Background
The biological diversity of Solomon Islands is critical to the people of Solomon Islands in that it has shaped human wellbeing for centuries. ย The predominantly subsistence lifestyle that characterizes the Solomon Islands economy is underpinned by the countryโs heavy reliance on its biological diversity. The importance of biodiversity as the basis for the peopleโs livelihood and wellbeing is therefore well understood and it is recognized that without biodiversity the country also loses its aesthetic, spiritual and educational values and significance, which are integral to our wellbeing and traditional way of life. Thus, the maintenance of watersheds, marine environment and water quality, soil retention and erosion control, provision of critical habitat for fauna, climate regulation, nutrient cycling and the pollination of plants are just a few of the essential ecological services that are essential to the islanders. ย Nonetheless, there is growing realization that the countryโs biodiversity is also under increasing pressure from multiple sources of threats, for example, from habitat loss, land degradation, overexploitation, invasive alien species and climate change. These pressures can be devastating for the health of the countryโs biodiversity and, therefore its livelihood and wellbeing.
The United Nations Development Programme, Solomon Islands with partnership with the Solomon Islands Government have recently received ย CEO endorsement for itโs GEF 7 STAR Allocations focusing on mainstreaming biodiversity across sectors, as well as landscapes, seascapes; addressing direct drivers to protect habitats and species; and ย creating an enabling environment to support Land Degradation Neutrality( LDN )target implementation. Under this partnership a project management unit will be set up, and a Chief Technical Advisor is required to provide strategic and technical advisory support to the project. This project will help the Solomon Islands in safeguarding its indigenous species and ecosystems from invasive species, halt land degradation and restore degraded areas, control unsustainable resource use and climate-induced risks through a holistic and integrated landscape-seascape management approach through effective government enabling and capacity, community participation and development of resilient blue/green livelihoods.
The project objective is ย to ensure that Solomon Islands indigenous species and ecosystems are at reduced risk from invasive alien species, land degradation and unsustainable resource use as a result of effective government enabling and capacity, community participation and resilient blue/green livelihoods. The project recognizes that these land and seascapes of the Solomon Islands underpin the lives and livelihoods of a large number of local communities and that implementation of a coherent and integrated strategy to promote improved measures for prevention and management of invasive alien species, land and marine degradation and unsustainable use of its natural resources ย is an integral part of the solution. The project objective to ensure that Solomon Islands indigenous species and ecosystems are at reduced risk from invasive alien species, land degradation and unsustainable resource use as a result of effective government enabling and capacity, community participation and resilient blue/green livelihoods. This is to be achieved through four interrelated and mutually complementary Components that are focused on addressing barrier. ย The four Components of the project are:Component 1: Enabling framework for safeguarding biodiversity, combating land degradation and securing a nature-based economy;Component 2: Comprehensive risk management approach to address IAS threats to biodiversity and land degradation;Component 3: Community-based integrated ecosystem management and threat reduction at land/seascape scale;Component 4: Knowledge management, awareness, M&E and gender mainstreaming
The service of a National Project Manager is required to oversee the overall day-to-day management of the project on behalf of the Implementing Partner. The National Project Manager (NPM) is the senior representative of the Project Management Unit (PMU) and ย is responsible for the overall day-to-day management of the project on behalf of the Implementing Partner, including the mobilization of all project inputs, supervision over project staff, responsible parties, consultants and sub-contractors. The project manager typically presents key deliverables and documents to the board for their review and approval, including progress reports, annual work plans, adjustments to tolerance levels and risk registers. The PM will devote 30% of his/her time for technical aspects of the project (refer to Annex 7 TORs) given the need to provide technical oversight, guidance and coordination across 5 provinces and a number of technical subjects involving a number of sector entities. As part of project management responsibilities, he/she will have overall responsibility for managing the organization, work plans, programs and activities, as well as progress and financial reporting to Project Board and UNDP. The National Project Manager will be the head of the Project Management Unit. The PMU will have operational and financial autonomy, including the authority to select and sub-contract specific project activities or components to local consultants and local institutions. The NPM will perform a liaison role with government, UNDP and stakeholders.ย
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Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Execution is the direct supervisor for this position, while the project board will be providing overall guidance and direction to the project, ensuring it remains within any specified constraints, and providing overall oversight of the project implementation. The National Project Manager will report and present key deliverables and documents to the board for their review and approval, including progress reports, annual work plans, adjustments to tolerance levels and risk registers. (See Annex)ย
The National Project Manager (NPM) will provide 70% of the time for project management duties and 30% for coordinating and supporting technical aspects of the project. The list below outlines key roles and ย responsibilities for the National Project Manager. ย
The roles and responsibilities of the NPM for project management (70% of time) are:
Establishment of the staffing and operational functions of the Project Management Unit;ย Guiding the preparation of annual work plans, monitoring and evaluation plans, etc.;ย Overseeing the drafting/reviewing of terms of reference key staff; Guiding and overseeing funds requisition, six-monthly progress and financial reporting and monitoring of outputs and outcomes as per GEF standards;ย ย Coordination with regional and local authorities and stakeholders in implementing project activities;ย Ensuring the disbursement of funds as per operational procedures consistent with financial management standards of the Government and GEF;ย Providing secretariat services to the Project Board;ย Prepare revisions to the multi-year work plan, as needed, as well as annual and quarterly plans if required. Plan the activities of the project and monitor progress against the approved work plan. Oversee and guide the M&E process as determined in the project monitoring plan, and update the plan as required. Manage and monitor the project risks โ including social and environmental risks โ including those initially identified in the ProDoc and submit new risks to the Project Board for consideration and decision on possible actions if required; update the status of these risks by maintaining the project risks log; Support the Mid-term and Terminal Evaluation process Prepare the inception report no later than one month after the inception workshop.ย Ensure that the indicators included in the project results framework is monitored annually in advance of the GEF PIR submission deadline so that progress can be reported in the GEF PIR.ย Assess major and minor amendments to the project within the parameters set by UNDP-GEF; Reporting to the Project Board and UNDP on the progress and issues in project implementation; andย Facilitation of monitoring and evaluation missions by UNDP or designated consultants to UNDP.The roles and responsibilities of the NPM for technical coordination (30% of time) and support are:
Supporting the coordination of technical oversight and monitoring of the responsibilites of the International ย Consultants and the operation of the 5 Provincial Coordination Units (consisting of a ย Provincial Coordinator and Community Liaison Associates in each Province) in development of NISSAP, LDN framework, integrated landscape/seascape management planning process, village level conservation, SLM and livelihood activities etc. Overseeing and coordination of the technical inputs and consultation process for the legal review of the Agriculture and Livestock Act, Agriculture Sector Growth and Improvement Plan revision, changes or update of the National Rural Land Use Policy and the review and implementation of the NRLUP (Output 1.2). Oversee and participate in the biosecurity system assessment and development of the biosecurity strategy for the country, support to demonstration activities in two porst of entry, promotion of LDN and supporting the development of the master training programs for promotion of capacity building in SLM and IAs prevention and management (Output 1.3) Directly sepport the improvement of existing information management and database systems for IAS, including update of baseline information (Output 1.4) Facilitate and coordinate the completion of the NISSAP, ensuring that the IAS Working Group directly oversee and supports this process, through organization of regular meetings, information exchange and coordination with key line agencies (Output 2.1) Support the developement and conduct of capacity building and training programs for all relevant stakeholders related to biosecurity, IAS prevention and management, LDN, SLM and livelihood development activities ย (Output 2.2) Oversee and manage the establishment of the demonstration biosecurity program activities in the selected ports, the development of the EDRR plan and funding mechanim and the testing of the ERPs (Output 2.2) Support the conduct of technical consultations and workshops to develop guidelines, tool kits and manuals for facilitating of planning for sustainable landscapes/seascapes, including biodiversity, IAS prevention and management, SLM etc. (Output 3.1) Lead the preparation of national species action plans, with technical inputs from sector agencies, NGOs, local communities and national consultants (Output 3.2) Provide technical oversight, guidance and best practices to enable Provincial Coordinators and local sector entities to identify, develop and implement innovative agricultural activities in support of SLM and prevention and management of IAS (Output 3.3) and promotion of green and blue livelihoods (Output 3.4), including initiation of contacts with the private sector Oversee the development and organization of awareness and publicity programs and materialsย Support plans and protocols for inter-agency coordination during the preparation of landscape/seascape planning (Output 4.1). ย Oversee and guide the capture lessons learned during project implementation (Output 4.2). Monitor implementation plans including the gender action plan, stakeholder engagement plan, and any environmental and social management plans; Monitor and track progress against the GEF Core indicators.ย
Competencies
Core competencies:
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impactย Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problemsย Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demandsย Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivityPeople Managementย
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.ยCROSS-FUNCTIONAL & TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:
Business Direction & Strategyย ย ย ย
Business Managementย ย ย ย
Results-based Management. Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results Project Management. Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals Risk Management. Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks Communication. Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels2030 Agenda: Planetย ย ย ย
Nature, Climate and Energy. Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Conservation and Sustainable use of biodiversity, land, forests and oceansย
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (masterโs degree or equivalent) in Biodiversity management, IAS management, sustainable land management or related fields is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelorโs degree) in Biodiversity management, IAS management, sustainable land management or related fields in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Masterยดs degree.Experience:
Minimum 7 years (with Masterยดs degree) or 9 years (with Bachelorยดs degree) of project technical experience, showing a progressive increase in scope and responsibilities.ย Candidates must have practical experience and sound knowledge of development issues in Pacific Islands countries context. Demonstrated experience on policy and institutional matters, and technical knowledge on aspects relating to biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management and wetland management Familiarity with the goals and procedures of government institutions, including those of UNDP and GEF as it relates to the Project goals and objectivesย Demonstrable ability to organize, facilitate, and mediate technical teams to achieve stated project objectives.Required languages:
Fluency in English and Solomon Islands Pijin is required.Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.ย
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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