Assistant Project Officer UNOPS
UNOPS helps its partners in the United Nations system meet the world’s needs for building peace, recovering from disaster, and creating sustainable development. UNOPS is known for its ability to implement complex projects in all types of environments around the globe. In an effort to promote organizational excellence, UNOPS seeks highly qualified individuals for the following position:
Vacancy Details
Vacancy Code VA/2011/IW/72474/FSP/PA/01
Post Title Assistant Project Officer
Post Level SB-4
Project Title IW:Learn
Org Unit EMO IWC
Duty Station Bratislava, Slovakia
Duration 6 months (with possible extension)
Closing Date 8/01/2012
Background
GEF IW:LEARN3 is a third phase of the GEF International Waters: Learning Exchange and Resources Network Project, that has commenced in December 2010 as a follow-up of two proceeding successful phases implemented over the period of 2000-2008.
The IW:LEARN3 will be implemented from March 2011 until approximately June 2014, jointly by UNDP
and UNEP with cooperation of other GEF Agencies.
The project is based on the outcomes of a successful 4-year operational phase project (2004-2008) and 3- year pilot (2000-2003), as well as recommendations from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Agencies and their partners engaged in International Waters projects. The project is also directly related to the concurrent active UNDP-GEF project “GEF IW:LEARN: Portfolio Learning in International Waters with a Focus on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands and Regional Asia/Pacific and Coral Triangle Learning Processes” (CTI IW:LEARN). Multiple critical and independent evaluations also inform the project. This latest phase scales up successful IW:LEARN initiatives and services.
The GEF International Waters: Learning Exchange and Resources Network (GEF IW:LEARN)’s latest phase commenced in December 2010, with the endorsement of a third phase of the project (IW:LEARN3). IW:LEARN3 will be implemented from January 2011 until approximately June 2014. The project is based on the outcomes of a successful 4-year operational phase project (2004-2008) and 3-year pilot (2000-2003), as well as recommendations from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Agencies and their partners engaged in International Waters projects. The project is also directly related to the concurrent active UNDP- GEF project “GEF IW:LEARN: Portfolio Learning in International Waters with a Focus on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands and Regional Asia/Pacific and Coral Triangle Learning Processes” (CTI IW:LEARN). Multiple critical and independent evaluations also inform the project. This latest phase scales up successful IW:LEARN initiatives and services.
The project represents a cooperative effort between the UN Development Programme and UN Environment
Programme, but with the involvement of all GEF Agencies.
In pursuit of its global and regional objectives, IW:LEARN3 seeks to strengthen global portfolio experience sharing and learning, dialogue facilitation, targeted knowledge sharing and replication in order to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of GEF IW projects to deliver tangible results in partnership with other IW initiatives. The project will achieve this through the following 5 components:
• Component 1: MENARID Programme – Support via Land/Ground Water Integrated Management and Regional Portfolio Learning and Dialogue
• Component 2: Learning and Replication of Good Practices in Transboundary Surface and Groundwater Management
• Component 3: Global and GEF IW Portfolio Learning and Dialogue to Enhance Project Delivery and Impact
• Component 4: Information Management and Communications Platform to Support GEF IW Projects Learning and Dialogue
• Component 5: Programmatic Management Tools and Innovative Approaches related to Climate / Water and Private Sector Participation to Enhance GEF IW Portfolio Project Performance
This TOR is designed for a IW:Learn Assistant Project Officer to realize programmatic activities, as well as partnerships, outreach, response to constituents’ information needs, and basic administrative assistance for the GEF IW: LEARN project.
Duties and Responsibilities
The IW:LEARN Assistant Project Officer will provide critical technical assistance and occasional project management support to the implementation of GEF IW:LEARN3 based on the UNDP Project Document. The IW:LEARN Assistant Project Officer will take a leading role in spearheading ongoing dialogue to assess the needs & regularly interact with GEF IW projects, lead on the editing and production of GEF IW Experience Notes (technical case studies based on the results and innovations in water management of GEF IW projects), assist with the facilitation of online global communities of practice, a transboundary management commission workspace and a workspace for IW project managers. It is expected that the IW:LEARN Assistant Project Officer would also provide programmatic assistance broadly to all other project activities.
