Project Manager, Ecosystems management for improved human well-being in the Lake Faguibine System (UNOPS)

Duties and Responsibilities

Establishing structures and processes for the operations of the PMSU

1. Establish and maintain effective structures and processes for the delivery on the Project and its Implementation Plan, within the overall structure of OMVF.
2. Manage the time and contributions of the experts of the PMSU in close collaboration with the Executive Director of OMVF and other managers.
3. Maintain the financial accounting system to fulfill the financial management and reporting requirements of UNEP.
   

Planning

1. Develop detailed annual work plans for the Project with clearly defined activities and specific results-based outputs for the implementation of the Project within the priorities of Government of Mali and guided by the UNEP.
2. Prepare annual budgets to support the implementation of annual workplans based on the overall budget in the Project Document and other resources to be mobilized.
3. Contribute to resource mobilization for the implementation of the Project from bilateral donors and multilateral agencies and other relevant sources.
   

Technical and Managerial input

1. Lead the work of the PMSU and oversee the implementation of contracted activities in the workplans. Ensure timely implementation and reporting by implementing partners.
2. Organize and coordinate the procurement of goods and services under the Project in accordance with UNOPS rules and procedures.
3. Review and approve documents and other materials prepared by sub-contractors and experts.
4. Organize, in consultation with OMVF and other relevant government departments, consultations with stakeholders as appropriate and ensure stakeholder participation.
5. Design and facilitate participatory processes for the identification of needs for the restoration and management of the LFS as well as in relation to integrated water resources management (IWRM) and ecosystems-based approaches at country level and in collaboration with the respective authorities (OMVF, Government Ministries) and UNEP, incorporate these in the comprehensive programme of phase two of the Project .
6. Prepare relevant technical and policy papers based on the experiences from UNEP’s work and that of others on IWRM and the ecosystem-based approaches, with focus on climate change, ecosystems degradation, strengthening ecosystems resilience, wetlands management etc.
7. Present papers on IWRM and ecosystems-based approaches and their implementation in the LFS and Mali to senior officials and practitioners in government, development partners and NGOs and the civil society in general as and when required.
8. Monitor expenditures, ensure timely spending. Authorize and control cash advances to implementing partners. Ensure expenditures are charged to the right budget lines.
   

Reporting

1. Prepare and submit reports (substantive and financial) to UNEP, in close cooperation with UNOPS’ supervisors, on the implementation of the activities in the Project Document as required for incorporation into UNEP wide reporting.
2. In collaboration with OMVF, organize meetings of the Steering Committee of the Project.
3. Present progress reports on the overall project implementation to the Steering Committee meetings. Provide secretarial services to the Steering Committee meetings and in collaboration with OMVF ensure follow-up of the decisions of the Steering Committee.

Qualifications

Key Competencies:

Professionalism: Mastery of diverse aspects of water resource management and in particular its application at catchment level as well as the concepts underlying the ecosystem management.

Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills and openness in sharing information and keeping all stakeholders informed.

Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Leadership: Ability to develop strategies and empower others to accomplish objectives and solve problems.

Other Desirable Skills:

Management skills and ability to direct a small, multi-disciplinary team. Knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations an asset.

Education/Experience/Language:

A. Education

Advanced University degree in water, environmental sciences or equivalent with a relevant combination of professional and academic qualifications.

B. Experience and knowledge:

At least 5 years work experience in the field of water resources management 3 of which should be from developing countries. Proven strong track record with integrated water resources management and ecosystem-based approaches. Specific experience with ecosystems restoration is essential.

Management experience is required.

C. Language Requirements:

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the advertised post, fluency in oral and written English and French are required.

Application Deadline

3 June 2009

Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) (available on our website) via e-mail to afosnoc.vacancies@unops.org. Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email.

Additional Considerations
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.

For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org.