Associate Task Manager

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

This contract is aimed at serving the GEF IW UNIT in implementing and further developing the GEF IW portfolio comprised of multi-year XB project funded activities. While the initial contract time is 1 year the extension is considered subject to performance and availability of funds

Work Location

Nairobi

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

UNEP is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP, Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. UNEP has a sizeable Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded portfolio of International Waters (IW) projects in Africa, Asia and the Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean. This portfolio has grown exponentially in GEF-8 including with new flagship responsibilities (1) on plastics with the Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution Integrated Programme co-led by UNEP, (2) on land-based sources of pollution with the Clean and Healthy Ocean Integrated Programme as well as (3) on BBNJ in addition to portfolio growth in each of the regions. Approved projects are in various phases of preparation, appraisal and supervision. Newly identified projects and concepts require research, data collection and analysis and, support to the quality control process, consultation with relevant countries and partners and, outreach. Likewise, projects in execution require support to the supervision process including technical inputs and quality assurance of the deliverables. Under the overall supervision of the Chief, International Waters Unit and Portfolio Manager and direct technical guidance and day to day supervision of the Task Manager for Africa and other geographic / thematic areas as applicable, the Assistant Task Manager will perform the following tasks; • Project Design and Submission (30%)– Under the guidance and day to day supervision of the Task Manager for Africa and other geographic / thematic areas as applicable expand the GEF IW portfolio in Eastern Europe and Africa/Med supporting the identification and formulation of new project concepts and proposals in close coordination with project partners on the ground and other project beneficiaries as well as possibly with other focal areas.  Provide substantive guidance to stakeholders with the design of project concepts and ensure that they address GEF objectives and requirements, national and regional priorities, and align with UNEP’s programme of work.  Provide technical assistance in preparing complete PIF and CEO Endorsement Request packages for new project concepts and ensure quality control prior to submission to UNEP’s internal review process (CAG, QEC and PRC) and to the donor for approval.  Provide support in developing road maps for project preparation phase (PPG), assist relevant consultants/project partners in preparing and editing required project documentation and ensure successful submission for approval prior to kick-start the implementation phase. • Project cycle management for projects under implementation (40%) – Provide relevant support with project oversight and management for the existing cohort of projects in Africa and the Mediterranean region starting from internalization and inception supporting the preparation of legal agreements, preparing project execution trackers to monitor and track project delivery, output and outcomes; hold regular backstopping meetings with PCUs, review quarterly reports and participate in yearly evaluation (Project Implementation reports (PIRs)); and work closely with the GEF IW team to coordinate and ensure timely communication with project teams, the Unit, Branch and Division to address any relevant issues and requests including from the GEF and the UNEP GEF Coordination Office (e.g. Audits, etc). • Logistical and Operational Support (5%) – Assist the Task Manager for Africa and other geographic / thematic areas and work closely with the financial officers and team assistant in preparing draft legal agreements (including PCAs, ICAs, and SSFAs) to operationalize project execution and mobilize resources at all stages of the project cycle (concept, preparation and implementation stage), and provide support in preparing TORs for various project and portfolio support consultants. • GEF IW Portfolio Communications Strategy (15 %)– develop a Unit Communications Strategy including the formulation of boiler plate narrative/about us” statement for the Unit, a short high-level background on the unit, checklists and guidance notes for Task Managers and Projects, etc and, provide technical guidance and advice toward implementing the Unit's Communication Strategy, in collaboration with UNEP's GEF Coordination Office and Communication Division • Comms Management (5%) – Prepare various written outputs, e.g. success stories and lessons learnt, background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, websites and social media networks, etc. Organize events and campaigns as relevant. Coordinate with the relevant UNEP GEF communications contact points to disseminate project related KM products, ensuring improved visibility both for the portfolio and for the projects. Ensure regular project updates to the IW:LEARN website for the UNEP GEF International Waters cohort of projects. • Any other tasks as required by the IW Unit Chief (5%) including support to the entire UNEP GEF IW team, strategic document formulation etc.

Qualifications/special skills

• MA related to environmental management and/or development studies. Desired • Demonstrated computer literacy. Required • Relevant professional experience in managing GEF projects; Desired • Familiarity with the UN System, as well as a good understanding of freshwater and marine and pollution related issues. Desired • Understanding of the GEF policies and project requirements; Required • Demonstrated project management and research skills; Required • Ability to work in teams and establish good working relationships with different governmental and nongovernmental partners. Desired • Ability to take initiative when needed and to work without tight supervision. Desired • Good interpersonal and communication skills. Desired

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is required. Fluency in other UN languages is an added advantage

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.