The IW:LEARN Assistant Project Officer would be part of a multi-disciplinary Project Coordination Unit, including staff and consultants from various partner organizations, aided by a Programme Officer and overseen by a Project Manager both based in the UNDP Bratislava Regional Centre. He/she shall liaise directly with the existing PCU, project stakeholders and the supervising UN agencies to achieve his or her work.
The IW:LEARN Assistant Project Officer would have responsibility for the areas described above and play a critical role in the delivery of the project. The IW:LEARN Assistant Project Officer would have a chance to apply his/her expertise in water management, international relations & development, information technology, structured learning and project management in support of maintaining the project’s overall integrity and coherence.
The IW:LEARN Assistant Project Officer would have responsibility for the following technical coordination activities, including:
• Supervising and leading an ongoing needs assessment of all active GEF IW projects. He or she would interact regularly with appointed GEF IW:LEARN focal points in each project (usually the project manager) to assess needs, market IW:LEARN services and ensure that all IW:LEARN deliverables (regional workshops, dialogues, website toolkit, project-project exchanges and new programmatic tools are effectively targeting projects);
• Facilitate two new initiatives, to establish a transboundary basin commission management portal as well as a workspace for IW project managers. This would provide a major opportunity to be at the center of a global online sharing platform on lessons in the establishment of joint management bodies in shared water basins as well as a new direct platform for IW project managers to exchange knowledge and receive
• Provide additional facilitation support to other online communities of practice, in partnership with UNESCO for groundwater and IUCN for surface freshwater;
• Provide support and content towards the development of training courses for the new TDA-SAP Methodology and Course as well as the IW Project Manager’s Course
• Provide technical expertise to all IW:LEARN3 project activities;
• Support the further development and content of iwlearn.net;
• Ensure consistency between the various project elements and related activities provided or funded by other donor organizations.
The IW:LEARN Assistant Project Officer will have the following project management duties:
• Support reporting activities to the GEF Agencies (UNDP and UNEP), Executing Agencies, Project Steering Committee and Inter-Agency Forum, ensuring adherence to GEF Agencies’ administrative, financial and technical reporting requirements;
• Support the preparation of the substantive and operational reports, as well as delivery of outputs from all project activities to iwlearn.net;
• Provide general support to all project activities, in particular to the all workshops and traning activities foreseen in the course of the project
Deliverables
Electronic submission of all applicable deliverables is required unless otherwise arranged in writing with the
PM.
Within two weeks after each calendar month of this contract, the APO should provide IW:LEARN’s CTA a brief progress report (tasks completed and deliverables submitted, by task). If there are any outstanding items awaiting PM review, these should also be noted in the progress report. Also due at that time are the PA’s monthly invoice, leave report/request form, and an F-10 form for any authorized reimbursable expenses.
Working Place and Schedule
The APO will assist with IW:LEARN project support for 6 work months over the period from contract signature. On a need basis, he/she may be requested to travel to partner locations. Most of the work will be carried out from APO’s home base at the UNDP Bratislava Regional Centre in Slovakia..
The IW:LEARN APO will spend approximately 40 hours/week (5 days/week) on this project. Work hours may be flexible, set at outset of contract, while also needing to accommodate communications across time zones as needed by senior staff or tasks. Upon mutual agreement, the position may be renewed or extended by the PM (or hours per week altered) thereafter pending organizational need and effectiveness of hired personnel.
If at any point, time allocated to this position does not appear realistic relative to tasks presented herein or modified hereafter, APO will indicate such in APO’s weekly [progress/priorities/needs] report to staff@iwlearn.net in order for CTA to review and act accordingly (e.g., reprioritizing or rescheduling deadlines, revising total number of days worked, etc.).
