PROJECT COORDINATOR (BIO-CHOBE PROJECT)
Location : Gaborone, BOTSWANA
Application Deadline : 10-Apr-12
Type of Contract : Service Contract
Post Level : SB-4
Languages Required : English
Starting Date :(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-Jun-2012
Duration of Initial Contract : One year
Expected Duration of Assignment : One year
Background
The Chobe-Kwando-Linyanti (CKL) is of national, regional and international importance, particularly for its biodiversity and water resources which transcend across a number of countries in the region.
This biodiversity provides key resources for livelihoods sustenance of communities in the area. The area is currently used in a variety of ways which include; community-based natural resources management (CBNRM), agriculture (livestock and crops), wildlife and tourism. The use and management of its natural resources is largely sectoral and insufficiently coordinated and a continuation of this practice could damage the ecosystems resource base, intensify resource conflicts and lead to under-utilisation of the area’s economic potential. The Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism (MEWT) through the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has taken the initiative to develop an Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for the area’s biological and other resources. This initiative is similar to the recent work done under the Okavango Delta Management Plan (ODMP), Makgadikgadi Framework Management Plan (MFMP), Biokavango and others. The Improved Management Effectiveness of the Chobe-Kwando-Linyanti Matrix of Protected Areas initiative is an integral part of the implementation of the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (CBD), the Draft Botswana Wetland Policy and Strategy and the Ramsar convention on Wetlands of International Importance, Government’s drive towards economic diversification and sustainable development, as laid out in the 10th National Development Plan and the 7th District Development Plans.
In order to realise the objectives of the project, there is need to undertake a resource inventory and draft a project proposal document for the preparation of developing an Improved Management Effectiveness Plan for the CKL area. This would be done through a consultative process. The rationale of the plan lies in encouraging a holistic management of the entire CKL and its resources, and halting the currently fragmented and uncoordinated planning and development.
Under the guidance and supervision of the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, the Project Coordinator for the project will be recruited locally, in accordance with the UNDP recruiting procedures and appointed by UNDP to serve as the full-time Specialist for the Bio-Chobe Project. The position will be located within the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife & Tourism (MEWT) with active liaison with sectors both within and outside the MEWT.
The Project Coordinator of the Bio-Chobe Project is fully accountable to the Programme Manager for the
Environment and Climate Change Group.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Delineate the project site.
• Characterise the CKL ecosystem in accordance with its bio physical and socio-economic attributes.
• Compile an inventory of the developmental framework (policy, programmes and plans) which direct/influence/guide the utilisation of the CKL ecosystem.
• Highlight the implications of transboundary cooperation processes, including SADC protocols and agreements which have a bearing on the CKL area.
• Identify key stakeholders (through consultations) involved in the management and the utilisation of resources in the CKL ecosystem with a view to develop a stakeholder engagement plan/process.
• Synthesise key issues arising from the physical survey and stakeholder consultation (socio-economic, environmental, development etc) and formulate thematic areas for the project.
• Develop a project implementation strategy which is informed by a cost benefit analysis, cost effectiveness assessment and risk analysis. This should include the coordination structure, reporting lines and oversight structures for the actual implementation of the project.
• Describe the timeframe for the project together with milestones/deliverables at appropriate intervals.
• Demonstrate the resource (human and capital) implications of the project.
• Determine the linkages of the Improved Management Effectiveness of the Chobe-Kwando-Linyanti Matrix of Protected Areas project with similar studies (Okavango Delta Management Plan, Bio-Okavango
• Project, KAZA project) and demonstrate their influence on the project.
• Review the necessary documentation and background material on the CKL and their implications for the project for use in the design of the successor project as lessons learnt.
• Describe a preliminary approach or methodology to be used in the development of the CKL IMP.
• Develop a Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Framework for use in programme implementation oversight.
• Highlight the current international ‘best practices and approaches’ such as ecosystems management.
• IWRM; TBNRM; sustainable use; sustainable livelihoods, etc which should be addressed by the project.
• Package all the information into a well structured proposal with clearly defined component that will constitute the project document for submission to the GEF.
Competencies
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
• Shares knowledge and experience
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.
Development and Operational Effectiveness
• Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to managing data, reporting, technical and administrative services in support of programme activities.
• Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system including new IT based systems
• Client orientation
Leadership and Self-Management
• Ability to manage-multidisciplinary team
• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills; presentation skills
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
• Diplomatic, remains calm, in control and good humoured 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 behaviour.
• Ability to prioritize work activities to meet organization goals
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
• Masters Degree in environmental management, environmental/natural resource economics, environment and
development. A PhD is an asset.
Experience:
• Minimum 5 years experience in environment, climate change and sustainable development facilitation and advisory services.
• Strong background in planning, policy analysis and development.
• Relevant experience in skills and capacity assessment and development.
• Extensive knowledge in area of the multi-lateral agreements and sustainable development.
• Proven extensive knowledge and experience of environmental roles and responsibilities of government, civil society organizations and private sector.
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office (word, excel, outlook) and web-based applications.
Language:
• Proficiency in the English language, spoken and written.
Note:
• Qualified women, qualified people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply
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.
Closing Date: Tuesday, 10 April 2012
