of the Boards of respective Funds. Assist the Portfolio Manager – Chemicals for Latin America and the Caribbean in coordinating recruitment of experts, program their missions (attend missions when required). Assist the Portfolio Manager – Chemicals for Latin America and the Caribbean in reviewing, analyzing and preparing proposals as required, ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency in the technical and financial aspects and in compliance with relevant guidelines, policies and corporate standards; Substantive support during review of proposals at headquarters and at funding sources/secretariats, ensuring a consultative process in formulation of responses and their timely submission to the relevant funding/convention secretariats or partner agencies as applicable. Follow-up on audit recommendations. All exceptions are timely reported. Assist the Portfolio Manager – Chemicals for Latin America and the Caribbean in providing substantive backstopping for timely, efficient and effective implementation of projects and programmes, including quality control of results in line with UNDP rules and procedures within the framework of the deliverables in the approved project document; Monitor with UNDP executing agencies activities, expenditures and achievements of Ozone/Chemicals Conventions control measures/targets (when applicable) by the projects under his/her responsibility. Propose and apply, in partnership with the executing agencies, recommendations to achieve completion and/or solve possible issues that affect project implementation; Assist the Portfolio Manager – Chemicals for Latin America and the Caribbean in providing assistance to UNDP Country Offices (COs) and government focal points in the areas of project implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting, including procurement, training and technical assistance, awareness and outreach activities and formulation of policy/regulatory measures and enforcement; Prepare, update and monitor work plans, ensuring consistency and coherence of objectives and targets, with activities and outputs; Substantive monitoring, evaluation and reporting on implementation milestones, including identifying and monitoring potential risks and challenges in implementation and suggesting responses and remedial actions as needed; Backstop and follow-up procurement processes at the regional and country office level, pertaining to recruitment of national, regional and international consultants and to procuring equipment and related services; Compile high-quality reports periodically in line with schedules and on demand; Assist the Portfolio Manager – Chemicals for Latin America and the Caribbean in reviewing programmes with executing and partner agencies and government focal points to assess status of activities, results and expenditures; Provide inputs for timely preparation and submission of quarterly and annual reports for implementation progress and business planning under different funding mechanisms and sources; Compile status reports including audit, monitoring and evaluation reports on programme development and implementation, review and assess reports for quality, relevance and accuracy; Contribute to UNDP/MPU corporate duties through the participation in the preparation of Business Plan, Work Programme, Annual Progress Report, Project Completion Reports, PIRs and other activities as required by the the GEF, the Multilateral Fund, and other external funds as well as bilateral ones. Represent UNDP in Ozone/Chemicals management related workshops, meeting and conferences as per MPU Chief’s request. Other tasks to ensure proper project implementation, as may be required or requested. Support the development of strategic partnerships and the implementation of the resource mobilization strategy focusing on achievement of the following results: Support the development of partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society in the specific thematic areas based on strategic goals of Montreal Protocol/Chemicals Unit. Analysis and research of information on donors, provide inputs for the preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, support the identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects, support the overall Unit effort in resource mobilization. Ensures provision of top quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results: Assist the Portfolio Manager – Chemicals for Latin America and the Caribbean in liaising clearly, effectively and regularly with counterparts from project partners including bilateral and multilateral partner agencies where applicable and country level project teams for project/programme development and implementation; Assist the Portfolio Manager – Chemicals for Latin America and the Caribbean in ensuring adequate outreach, communication and visibility to the portfolio of projects and programmes and their results; Assist the Portfolio Manager – Chemicals for Latin America and the Caribbean in sharing knowledge and providing substantial policy advice to National Ozone Officers and Chemical Focal Points. Extract and codify lessons learned during programme development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; Manage databases, information and resource materials and knowledge products Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to Montreal Protocol/Chemicals policy goals. Share information and bring practical and usable ideas and experience, within the Environment and Energy practice and across practice areas Engage in practice and cross practice team meetings, carrying out activities as appropriate, in line with UNDP’s Strategic Plan and Regional Plan.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability Treats all people fairly without favoritism Functional Competencies Knowledge Management and Learning Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office Ability to advocate and provide policy advice Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more technical areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills Development and Operational Effectiveness Substantive knowledge and understanding of concepts and approaches relevant to supporting results-based programme management and implementation; Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks including development, planning and implementation of projects/programme, managing information and data and reporting; Good research, analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of programme-related issues/problems; Familiarity with and experience in the use of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases; Ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given; Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities; Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resource Strong IT skills Management and Leadership Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities Open to challenges and change, and demonstrated ability to manage complex issues and situations. Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment; Ability to work positively to contribute to team morale and to build consensus.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Master’s Degree or equivalent in chemical engineering or, chemistry Experience: Minimum 2 years progressively responsible professional experience in formulating and implementing programmes and projects in the chemicals sectors. Minimum 2 years progressively responsible professional experience in formulating and implementing programmes in the area of Chemicals, specifically the Stockholm Convention on POPs; Experience in the application and uses of non-ODS substitutes and in technology transfer focused on ODS substitution. Knowledge of the institutions of the UN system, and of international chemical conventions and relevant institutional mandates particularly the GEF General experience in UNDP operational procedures (i.e. NEX/NIM) at the national level desirable. Demonstrated developing country experience. Language: Fluency in English and Spanish, with strong writing and communication skills being essential. Fluency in Portuguese an asset.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.