Coordination Arrangements
UNOPS is the Executing Agency for IW:LEARN whereas UNDP is the implementing agency for the project. The Bratislava-based PCU includes a UNOPS project manager and a UNDP programme officer. Both PCU personnel will provide overall direction, supervision and coordination with the APO. The Assistant Project Officer will report on substantive issues directly to the Project Manager, except for tasks or periods when such authority is delegated to the UNDP programme officer. On financial matters related to services provided, the Assistant Project Officer will also report directly to PM. The APO must assure timely and accurate completion of all delegated tasks, revised as needed to reflect emerging realities, along with brief monthly progress reports and invoices to the PM in order to be compensated.
Payment
The Assistant Project Officer will be compensated at rate approved by UNOPS Personnel Division, commensurate with experience and responsibilities of the position. Payment will be contingent on a monthly basis upon receipt of brief progress report and invoice accepted by CTA. Compensation for final month will be authorized pending APO documentation of expenditures and documentation of outputs compiled in a final report to CTA by the final day of the contract.
Required Selection Criteria
Competencies
• Excellent communication and management skills and demonstrable capacity to lead a multi- national team and to work with government institutions.
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback
• Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities
• Facility in using electronic software, Internet (email, World-Wide Web) and proficiency with recent versions of Microsoft Office.
• Experience in creating simple HTML documents using basic word processing and editing tools.
• Experience with Plone desireable.
Education/Experience/Language
• At least one years working experience, preferably in an international development context, preferably with international organizations and/or NGO’s, and preferably with some exposure to the water sector; Additional years of work experience are an advantage.
• Familiarity with or, ideally, work experience in GEF International Waters recipient countries and/or with donors or related NGOs;
• Advanced degree in environmental management or science, international relations, economics, development studies or related fields, or equivalent demonstrated experience;
• Some familiarity (and interest) with the transboundary waters issues and regions
• Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills in English
• Proficiency in at least one other UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian) is desirable.
Submission of Applications
Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) (available on our website), via email to: emo.vacancies@unops.org Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line.
Additional Considerations
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post. For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org.
Vacancy Details
Vacancy Code VA/2011/IW/72474/FSP/PA/01
Post Title Assistant Project Officer
Post Level SB-4
Project Title IW:Learn
Org Unit EMO IWC
Duty Station Bratislava, Slovakia
Duration 6 months (with possible extension)
Closing Date 8/01/2012
Background
GEF IW:LEARN3 is a third phase of the GEF International Waters: Learning Exchange and Resources Network Project, that has commenced in December 2010 as a follow-up of two proceeding successful phases implemented over the period of 2000-2008.
The IW:LEARN3 will be implemented from March 2011 until approximately June 2014, jointly by UNDP
and UNEP with cooperation of other GEF Agencies.
The project is based on the outcomes of a successful 4-year operational phase project (2004-2008) and 3- year pilot (2000-2003), as well as recommendations from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Agencies and their partners engaged in International Waters projects. The project is also directly related to the concurrent active UNDP-GEF project “GEF IW:LEARN: Portfolio Learning in International Waters with a Focus on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands and Regional Asia/Pacific and Coral Triangle Learning Processes” (CTI IW:LEARN). Multiple critical and independent evaluations also inform the project. This latest phase scales up successful IW:LEARN initiatives and services.
The GEF International Waters: Learning Exchange and Resources Network (GEF IW:LEARN)’s latest phase commenced in December 2010, with the endorsement of a third phase of the project (IW:LEARN3). IW:LEARN3 will be implemented from January 2011 until approximately June 2014. The project is based on the outcomes of a successful 4-year operational phase project (2004-2008) and 3-year pilot (2000-2003), as well as recommendations from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Agencies and their partners engaged in International Waters projects. The project is also directly related to the concurrent active UNDP- GEF project “GEF IW:LEARN: Portfolio Learning in International Waters with a Focus on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands and Regional Asia/Pacific and Coral Triangle Learning Processes” (CTI IW:LEARN). Multiple critical and independent evaluations also inform the project. This latest phase scales up successful IW:LEARN initiatives and services.
