Background
The project โAddressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) in the Marshall Islands)โ implemented by the Government of the Republic of Marshall Islands (GoRMI) in collaboration with UNDP became operational in January 2020 with the objective to address expected impacts of climate change on water security on Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI).
RMI is a small island developing state in the Pacific. The nation is a large-ocean state, with a total land area of only 182 kmยฒ, spread across over 2 million kmยฒ of ocean. There are 24 inhabited atolls and islands, which are mostly remote and lie merely 2 m above sea level on average. There are no rivers, streams or lakes in RMI and the number of small surface ponds is very limited.
GoRMI, with the assistance of UNDP, has developed a project on adaptation to climate change impacts to water supply in RMI. The project is co-financed by GoRMI and Green Climate Fund (GCF). The project will build resilience to the impacts of climate change on water supply, particularly in 24 atolls and islands that are highly vulnerable to drought. The project will invest in improving water security, water resilience and water governance through:ย
Water Security - Improving household and community rainwater harvesting and storage structures to increase resilience of water supply in 77 rural communities in the outer islands and atolls accounting for approximately 28% of RMIโs population, including 7,630 (49%) women, currently at risk.ย Water Resilience - Securing groundwater resources from contamination due to inundation caused by wave overtopping of seawater.ย Water Governance - Strengthening the technical capacities of national and subnational institutions and key stakeholders to integrated climate change risks into water governance processes so that management of climate change risks are coordinated, effective, participatory, equitable, and sustained over the long- term when risks are expected to worsen.ยThe project aligns with GoRMIโs key climate change policies and strategies and has been developed through extensiveย consultationย withย government,ย Non-Governmentย Organisationsย (NGOs),ย Community-Basedย Organisations (CBOs) and beneficiary communities. The proposed project is aligned with RMIโs NDC and country workย programme to the GCF.ย The NDA has issued a letter of no-objection and the proposed project is aligned with the work programme of the AE (UNDP) selected by the NDA.
This GCF project will be executed by UNDP, in close partnership with the GoRMI, given UNDPโs extensive experience in implementing climate change adaptation projects globally. The project implementation will be led by a team based in Majuro, RMI and Suva, Fiji.Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Technical Analyst will work under the supervision of the Project Manager, and work closely with the Team Lead for the Resilience and Climate Change (RCC) Team at Fiji MCO and FSM CO, and the Project management Unit (PMU) as well as the key government counterparts.ย
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Technical Analyst (PTA) is responsible for the technical support and management of UNDP programme within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned. The PS also analyzes political, social and economic trends and leads formulation, management and evaluation of programme activities within his/her portfolio and provides policy advice services.
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The PTA will be working in close collaboration with the Resilience and Climate Change (RCC) Unit at Fiji MCO and FSM CO in directly implementing the ACWA project in the Marshal Islands. This will include planning, coordination, monitoring and evaluation and reporting and pulling together of project pipeline development under UNDP programme funds. The DPS works in close collaboration with the operations team, programme staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP Programme implementation. The Project Technical Analyst will be based at Majuro but may be expected to travel as part of work responsibilities.
