Jobs and Careers

JOB DESCRIPTION : 

The Project will be implemented by UNDP in close cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and GIZ. For implementation purposes, UNDP will establish a project team, which will ensure that the envisaged activities are carried out in a timely manner and the outputs are reached. The Project team will be managed by the Project Coordinator (PC), who will operate under the overall guidance of UNDP Deputy Resident Representative and under the direct supervision of Climate, Environment, Resilience Programme (CER) Analyst/ Team Leader.
The Project Coordinator is responsible to run the Project technical and operational activities on a day-to-day basis on behalf of the implementing agency and in full compliance with UNDP rules and regulations as well as provision of Multi-partner Contribution Agreement between EU, GIZ and UNDP. The PC's prime responsibility is to ensure that the Project produces the results specified in the Project document, to the required standard of quality and within the specified constraints of time and cost. Development and consolidation of work plans, preparation of quarterly/ annual progress reports to UNDP, Donor, Project Steering Committee, as well as supervision the work of the Project thematic experts, etc., are major responsibility of the PC. The Project Coordinator also provides inputs for monitoring of execution of services in the projects under CER Programme Unit in the area of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources (assigned area), and as such supports the CER Programme Analyst/ team Leader in design, planning, implementation and monitoring of the programme by: a) collecting and managing data, developing thematic briefs; b) overseeing and consolidating project related and corporate reporting; c) ensuring timely delivery mechanisms; d) supporting management in monitoring and evaluations, as well as in quality assurance; e) facilitating communication, capacity building, knowledge generation and sharing. The Project Coordinator promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations for supporting resolution of project-related complex issues and information delivery.

RESPONSIBILITIES : 

- Ensure the efficient operation of the Project Unit, including recruitment and supervision of the Project staff, national and international consultants and subcontractors, as well as timely delivery of the Project outcomes/ outputs;
- Ensure the development and efficient implementation of activities, as per the Project Document acting flexibly to adjust to implementing realities;
- Cooperate with GIZ on the organization of the Inception phase of the Project and follow-up implementation activities;
- Manage and monitor the financial performance of the Project and ensure delivery as per the Project budget;
- Develop the detailed Project work plan and relevant activities as per outputs; ensure efficient and timely implementation of those activities;
- Provide substantive support in the development of the Project monitoring plan in line with the requirements indicated in the Project document; support in undertaking the Project independent midterm and final evaluations;
- Ensure implementation of the Project communication plan and visibility requirements;
- Prepare and submit reports to the implementing and responsible partners, UNDP, and funding organization on the financial and operational status of the Project according to the requirements stated in the agreement, monitoring and evaluation plan;
- Lead, supervise and monitor the Project implementation process, including provision of advice on the UNDP activities in the area of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources;
- Ensure organization of national and regional workshops and other meetings, prepare briefing notes, background papers and deliver presentations in the assigned area;
- Liaise with the Government, key sectorial actors and stakeholders, civil society organizations, academia, including private companies, and international partners to ensure participatory approach for the development and implementation of Project and CER programme's related activities;
- Support in developing critical partnerships and networks for the specific thematic areas; participating in the activities of intergovernmental or other coordinating bodies, thematic task forces, project boards, etc.;
- Support UNDP in providing guidance and technical expertise on the formulation of projects, concept notes, strategies and proposals in the related fields under CER programme;
- Identify and develop new cooperation and respective funding opportunities to ensure meeting the Project stated objectives and beyond;
- Provide input and contribute to the preparation of SER programme related policy papers, corporate planning and reporting tools, resource mobilization and advocacy materials;
- Contribute to the preparation of innovative and creative initiatives, blogs, interviews, etc. in the assigned area;
- Act as Project assets custodian and ensure that the Project assets are properly inventoried and reported to UNDP;
- Perform other programmatic and advisory duties as required by UNDP.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS : 

Education:
- Master's degree in Environmental Management and Policy, Natural Sciences, Hydrology, or other relevant discipline;
- Relevant university degree in combination with qualifying experience in the project/ programme management in the subject area may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:
- At least 5 years of related professional and managerial experience at national level, of which 3 with international organizations in the field of project management. Hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects;
- Proven understanding of and practical exposure to the institutional framework governing natural resources management and climate policy in Armenia, understanding of the Protected Area management concept and market related mechanisms governing natural resource use schemes;
- Proven experience in development of analytical documents, research work, project proposals/ concept notes.

