FIELD OFFICER - NEX PROJECT - NPPP - I (NEPALESE NATIONALS ONLY) - UNDP

Location : Field Based, NEPAL
Application Deadline : 05-Nov-12
Additional Category Environment and Energy
Type of Contract : Other
Post Level : Other
Languages Required : English
Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-Jan-2013
Duration of Initial Contract : Annual contract and extended based on performance

Background

The Ecosystem Based Adaptation (EBA) Project for Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal, Peru and Uganda aims to strengthen the capacity of these three highly vulnerable countries to deal with the impacts of climate change. The project targets to strengthen ecosystem resilience and reduce the vulnerability of local communities with a particular emphasis on mountain regions. Specifially the project will support: (i) the development of methodologies and tools for mountain ecosystems; (ii) the application of the above tools and methodologies at the national level; (iii) the implementation of EBA pilots at the ecosystem level; and (iv) the formulation of national policies and building an economic case for EBA at the national level.

The project will create new opportunities for experimental learning between regions and among countries through parallel and cooperative development and application of methodologies and tools and the implementation of pilot projects. It will shorten the learning curve of local and national institutions and fast-track the transfer of knowledge related to building ecosystem resilience.

The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) and is being jointly implemented by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Duties and Responsibilities
The Field Officer will work under the supervision and guidance of Project Coordinator. S/he will be the principal representative of executing the overall activities at field level and report to the Project Coordinator. The major role of the Field Officer will be to establish strong coordination and linkages amongst all the major stakeholders in the field and at the center level to ensure that program activities are implemented successfully. The Field Officer will each be responsible for managing the field-level program implementation and for achievement of the field level outputs. The specific responsibilities of the Field Officer will include the following:
Set up and manage the project office at field level in accordance with the project work plan.
Implement the project activities in within his/her respective area of responsibility as per the annual work plan and budget.
Ensure that the implementation of work plan is consistent with the envisaged outputs and objectives of the project document.
Maintain close coordination with Regional Director of Directorate of Forests and District line agencies and local bodies in planning, monitoring (joint), and sharing (reports) on the project implementation issues through active information channels in order to avoid duplication and maximize synergies and complementarities.
Ensure a coordinated and collaborative approach is undertaken among project partners at field-level /in implementing project interventions and achieving desired outcomes.
Assist Project Coordinator in organizing various workshops, trainings and planning.
Assist the Project Coordinator in ensuring field-based project staff receive relevant skills training and knowledge development required for effective and efficient project administration and implementation.
Update and report the Project Coordinator on a regular basis about the progress and constraints and try to resolve implementation problems, if any, in consultation with other project staff members and with advice/guidance of the Project Coordinator.
Act as a field level representative, as called upon by the Project Coordinator during review meetings, evaluation and discussions.
Supervise the activities of field-based staff and consultants, including administrative work and delivery of project outputs, and as required by Project Coordinator.
Maintain close coordination/linkages with targeted District line agencies, local bodies, I/NGOs and projects within the project area and keep them fully informed of the project activities.
Prepare annual work plan, quarterly progress report, annual progress report and other plans as required, with assistance/inputs of other project staff and ensure timely submission to the Project Management Unit.
Supervise, coach and mentor Project Field staff for smooth project implementation.
Assist the Project Coordinator on recruitment and oversight of subcontracts/consultants in the field.
Provide additional support to Project Management Unit as required.

Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats all people fairly without favoritism
Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning
Shares knowledge and experience
Encourages office staff to share knowledge and contribute to UNDP practice areas
Develops substantive knowledge of one or more Practice Areas
Promotes a learning environment in the office
Provides helpful feedback and advice to others in the office
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
Development and Operational Effectiveness
Strong IT skills
Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new systems
Leadership and Self-Management
Focuses on result for the client
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view
Solicits feedback from staff about the impact of his/her own behavior

Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Candidate should have at least a Master's degree in Natural Resource Management or relevant area.

Experience:
3 years of sound working experience in the field of conservation and development.
The candidate should have a firm understanding of community development and expertise in self-reliant and participatory development process.
S/he should have a successful record of working with District line agencies, local bodies and community groups in a multi-stakeholder environment.
S/he must be willing to travel frequently and adapt to difficult working conditions.
S/he should also have the ability to use tact and diplomacy, resolve conflicts and achieve results.
Computer skills and required languages:
The candidate must be computer literate.
Proven abilities in writing and speaking in English and Nepali language.


UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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