Job Title: Technical Advisor
Organisation: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
Post Level: SC-5
About UNDP:
As the UN system’s development programme and a GEF Implementing Agency since 1991, UNDP supports countries in addressing development, climate, and ecosystem sustainability in an integrated manner. As a GEF Implementing Agency, UNDP-GEF further offers countries highly specialized technical services for programme/project formulation, due diligence, mobilization of required co-financing, project implementation oversight, results management and evaluation, performance-based payments and knowledge management. UNDP-GEF’s Green, Low-emission, Climate-resilient Development Strategies team works to support countries to attract and direct public and private investment towards catalyzing and supporting sustainable economic growth through initiatives focused on integrated Climate Change Strategies, Advancing Cross-sectoral Climate Resilient Livelihoods and Strengthening Climate Information and addressing barriers to Climate Resilient Development.
Given that energy production and utilization is a significant contributor to green gas emissions, efficient methods of production and utilization of energy ought to be adopted. Charcoal is the preferred cooking energy in Uganda particularly by urban consumers and is considered a relatively modern fuel rather than a traditional one. Uganda’s charcoal sub-sector remains plagued by inefficient production practices, lack of sustainable supplies of woody biomass and inadequate, and sometimes conflicting policy statements. At the current rate of consumption, the pressure on biomass resources will increase even further as communities produce more charcoal to meet their livelihood demands and urban charcoal consumer demand. The GEF 5 is supporting a full-size project that will address key barriers to Sustainable Charcoal Production. This project aims at “Improved charcoal production technologies and sustainable land management practices through an integrated approach in Uganda.”, with an overall objective of securing multiple environmental benefits by addressing the twin challenges of unsustainable utilization of fuel wood (including charcoal) and poor land management practices common in Uganda’s woodland through technology transfer, enhancement of the national policy framework and the promotion of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) and Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) practices.
Job Summary: The UNDP Technical Advisor will supervise and oversee the project activities and deliver the objective, outcomes and outputs of the project. The Technical Advisor shall technically support two projects implemented by MEMD i.e the Sustainable Charcoal project and the Sustainable Energy for ALL projects.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Steer the development of project design including preparation of consultants ‘and sub-contractors’ terms of reference. Identification and selection of national and international sub-contractors/consultants, cost estimation, time scheduling, contracting and reporting on project activities according to the Project Document (ProDoc) and project log frame;
- Prepare and compile the project monitoring and evaluation plan and the sustainability plan;
- Offer strategic guidance and direction to ensure the project’s progress towards the attainment of targeted outcomes and objectives;
- Ensure that this GEF funded project implementation strategies and outputs contribute to securing global environmental benefits at all levels Ensure that the USE4All quantitative objectives are integrated as a sub-set of the broader objectives of the Energy Policy;
- Ensure that the USE4All quantitative objectives are integrated as a sub-set of the broader objectives of the Energy Policy;
- Preparation of the Inception Report;
- Offer technical support to charcoal related policy discussions and development at national level;
- Coordinate activities of consultants including contract management, direction and supervision of field operations, review of technical outputs/reports, measurement/assessment of project achievements and cost control;
- Technically support the completion of evaluation reports (midterm, terminal etc.) to MEMD and UNDP/GEF, including elaboration of management responses;
- Take lead in preparing the Annual Project review (APR/PIR to GEF;
- Provide sound technical advice to the PMU and MEMD as the basis for implementing project components
- The TA will make a search on similar initiatives in the region and globally, and ensure that any emerging lessons are documented and best practices shared to inform the national Sustainable land management agenda;
- Prepare technical publications on SLM in line with expected project outcomes/outputs (generate and control quality of the publications);
- Support MEMD to integrate outputs of the SLM projects into the overall national strategy on sustainable Charcoal production and marketing;
- Take lead in undertaking studies highlighted in the project document, in line with UNDP policies and procedures;
- Provide technical inputs into the review and updating of the Project Annual work plans and budgets to reflect the current implementation realities;
- Support technical aspects of the work by agencies involved in managing specific components and provide technical support to the SE4ALL secretariat.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- The ideal candidate for the TA job opportunity above should possess a PhD or its equivalent in a relevant area such as Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, or Natural Resource Management or Environmental studies.
- At least ten years relevant work experience;
- At least five (5) years experience in the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency industry or climate change mitigation sector and working knowledge of the Ugandan energy sector with extensive contact in the public and private sectors and civil society organizations;
- Past exposure and experience with Charcoal technologies and National Policy on Renewable Energy is advantageous;
- Strategic planning and results-oriented management profile with strong reporting and financial management skills;
- Good knowledge and understanding of climate change mitigation strategies and emission reduction benefits accruing from low-carbon energy activities;
- Extensive knowledge of carbon financing mechanisms and improved charcoaling regulations and technologies, sustainable Forest management is added value;
- Knowledge of innovative ways of increasing access to modern energy as well as energy efficiency and renewable energy in all sectors of the economy is also added value.
Language Requirements: Excellent written and fluent spoken English.
Personal Competencies:
1. Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Treats all people fairly without favouritism;
Functional Competencies:
- Promotes knowledge management in the project and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
- In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
- Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of the project.
Development and Operational Effectiveness:
- Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting;
- Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects;
- Ability to apply development theory to the specific project context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations;
- Ability to manage for results; translates strategic aims into achievable plans, with established priorities, monitors them, making periodic adjustments as required.
Management and Leadership:
- Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
- Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
- Demonstrates outstanding communication skills oral and written communication skills;
- Negotiation skills: capacity to work with diverse partners including Government, donors and civil society;
- Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure;
- Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.
How to Apply:
If you believe you are one of the ideal candidates for this opportunity in working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), then visit the web link below for full job details and How to Apply.
NB: UNDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified Women are encouraged to apply.
Deadline: 30th May 2014
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