Languages:
- Fluency in Armenian and English languages; knowledge of Russian language is an asset.

Computer Skills:
- Experience in the usage of computers and Office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Skills:
- High level of integrity and professionalism. Demonstrated initiative, tact and high sense of responsibility and discretion;
- Ability to handle big volume and scope of simultaneous tasks, as well as work under the pressure and in circumstances of diverse interests;
- Ability to deliver and reach the planned project targets;
- Ability to work independently and to participate effectively in a team-based information sharing;
- Creativity, flexibility and an innovative approach to problem solving;
- Good interpersonal and negotiation skills;
- Demonstrated strong team spirit;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Result-orientation.

Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrate integrity by modelling the UN's values and ethical standards;
- Demonstrate a passion and energy for development projects;
- Promote the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
- Display cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Treat all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
- Promote a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
- In-depth knowledge on development issues;
- Ability to advocate and provide policy advice;
- Actively work towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, act on learning plan and apply newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:
- Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
- Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources;
- Strong IT skills;
- Ability to lead implementation of new systems and affect staff behavioral/attitudinal change.

Management and Leadership:
- Focus on impact and result for the client and respond positively to feedback;
- Lead teams effectively and show conflict resolution skills;
- Consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
- Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills;
- Build strong relationships with clients and external actors;
- Remain calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES : 

All interested and qualified candidates may apply through the UNDP E-Recruitment system via the following link: https://tinyurl.com/JobOpeningId.

Please clearly mention in your application letter that you learned of this job opportunity through Career Center and mention the URL of its website - www.careercenter.am, Thanks.

ADDITIONAL NOTES : 

Contract Type: Service Contract
Grade:SB4

Disclaimer
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ABOUT : 

Background
Lake Sevan has a highly significant historical, cultural, and economic value for the country as it is a source of drinking water, irrigation water, and production of hydropower. It also serves as a recreational area for the Armenian population. However, because of the intensive and unsustainable use during the past decades, the water quantity and quality have significantly deteriorated. The Lake faces numerous environmental challenges and has also suffered significant biodiversity loss. The restoration and preservation of the lake's ecological balance, as well as its protection and sustainable use are top priorities of the Armenian Government in the field of climate and environment.
The Government of Armenia recognizes the importance of rehabilitation of Lake Sevan ecosystem and for over two decades has invested into setup of institutional and regulatory framework and plan of actions towards ecosystem rehabilitation. However, inadequate and disintegrated planning, weak inter-sectoral co-ordination, inefficient monitoring, control and law enforcement mechanisms as well as outdated policy framework not harmonized among sectors inhibit the progress towards sustainable management of the lake Sevan basin. EU4Sevan project aims to further enhance the environmental protection of Lake Sevan. The Project is part of the EU Action "EU4 Energy Efficiency and Environment", and of the BMZ-funded programme "Management of natural resources and safeguarding of ecosystem services for sustainable rural development in the South Caucasus (ECO serve)".
The Project will be implemented jointly by GIZ and UNDP, where UNDP component's objective is further improvement of the overall governance system regulating lake Sevan ecosystem management and sustainable use. The improvement of water and lake area governance is a key prerequisite for effective basin management and monitoring, thus Project aims to bring ecosystem-based approach as a basis for planning and management of productive landscape in the Lake Sevan basin and sectoral development in an integrated manner to help minimize further deterioration of ecosystems and enhance sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities. The Project supports formulation of a new long-term vision on Lake Sevan, update respectively the policy and regulatory framework governing Lake Sevan to consider change dynamics over the past 20 years and mainstream additional factors, such as ecosystem vulnerability due to climate change. This will be achieved through multi-stakeholder collaboration in course of elaboration of the Lake Sevan management plan as a means of managing different land use and resources in a joint-up way. In contrast to sectoral planning, in this landscape approach provides a framework for balancing the different daily needs with long-term conservation objectives. During prioritization of measures, the management planning process will build on Basin Management Plan for Lake Sevan and its Programme of Measures and the Action to be finalized by end of 2020 under umbrella of EUWI+.