Project Administrative Support Consultant

Result of Service Contributing to the efficient implementation of the project “Building capacities for the development of the National Adaptation Plan in the context of the NDCs adaptation themes in Panama” by executing the tasks outlined in Clause

It is expected that Project Administrative Support Consultant will contribute to the efficient implementation of the project “Building capacities for the development of the National Adaptation Plan in the context of the NDCs adaptation themes in Panama” by executing the tasks outlined in Clause.

The Project Administrative Support Consultant will contribute to the effective implementation of the project by guaranteeing that the following tasks integrate the gender mainstreaming:

1. Collaborate the National Project Coordinator in the timely preparation and submission of project work plans, budgets, procurement plans, and progress reports. 2. Collaborate the National Project Coordinator in developing terms of reference, identifying and selecting consultants, and supervising their work and deliverables. 3. Monitor progress of project activities and identifying corrective measures to overcome operational constraints. 4. Participate in the preparation, monitoring, evaluation of compliance of the Procurement Plan, Operational Plans, and the project budget. 5. Contribute with the financial Management and monitoring of the Project Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with the Fundación NATURA. 6. Participate in the administrative process of recruitment and hiring of individual consultants, consultancy firms and procurement of goods and services carried out in accordance with the project proposal, and the procedures of UNEP. 7. Provide technical expertise in the logistical organization and administration of Project Steering Committee and other relevant meetings, workshops, trainings, consultations and communications efforts (as necessary). 8. Prepare agendas and arrange appointments and meetings related to the project activities and write minutes from the meetings. 9. Maintain general office files and databases and keep the information in a manner which allows easy reference and retrieval. 10. Receive, or draft and distribute correspondence on a variety of project related subject-matters in both Spanish and English languages, attaching necessary background information, and ensuring that grammar, spelling and format are correct. 11. Translate or organize and oversee the translation of project documentation and reports between Spanish and English, as relevant. 12. Collaborate the Project Management Unit in any other support services as requested, to ensure smooth operation of daily activities and proper management of the unit’s resources. 13. Carry out other tasks inherent to the objectives of the position, as indicated by UNEP.

Work Location Ministry of Environment, Climate Change Directorate Office, Project Management Unit in Panama City, Panama.

Expected duration 12 MONTHS

Duties and Responsibilities The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system’s designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.

The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). In terms of addressing climate change, UNEP aims to support countries in the compliance of the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the priority actions defined in the countries Nationally Determined Contributions.

The overall objective of UNEP´s Sub-programme on Climate Change is to strengthen the ability of countries to move towards climate-resilient and low emission strategies for sustainable development and human well-being. The expected accomplishment regarding climate change adaptation is that adaptation approaches, including an ecosystem-based approach, are implemented, and integrated into key sectoral and national development strategies to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience to climate change impacts. Furthermore, the UNEP´s Sub- programme on Climate Change is also committed to ensure that crosscutting issues such as gender equity and women empowerment is effectively undertaken in the development of its tasks to guarantee an equitable development in line with its adaptation objectives.

The Project Administrative Support Consultant will operate under the overall supervision of the UNEP Adaptation Programme Management Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean Office. The incumbent will work from Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, full time and to be located in the Office of Climate Change Directorate of the Ministry of Environment, Project Management Unit in Panama City, Panama. Additionally, he/she will work in close collaboration with the UNEP’s Adaptation team, the Directorate of Climate Change of the Ministry of Environment in Panama, other national consultants and government and non-governmental counterparts. Travel might be needed for consultation processes.

To fulfill the objectives of the project, the UNEP LACO Office is recruiting a Project Administrative Support Consulant to assist UNEP in the implementation of the Green Climate Fund funded project as set in the funding proposal document. The Consultant will report directly to the UNEP Adaptation Programme Management Officer to Climate Change Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean Office.

Qualifications/special skills ACADEMIC

• Bachelor’s degree in business/public administration, development studies, social sciences or any other related field is required.

PROFESSIONAL:

• Three (3) years of relevant working experience performing operational and/or logistics and/or administrative tasks is required.
• Demonstrated work experience in the organization and implementation of small to medium size events is desired.
• Previous experience with budget management and financial reports is desired.
• Previous experience participating in community development projects is desired.
• Previous experience working with national or local government entities in Panama is an advantage.
• Previous experience with international cooperation agencies or the United Nations system is an advantage.

LANGUAGE:

• Fluency in Spanish is required.
• Fluency in English is required.

SKILLS: - Proficiency in MS Office (MS Word, Power Point, Excel and Outlook) software applications. Proficiency in design and layout software packages is required. - Ability to communicate complex issues in a language and format that is appropriate to specific target audiences. - Ability and willingness to travel to urban and rural regions of the country. - Excellent interpersonal communication skills and experience in stakeholder engagement and public relations. - Strong ability to analyze data and policies from an intersectional gender lens approach. - Ability to provide guidance on a gender intersectional approach for climate change adaptation.

COMPETENCIES:

• Professionalism: Professionalism: Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. He/she shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork: Is able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve organizational goals and to take leadership when appropriate; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

• Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

  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.