National Project Coordinator (only Ugandan nationals should apply), Kampala (with travel to pilot sites), Uganda

Background

The Ecosystem Based Adaptation (EBA) Programme for Mountain Ecosystems in Uganda, Nepal and Peru aims

strengthen the capacities of these three countries, which

are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, to strengthen ecosystem resilience for promoting ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) options and to reduce the vulnerability of communities, with particular emphasis on mountain ecosystems.

The programme is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) through its International Climate Initiative, and is implemented through a partnership of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

.

Climate change impacts are already affecting the functioning and integrity of several ecosystems and are adding to the stress resulting from other anthropogenic interventions such as unsustainable land use practices. The project countries and targeted ecosystems have been identified as particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. A multitude of communities depend upon the services provided by these ecosystems.

Specifially the project will support:

• The development of methodologies and tools for mountain ecosystems
• The application of the above tools and methodologies at the national level.
• The implementation of EBA pilots at the ecosystem level.
• The formulation of national policies.

The project will create new opportunities for experimental learning between regions and among countries within the same region. Through parallel and cooperative development and application of methodologies and tools and the implementation of pilot projects, the project will shorten the learning curve of local and national institutions and fast-track the transfer of knowledge and experience in relation to building ecosystem resilience.

UNDP, on behalf of the partnership, wishes to contract a qualified candidate to be the Uganda National Programme Coordinator. The contract will be performance-based will be reviewed and renewed annually up to a maximum of three( 3) years based on a positive assessment of the incumbent's performance. Terms and conditions of service linked to type of proposed contract will apply.ing an economic case for EBA at the national level.

Duties and Responsibilities

The National Coordinator (NC) will work in close collaboration with the IUCN-UNEP-UNDP regional teams and will lead the day-to-day management of the project at national level, on behalf of the partnership. The NC will report to the National Steering Committee comprising of UNEP, IUCN and UNDP among others. UNDP in consultation with UNEP and IUCN shall play a quality assurance role in support of project implementation at the national level. The NC will be serve as the secretariat to the Committee.

The NC will have four key responsibilities:

• Overall management of the programme implementation, including personnel, subcontracts, training, equipment, administrative support and financial reporting.
• Coordinating the different inputs from the 3 partners
• Technical advisory role
• Monitoring, evaluation and reporting.

These are detailed below:

1.

Overall management of the programme implementation

The incumbent will carry out programme activities as outlined in the project document, and as approved by the National Steering Committee under the guidance and supervision of the national project director assigned by the Ministry responsible for Environment. Specific responsibilities will be:

• Coordinate the activities of the three partners in the country-level programme to ensure synergy and avoid duplication.
• Promote overall integration of the programme, specifically ensuring joint planning, joint monitoring and shared learning.
• Provide technical supervision of EBA Project staff recruited by both UNDP and IUCN.
• Lead the National Coordination Team and report on to the National Steering Committee (Project Board in UNDP terms) .
• Provide a secretariat to the National Steering Committee and report to UNEP, UNDP and IUCN as members of the partnership and others.
• Ensure timely consolidation of reports prepared and submitted by all partners including technical, financial, study tour/fellowship reports.
• Ensure close coordination between other relevant project and programmes
• Facilitate coordination and other support for consultants hired for the project, and for any relevant BMU, UNEP, IUCN and UNDP missions directly related to the project.

2.

Technical advisory role, the incumbent will jointly (with other partners)

• Provide technical inputs to the different project components – including preparation or comments on TORs of consultants and their reports.
• Lead in the design and implementation of actions to facilitate making the case for informing policy with respect to EBA at national level.
• Facilitate the building of capacity and awareness of key stakeholders on the importance of EBA approaches.
• Support and promote gender equality and social inclusion in programme activities as well as among the project staff
• Help develop relevant policy briefs on EBA.

3.

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting, the incumbent will jointly (with other partners):

• Carry out regular follow-up and monitoring of pilot sites.
• Regular monitoring and reporting on risks and mitigation measures.
• Support the use of action learning at the landscape level.
• Document and disseminate the lessons learned through studies, audio-visual productions and electronic means such as CD-ROM and DVD.
• Provide regular updates on the project's progress as requested by the National Project Director (NPD), IUCN, UNDP and UNEP.
• Participate in meeting, training, workshops and events organized by project partners.
• Facilitate independent evaluations as fielded by project partners.

Competencies

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in working on policy development and capacity building - this includes use of methodologies that maximize performance for ecosystem-based adaptation.
• Strong knowledge / experience in results-based management and results-oriented approach to project implementation.
• Strong inter-personal skills, communication, networking and team-building skills; competent in leading teams and creating team spirit, management of inter-group dynamics and conflicting interests of various actors, stimulating team members to produce quality outputs in a timely and transparent fashion.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills , with analytic capacity and ability to synthesize project outputs and relevant findings for the preparation of quality papers and reports.
• Maturity and confidence in dealing with senior and high ranking members of national and international institutions, government and non-government organizations; ability to deal with politically sensitive issues .
• Results driven, ability to work under pressure and to meet strict deadlines; remains calm and in control under pressure
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Shares knowledge and experience actively, mentors project staff
• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Demonstrates commitment to the mission, vision and values of UNEP, UNDP and IUCN
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Core skills

• Technical knowledge and understanding of climate change and ecosystem-based adaptation, as well as community-based natural resource management.
• Advanced project management skills, with ability to keep large, complex projects on track, deal effectively with problems and fulfill reporting requirements in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in order to communicate complex, technical information to technical and general audiences.
• Skill in negotiating effectively in sensitive situations .
• Skill in achieving results through persuading, influencing and working with others
• Skill in facilitating meetings effectively and efficiently and to resolve conflicts as they arise.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Minimum Master's degree in a social science / economics / environmental studies / natural science or related field from a recognized University.
• Expertise in computer software applications, i.e. Microsoft Office a must.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years' work experience in a relevant field such as community-based natural resource management or climate change adaptation.
• Experience in ecosystem-based adaptation would be an advantage.
• 3 years' experience in managing the implementation of large-scale project.
• Relevant experience of working with government agencies, local communities and international organizations.

Language:

• Ability to speak and write in English is required.

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.