Libya: Programme Specialist, Environment and Energy

Mar 7, 2022 | United Nations Development Programme
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The United Nations Development Programme is a United Nations organization tasked with helping countries eliminate poverty and achieve sustainable economic growth and human development.

UNDP Libya is working rapidly to respond to several crises in Libya by formulating and implementing projects that help stabilize the country and instill trust and confidence amongst communities, and between communities and the government. The UNDP Libya Country Office (CO) has made strong commitments to international donors,  its Libyan counterparts and citizens to help restore and improve public services; enhance the effectiveness and reach of existing public institutions; expand civic engagement and participation in political and development processes; increase economic opportunities in a more diversified economy; strengthen social cohesion, support elections, reconciliation and politic dialogue initiatives; and contribute to stability throughout the country to ensure development gains.

In this context, the UNDP Libya is rapidly responding to the situation in Libya. To this end, the Country Office is strengthening its internal capacities through an enhanced recruitment approach and re alignment of its programmatic offer in a bid to respond to the needs and priorities of the country. It is envisaged that this support will provide timely, cost effective, integrated and dynamic solutions for the delivery of much needed services under a rapidly changing context in the country thus ensuring smooth business continuity and sustainable development.

Under the overall guidance of the Resident Representative, and the day-to-day management of the Deputy Resident Representative-Programme, the Programme Specialist acts as a specialist of Environment and Energy advisor to the CO management, manages a major programme portfolio in the programme practice area assigned to him/her. The main role is to manage the assigned programme including continued monitoring of implementation. The Programme Specialist plays key role in strategic planning and identifies new programme areas while ensuring consistency with UNDAF/ /CPD priorities and creative responses to emerging challenges and opportunities.

The Programme Specialist works in close collaboration with the Programme and Operations teams in the CO, Programme staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society to successfully implement the UNDP programme.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Ensures the strategic direction of UNDP programme
  • Ensures effective management of the Environment and Energy programme
  • Establishes and maintains strategic partnerships and supports the resource mobilization in cooperation with the   Programme Management Support Unit .
  • Ensures provision of top-quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management

As a head of the Environment and Energy Pillar, ensures the strategic direction of UNDP programme focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Thorough analysis of the political, social and economic situation in the country and collaborative preparation/revision of CCA, UNDAF, CPD, CPAP, AWP and other documents.
  • Identification of strategic programme areas of cooperation.
  • Operationalization of UNDAF/ SPCF/CPD in collaboration with the main partners and other UN Agencies. Identification of possibilities for joint programming.
  • Analysis and presentation of UNDP policies and their implementation in the CO.
  • CO business processes mapping and establishment of internal Standard Operating

Ensures effective management of the Environment and Energy programme focusing on quality control of the full cycle of programming from formulation to implementation achieving the following results:

  • Effective application of RBM tools, establishment of management targets (BSC) and monitoring achievement of results.
  •  Design and formulation of CO programme within the area of responsibility, translating UNDP priorities into local interventions. Coordination of programme implementation with the executing agencies.
  • Strategic oversight of planning, budgeting, implementing and monitoring of the programme, tracking use of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. Programme Specialist performs the function of Manager Level 2 in Atlas for development projects transactions approval.
  •   Effective monitoring, measuring the impact of the CO Environment &Energy programme and evaluation. Constant monitoring and analysis of the environment programme, timely readjustment of programme.
  •   Follow up on audit recommendations. All exceptions are timely reported.
  • Aggregate reports are regularly prepared on activities, outputs and outcomes. Preparation of donor reports.
  • Organization of cost-recovery system for the services provided by the CO to projects in close collaboration with Operations Manager.

Establishes and maintains strategic partnerships and supports the resource mobilization in cooperation with the Programme Management Support Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Implementation of the CO partnerships and resources mobilization strategies to achieve programme outcomes.
  • Creation and coordination of partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society etc. 
  • Determination of programmatic areas of cooperation, based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors’ priorities.
  • Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification Proactively communicates on UNDP’s approach, strategy, and results, through media campaigns, public events and flagship publications

Ensures provision of top-quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country policy goals.
  • Coordination of development of policies and institutions that will address the country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners.
  • Establishment of advocacy networks at national level and linked to international networks. Relevant, high-impact advocacy campaigns are implemented with key partners.
  • Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice; · Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Programme Associate

Competencies

Core

  • Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
  • Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
  • 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 demands
  • 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 inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

  • Nature, Climate and Energy: Environment: Environmental and social impact assessments, including data collection and analysis
  • Nature, Climate and Energy: Energy efficiency concepts, renewable energy, access to energy; technologies and practical application
  • Portfolio Management: Ability to select, priorities and control the organizations programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment
  • Partnerships Management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
  • Resource Management: Ability to allocate and use resources in a strategic or tactical way in line  with principles of accountability and integrity
  • Effective Decision Making: Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with ones authority, area of expertise and resources
  • Results Base Management: Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results

Required Skills and Experience

Education

  • Master’s Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Economics, Development Economics, Environmental Sciences, Geography or other natural sciences or related fields.

 Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

  • Minimum 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in (a) the provision of analytical, advisory and technical assistance in complex development settings; (b) the design, monitoring and monitoring of development strategies/programmes and (c) the establishment of effective partnerships with a wide set of stakeholders including: national governments, civil society, academia, the UN and private sector.
  • Proven experience and substantive expertise in environment and energy, particularly in areas related to: programming in efficiencies in renewable energy opportunities, waste management, pollution control, sustainable water programming, amongst others.
  • Proven ability to work in a collaborative fashion, through multistakeholder processes.
  • Prior experience in environment and energy strategy/programme development in crisis and transition settings an asset.

Language requirements: 

  • Fluency in English and Arabic

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  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.