Programme Analyst, Environment, Energy

tendersglobal.net

JOB DESCRIPTION Background Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Organizational Context

This job description is a direct response to UNDP’s improved business model in Mexico. It reflects a new office structure that has recently been put in place to support the vision expressed in an emerging portfolio of Country Office (CO) programmes and to facilitate a more collaborative approach to work across the office and with external partners. This structure is also designed to provide the foundation for a new emphasis on sub-national level work, support higher delivery rates, and to transform UNDP into a learning organization and ‘fit-for-purpose’ to deliver on Agenda 2030 which in turn will support national staff and institutional capacity development.

By supporting Mexico’s State Governments to integrate the 2030 approach into their planning and budgeting processes, and the whole public policy cycle, UNDP advances inclusion and equality in the country. Also, as an engagement strategy, this is expected to allow new areas of joint work to be identified. Also, the CO has been tailoring localized integral solutions to specific sustainable development issues and is crafting methodologies and toolboxes to get those solutions ready to be deployed and escalated in other geographical areas.

The diversification and localized solutions strategy initially increase the number of initiatives to be managed by the CO, many of which handle small budgets to be allocated in a wide set of activities. This combination requires excellent programme management and oversight of operational processes and an organizational structure ready to deliver and scale results.

In this context, the Environment, Energy & Resilience portfolio within the programme team provides thought leadership on cross-cutting development issues in Mexico, and globally, to ensure that UNDP’s mandate of convening development partners in support of the national development agenda, informed by a commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, is amplified by internal knowledge, research, and stand-out policy advice.
Job Purpose 

The Environment, Energy and Resilience portfolio is built by more than twenty projects that comprise work in the following branches: inclusive and sustainable management of resources, energy, and waste (including chemical and dangerous materials); preservation of natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity; transition to the green economy; comprehensive risk management and adaptation to climate change; and sustainable crisis recovery. The portfolio contains two major institutional strengthening projects with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP). These are key partners for the portfolio being the main counterpart on almost half of the portfolio. GEF is a major donor in this area, with six projects on the portfolio being funded with this source, including the Small Grants Project, that recently celebrated 25 years in Mexico, and a new project with the Ministry of Tourism, scheduled to end till 2024.

The risk and resilience branch of work has been increased during the year, currently integrates projects with the Government of Tabasco, the National Housing Commission and a Resilient Recovery Initiative funded by the Zurich Foundation.

The Programme Analyst, Environment, Energy and Resilience works under the overall guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative who heads the Programme team. Notably, the programme analyst plays an important role in analyzing political, social and economic trends, coordinating risk analysis and mitigation strategy and participates in the formulation, management, implementation and evaluation of the UNDP CO programme activities in the assigned  thematic area generating analytics and reviews that measure quality standards and identifying potential trouble areas.

Analysis and advice provided by the Programme Analyst are focused on design, delivery as well as systems, tools and work methodologies that impact quality and effectiveness of the country office.  The Programme Analyst systematically reviews new approaches for viability and acts as a sounding board for both technical rigor and performance standards and ensures the transfer of knowledge between the three main pillars of the portfolio.

S/he works in close collaboration with programme and operations team as well as with the Management Analyst, Gender Analyst and M&E Analyst.  S/he liaises with 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 incumbent will also endeavor to contribute to collaborative policy discussions under the oversight of senior management, with project staff to ascertain emerging needs in the thematic area as well as opportunities to capitalize on new or innovative programme strategies as well as to ensure coherence of programme strategies and activities  as well as the observation of the UNDP Gender strategy.

Incumbent is expected to display initiative, a positive approach and a strong client orientation. As such, s/he might be required to undertake other emerging tasks and additional duties as required by direct supervisor or senior management.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Support strategic portfolio development;
2. Ensure management of programme components;
3. Strategic partnerships and resource mobilization;
4. Advisory services and knowledge sharing

1) Supports strategic development of Governance and Sustainable Environment, Energy & Resilience Programme activities from design through implementation, focusing on achievement of the following results

• In collaboration with the DRR and programme/project teams ensures contribution to the CPD though ongoing Environment, Energy & Resilience programmes and projects and in collaboration with the main partners and other UN Agencies. Identifies opportunities for new programme/project development including joint programming with UN agencies;
• In collaboration with the DRR and programme/project teams contributes components of UNDP Environment, Energy & Resilience portfolio translating programme priorities into local interventions and ensuring coordination and networking with clients, stakeholders and programme partners;
• Collaborates with colleagues in Panama regional Office and HQ to apply in country programming new global and regional initiatives, polices and knowledge products that further the Environment, Energy & Resilience Portfolio.