The project represents a cooperative effort between the UN Development Programme and UN Environment
Programme, but with the involvement of all GEF Agencies.
In pursuit of its global and regional objectives, IW:LEARN3 seeks to strengthen global portfolio experience sharing and learning, dialogue facilitation, targeted knowledge sharing and replication in order to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of GEF IW projects to deliver tangible results in partnership with other IW initiatives. The project will achieve this through the following 5 components:
• Component 1: MENARID Programme – Support via Land/Ground Water Integrated Management and Regional Portfolio Learning and Dialogue
• Component 2: Learning and Replication of Good Practices in Transboundary Surface and Groundwater Management
• Component 3: Global and GEF IW Portfolio Learning and Dialogue to Enhance Project Delivery and Impact
• Component 4: Information Management and Communications Platform to Support GEF IW Projects Learning and Dialogue
• Component 5: Programmatic Management Tools and Innovative Approaches related to Climate / Water and Private Sector Participation to Enhance GEF IW Portfolio Project Performance
This TOR is designed for a IW:Learn Assistant Project Officer to realize programmatic activities, as well as partnerships, outreach, response to constituents’ information needs, and basic administrative assistance for the GEF IW: LEARN project.
Duties and Responsibilities
The IW:LEARN Assistant Project Officer will provide critical technical assistance and occasional project management support to the implementation of GEF IW:LEARN3 based on the UNDP Project Document. The IW:LEARN Assistant Project Officer will take a leading role in spearheading ongoing dialogue to assess the needs & regularly interact with GEF IW projects, lead on the editing and production of GEF IW Experience Notes (technical case studies based on the results and innovations in water management of GEF IW projects), assist with the facilitation of online global communities of practice, a transboundary management commission workspace and a workspace for IW project managers. It is expected that the IW:LEARN Assistant Project Officer would also provide programmatic assistance broadly to all other project activities.
The IW:LEARN Assistant Project Officer would be part of a multi-disciplinary Project Coordination Unit, including staff and consultants from various partner organizations, aided by a Programme Officer and overseen by a Project Manager both based in the UNDP Bratislava Regional Centre. He/she shall liaise directly with the existing PCU, project stakeholders and the supervising UN agencies to achieve his or her work.
The IW:LEARN Assistant Project Officer would have responsibility for the areas described above and play a critical role in the delivery of the project. The IW:LEARN Assistant Project Officer would have a chance to apply his/her expertise in water management, international relations & development, information technology, structured learning and project management in support of maintaining the project’s overall integrity and coherence.
The IW:LEARN Assistant Project Officer would have responsibility for the following technical coordination activities, including:
• Supervising and leading an ongoing needs assessment of all active GEF IW projects. He or she would interact regularly with appointed GEF IW:LEARN focal points in each project (usually the project manager) to assess needs, market IW:LEARN services and ensure that all IW:LEARN deliverables (regional workshops, dialogues, website toolkit, project-project exchanges and new programmatic tools are effectively targeting projects);
• Facilitate two new initiatives, to establish a transboundary basin commission management portal as well as a workspace for IW project managers. This would provide a major opportunity to be at the center of a global online sharing platform on lessons in the establishment of joint management bodies in shared water basins as well as a new direct platform for IW project managers to exchange knowledge and receive
• Provide additional facilitation support to other online communities of practice, in partnership with UNESCO for groundwater and IUCN for surface freshwater;
• Provide support and content towards the development of training courses for the new TDA-SAP Methodology and Course as well as the IW Project Manager’s Course
• Provide technical expertise to all IW:LEARN3 project activities;
• Support the further development and content of iwlearn.net;
• Ensure consistency between the various project elements and related activities provided or funded by other donor organizations.
