Office/Unit/Project Description
UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDPโs policy work is carried out through a network of advisors and specialists located at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, to ensure that local knowledge and context specific expertise is linked to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP provides its policy advisory and programme support functions through the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains, in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan. Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policies and guidance to support the results of UNDPโs Strategic Plan.ย ย
UNDP's 2022-2025 Strategic Plan highlighting our continued commitment to eradicating poverty, accompanying countries in their pathways towards the SDGs and working towards the Paris Agreement. As part of the Global Policy Network in the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP's Nature, Climate, Energy, Waste and Chemical Hubs promote and scale up integrated whole-of-governance approaches and nature-based solutions that reduce poverty and inequalities, strengthen livelihoods and inclusive growth, mitigate conflict, forced migration and displacement, and promote more resilient governance systems that advance linked peace and security agendas.
BPPSโ Hubs on Nature, Climate, Energy, Waste and Chemicals work with governments, civil society, and private sector partners to integrate natural capital, environment and climate concerns into national and sector planning and inclusive growth policies; support country obligations under Multilateral Environmental Agreements; and implement the UNโs largest portfolio of in-country programming on environment, climate change, and energy. This multi-billion-dollar portfolio encompasses:ย
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services including forests Sustainable Land Management and Desertification including food and commodity systems Water and Ocean Governance including SIDSย Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Sustainable Energy Extractive Industriesย Chemicals and Waste Management Environmental Governance and Green/Circular Economy and SCP approachesUNDPโs Nature Pledge is a direct response to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which sets out a series of global targets to conserve and restore biodiversity for the benefit of people and planet. The Pledge is the UNDPโs nature strategy for 2030 for making significant contributions to placing nature at the heart of development through 3 systemic shifts and redoubles our commitment to successfully deliver the GBF which directly support action under Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda. ย
In parallel, the Nature Investment Facility (hosted within the Nature Hub/BPPS) has been developed as one mechanism to support the financing and delivery of UNDPโs Nature Pledge and the Global Biodiversity Framework. The Facility will rapidly accelerate and upscale investment in at-risk and exceptional ecosystems (including those designated or aiming to transition as UNESCO World Heritage sites and Biosphere Reserves) by strengthening the enabling environment for,and deploying tailored financial mechanisms and investments in nature-positive solutions. The Facility has been developed by UNDP, UNCDF and UNESCO. It will convene a coalition of private sector partners, Member States and philanthropic organizations to achieve its mission.ย ย
In addition, UNDP facilitated the establishment of the Biodiversity Credit Alliance (BCA) with the vision of a transparent, trustworthy and efficient global market in biodiversity credits founded on just and equitable principles and underpinned by innovation. BCA is governed by the Task Force that brings together a group of scientists, academics, conservation practitioners, and standard setters, with direct links to the key stewards of nature on the International Eco-Guardians for Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities and Afro-descendants (IEG). With the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) as a Task Force member, BCA also embraces participation from the private sector. BCA Forum facilitates the dissemination of knowledge to over 500 members interested in contributing to and learning about the biodiversity credit market The BCA Secretariat is funded and facilitated by UNDP, UNEP FI, SIDA, GIZ and EC.
UNDP is seeking a Coordination and Communications Analyst to support both the Nature Investment Facility Secretariat and the Biodiversity Credit Alliance Secretariat.ย
The purpose of this assignment is to support the Nature Investment Facility and Biodiversity Credit Alliance Secretariats, and wider Nature Finance team, to facilitate the Communication initiatives, day-to-day operations and coordinate the governance structure of both initiatives.ย
Scope of Workย
I. Coordinate and support the operations of the Nature Investment Facilityโs (NIFโs), Biodiversity Credit Alliance Secretariats and the Nature Hub
Coordinate regular internal team meetings of the Secretariat as well as maintenance of the workplans, as well as meetings with partners.ย Liaise with partners, including coordinating inter-UN agency meetings, to provide regular updates on the activities and advance points of collaboration. Support the preparation of the Secretariat budget in coordination with the assigned Programme Associate and Manager of the Secretariat. Prepare Fund Transfer Requests based on decisions from the Facilityโs Steering Committee, including the coordination of necessary signatures from Facility partners.ย Support the Secretariat in preparing event logistics including securing venues and catering, arranging travel, creating invitations, drafting speaking remarks, etc.ย Support other operational needs of the Nature Hub as required.ยii. Ensure effective communications and knowledge management of the NIF and its programmes, and BCA
Provide support to develop technical documents (e.g. Facility Operations Manual), annual narrative reports, and knowledge management products.ย Deliver high quality inputs for donor reports on progress and impact within given deadlines, and provide other inputs as required for briefing notes, case studies, knowledge management products, press releases, and other media products. Provide support to the development of tailored materials for the promotion of the programmes and provide inputs into proposals for resource mobilisation as required. Write up articles, case studies, and other materials emerging from the Facilityโs Programmes and BCA work, summarizing key impacts and biodiversity finance solutions. Liaise with the Nature Hub Global Engagement and Advocacy lead and ensure communication activities are linked to the broader Nature Pledge communication and value shift support.iii. Coordinate Facilityโs Steering Committee and BCA Task Force and Forum meetings
