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Office/Unit/Project Description

The Global Biodiversity Framework Early Action Support (GBF-EAS) project is an effort funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to fast-track readiness and early actions to implement the CBD and the GBF in this decade. GEF-eligible Parties are receiving a financial and technical support package that focuses on four components to support early action on the GBF: NBSAP alignment, monitoring systems, policy and institutional coherence, and biodiversity finance.

The GBF-EAS project is a multi-country project with UNDP supporting implementation of the project activities in 69 countries in collaboration with the national entities. In Seychelles, the UNDP country office is collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture Climate Change and Environment under the guidance of the Biodiversity Finance Unit and the CBD Focal point to implement the Early Action Interventions which are outlined above.

The GBF-EAS project is expected to conclude by December 31^st 2024 but additional funds are being mobilized to carry forward the momentum made by the above mentioned interventions to support countries in realizing the intended goals and targets outlined under the Kunming-Montreal Protocol Framework and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

This project is expected to find synergies and complementarity with other countries and will work under the direction of the UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles country office, and directly with the UNDP Seychelles team. The Ministry of Agriculture Climate Change and Environment is the lead agency for implementation for all UNDP-GEF projects.

To ensure the effective implementation of the GEF GBF-EAS project and timely delivery of project activities in accordance with the approved Work Plan and Budget, UNDP seeks a highly qualified specialist to act as National Project Manager to support the Seychelles. This is a global project involving multiple countries and UN agencies UNDP and UNEP.

Furthermore, the Seychelles updated NDC ambitions towards a Net Zero pathways needs to be defined through a Long Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS). To align the ambitions within the National Development Strategy (2024-2028), and other emerging priorities, under the Climate Promise 2.0 initiative, the NPC will be expected to lead and collaborate with different Ministries departments and agencies in the commencement of the LT LEDS process and also be well positioned to mobilize additional resources to continue the work to support Seychelles ambitions in this regard.

The National Project Manager in Seychelles will play an integral role in project management and building the knowledge partnerships with global team and its networks. The NPC will work under the guidance of the UNDP Seychelles team.

Scope of Work:

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct guidance of the UNDP Programme and Operations Specialist in Seychelles and the Programme Analyst, the National Project Manager (NPM) will liaise with the CBD Focal Point in the MACCE, focal point on Climate as well the NDC Partnership focal point to ensure that the implementation of the activities are carried out in line with the approved project Work Plans and budget. The NPC will be responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the project as well as for the delivery of a number of technical activities. The NPC shall conduct the overall coordination of all aspects of the GBF-EAS.

He/she shall liaise directly with designated officials of the MACCE and PDCS, Members of the technical working groups, delegated Project Steering committee (nationally) and the global GBF EAS, the global  project team. He/She will be responsible to identify new national and regional stakeholders , build on existing partnerships and integrate potential new project donors or opportunities for financing as may be feasible.

The approved work plan and budget will provide guidance on the implementation of activities. The NPC will be responsible for monitoring and oversight of the project activities and provide guidance ensuring that activities are aligned and harmonized with UNDP Policies and Procedures and in line the main project objective.

He/she shall be responsible for delivery of reporting and liaise with the Global teams to provide timely updates from and on behalf of the progress made by Seychelles in collaboration with MACCE. He/she will provide overall guidance to various consultants recruited under the project, supervise and support their work to ensure that it follows agreed timelines and is in conformity with the project’s requirements.

The NPM will be responsible for preparation of project administrative and financial reports, external communications.

Project Management and Leadership:

• In consultation with the UNDP Country Office and global GBF EAS team, elaborate/revise the work plans and budgets;
• Develop relevant TORs and ensure technical activities and administrative requirements are managed and executed in a timely and appropriate manner including within planned budget;
• Participate in recruitment processes for the required consultants as appropriate;
• Support the technical working groups and manage the process of alignment of NBSAP to the GBF with relevant feedback mechanisms to all stakeholders;
• Prepare related Reports for the project;
• Lead project monitoring, reporting and evaluation at national level;
• Support BIOFIN initiatives within the GBF and lead the engagement with national stakeholders in collaboration with MACCE;
• Establish and maintain links with other national and international programmes (e.g. SIDS Coalition4Nature, Biofin, Climate Promise etc…) and projects including UNDP-GEF projects;
• Lead the process of capturing and documenting lessons from project implementation for adaptive management;
• Participate in all regional and global GBF EAS and related webinars and workshops where possible;
• Take lead on implementation of LT LEDS work plan;
• Coordinate with national and international partners on the implementation of NDC led initiatives;
• Oversee and provide guidance on the work of consultants;
• Ensure that project partners and beneficiaries are kept informed of progress;
• Lead and support on the communications at national level to enhance effective coordination and communication of the projects objectives and building the knowledge platforms.

The National Project Manager will report directly to the Programme Analyst and with a matrix reporting to the UNDP Programme and Operations Specialist; and collaborating closely with the CBD Focal point and the Biodiversity Finance Unit within the MACCE under the GBF EAS project and with the PS of Climate Change, the NDC Partnership Focal Point, Seychelles Energy Commission and the Department of National Planning under the LT-LEDS. He/She may need to report to the global teams and designated UNDP focal points and the relevant Regional Technical advisors.

Competencies

Core Competencies

• Achieve Result: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact;
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems;
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences;
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands;
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results;
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration;
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Direction and Strategy

• 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 can impact on other parts of the system.
• Strategic Thinking
  • Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities, linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions.

Business Development

• UNDP Representation
  • Ability to represent UNDP and productively share UNDP knowledge and activities; advocate for UNDP, its values, mission and work with various constituencies.

2030 Agenda Planet

• Nature, Climate and Energy
  • Climate Change Policies: Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC);
  • Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Access and benefit sharing of biodiversity, land, forests and oceans.

Requirements:

Minimum education requirements:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environment, environmental finance or economics or a closely related field or;
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

• Minimum of 5 years (with Master’s Degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s Degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level that includes experience in project management in environment, climate change or related fields.

Required Skills:

• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP and advanced programmes for statistical analysis of data.

Desired skills:

• Experience or knowledge of the Seychelles NBSAP, or national development priorities;
• Experience in working with international and national experts and institutions;
• Exposure to environmental issues or biodiversity desirable, but not required.

Language

• Fluent in both oral and written English required;
• Knowledge of local language of Seychelles is required.

Disclaimer

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.

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