Consultancy for programmatic assistance to the Paraguay + Verde Project

Result of ServiceUnder the supervision of the REDD+ Programme Officer of the UNEP Office for Latin America and the Caribbean and the guidance of the Project Coordinator, and in close collaboration with the Technical Specialists of the Project, the incumbent will provide assistance to the coordination of the project, ensuring a harmonious and successful implementation. The consultant will have a crucial role in supporting strategic planning, task monitoring, management and problem solving, thus contributing to the effective achievement of project objectives and the fulfilment of organizational goals. Specific tasks and responsibilities - Support the Project Coordination: Support the coordination and the technical team of the project in the connection and articulation with the different institutions involved in the execution of the project. Assist the project coordinator as they examine in depth the documents prepared by consultants and project specialists to verify the consistency with the terms of reference, alignment with the expected results and outputs, and compliance with the technical and methodological standards defined by the Paraguay + Verde Project and its implementing agencies. - Organize and facilitate meetings: Organize and facilitate periodic meetings of the team to review progress and address issues related to the project. Coordinate with external stakeholders to ensure smooth communication. Support in the logistics and organization of meetings, workshops, seminars, congresses and events of the Project in general. Support field missions for monitoring and diagnosing project activities, making reports on findings and making recommendations. - Follow up on Project activities: Support the project coordinator in monitoring and follow-up of the activities related to the components, and supporting the - follow-up of the tasks assigned to the members of the team, making sure that the project activities are aligned with the established objectives, and alerting to possible delays, difficulties in time and form. - Contribute to Strategic Planning: Provide assistance to the project manager, actively contributing to strategic planning to ensure alignment with long-term objectives. Collaborate in the preparation of annual operational plans by compiling information and systematizing, as well as maintaining a digital archive of the Project's technical documents. Submit reports to coordination and stakeholders on a regular basis. Prepare monthly reports on the execution of the Annual Operating Plans (AOPs) and contracts of consultants and companies regarding the components of the project. Write and send letters, reports, notes or presentations that are requested to fulfill the planned activities. - Prepare Reports and Documents: Compile the information and documentation necessary for the preparation of detailed reports on the progress of the project, including milestones achieved and challenges faced. Collaborate directly in the collection of information, control the coherence between the reported progress and the sources of verification, contribute to the draft Annual Performance Report (APR), as well as the monthly and biannual information for the report in the IPMR (Integrate Programme Management Report). - Respond to priority issues related to the project: Support the Coordination and the technical unit of the project in articulating and developing rapid and effective responses to priority issues and/or crisis situations, suggesting contingency plans to be implemented as necessary. Work LocationAsunción, Paraguay Expected duration12 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the world's leading environmental authority setting the global environmental agenda, promoting the coherent application of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and acting as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate consensus-building on environmental policies by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (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 Programme of Work adopted by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). In November 2019 and with the support of UNEP, the Green Climate Fund approved a disbursement of $50 million for Paraguay in Results Based Payment (RBP), for the deforestation avoided during the period 2015-2017. The implementation of the RBP programme in Paraguay, called the \"Paraguay + Verde\" project, is carried out jointly by the UN-REDD Programme agencies (UNDP, UNEP and FAO) with the administrative support of UNOPS offices. The Paraguay + Verde Project will support the generation of new reductions in CO2 emissions through the implementation of the National Forest Strategy for Sustainable Growth (ENBCS). The project has a component of strengthening the capacities of State institutions for the monitoring and management of forests, including the development and implementation of early warning systems for fires and deforestation, territorial planning and the participation of indigenous peoples, the private sector and rural communities, as well as the promotion of sustainable forest management and promotion of good agricultural and livestock practices. In addition, the project will promote the National Climate Change Fund and the construction of economic development instruments that result in the reduction of emissions from deforestation and/or forest degradation. The Project has a Project Execution Unit for the coordination of actions carried out through the United Nations Agency of the UN REDD+ Programme and in close communication with the Directorate of Strategic Planning of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MADES), as well as in coordination and collaboration with other institutions, government agencies and entities linked to the Project and the achievement of the objectives. (INFONA, INDI, MAG, MEF, among others). To strength the Project Executing Unit, has identified the need to hire a consultancy for programmatic assistance, which contributes to better and more efficient management, supporting the Unit's specialists, guaranteeing the results-based approach to achieving the objectives of the Project. The person hired will be under the supervision of the REDD+ Program Officer of the UNEP Office for Latin America and the Caribbean and the guidance of the Paraguay + Verde Project Coordinator. Tasks will be carry out in the office of the Paraguay + Verde Project in MADES (Asunción, Paraguay), full time and fulfilling 40 hours per week. Qualifications/special skillsACADEMIC • Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, Agronomy, Sociology, International Relations, Human Ecology, Law or closely related fields is required; • Complementary training in political science and/or national and international relations, management of environmental projects, or similar (desirable). EXPERIENCE • Three (3) years of previous experience in project coordination and/or management assistance, technical support, or programmatic support are required • Experience in international cooperation projects, in the areas of environment, rural, and forestry is desirable • Experience working with public and/or private institutions is desirable • Experience in the implementation of information systems is desirable. LanguagesLANGUAGE • Fluent level in Spanish is required. • Confident level in English is desirable. • Basic level of Guarani is desirable. SKILLS • Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously, • Capacity to relate to multisectoral actors. COMPETENCIES • PROFESSIONALISM - Ability to identify, analyze, and participate in resolving issues/problems. - Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work, and manage conflicting priorities. - Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. - Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. - It is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. - Shows persistence when faced with complex problems or challenges. - Remains calm in stressful situations. TEAMWORK - Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. - Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise. - Is willing to learn from others; supports and acts in accordance with a final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect one’s 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; allocate appropriate time and resources for completing work. - Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. - Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.