Project Manager – P4

BACKGROUND

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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.

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is a small island developing state (SIDS) consisting of 29 coral atolls and 5 single islands. The nation is a large-ocean state, with a total land area of only 182 km2, spread across over 2 million km2 of ocean. There are 24 inhabited atolls and islands, which are mostly remote and lie merely 2 m above sea level on average. There are no rivers, streams or lakes in RMI and the number of small surface ponds is very limited.

The RMI is particularly vulnerable to climate change. With its climate influenced by large ocean-atmosphere interactions such as trade winds, El Niño, monsoons and tropical cyclones, and with populations and infrastructure concentrated in small low-lying islands and atolls largest of which is only 16 km2, any rise in sea-level, changes in weather patterns or extreme events have significant and profound effects on settlements, living conditions and the economy.

The hydro-geophysical features of the country significantly contribute to its high vulnerabilities to natural disasters and climate change. Although not RMI is not located within the core cyclone belt, its geographic location is such that it is heavily influenced by storms, king tides, sea level rise, El Nino, reduced annual rainfall and temperature rise contributing to reduction of water security for the residents of RMI.

Droughts and storm waves are the main extreme events that impact RMI. Historical data show a decreasing trend of rainfall quantities, with drought risk respectively increasing. Periods of drought are a common occurrence after an El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The atolls and islands located 10°N and further north receive less than 1,250 mm (50 inches), while the atolls and islands located further south of 7°N receive more than 2,500 mm (100 inches) of rain annually.

Increasing sea level rise and decreasing rainfall characterize RMI’s vulnerability to climate change in relation to freshwater supply. These climate change impacts are likely to exacerbate the risks of freshwater shortages in RMI, challenging the ability of the Marshallese people to have access to safe freshwater resources year-round.

The project “Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) in the Marshall Islands” funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Government of Republic of the Marshall Islands (GoRMI) supports RMI in adapting to increasing climate risks, particularly more frequent and extreme droughts, which impact the country’s drinking water supply. Communities and the households in RMI primarily rely on a single water resource and supply system, which makes them highly vulnerable to risks of water shortages and drought. Despite previous water related investments, the people of RMI still do not have year-round access to safe freshwater supply for drinking, cooking, hygiene and sanitation, particularly under droughts lengthened through climate change impacts.

The “Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) in the Marshall Islands” project aims to increase resilience of water resources for drinking and hygiene purposes in RMI. This will be done by:

• Improving household and community rainwater harvesting and storage structures to increase resilience of water supply in all outer islands and atolls accounting for approximately 28% of RMI’s population, including 7,630 (49%) women, currently at risk.
• Securing groundwater resources from contamination due to inundation caused by wave overtopping of seawater.
• Strengthening the technical capacities of national and subnational institutions and key stakeholders to integrated climate change risks into water governance processes so that management of climate change risks are coordinated, effective, participatory, equitable, and sustained over the long-term when risks are expected to worsen.

The project aligns with GoRMI’s key climate change policies and strategies and has been developed through extensive consultation with government, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and beneficiary communities. The project is aligned with RMI’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and country work programme to the GCF.

The project will be implemented by the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji under the UNDP Direct Implementation Modality (DIM) and will be part of the Climate Change and Resilience (CCR) team. Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Team Leader – CCR, the Project Manager directly supports the effective implementation and management of the “Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) in the Marshall Islands” project.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Key duties and accountabilities include:

Provide strategic leadership for effective project planning and implementation:

• Manage and monitor on a day-to-day basis the project team, including timely implementation, results –orientation and accountability for project results
• As delegated by the – UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji CCR Management, monitor and evaluate performance of service providers and other contractors.
• Oversee the logistical arrangements for the project management team;
• Prepare a detailed work plan, schedule and budget, for approval by the Project Board, and update it on a quarterly basis (or more frequentable if needed);
• Undertake pro-active day-to-day management, including coordination, and implementation of the project activities, following result-based management;
• Coordinate technical inputs in support to planned project activities in consultation with the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji CCR Management, the UNDP Regional Technical Advisor, project team as well as the relevant Government entities;
• Prepare terms of reference (TOR) for services to be provided, prepare technical specifications for the goods to be acquired and prepare Statement of Works (SOW) for civil works to be undertaken by individual consultants and/or commercial enterprises to be contracted by the project, for further review by the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji CCR Management and the UNDP Regional Technical Advisor;
• Coordinate activities and manage technical, logistical and administrative processes to ensure the achievement of project outputs;
• Support tender committees for the procurement of services/goods /civil works, ensuring the compliance of documentation with the TOR/technical specifications/SOW and project objectives;
• Supervise project finance, logistical, and administrative arrangements, and project related procurement and HR procedures;
• Provide technical advice to relevant project stakeholders to perform tasks related to project activities efficiently and effectively;
• Provide advice and direction on strategic and policy issues to strengthen gender and social inclusion (GESI) initiatives in the project, including work plans and project implementation strategy, and, facilitate the creation of an environment to address GESI issues through the project’s activities;
• Manage communications and ensure relevant stakeholders are aware of project activities and progress;
• Prepare a proposal for the transfer of goods/civil works acquired/undertaken with the project resources (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as maintenance and replacement);
• Undertake project activities in line with existing UNDP rules and regulations, including related to financial, procurement and administrative aspects, , and, at the same time, observing the project timelines; and,
• Undertake other duties as assigned by the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji –CCR Management.

Monitor and report on progress in implementing project activities and achieving the targets set:

• Prepare or provide, inputs to, regular reports (quarterly and annually), and ensure timely submission of the reports to the relevant entities, such as the Project Board;
• Monitor and report project progress on as per the project results framework and associated performance indicators and take appropriate action;
• Inform the – UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji CCR Management of any possible deviations from the project plan(s) and advice on possible corrective action.
• Make field visits, including collaborate with local counterparts and/or facilitate arrangements for joint monitoring visits to project sites as per the requirement of the project; and,
• Monitor project risks and support the development of mitigation measures thereof, relaying information to UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji CCR Management.

Ensure aligning project activities with UNDP priorities:

• Ensure the principles of gender equality, social inclusion and disaster resilience (especially pertaining to Water Security) are effectively reflected in all relevant project activities;
• Ensure that gender equality is pursued in all relevant project activities, including reflected in work plans, budgets, reports, research, and analyses;
• Ensure that accessibility for persons with disabilities is reflected, as appropriate;
• Consult regularly with other relevant UNDP projects on related activities where synergies are possible;
• Strive to engage groups and communities in project activities that affect them; and,
• Communicate project goals and activities clearly to both stakeholders and the wider public.
• Undertake other duties associated with the UNDP programme in the RMI as assigned by the UNDP Pacific Office in FSM Deputy Resident Representative.

Support implementation of project visibility and knowledge management activities:

• Contribute to the systematic capacity building of the project team and relevant counterparts through introduction of innovation and best practices, and facilitate their application to project implementation;
• Capture and disseminate lessons learnt during project implementation to share within the RMI, across the Pacific and wider UNDP;
• Actively engage and promote teamwork, information sharing and collaboration within the project team and between relevant project partners;
• Provide substantive inputs to presentations, visibility activities, advocacy, and other project-related materials, etc.

Other Duties:

• The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:

• Supervise and manage project personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Project Management, Water Engineering, Development Studies, or other Social Sciences, Environmental Management or other similar fields is required. OR
• A first level university degree (bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of master´s degree.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

• Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, including leadership roles, with a focus on water security, climate resilience, or environmental management.
• Previous experience with the implementation of projects funded by GCF or other environmental vertical funds (e.g. the Global Environment Facility) is a strong asset;
• Substantial, relevant and practical working experience in RMI or other Pacific Island Countries, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is an asset,
• Experience in an international setting with the UN or with another international organisations an asset,
• Experiences with utilizing infrastructure climate change adaptation approach in water sector are strongly desirable
• Experiences of large and complex procurement is a desirable
• Experiences of Environmental and Social Safeguards measurement and Grievance Redress Mechanism are desirable
• Solid experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Office incl. Word, Excel, PowerPoint) as well as experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

COMPETENCIES

Core Competencies:

• Achieve Results: 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

People Management Competencies:

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

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:

Digital: Agile methodologies and practices

• Ability to manage projects and processes through continuous iteration, learning and improvement. Ability to manage a self-organising cross-functional teams, foster a team culture of curiosity and learning. Being nimble and being able to improvise and quickly adjust to unforeseen events or changes in conditions or context.

Partnership management: Resource mobilization

• Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities, and establish a plan to meet funding requirements

Finance: Budget management

• Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets

Administration & Operations: Business Continuity Planning and Management

• Ability to identify and assess risks, prepare, update and maintain Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) including testing the effectiveness of existing communication protocols and updated plans.

Procurement: Stakeholder management

• Ability to work with incomplete information and balance competing interests to create value for all stakeholders

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 on other parts of the system

Business Management: Portfolio Management

• Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization’s programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity. Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

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