2) Manages assigned programme components, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provides technical guidance, subject matter input on the Environment, Energy & Resilience portfolio;
• Ensures effective application of RBM tools, establishment of management targets and monitoring achievement of result, as quality assurance, ROAR, IWP etc.;
• Supports with the development of programme / outcome level work plan, monitoring plan, human resources and procurement plans;
• Supports in the preparation of ad hoc reports; ensures timely completion of required quarterly and annual reports;
• Ensures project and programme reviews and evaluations take place;
• Maintains regular contact with project and programme counterparts in order to ensure monitoring of projects’ progress, monitoring of unit work plans, programme effectiveness and achievement of results;
• Organizes regular coordination across outcome teams and other projects to ensure synergies and integration; promotes cross component and cross programme collaboration;
• Supports audit exercises of portfolio work if/when required;

3) Establishes and maintains strategic partnerships and supports resource mobilization, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Implements CO partnerships and resource mobilization strategy to achieve programme outcomes;
• Researches and analyses information on existing and new partners;
• Develops ideas and concepts for possible areas of cooperation;
• Establishes close working relationships and creates programmatic linkages with relevant government agencies; UN Agencies, IFI’s, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector and civil society;
• Suggests programmatic areas of co-operation based on UNDP´s strategic goals, country needs and donor priorities;
• Identifies funding opportunities for ongoing and new projects;
• Identifies and supports development of national partnerships for service provision to projects in areas such as monitoring, training, and others;
• Represents UNDP at external meetings within his/her area of programming.

4) Ensures provision of top-quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identifies sources of information related to policy-driven issues; identifies and synthesizes best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country policy goals;
• Coordinates and ensures integration in project design the development of policies, institutions and advocacy that will address the country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners;
• Supports the establishment of advocacy networks at national level and linked to international networks;
• Implements relevant, high-impact advocacy campaigns with key partners;
• Ensures that lessons learned from projects are captured and recorded into the CO knowledge networks;

Competencies Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking Learn Continuously LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning Adapt with Agility  LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process Act with Determination  LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously Engage and Partner LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships Enable Diversity and Inclusion LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making People Management 

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies) 

Thematic Area Name Definition Business Management Results-based Management  Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Business Management Project 

Management 

Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals. Business Management Project Management Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals. Business Management Partnerships

Management

Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts, and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies. External Relations & Advocacy Resource Mobilization Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities and establish a plan to meet funding requirements. Required Skills and Experience Education:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources Management, Climate Change, Development Studies, Political Science, Economics, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or related fields;

Experience:

• Candidates with master’s degree, up to 2 years of progressively responsible experience in Environment, Energy & Resilience programme/project management in international development organizations, bilateral development agencies and/or international NGOs.
• Candidates with bachelor’s degree, minimum 2 years of progressively responsible experience in Environment, Energy & Resilience programme/project management in international development organizations, bilateral development agencies and/or international NGOs.

Desired Criteria:

• Experience of working with UNDP or another UN agency would be an asset.
• Proven ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
• Proven programme management experience with sound knowledge of all aspects of the project cycle (design, implementation, monitoring & evaluation).
• Strong interpersonal and written and oral communication skills.

Required Languages:

• Proficiency in Spanish and English.

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period. Applicant must be a national of Mexico. Disclaimer Important applicant information
All posts in the NO categories are subject to local recruitment.
Candidates selected pursuant to this vacancy may be subject to UNDP’s policy on Probation upon assignment. Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. 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. Workforce diversity
UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Scam warning
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on
the web.

Apply for job
To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your cover/motivation letter where (tendersglobal.net) you saw this job posting.

---