Technical Officer – Environmental (Hydrology) Maternity Cover

Technical Support for Project Implementation

• Support the delivery of technical activities directly implemented by the PCU, IPs, consultants and/or other contractors under Component 1. The planned activities under Component 1 will support the development and/or improvement of ​​water quality monitoring stations and wastewater treatment plants, building capacities for implementing and strengthening mechanisms for water quality control and monitoring, identifying priorities for the reduction of industrial pollution and piloting pollution reduction strategies in selected industries, and implementing an environmental monitoring programme.
• Prepare and contribute to the preparation, translation and quality control of project outputs under Component 1, including technical and progress reports, technical content for meetings, experience notes and advocacy materials.

Collaboration with Key Project Partners 

• Liaise regularly with IPs, including the Mexican Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as government counterparts, to ensure the effective implementation of the project, in line with the project agreement between UNOPS and UNEP, and as per UNOPS project management standards.
• Develop and support communications and dialogue with other project partners and institutions involved in the implementation of project activities.
• Represent the project at relevant meetings and present technical materials related to the Project at these events.
• Support collaboration with other relevant projects in the region and globally with a view to further support the implementation of the GoM-LME Project.
• Identify opportunities and secure additional stakeholder buy-in and support for the GoM-LME Project.

Project Management Support 

• Provide technical input for the recruitment and/or procurement of goods and services to the project team and in coordination with relevant UNOPS units.
• Oversee, provide technical advice and support, exercise technical quality control and compliance checks for project activities executed by IPs, consultants and other contractors.
• Assist with the dissemination of results achieved by IPs, consultants and other contractors through the Project’s established communication channels.
• Support the development and management of a GoM Project communication strategy, providing the technical elements for Component 1.
• Support the convening of meetings for the Project; including the preparation and distribution of the relevant background documents; and preparation and dissemination of official meeting reports.
• Provide technical inputs in the development and periodic revisions of the project budgets, work plans and project reports.
• Assist the PCU in ensuring project compliance with mandatory GEF, UNEP and UNOPS requirements (including requirements under the UNOPS Project Management Manual)
• Solicit inputs for and review project monitoring documents such as annual work plans, progress reports, reports on risks and challenges in line with UNOPS, UNEP and Global Environment Facility (GEF) requirements. Ensure quality control and conduct final editorial work on the submitted reports.
• Other related duties, as requested by the Project Coordinator

• A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Hydrobiology, Hydrology, Oceanography, Oceanology, Marine Science, Marine Ecology, Biology, Ecology, Aquatic Ecology, Marine Biology, Environmental Engineering, or a related field(s) relevant to the assignment is required.
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in the above-mentioned areas of specialization is an asset.

• A minimum of two (2) years of progressive working experience in an international project setting is required. Project implementation experience in Mexico is a strong asset.
• A minimum of two (2) years of  experience in one or more of the following technical fields: hydrobiology, hydrology, oceanography, oceanology, marine and coastal ecology, aquatic ecosystems, fisheries, marine protected areas management, climate change, environmental education, watershed management and water quality enhancement, is required.

• Experience with the monitoring and evaluation of relevant projects/programs is highly desirable.
• Experience in the coordination of complex, multi-faceted projects is desired.
• Knowledge of GEF funded projects is highly desirable.
• Experience in managing relations with environmental authorities in governmental institutions in Mexico is a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with Mexico context and professional experience with its geopolitical, cultural, social and economic setting, including international treaties and environmental agreements is highly preferred.
• Expertise in engaging with multiple and high-level stakeholders and government partners, including production and dissemination of public awareness materials would be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of the United Nations system and/or the GEF, including their administrative processes, is an asset.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Office 2003 and/or newer versions) and experience in handling web-based systems is an asset.

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish is required.