Senior Project Manager (BCLME Programme)

Background:

The Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) Programme –a GEF co-sponsored initiative of the governments of Angola, Namibia and South Africa –was created to develop a transboundary intergovernmental management process for the BCLME and its associated fisheries, in order to reverse the significant decline in the global important fish stocks within the Benguela, and to provide sustainability to fisheries through an overall ecosystem approach that links the welfare of the fishery to effective habitat conservation and management as well as overall management and protection of food webs and associated predator-prey relationships. The Programme has successfully developed regional partnerships in support of transboundary LME resource management, with a significant contribution to capacity building and knowledge enhancement. The Benguela Current Commission (BCC) was set up at the GEF Assembly (August 2006) by signature of the Interim Agreement and the first Conference of Ministers in July 2007 to adopt the Commission and its structure and to approve in principle a new regionally-funded Science Programme to provide foundational support to the Commission and its policies and management procedures. The objective of this specific BCLME project will be to implement a Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the development and adoption of an effective transboundary LME management
structure primarily addressing fish stock and fisheries rejuvenation and sustainability, supported and made operational by functioning and sustainable transboundary and national level institutions, and guided by a series of lessons and best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

He/she shall be responsible for delivery of all substantive, managerial and financial reports from and on behalf of the Project. As the manager responsible for the BCLME SAP IMP project, the Project Manager shall be responsible for setting up and operationalising the PMU within the BCC Secretariat in consultation with UNDP, the overall day-to-day coordination of project activities and, in particular, the provision of technical advice to the BCC Secretariat. Specific responsibilities under this position include, but are not limited to:

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Managing the GEF components of the project, the PMU staff, budget and funds;
2. Prepare Annual Work Plans of the project on the basis of the project document, logframe and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework under the general supervision of the Project Steering Committee and in close consultation and coordination with the BCC Executive Secretary and National Coordinators in the three countries;
3. Prepare and oversee the development of Terms of References for consultants and contractors;
4. Coordinate activities of consultants including contract management, logistical support and assist in the review of technical outputs/reports, measurement /assessment of project achievements and cost/budget control;
5. Coordinate, monitor and be responsible to the PSC for implementation of the AWPs;
6. Ensure that all project outputs and activities are managed in accordance with UNDP/GEF operational procedures;
7. Ensure consistency between the various project elements and related activities provided or funded by other donor organizations, especially the implementation of the BCC Science Plan, BCC Training and Capacity Building and BCC Institutionalization;
8. Prepare APR/PIR report in accordance with UNDP/GEF rules;
9. Coordinate and oversee preparation and timely delivery of the progress and operational reports from the Project and, assist UNDP to co-arrange review meetings (e.g. Tripartite Review);
10. Continue and strengthen existing relationships and links with other related GEF programmes/ projects and foster new relationships and establish links with new projects and International Waters programmes/ projects;
11. Serve as an ex-officio member of the PSC and be responsible for the preparation , organization and necessary follow-up to ensure the effective conduct of the PSC business;
12. Submit Quarterly and Annual Standard Progress Reports (QPR and SPR) to the PSC, UNDP and UNOPS;
13. Liaise with the BCC National Coordinators for the development and implementation of National Action Plans (NAPs) and assist in the implementation of recommendations from the BCC;
14. Meet with the BCC Executive Secretary (weekly) and National Coordinators periodically (quarterly) to formally discuss project progress, constraints, synergies and links with BCC activities. This is important to ensure up-to-date information for the PMU, the PSC and UNDP on activities, processes and progress related to the BCC;
15. Liaise with the Executive Secretary and Ecosystem Coordinator of the BCC on national issues of marine scientific advice, fisheries research and management, environmental monitoring, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem health and pollution related to the SAP IMP Project and its AWPs;
16. Undertake other management duties that contribute to the effective functioning of the project.
    

Summary of Key Functions:

The Senior Project Manager / will coordinate the delivery of the following outputs as per the project immediate objectives, amongst others:

1. Prepare financial and detailed Annual Work Plans of the project on the basis of the project document;
2. Monitor progress using the log frame and the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework under the general supervision of the Project Steering Committee and in close consultation and coordination with the BCC Executive Secretary and National Coordinators in the three countries;
3. Prepare and oversee the development of Terms of References for consultants and contractors;
4. Ensure consistency between the various project elements and related activities provided or funded by other donor organizations, especially the implementation of the BCC Science Plan, BCC Training and Capacity Building and BCC Institutionalization;
5. