Project Support Officer at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Task description

• Under the overall guidance of the Chief of the Environmental Conventions and Policy Branch, Law Division, and direct supervision of the BCH III Project Manager, the International UN Volunteer, in close collaboration with the Project Assistant in the Division and Regional Advisors, will ensure effective and timely implementation of the BCH III Project by:

Providing the overall support to the project manager and ensuring effective execution and visibility of the project daily by:

• Assisting with the planning, coordination, reviewing and reporting processes at the United Nations Environment Programme level.
• Maintaining an updated record on progress of the project activities.
• Providing administrative and technical expertise required by the BCH III participating countries and other implementing partners of the project.

Specific responsibilities, under the supervision of the Project Manager will include, but are not limited to the following:

• Technical and Programme Support to BCH III Project
• Assist in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation the Biosafety Clearing House (BCH) project, review documents and reports.
• Identify priorities, tracks problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions; liaise with partners;
• Identify and initiate follow-up actions for the management of day-to-day operations of the project; provide assistance to the work of the Biosafety Clearing House teams.
• Assist in preparation of contracts and agreements with appropriate partner institution, organizations and individuals;
• Assist in the production and dissemination of informative material on new capacity building opportunities for effective participation in the BCH project;
• Assist in organizing of orientation and training workshops for trainers;
• Assist in the organization and convening of national and regional workshops.
• Provide administrative and substantive support to BCH meetings, including preparation of background documents, presentations, handling of logistics and participation in field missions.
• Assist in the coordination of a network among BCH operatives and provide support to the Regional Coordinators in establishing linkages and mainstreaming the BCH into national/regional biosafety implementation projects and facilitate transfer and sharing of experience and information between participating countries.
• Participate and in the external review and self-evaluation of the BCH project outputs to the UNEP-GEF Project Steering Committee Group (Global Environment Facility);
• Coordinate and monitor the progress of experts and consultants and the process on national sub-projects in participating countries; providing input into the GEF-managed monitoring and evaluation activities, particularly the annual Project Implementation Review;
• Assist in the preparation of inputs to quarterly progress reports to UNEP on the BCH project; and of inputs to Annual Progress Reports to UNEP for transmission to GEF.
• Contribute to activities related to budget a financial management of the project and assist in the preparation of financial reports to UNEP and other co-financing organizations and partners.
• Undertake other relevant duties as directed by the Project Manager and the Branch Chief as necessary.

Furthermore, UNV volunteers are encouraged to:

• Strengthening their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and taking active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD);
• Getting acquainted with and building on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Reflecting on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• Contributing articles/write-ups on field experiences and submitting them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assisting with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UNV volunteers; and
• Promoting or advising local groups in the use of online volunteering or encouraging relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible

Requirements
Required experience

• 3 years of experience in project planning and management, analysis, and research at the national or international level.
• Experience in the management of environmental projects, including monitoring and evaluation, is a plus.
• Good knowledge of the work of UNEP, the MEAs, or other relevant programmes; experience with management of projects is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain;
• Sound security awareness; and
• Have affinity with or interest in Biosafety, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

Area(s) of expertise

• Economics and finance, Development programmes, Energy and environment
• Driving license

Languages

• English, Level: Fluent, Required
• French, Level: Basic, Desirable

• 
  Required education levelMaster degree or equivalent in business administration, biological studies, project management, or other related field or the equivalent combinations of education and experience in a related area.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management