UAE : PROJECT SUPPORT, FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION (NAP)

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page. 

The climate-associated hazards pose a threat to the UAE and include heat, water stress, heavy rainfall, as well as dust and sandstorms. If left unchecked, climate change could impact the coastal zones, public health, labor productivity, food security, tourism, and infrastructure. These severe consequences can only be prevented by a combination of systematic, long-term mitigation and adaptation efforts. The UAE is in a water-scarce hyper-arid environment; therefore, climate adaptation is also of critical importance. Climate change adaptation is also an opportunity to address bottlenecks in governance coordination in support of human welfare because adaptation encapsulates a broad temporality of measures that address very short-term (disaster, anticipatory action related) to very long-term issues such as how the structure of the economy will interact with future climate challenges. If a NAP plan and process are correctly undertaken, they can also support current broader societal goals as well as future-proof decisions made about economy, culture and even nurture a new relationship with nature and the environment.

The UAE has already demonstrated its commitment to addressing climate change that affects all spheres of society and the environment. The challenge of rapid global heating is matched by the opportunity to pursue a sustainable growth pathway that preserves the environment and improves the quality of life, as envisioned in the UAE Vision 2021. Through this document the UAE positions adaptation as a necessity and not an option. However, while there are ongoing adaptation measures and initiatives in the UAE, there is a significant need for a national-level plan to formulate and guide adaptation measures across different sectors and in particular at different sub-national/emirate levels. Assessments of risk, exposure, and vulnerability in different sectors have been initiated but require more attention to the frame, implement, monitor and evaluate adaptation strategies. Furthermore, a NAP, as a more “operational” document that NDCs can help to consolidate across several climate governance tools as the document aims to tackle a range of threats that impact society. 

A National Adaptation Plan (NAP) is therefore a powerful vehicle to facilitate adaptation planning. It seeks to identify medium- and long-term adaptation needs, informed by the latest climate data and information. These assessments inform adaptation planning measures and implementation underpinned by the enhancement of climate science and its extrapolation into accessible tools and measures that benefit all economic and social actors. This process aims to balance scientific and evidence-based decision-making with broad participation from relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries. Despite the existence of the national climate change plan and national adaptation action program, still the UAE needs a NAP to identify,

prioritize, mainstream, implement and monitor adaptation strategies. The existing in-country risk assessment studies such as the UAE Climate Risk Assessment and Adaptation Measures in Key Sectors under the National Climate Change Adaptation Program will form the basis of risk measures and will be extended to other priority sectors identified by stakeholders. These assessments have supported the identification and prioritization of initial adaptation options in the most critical sectors (Health, Energy, Infrastructure, Environment, and Insurance).

In this context, GGGI is supporting the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), the Government of the UAE in developing the NAP for the UAE. The Consultant for Finance and Administration will perform basic tasks across a range of administrative, financial, and procurement processes ensuring quality across the project and/or output delivery.

 

The role of the Project Support consultant is to ensure process integrity in program operation and specific project/output in delivery in the UAE NAP Development program, fully meeting established institutional policies, standards, and donor requirements across budget execution.

 

Engagement

• Monitor and report on project and workstream activities related to finance to ensure efficiency and consistency with established work plans to support program management
• Support the monitoring of project budget and track expenditures to ensure that program resources are optimally allocated and utilized
• Support day to day project management unit’s administrative function
• Support other project-related tasks as Project Manager may require for the effective execution of project management functions and tasks

 

Delivery

• Execute office budget disbursement and spending following budget execution plans and schedules in line with UAE NAP Project budget lines
• Manage project bookkeeping and cash control; manage financing documents according to GGGI standards and rules
• Monitor financial resources and accounting to ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial reports and maintain project expenditures within available funds
• Administer procurement plans and manage contract payments in line with UAE NAP Project, outsourcing plans, and budget lines
• Support the project management team in all aspects of procurement, event organization etc.
• Place initial screening and controls on UAE NAP Project spending, procurement requests, and contract issuance
• Support Project Manager in the preparation of the financial reports for the donors
• Support to organize federal and emirate-level meetings and other stakeholder consultation workshops such as agenda preparation, coordinate meetings, and prepare documentation of the said meetings
• Support the project manager to supervise project budgets in accordance with the agreed work plans and verify the disbursement of project funds
• Maintain finance and accounts of the project
  • Support the monthly/bi-monthly review and reporting and Terminal Evaluation process, and ensure the project documentation compilation through coordination with the UAE Country Team Finance and Admin focal.
  • The job duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the post holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience, including adjustment on a job description.

 

• A Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting management, or related fields
• At least 2+ years of relevant experience in financial management and/or project budget management
• Experience with government and stakeholder systems (donor, multilateral, etc)
• Fluency in English and excellent writing skills are required
• Knowledge of green growth and climate change issues would be an advantage
• Experience with the UN system or other international organizations is required
• Experience in organizing, and facilitating workshops, meetings, and stakeholder consultation
• Good level of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience in using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).
• Understand and actively support GGGI’s mission, vision, and values

 

• Self-motivated, team player, with creative problem-solving abilities
• Interest in being a part of a multi-cultural team within a dynamic fast-paced environment
• Experience working in an international development agency with cross-functional departments; and across multiple country contexts
• Excellent communication skills in English (both written and oral)

 

• Promote an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect, and partnership
• Process and share information accurately and transparently
• Positive team player attitude builds rapport and resolves conflict easily
• Promote creativity and innovation among staff.

 

• Total contract value will be up to USD12,555 with the possibility of extension to extend based on project funding and performance.
• Date to close is 12 July, 2024 (KST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Application, cover letter, and CV must be sent in English. A consortium, or a firm, may not be engaged for this individual consultant assignment.

Child protection – GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.