Background
Within the framework of the Declaration for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Pantanal of 2018 celebrated by Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia, regional collaboration actions are being implemented within the framework of the upper basin of the Paraguay River that include a GEF international waters project that has as objective โPromote water security by strengthening transboundary water governance, sustainable development, balancing multiple uses and promoting integrated management of the Pantanal - Upper Paraguay River Basin for the social and economic well-being of the population and for the conservation of the freshwater ecosystem, its services, its biodiversity and connectivityโ. For the execution of the Project, a technical team is required in the three countries of which the Regional Project Coordinator and Technical Advisor is part.
Main function
This position is a core position located within the PCU to be hosted by WWF. In order to optimize the use of project resources while providing the right skills set to the project, the responsibilities of the Regional Project Coordinator and Technical Advisor are a mix of technical and managerial ones consolidated into one position. In addition, since the position is full-time, the incumbent will be motivated to stay with the project throughout its duration and ensure retention. Furthermore, the incumbentโs focus could switch from project management to the technical matters in support of the job with ease which ensures greater efficiency in the conduct of activities.
Given that the PCU also counts a Technical Programme Assistant, National Technical Coordinators and part time technical consultants/experts to support the Regional Project Coordinator and Technical Advisor in its technical role, just like the Knowledge Management and Communications Specialist, an Administrative and Financial Management Officer will support the Regional Project Coordinator and Technical Advisor on project management tasks, the time of the Regional Project Coordinator and Technical Advisor is divided into 11% project management and 89% technical coordination, which is an indicative distribution of his/her time that could vary depending on the realities and demands of the job in the implementation of project activities
Responsibilities
Overall, the Regional Project Coordinator and Technical Advisor in its project management capacity will be responsible for project execution, must oversee that every activity is executed, in accordance with the required terms of quality, deadline completion and budget execution of the project, and will lead the delivery of the projectโs expected results. The Regional Project Co-ordinator will report to the EA. Specifically the Regional Project Co-ordinator will be responsible for:
Administrative/managerial Responsibilities
Directly supervising the day-to-day work of the PCU through a team consisting of professional, technical and administrative staff.Supervising the technical and management activities of the project and ensuring the quality of the outputs and internal reporting.Assisting the Executing Agency in the selection of Consultants for undertaking the proposed work and providing orientation to the work of the consultants for the preparation of technical products;Providing annual workplans, budgets, and periodic reports on progress of technical activities to the Project Steering Committee and other project oversight bodies.Providing the secretariat functions for the Project Steering Committee.Co-ordinating the reporting activities to the Implementing Agencies (UNEP and IDB), the Executing Agency, the GEF and ensuring adherence to the Implementing Agencyโs administrative, financial and technical reporting requirements.Co-ordinating the development of information management tools to ensure evaluation, monitoring and replication activities, as defined in the Project Document.Co-ordinating the organization and execution of training and communication activities including workshops, training sessions, conferences and other meetings required by the workplan.Establishing and facilitating partnerships with relevant institutions and donors, including governments, international organizations, regional agencies, the academic community, and civil society, ensuring alignment with UNEP, IDB and GEF policies.Acting as public liaison for the project, coordinating communication and dissemination of information to ensure maximum project visibility within the region and within the GEF; with UNEP and IDBโs guidance. Presenting the work activities and results to stakeholders and other interested parties, including at international conferences.
Technical Responsibilities
In its technical coordination capacity, the Regional Project Coordinator and Technical Advisor will be responsible for providing overall technical guidance to project personnel and technical consultants including:
Drafting technical ToRs for project activities and personnel.Ensure oversight and quality control of all technical activities undertaken or contracted by the Project.Serve as a central focal point for the Pantanal -โ Upper Paraguay River Basin Project on technical and co-ordination matters, including management of Projectโs country coordinators/focal points and liaison with governmental counterparts from the three countries in close coordination with the Program IAs.Assess current and future coordination arrangements, a framework for protection and institutional strengthening needs for integrated river basin management (Component.1)Leading the coordination, the design and development of the TDA including complementary studies such as a transboundary ecosystem modelling and the implementation of the monitoring network (Component 2)Coordinate the process of formulation of the Strategic Action Plan for the basin and provide technical oversight of the different associated activities leading to agreements between countries (Component 3)Provide technical support to the Pilot project teams for implementing the different pilot projects and ensuring these include new technologies and sound approaches that fit local socio-ecological systems for the basin (Component 4)Ensure that the products for raising awareness, increasing participation and exchanging knowledge are promptly available during implementation (Component 5).
Qualifications
A post graduate degree (Master level) in water resources management, environmental management/science/policy, natural resources management or related field.At least 15 years of experience working on river basin management/water resource issues, including specifically leading/supervising the development of watershed/basin management plans.Demonstrated technical experience in wetland management and/or technical work in eco-hydrology is desirable.Demonstrated understanding of sustainable development, including financial and institutional sustainability.Experience working with stakeholders to promote sustainability and environmental awareness among diverse audiences. Specific experience working with institutions in charge of water/natural resources management from the beneficiary countries (Brazil/Bolivia/Paraguay) will be considered a plus.Demonstrated experience in project management at the international level.Familiarity with the goals and procedures of international organizations, in particular those of the GEF, UNEP and IDB and national and regional organizations involved in project activities.Demonstrated experience managing multi-disciplinary and/or cross-sector teams.Work experience in one or more of the participating countries and/or the Pantanal (or similar eco-hydrological systems) โ Upper Paraguay River Basin region.Knowledge of water, energy, agriculture and natural ecosystems interlinkages (Nexus vision).Excellent communications skills.Good computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).Full written and oral command of Portuguese, Spanish, and English (professional level).
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
If you wish to apply for this position and meet the requirements described above, please apply by March 15th, 2024 and upload your: cover letter indicating your salary expectations and motivation for this position, CV, and 3 job references.