AFF Project Manager

Result of ServiceThe ultimate expected results include the following: - Enhanced technical capacities and policy engagement of African forestry stakeholders in REDD+ key topics (carbon markets, safeguards and social inclusion, nesting, etc.) and emphasis on high-integrity emissions reduction through targeted knowledge, trainings, and advocacy activities. - Capacity of REDD+ practitioners in the Africa Region is strengthened in key aspects of REDD+. - Peer learning between countries in the region (and beyond) is facilitated via the project’s established Communities of Practice on identified key topics. - UN-REDD knowledge products and resources are relevant to and applied by African countries to address their needs and help inform policymaking, using REDD+ to contribute to national sustainable development. - All activities planned under the project are successfully undertaken, and the project is properly closed. Work LocationHomebased Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The United Nations Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (UN-REDD Programme) is the UN's interagency flagship partnership that supports nationally led REDD+ processes and promotes the informed and meaningful involvement of all stakeholders, including indigenous peoples and other forest-dependent communities, in national and international REDD+ implementation. Critical roadblocks have been identified through engagement with countries, hampering REDD+ strategy implementation. Those gaps include REDD+ technical knowledge and capacities at the government level across the Africa region; this translates into a lack of opportunities to share advanced knowledge and experiences in the field. The Swiss-funded UN-REDD and Africa Forestry Forum (AFF) partnership project \"Strengthening REDD+ implementation in Africa: capitalizing on lessons learned for an evolving environment\" aims at contributing to improved REDD+ implementation and increased access to results-based payments in the African region. The overall goals of the project are to: • Strengthen African countries' REDD+ capacities and knowledge, • Enhance sectoral policy coordination to guide appropriate REDD+ strategies and decision-making. The advertised consultancy position is home-based in Africa, under the supervision of the UNEP UN-REDD Africa Regional Coordinator. Working in the Africa Region as part of the UN-REDD Knowledge Management and Communication team, the project manager will be responsible for ensuring coordination and collaboration with AFF as well as timely delivery of the high-quality outputs expected from project implementation, such as knowledge exchanges, policy dialogues, trainings, communities of practice, advocacy side events and policy briefs. Furthermore, the consultant will communicate success stories and lessons learned from UN-REDD's partner countries in Africa. The consultant will conduct the following tasks: - Promote and coordinate collaboration across UN-REDD agencies, AFF, and government counterparts. - Lead the implementation and closing of the project as per the project document, work plan, and list of deliverables. - Lead the production of new knowledge products to fill gaps in UN-REDD materials. - Lead the organization of Africa-specific trainings, including webinars based on the REDD+ Academy. - Lead the production of policy briefs to provide guidance to African countries on implementing REDD+ strategy. - Lead the organization of advocacy side events during major Regional and International Climate and environmental events. - Produce and promote stories on lessons learned from UN-REDD's partner countries. - Coordinate support from UNEP to the implementation of the project by partner organizations (e.g., knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, community of practice) Qualifications/special skillsEducation: • An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in social or environmental sciences, Forestry or equivalent field is required. • A first-level university degree level in the above-mentioned fields, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience: • A minimum of five years of relevant work experience in project management and capacity development is required. • Excellent knowledge of REDD+ and Forest management in Africa region context is also required. • Experience working with African governments is desirable. Skills: • Strong practical background on project Management is required. • Standard computer software application literacy is required. • Ability to work independently with limited supervision is required. • Ability to identify priorities and to work under tight deadlines is desirable. • Ability to convene partners and facilitate consensus is desirable. • Ability to analyze, synthesize and coordinate a wide range of outputs from various partners is desirable. • A demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations, knowledge of the United Nations system and a personal commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter is desirable. Languages• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consulting position, fluency in oral and written English and French is required. • Knowledge of Knowledge of any other official UN languages would be an asset. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.