Prepare quarterly updates on the progress of the Facility for Steering Committee members and regular progress reports to BCA Task Force and Forum members. Coordinate the logistics of at least two Steering Committee meetings including the preparation of briefing notes, agenda, speaking remarks, meeting minutes, and presentations. When hosted in-person, support the travel preparations for Members.ย Prepare decision memos and virtual decision communication packages on behalf of the Steering Committee Chair.ย Respond to Steering Committee Member queries in a timely and comprehensive manner.ย Travel to Steering Committee meetings as needed to help facilitate the discussions.ย Review the BCA Forum membership applications, conduct their due diligence, and onboard them, as appropriate.iv. Provision of coordination support for the execution of the project on nature marketsย
Act as the primary focal point for coordination with partners, including the Green Finance Institute and UNEP Finance Initiative, for the effective execution of the project Coordinate with the target pilot countries, including supporting them in work planning, execution, budgeting, and reporting.ย Provide technical support, in coordination with the relevant team members, to develop the case studies.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
The incumbent will work from home; The incumbent will work under the supervision of Nature Investment Facility Coordinator (primary) and the Biodiversity Credit Alliance Global Coordinator (secondary), Nature Hub. He/She will also work with UNCDF, UNESCO, MPTFO, the BIOFIN Team, UNDP Country Offices, donor country governments, other international/multi-lateral organizations, and contractors; Given the global consultations to be undertaken during this assignment, the incumbent is expected to be reasonably flexible with his/her availability for such consultations taking into consideration different time zones, particularly with European and New York time zones.ย The incumbent will be given access to relevant information necessary for execution of the tasks under this assignment; The incumbent will be responsible for providing her/his own working station (i.e. laptop, internet, phone, scanner/printer, relevant software, etc.) and shall have access to a stable, secure and reliable internet connection.Competencies Core
Achieve Resultsย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, and delivers quality work by deadline. Think Innovativelyย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Is open to creative and innovative ideas when finding solutions, is pragmatic problem-solver. Learn Continuouslyย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Is open minded and curious, e.g. is willing to work beyond comfort zone and job description. Adapt with Agilityย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible. Act with Determinationย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation to achieve, focuses motivation on key tasks and activities. Engage and Partnerย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Takes a positive and friendly approach to team-working, making frequent contributions. Enable Diversity and Inclusionย ย ย ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Respects and promotes diversity in all regards, operates honestly and transparently with colleagues, partners, and ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย stakeholders to build trust.Cross-Functional & Technical competencies Thematic Area Name Definition 2030 Agenda: Planet Nature Ecosystems and biodiversity: Nature-positive economy and Biodiversity Financeย 2030 Agenda: Planet Nature Ecosystems and Biodiversity: ย Access and benefit sharing of biodiversity, land, forests and oceans 2030 Agenda: Planet Nature Environmental Governance: Multilateral Environmental Agreements (e.g. CBD and UNCCD)ย Business Management Project Management Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals. Business Management Monitoring & Evaluation
Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results.ย
Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming.ย
Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools.ย
Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns. Business Managementย Communications
Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.ย
Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels. Business Direction and Strategy Systems Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
Minimum Qualifications of the Successful IPSA
Min. Education requirementsย ย
An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Environmental Studies or Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, or other relevant fields, or A first-level university degree (bachelorโs degree) in the said fields with two additional years of qualifying work experience will be given due consideration in lieu of advanced university degree.ยMin. years of relevant work experience
Minimum 2 years (with masterโs degree) or 4 years (with bachelorโs degree) of demonstrated experience in communication, coordination of project operations, public or private sector finance, sustainable development/environmental conservation, natural resource management, or a related fieldRequired skillsย
Experience in supporting global partnerships with different types of stakeholders is required. Prior experience in implementing environment and/or conservation related projects is required;ย Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section ย Experience in UN multi-partner trust funds operations and programme support is highly desirable. Experience in results-based project reporting and monitoring, including tracking key performance indicators, and producing project impact reports is considered an asset.ย ย Experience with UNDP policies, procedures and practices particularly in relation to project development and implementation and/or working experience in an international organization is an advantage Experience in organizing international meetings and/or conferences, including preparing briefing notes, speaking remarks, and other communication materials is desired.Required Language(s)
Fluency in the English language is required.Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.ย
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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