Jobs @ UNDP
02.19.2013
UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Vacancy No : SC-UNDP-2013-006
Date Issued : 19 February 2013
Closing date : 26 February 2013
I. Position Information
Job code title: Project Assistant
Project Title: National Biodiversity Planning to Support the Implementation of the CBD 2011-2020 Strategic Plan
Contract Modality: Service Contract 6
Duty Station: Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, Quezon City
Duration: Initial one year
II. Organizational Context
The Strategic Plan for Biodivesity and Aichi Biodiversity Target 2011-2020 was adopted during the 10th Conferene of Parties to the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD-COP) in 2010 in Nagoya which clearly addresses the need for updating the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAP). Target 17 of said Plan states that “By 2015, each Party has developed, adopted as a policy instrument, and has commenced implementing an effective, participatory and updated national biodiversity strategy and action plan.” The strategic plan also covers a range of issues that will need to be incorporated into the revised NBSAPs, including guidance to countries to: a) fully realise the value of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and incorporate these values into national and local development and poverty reduction strategies (Targets 1 and 2); b) increase the global terrestrial protected area estate from 12% to 17% and the marine estate from 6% to 10% (Target 11); c) restore and safeguard key ecosystem services, especially for water, health and livelihoods (Target 14); and d) strengthen ecosystem resilience to climate change and promote ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation (Target 15).
The Objective of this Project is to develop, adopt and begin implementation of the Philippine Biodiversity Action Plan 2020 through a renewed and participative ‘biodiversity planning and strategizing process, in a manner that is in line with the global guidance contained in the CBD’s Strategic Plan for 2011-2020 including a process of integrating appropriate elements of the plan to the Philippine Development Plan (2016-2020) and relevant sectoral plans.
The updated NBSAP will help set a regional standard of excellence by creating a national road map for achieving the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. Special emphasis will be placed on development of measurable targets and corresponding indicators, establishing cost estimates for protecting sites of biodiversity importance, incorporating biodiversity considerationss into ecosystem-based climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience plans, and creating sustainable finance for biodiversity conservation through the development of a resourcing strategy as part of the implementation plan. This strategy will include consideration for resourcing of the plan through other mechanisms such as the development of programmes for payment for ecosystems services. Valuation studies and budget advocacy will form part of the medium term actions but may not be funded under this project. Results may be incorporated into iteration of the plan. Specific and priority action plans for development will be identified and resourced from other sources. Framework agreements on monitoring will also be established as part of the plan. This proposed response builds on some existing initiatives being undertaken by NGO partners, which support specific elements of the NBSAP updating process.
III. Functions / Key Results Expected
General Description of Responsibility:
Under the over-all guidance of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau and the NBSAP Project Coordinator, the Project Assistant is expected to assist the Project in ensuring smooth implementation of project activities towards the achievement of expected project outcomes.
Specific Functions:
A. Project Implementation
1. Assist in the development of annual work plans and budgets, and submit these to the Steering Committee and to the UNDP Country Office for approval.
2. Draft Terms of Reference for Consultants for technical services, consultants, experts, and specifications of materials as required .
3. Assist in the preparation technical and financial reports to UNDP thru PAWB
4. Facilitates the conduct of nationwide consultation workshops, meetings, workshops, and other related events for the whole updating process;
5. Ensure coherence and complementation of activities and outputs of the identified project partners in the delivery the expected outcomes of the Project;
6. Collate relevant information and materials necessary for the updating of the NBSAP
7. Provide secretariat services during meetings/workshops, as well as corresponding proceedings of meetings/consultations nationwide.
8. Maintain records of Project Committee meetings, decisions, actions etc.
9. Perform other functions as may be assigned by the Project Manager and PAWB
B. Financial and administrative Management
10. Prepare necessary financial reports as required by UNDP and PAWB
11. Assist in the preparation of day-to-day administrative and financial documents to facilitate project activities
12. Perform other functions as may be assigned by the Project Manager and PAWB.
V. Competencies
Possess competencies on programme/project management and implementation in the field of environmental management/protection and biodiversity conservation; Good communication and interpersonal skills required; good knowledge on budget control and financial management; strong personal management, communication and networking skills: Specifically:
- Excellent skills in research and technical writing
- Proven ability to work with a team
- Shares knowledge and is willing to provide support to others who request advice or help
- Works toward creative solutions by analyzing problems carefully and logically
- Demonstrates sufficient technical knowledge to perform effectively in own specialty
- Maintains strong relationships with partners and clients
- Facilitates meetings effectively and efficiently
V. Recruitment Qualifications and Experience
- Degree on environmental management in general and with a specialization profile in biodiversity conservation and protected area management
- At least 4 years of professional experience
- Strong skills in project monitoring and evaluation, and experience in implementing environmental projects;
- Experience with GEF-UNDP biodiversity projects is an added point;
- Ability to effectively coordinate a large, multidisciplinary team of experts, consultants and institutions;
- Computer-literate on basic programming/software
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in order to communicate complex, technical information to technical and general audiences
- Skills in achieving results through persuading, influencing and working with others
- Skills in facilitating meetings effectively and efficiently and to resolve conflicts as they arise
- Ability to work under pressure
The selected candidate will receive a salary that is commensurate with his/her background and work experience. Interested applicants are requested to complete the UN Personal History Form (P.11), available in our website http://www.undp.org.ph/jobs/ and send to:
OR
Human Resources
United Nations Development Programme
30th Floor, Yuchengco Tower I, RCBC Plaza
Ayala Ave., cor. Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City
indicating the on the subject “Application to Post Title and Vacancy No” on or before 26 February 2013. Kindly note that only completed P.11 forms will be reviewed. UNDP is an equal opportunity employer. Please note that we will contact only the short-listed candidates.
