Background
ย Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:ย we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a โleave no one behindโ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
ย UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
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The UNDP Uganda Country Office is currently implementing its Country Programme Document (CPD) for the period 2021-2025, which is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021-2025. During the programme cycle, UNDP will support government of Uganda efforts by providing technical, and financial support to enable Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), local governments, non-state actors and communities strengthen their national capacities to restore, protect, and sustainably manage natural resources and ecosystems, increase access to affordable clean and renewable energy, and to enable vulnerable people and communities to adapt to, and mitigate climate change and disaster risk.
Under the Nature, Climate, Energy, and Resilience (NCER) portfolio, UNDP Uganda works with other partners, to provide an integrated and coherent policy, and programme support to relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), local governments, communities, and non-state actors to achieve the following outcomes:
Strengthened capacity of public and private institutions and communities to sustainably manage natural resources and protect vital ecosystems.ย Increased and equitable access to, and use of modern, renewable, and affordable energy sources and services Enhanced climate resilience and adoption of low carbon development strategies. Strengthened capacity for disaster risk reduction and resilience.In partnership with the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and Uganda National Meteorology Authority UNDP is implementing a wetland restoration project in Eastern and Southwestern Uganda entitled โBuilding Resilient Communities, Wetland Ecosystems and Associated Catchmentsโ Project. The USD 44.262 million project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Government of Uganda and UNDP for 8 years starting 2017 to 2025. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the Accredited Entity (AE) of the GCF and holds fiduciary obligation for the management of the funds of GCF for the project.
The project is comprised of three components namely: -
1.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Restoration and management of wetland hydrology and associated catchments.
2.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Improved agricultural practices and alternative livelihood options in wetland catchments.
3.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Strengthening access to climate and early warning information to farmers and other target communities.
To effectively implement this project, a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) was set up in the ministry of water and environment (MWE) to oversee the implementation of the project.ย The PMU is composed of teams from the ministry and UNDP. The UNDP contract holders are: the Chief Technical Advisor, the Project Management Specialist, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist and the Social and Environmental Safeguards Officer.ย
UNDP is in the process of recruiting a Social and Environmental Safeguards Officer to lead the development and implementation of social and environmental management frameworks, other social risk management plans for the project.
Objective/Purpose of the Assignment:
Under the leadership and supervision of the Team Leader NCER, the Safeguards Officer will serve as the main focal person for all safeguards related activities for the GCF project and the NCER portfolio.ย The safeguards officerโs responsibility is to coordinate and support implementation of all safeguards related issues ensuring that activities are implemented in accordance with the UNDP social and environmental standards.
ย Duties and Responsibilities
Under the leadership and supervision of the Team Leader NCER, the Safeguards Officer will serve as the main focal person for all safeguards related activities for the GCF project and the NCER portfolio.ย The safeguards officerโs responsibility is to coordinate and support implementation of all safeguards related issues ensuring that activities are implemented in accordance with the UNDP social and environmental standards.
The Social and Environmental Safeguards Officer will work as part of the PMU (Project Management Unit) of the GCF project under the joint direct supervision and guidance of the National Project Coordinator and UNDP NCER Team Leader.
Functions / Key results expected
Accomplish other tasks related to social and environmental safeguards as per the needs of the project assigned by National Project Coordinator and NCER assigned by the Team Leader (NCER)
Individual outputs and results
Theย Social and Environmental Safeguardsย officer will report to the National Project Coordinator on GCF related tasks and the Team leader (NCER) on NCER portfolio and UNDP related tasks. In addition to the regular tasks, the officer shall be responsible for providing/preparing the following documents and reports:
Updated Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF); Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) for all project investment sites; ESMP Monitoring Reports; Grievance Redress Mechanism Register and related reports for all project sites (at all levels); Incident Register and related reports for the project; Analytical and trend reports on compliance with social and environmental standards for the project, NCER portfolio and UNDP Country Office including implications and recommendations for corrective actions.ยThe incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
As the focal person for the social and environmental standards compliance, the Social & Environmental safeguards officer will work closely with all other members of the PMU.
ย Competencies
CORE Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvementsย Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexibleย Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discriminationย
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Business Management: Risk Management ย ย ย ย
Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risksBusiness Management: Monitoring and Evaluation ย
Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools.ย Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks.ยBusiness Management: Results-Based Management ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.2030 Agenda: Engagement and Effectiveness ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
Effectiveness ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Social and Environmental Standards2030 Agenda: Engagement and Effectivenessย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
Effectiveness ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Systems and tools for managing risk2030 Agenda: Planet: Natureย
Ecosystems and Biodiversity Programme: Protected and Conservation Areas and SystemsBusiness Direction & Strategy: System Thinkingย ย ย ย ย ย
Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.ย Required Skills and Experienceย
ย Education: Advanced University degree (Masterโs degree or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences or Natural Resources Management or other relevant disciplines. ย Or A first-level university degree (bachelorโs degree) in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience: Minimum 2 years (With a masterโs degree) ย or 4 years(with Bachelorโs degree) of experience ย related to social and environmental safeguards and/or impact assessment in an international development context; Sound understanding of key software packages (MS Office); Prior experience with UNDP projects would be an asset; Ability and experience to work within a multidisciplinary and multicultural team; Experience in working with a range of stakeholders including government, private sector, Civil Society organizations on sustainable energy and climate change related issues;ย Practical experience in implementing Social and Environmental safeguard policies for UNDP or other international development agencies Experience of carrying out social and environmental screening in line with SES guidelines; Experience in gender analysis, mainstreaming and gender reporting; Excellent technical skills/experience in socio-economic and environmental research and project performance assessment; Experience in creating and managing SES performance monitoring plans and leveraging performance monitoring data for improving social and environmental compliance for ongoing projects;ย Broadย knowledge and understandingย ย of environmental science, climate change adaptation; climate resilience, energy and its policy implications would be an added advantage.ย ย Language Requirements Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required Knowledge of local language is desired ย ย Disclaimer
ย Applicant information about UNDP rosters
ย Note: 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.
ย Non-discrimination
ย UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.ย ย
ย UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.ย
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