Programme Management Officer

Posting Title: Programme Management Officer, NOD

Job Code Title: Programme Management Officer

Organization: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Duty Station: Lilongwe, Malawi

Posting Period: 29 August 2023 - 27 September 2023

Job Opening Number: 23-Programme Management-UNEP-214228-R-Lilongwe (X)

Staffing Exercise: N/A

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

UNEP's Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy,and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

The Government of Malawi, through the Environmental Affairs Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, obtained a grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for a three-year project to build capacity to advance National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process in Malawi. The UN Environment is the Delivery Partner for the project, with the role of supporting and overseeing the project implementation.

The project entitled “Advancing the NAP process: climate resilience for sustainable development in Malawi” is being implemented by a project team (Finance Officer and Administrative Officer) headed by a National Project Coordinator (current job opening), under the supervision of the Environmental Affairs Department and in collaboration with the UN Environment Task Manager and the Chief Technical Advisor. The project supports multi-sectoral, medium- to long-term adaptation planning and budgeting in Malawi and promote the integration of climate change adaptation aspects into development planning processes and policies. Systems for developing and sharing climate risk and vulnerability information will be reinforced, and sustainable financing mechanisms for climate change adaptation initiatives are set to be developed.

This National Project Coordinator position is located at the Environmental Affairs Department, Lingadzi House, in Lilongwe, Malawi. The National Project Coordinator will have a dual reporting line to the Director of EAD and UNEP. The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

a) Project Management

• Develop strategy and identify proactively innovative interventions and approaches for delivering the project objectives in consultation with constituents and stakeholders. Review and analyze country specific development plans and priorities, socioeconomic data, reports and other relevant information. Assemble and edit basic data required for planning, reporting and negotiation of project activities, considering different approaches and alternative methods for project design, management, problem identification and problem resolution;
• To deliver the project objectives, build on previous adaptation planning efforts led in the country such as the National Adaptation Programme of Action (2006), the NAP Road map (2016), the Stocktaking Report (2016), the NAP framework (2020), the 3rd national communication (2021) and the updated NDC (2021);
• Ensure adherence to the UN Environment rules and regulations for financial and administrative matters and ensure timely fulfilment of all obligations and delivery of expected results of the project activities in the country with the support of the Finance Officer;
• Lead in the programming and control of resources from all sources of funds, prepare budget estimates and expenditure forecasts by analyzing and monitoring resources as compared to planned activities, anticipate delays and make recommendations to project management for remedial action;
• Undertake missions to project sites independently or accompanying other officials, to provide guidance and coaching to partners on implementing the project and reporting requirements, and to identify challenges and propose solutions to resolve them;
• Monitor progress of project activities by reviewing, verifying and analyzing work-plans, progress reports, final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness. With the support of the National M&E and Gender Officer, routinely analyze and aggregate field reports, M&E results and lessons to be learned to prepare reports and recommendations. Identify problems, propose solutions and action and follow-up to expedite implementation and meet targets. Follow up on delays, clarify information and data provided, and act as the primary focal point for partners' enquiries about clearance and processing requirements. Assist in the development and maintenance of information systems for use in monitoring and reporting on activities and performance;
• Identify and document good practices, lessons learned and relevant experiences that may be shared with other countries, or at the regional or global level;
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the technical or administrative supervisors that are related to the goals of the project.

b) NAP Process Coordination

• Draft portions of terms of reference, policy briefs, research, tools, guidelines and other materials developed by the project. Prepare background information, periodical reports, subject matter related technical reports and statistical data on status of project activities and relevant developments in the country;
• Organize, participate as a resource person, and represent the project in consultative meetings, seminars and training workshops. Serve as a focal point for selected technical subjects and prepare speeches, make presentations and address meetings on behalf of the project;
• Establish and maintain close and positive links with the relevant national, provincial and local stakeholders, such as national, provincial and local authorities, non-governmental organizations, private sector actors and the media that are active in the country;
• Maintain regular communication with the relevant specialists in UN Environment. Brief the specialists, project staff and consultants, and visiting officials, academics, UN and NGO partners and provide relevant information on project-related matters;
• Act as national focal point within the project on technical support and ensure visibility of the project and its donor by using the relevant identifiers on all materials and publications, and at workshops and events. Maintain relations with the donor at the national level, in line with guidance provided by project management;
• Draft, edit in, or translate into local language(s) key news releases, media statements, communication materials, official correspondence, statements and speeches and other public information material to communicate project activities.

c) Data Analysis:

• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Ensures that requirements, background information used for data analysis are documented.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of inter-governmental and inter-agency negotiation and networking functions; Knowledge and understanding of Malawian ecosystems and their services in support of livelihoods and adaptation; national and sector policy development and analysis and public sector planning and budgeting; Ability to identify environmental, political, economic and social development issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities; Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management; Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations: Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental science, economics, social science, project planning and management, or a related field is required.

A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in project management (program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting) in relation to climate change adaptation, environment and/or sustainable development work in Malawi is required.

Experience in multi-cultural setting and/or the United Nations system is desirable.

Experience in the integration of environment into sub-national and national development planning and budgeting processes; institutional assessment and capacity building in relation to environment and natural resources management and sustainable development is desirable.

Experience in monitoring and reporting is desirable.

Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English and Chichewa is required.

NOTE: ''Fluency'' equals a rating of ''fluent'' in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ''Knowledge of'' equals a rating of ''confident'' in two of the four area.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this post is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension.

This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

Internal Applicants – when completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Contact Us" link.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Apply Now