Portfiolio Associate-Nature, Climate change &Energy

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The UNV Portfolio Associate will be embedded with the Federal Ministry of Environment and supervised by the BES-Net National Coordinator/Team Leader of the EECC Unit in UNDP Nigeria, working in close collaboration with the pprogramme, ooperations, ccommunications and other project teams in CO for effective visibility of results, anticipating and contributing to programme/project-related issues and information delivery. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as the implementation of effective internal control systems.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Team Leader or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Portfolio Associate will:

Financial management: • Prepare payment requests in a timely manner, monitor disbursement of monthly payments for the project; • Track and report project expenditures monthly for the project; • Maintain and improve databases for the Project’s that accurately report on progress and decisions, highlight issues, and are suitable for analysing data; • Undertake procurement actions; • Provide necessary backstopping on administrative actions; • Prepare and translate necessary documents, reports to donors, UNDP, Programme Board, and others as relevant; • Follow-up on timely disbursements by UNDP CO; • Assist in the preparation of payment requests for operational expenses, salaries, insurance, etc. against project budgets and work plans; • Support the preparations of project work plans and operational and financial planning processes; and • Monitor project activities, budget and financial expenditures and maintain a proper record of approved project budgets and their revisions.

Project management: • Proactively contribute to day-to-day project implementation and ensure conformity to expected results and project work-plans; • Maintain project correspondence and communication; • Collect, register and maintain all information on the project activities;
• Contribute to the preparation and implementation of progress reports; • Prepare agendas and arrange field visits, appointments and meetings both internal and external related to the project activities and write minutes from the meetings; • Maintain project filing system; • Maintain records on all project personnel/national consultants and their respective status (contracts, ToRs, time and attendance – if appropriate, etc.) in accordance with accepted policies and procedures; and • Assist in logistical organization of meetings, training and workshops. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

• Demonstrate commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values; • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; • Shares knowledge and experience; and • Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills. • Proven ability to problem-solve and think creatively to develop and implement smart business solutions in a challenging socio-economic environment; • Ability to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government required. Excellent interpersonal skills are an essential part of the job; • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents. • Leadership and self-mmanagement; • Focuses on results for the client and responds positively to feedback; • Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure; and • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities • Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to [UNDP • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work. • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards [UNDP]’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values

Project management for biodiversity-related projects and with proven working knowledge of financial management aspects of projects;

The assignment will take place in the nation’s capital, Abuja (Hardship classification C). With approximately 184 million inhabitants, Nigeria accounts for 47% of West Africa’s population, and has one of the largest populations of youth in the world. It is a political federation that consists of 36 autonomous states, and a multi-ethnic and culturally diverse society. With an abundance of natural resources, Nigeria—Africa’s biggest oil exporter— also has the largest natural gas reserves on the continent. Nigeria is located in western Africa on the Gulf of Guinea and has a total area of 923,768 km2 making it the world's 32nd-largest country. It shares borders with Benin (773 km), Niger (1,497 km), Chad (87 km), Cameroon (1,690 km), and has a coastline of at least 853 kilometres. Nigeria lies between latitudes 4 and 14 N, and longitudes 2 and 15 E. The country is viewed as a multinational state, as it is inhabited by over 500 ethnic groups, of which the three largest are the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba; these ethnic groups speak over 500 different languages, and are identified with wide variety of cultures. The official language is English. Nigeria continues to face terrorist attacks in the northeast, a restive insurgency in the Delta region, and the perennial inter-communal violence across the middle belt. At the root of the security challenges are high levels of poverty, joblessness, growing numbers of frustrated youth, and the degradation of natural resources and climate stressors. The critical and immediate challenge is ensuring the welfare of the internally displaced people, host communities, and population in the North- East. Terrorism is the main threat in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja SLA. General crime is also prevalent. UN staff members are advised to stay only in assessed hotels. Assessed hotels list available with Agency Security Focal Points. The currency used in Nigeria is called Nigeria Naira (the currency code for Naira is NGN, and the currency symbol is ?) . “Nigeria is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.