The IW:LEARN Assistant Project Officer will have the following project management duties:
• Support reporting activities to the GEF Agencies (UNDP and UNEP), Executing Agencies, Project Steering Committee and Inter-Agency Forum, ensuring adherence to GEF Agencies’ administrative, financial and technical reporting requirements;
• Support the preparation of the substantive and operational reports, as well as delivery of outputs from all project activities to iwlearn.net;
• Provide general support to all project activities, in particular to the all workshops and traning activities foreseen in the course of the project
Deliverables
Electronic submission of all applicable deliverables is required unless otherwise arranged in writing with the
PM.
Within two weeks after each calendar month of this contract, the APO should provide IW:LEARN’s CTA a brief progress report (tasks completed and deliverables submitted, by task). If there are any outstanding items awaiting PM review, these should also be noted in the progress report. Also due at that time are the PA’s monthly invoice, leave report/request form, and an F-10 form for any authorized reimbursable expenses.
Working Place and Schedule
The APO will assist with IW:LEARN project support for 6 work months over the period from contract signature. On a need basis, he/she may be requested to travel to partner locations. Most of the work will be carried out from APO’s home base at the UNDP Bratislava Regional Centre in Slovakia..
The IW:LEARN APO will spend approximately 40 hours/week (5 days/week) on this project. Work hours may be flexible, set at outset of contract, while also needing to accommodate communications across time zones as needed by senior staff or tasks. Upon mutual agreement, the position may be renewed or extended by the PM (or hours per week altered) thereafter pending organizational need and effectiveness of hired personnel.
If at any point, time allocated to this position does not appear realistic relative to tasks presented herein or modified hereafter, APO will indicate such in APO’s weekly [progress/priorities/needs] report to staff@iwlearn.net in order for CTA to review and act accordingly (e.g., reprioritizing or rescheduling deadlines, revising total number of days worked, etc.).
Coordination Arrangements
UNOPS is the Executing Agency for IW:LEARN whereas UNDP is the implementing agency for the project. The Bratislava-based PCU includes a UNOPS project manager and a UNDP programme officer. Both PCU personnel will provide overall direction, supervision and coordination with the APO. The Assistant Project Officer will report on substantive issues directly to the Project Manager, except for tasks or periods when such authority is delegated to the UNDP programme officer. On financial matters related to services provided, the Assistant Project Officer will also report directly to PM. The APO must assure timely and accurate completion of all delegated tasks, revised as needed to reflect emerging realities, along with brief monthly progress reports and invoices to the PM in order to be compensated.
Payment
The Assistant Project Officer will be compensated at rate approved by UNOPS Personnel Division, commensurate with experience and responsibilities of the position. Payment will be contingent on a monthly basis upon receipt of brief progress report and invoice accepted by CTA. Compensation for final month will be authorized pending APO documentation of expenditures and documentation of outputs compiled in a final report to CTA by the final day of the contract.
Required Selection Criteria
Competencies
• Excellent communication and management skills and demonstrable capacity to lead a multi- national team and to work with government institutions.
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback
• Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities
• Facility in using electronic software, Internet (email, World-Wide Web) and proficiency with recent versions of Microsoft Office.
• Experience in creating simple HTML documents using basic word processing and editing tools.
• Experience with Plone desireable.
Education/Experience/Language
• At least one years working experience, preferably in an international development context, preferably with international organizations and/or NGO’s, and preferably with some exposure to the water sector; Additional years of work experience are an advantage.
• Familiarity with or, ideally, work experience in GEF International Waters recipient countries and/or with donors or related NGOs;
• Advanced degree in environmental management or science, international relations, economics, development studies or related fields, or equivalent demonstrated experience;
• Some familiarity (and interest) with the transboundary waters issues and regions
• Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills in English
• Proficiency in at least one other UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian) is desirable.
Submission of Applications
Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) (available on our website), via email to: emo.vacancies@unops.org Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line.
Additional Considerations
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post. For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org.
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