Background Information - Job-specific
*** THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION FOR WHICH ONLY APPLICANTS WHO POSSESS THE NATIONALITY IN ESWATINI ARE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION ***
UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.
The New York Portfolio Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management. The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.
UNOPS has signed an agreement to implement the project activities for the Small Grants Programme (SGP).
SGP grantmaking supports community-based innovation in addressing global environmental issues and improved, more sustainable livelihoods through initiatives led by civil society and community organizations, with special consideration for indigenous peoples, women, youth and persons with disabilities. SGP has supported over 25,000 community-based projects in over 125 countries aimed at biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable land management, protection of international waters, and sound chemicals and waste management. Over the years, SGP has developed extensive partnerships at global, national and local levels. See http://sgp.undp.org for further background information.
The duration of the consultancy will be of 08 months with possibility for extension subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and/or satisfactory performance.
The incumbent of this position will be a UNOPS supervised personnel.
Functional ResponsibilitiesUnder the direct supervision of the SGP Regional Focal Point, and with close coordination with the SGP Country Programme team, the National Steering Committee members, UNDP Country Office team and GMS team, the Programme Management - Senior Officer [National Coordinator Caretaker] will contribute in the following way is her/his country of assignment:
Purpose and Scope of Assignment
Monitoring and Progress Controls
Sound SGP programme results and impacts, in alignment with national strategies and priorities and SGP strategy and approaches, that contribute to transformational change in society and economy to conserve the global environment and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, Innovative, technically sound and socially inclusive grant portfolio is developed and implemented. Effective and efficient use of resources to create maximum project/programme impact. Increased trust by clients and donors and increased opportunities for visibility, partnerships and co-financing.
Education/Experience/Language requirements*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*
*CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*
Education (Level and area of required and/or preferred education)
An advanced university degree (Masterโs or equivalent), preferably in environment or natural resource management, environmental economics, development, business administration or other related discipline with two (2) years of relevant experience is required; OR First-level university degree (Bachelorโs or equivalent), preferably in environment or natural resource management, environmental economics, development, business administration or other related discipline with four (4) years of releavant experience is desirable.Required work experience
Relevant experience is defined as experience working in the environment, development work, monitoring & evaluation, economics and/or related field (in example but not limited to NGO work, research, and programme/project management, inclusive growth, livelihoods, poverty reduction, natural resources management, and environmentally sustainable development); Experience in program/project management and/or evaluation at the national level is required. Desirable experience (the following experience is optional candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply): Experience in gender-sensitive programming and/or evaluation is desirable; Knowledge of SGP, the GEF, and NGO grant programme management will be an asset.Language Requirements
Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required. Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset. IT SkillsProficiency in standard computer software (word-processing, excel, presentations, databases and internet) is required. Nationality
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) - Retainer - A retainer contract is issued for a period of time during which the services of the individual contractor are required intermittently. The individual contractor agreement on retainer basis will specify a โunit priceโ per day worked. For budgetary purposes, a monetary cap will be determined when the contract is awarded and issued. Please note that the retainer contract will not provide for a minimum, and payment will be made only after completion of work
Contract level: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (L-ICA 9)
Contract duration: Until 30 June 2025 (with possibility for extension subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and/or satisfactory performance).
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Terms and Conditions
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here. All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.