Summary of Key Functions:
Ensure effective and efficient implementation of project activities as outlined in the Project Document. Ensure provision of top quality technical advice to the GoRMI and quality management of water infrastructure development Ensure the day to day management of the operations aspect of the Project. Ensures creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy Ensure appropriate identification of project associated risks and challenges and recommend adaptive management strategiesEnsure effective and efficient implementation of project activities as outlined in the Project Document:
Facilitate Planning and development of Annual Workplans (AWP) and identify Annual Project Targets in accordance to the Project document in close coordination with the Government of RMI and other Project Stakeholders Support identification of areas for support and interventions within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned. Actively ensure the Procurement of acquired goods and services are done on time, in accordance to the UNDP Procurement Polices Lead/Support to the Project Manager (PM) with organizing Project Steering Committee Meetings four times a year. This includes the preparation and the timely distribution of Project Steering Committee Papers. Updates the PM on Project Budgets and Expenditures, with support from the Finance and Admin Associate Facilitate the establishment of a monitoring system for all Project Activities Proactively identify and discuss solutions to address issues/challenges during the duration of the Project that has potential to impact UNDPโs effectiveness, financial soundness and reputation.Ensure provision of top quality technical advice to the Government of RMI and quality management of water infrastructure development:
Support ACWA technical team including Chief Technical Specialist, Field Engineers to provide international best practice of water supply development, especially rainwater harvesting system and groundwater well Support ACWA technical team for quality control and management on site for rainwater harvesting system and groundwater well Ensure identification and compilation of sources of information related to policy-driven issues and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt that are directly linked to programme country policy goals. Provide input required towards the development of policies and institutions that will address the country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners. Actively support and facilitate formal and informal meetings with Government and Project Partners as/when needed for Project Updates. Ensure capturing and dissemination of lessons learnt during the project implementation and coordinator with Suva/ RMI based team for wider dissemination Facilitate the Projectsโ representation/and or participation in international forums to draw/share best practices and lesson learned Participate in site visits to capture project progress on the ground Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme issues.Ensure the day to day management of the operations aspect of the Project:
Support to the Project Manager in carrying out the following:1)ย ย ย ย Annual Work Planning
2)ย ย ย ย Annual Budgeting
3)ย ย ย ย Budget Revisions
4)ย ย ย ย Procurement of Goods and Services
5)ย ย ย ย Monitoring of Project Budget and Expenditure
6)ย ย ย ย Contractual Management
7)ย ย ย ย Quarterly progress reports (Narrative/Financial)
8)ย ย ย ย Annual Progress Reports.
ย Support development of procurement strategy, operation, and ensure close coordination with Procurement team, Regional Bureau Hub (BRH) and HQ for timely procurement and supply activities. Ensure financial and substantive monitoring and evaluation of the projects, identification of operational and financial problems, development of solutions. Participation in audit of projects. Provide input to Audit management response, implement audit recommendation of the Project. Assist with the development and implementation of communication activities in close collaboration with the RSD Communication Officer and Project Management Unit (PMU) in Majuro. Support evaluation of the programme impact, monitoring and analysis of the programme environment, timely readjustments in portfolio.
Ensures creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy focusing on achievement of the following results:
Under the leadership of the Team Leader and the PM, build partnership with the UN Agencies, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society in the specific thematic areas relating to the Project, based on country needs and priorities. Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects, active contribution to the overall office effort in resource mobilization/management. Management and implementation of partnerships with GCF and UNDP corporate programmes (e.g. GEF Small Grants Programme) Participate in UN related Meetings as and when requested.Ensure appropriate identification of project associated risks and challenges and recommend adaptive management strategies:
Support regular risk assessments with stakeholders to identify project-related challenges and likely emerging risks Regularly update the risk log in the system Recommend adaptive strategies to mitigate risks, such as rescheduling activities or reallocating resources. Establish feedback mechanisms to capture community challenges and adjust implementation plans accordingly Facilitate capacity-building workshops for stakeholders to strengthen risk management and adaptive planning skillsThe incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
Core competencies:
Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvementsย Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexibleย Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discriminationCross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Business Direction & Strategyย ย ย ย
Strategic Thinking. Develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDPโs mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight. System 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 canimpact on other parts of the system Effective Decision Making. Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.
Business Managementย ย ย ย
Project Management. Ability to ย , prioritize ย and control ย resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals Risk Management. Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks2030 Agenda: Planetย ย ย ย
Nature. Water Governance: Integrated Water Resources Management Climate. Climate Change Adaptation: Water Resource Management and Access to Waterย
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Water Engineer, Civil Engineer, Natural Resources, Developmental Studies, Environmental Science/Management or related field is required,ยOR A first-level university degree (bachelorโs degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree
Experience:
Applicants with Masterโs degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. ย Applicants with a Bachelorโs degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services, project management, hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects, ideally water supply Computer knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point Experience working in institutional development, project development and management, procurement and budgeting. Experience of managing middle scale project (over 3 million USD) for climate change adaptation. Extensive technical knowledge and expertise on water supply project implementation and management Extensive experience of procurement and logistics in the Pacific Regionย Ability to lead, conduct, facilitate discussions with stakeholders. Strong teamwork ability and work independently skill with limited supervision are essential.Required languages:
Fluency in English is required.Travel:
Include any official travel expected to be associated with performing the functionsEqual 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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