National Project Coordinator

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.

UNDP is supporting projects across the region in Pakistan to respond to the growing threat of climate change; to mainstream environmental concerns into national development planning processes; and to expand access to environmental and energy services for the poor. In particular, UNDP has sought to ensure that the poor have stronger capacities to manage, adapt to and monitor climate change.

RECCU is supporting projects across the country to respond to the growing threat of climate change, to mainstream environmental concerns into national development planning processes, and to expand access to environmental and energy services for the poor. In particular, UNDP has sought to ensure that the poor have stronger capacities to manage, adapt, and monitor climate change. Climate Change is a huge development challenge as well as a huge environmental challenge. It is a growing problem and is now hitting the poorest and the most vulnerable first and hardest.

The objective of the PASBET Project is the widespread application of sustainable biomass energy technologies for supporting socio-economic development of and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from, the rural sector in Pakistan. The project’s overall strategy is the removal of barriers to the achievement of this project objective. Component 1 of the project is comprised of technical assistance activities addressing the policy/regulatory and institutional barriers, and the expected outcome is the effective enforcement of policies and regulations on the sustainable production and use of woody biomass for energy generation and utilization in rural areas of Pakistan. Component 2 is composed of two outcomes: (a) in the form of technical assistance, enhanced woody biomass production on forested, non-forested, and on farmlands to cater local biomass energy needs, including for power generation and rural industry operations, and (b) be in the form of investment for demonstrating applications of technologies towards increased investments in the application of technologies for the production, and energy efficient utilization of woody biomass energy. Component 3 is regarding supporting financial requirements for Biomass Energy Technologies Initiatives so that there will be adequate amounts of financial resources available for woody biomass energy technology application projects in the country. Component 4 addresses the barriers related to capacity development and awareness in the areas of biomass energy technology capacity building and knowledge management and gender mainstreaming towards enhanced local capacity, skills and knowledge in the development, installation, and operation of biomass energy technology systems in rural Pakistan.

Duties and Responsibilities

The National Project Coordinator works under the direct supervision of the National Project Director (NPD) PASBET Project at the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, and the Assistant Resident Representative (ARR) at UNDP Pakistan. The position will manage various positions reporting to the National Project Coordinator role. 

Develop effective Project Planning and Implementation

• Lead strategic planning for the project as well as formulation and periodic revisions of the project’s annual work plan (AWP), including plans for budget, HR and procurement that are developed in close coordination with UNDP’s Country Office Programme, HR, and Procurement teams. 
• Lead development of projects and management of risk on ERP system and Qunatum for effective quality assurance of the project and implementation.
• Manage, coordinate, and supervise project implementation to ensure the overall project relevance and performance, the effective realization and quality of outputs within the specified constraints of time and cost as outlined in the project document, and adherence to applicable UNDP policy and programme management procedures and Government standards, rules, and regulations. 
• Act as a senior advisor on issues related to project activities mainly focusing on energy and climate resilience-related thematic areas.
• Provide direction, guidance, and direct supervision to UNDP project personnel. Undertake technical review of project documents produced by the project team and partners, and ensure high technical standards are met. 
• Ensure all project interventions integrate a gender equality perspective/gender equality mainstreaming to the extent local context allows.
• Ensure proper execution of all administrative activities associated with project implementation, including mobilizing goods and services, preparing Terms of Reference, completing contracting processes, recruiting/selecting consultants and experts, and managing financial arrangements/transactions and their correct authorization.
• Identify opportunities for synergies with other projects within UNDP and beyond, to advance the key objectives and grow its focus. 

Strategic Partnership Development

• Substantively contribute to the harnessing of effective partnerships and lead the identification and onboarding process for implementing partners.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with implementing and development partners, government officials, businesses, NGOs, other national and regional stakeholders, and beneficiaries to support and ensure accurate interpretation of project objectives and promote inclusive project implementation.
• Substantively contribute to project communications and visibility efforts. Make recommendations to the management team on activities with potential for scale-up, replicability and synergies.
• Provide technical support to the implementing partners and act as a liaison between UNDP and the partners. 
• Catalyze resource mobilization efforts and project development related to PASBET and other Climate resilience-related thematic areas.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Provide leadership and technical advice to the project in developing baselines and indicators for project monitoring and evaluation and coordinate the finalization of a detailed results framework. Develop clear strategies and an effective system for data collection, means of verification, and information sharing and reporting.
• Lead the implementation of project monitoring, evaluation, and results framework to identify plan deviations and other problems; and make needed course corrections within agreed-upon tolerances to achieve results. Conduct field visits as required to verify project activities relative to stated targets and provide regular field updates to UNDP management. 
• Lead the development and conduct of mid-term and annual reviews, and end-line assessments, and coordinate the conduct of independent evaluations. Organize project review and evaluation meetings. Follow up on the implementation of decisions, recommendations, and course corrections.
• Manage and monitor project risks, including social and environmental risks, and initially identify and submit new risks to appropriate project governing bodies for consideration and decision on possible actions. 
• Coordinate the preparation of corporate, donor and government reports in line with the reporting schedule and UNDP and donor requirements. Ensure provision of ad hoc reports and information requested by relevant entities. 
• Ensure proper operational and financial closure of the project.

Facilitate Knowledge Management and Capacity Building

• Identify capacity-building needs and opportunities. Ensure appropriate training, project workshops and other relevant activities are organized and implemented in a consultative manner, involving technical experts and stakeholders that may include the government, private sector, NGOs, donors, and/or academia.
• Ensure project reports capture results, lessons learned and good practices for possible wider application.
• Participate in and ensure sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice on development and project-related issues. 
• Support the establishment of knowledge platforms for the project, facilitate innovative mechanisms for dissemination of knowledge from the project, and develop knowledge resources and products to share with project partners and to support UNDP’s engagement in this area. 
• Promote advocacy for UNDP’s work and opportunities for collaboration in addressing development trends in coordination with the project partners, stakeholders, and UNDP communications staff. 

The 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 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have a lasting impact
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, and 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 a diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management competencies:

• UNDP People Management Competencies can be found on the dedicated site.

Cross-functional & Technical competencies: 

Business Direction & Strategy           

• Strategic Thinking - Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s 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.

Business Direction & 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 other parts of the system

Business Development          

• Knowledge Facilitation - Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange.

Business Management           

• Project Management - Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals
• Communication - Communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience 
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels

Partnership management     

• Relationship Management - Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding

2030 Agenda: Planet               

• Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery - Early Warning, Anticipation and Preparedness

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or related field is required, or 
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services, hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects, and/or leading and managing projects. 
• Prior experience and knowledge of climate change adaptation and mitigation, renewable energy, and environmental issues and constraints in Pakistan. 
• Self-management, emotional intelligence, conflict management and negotiating skills.
• Experience in Project Management and implementation. Development of Annual Work Plan, monitoring of project implementation, delivery and budget.
• Experience in project oversight and quality assurance of NIM and CO support to NIM projects. 
• Experience in Managing multiple projects funded by various donors. 
• Experience in working, liaising, and collaborating with UN agencies, governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and public international organizations.
• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.

Required Languages:

• Fluency in English and Urdu.
• Knowledge of other local languages is an asset.

Professional Certificates      

• Preference will be given to Project Management Professional (PMP) certified.

Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders) 
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
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.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

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.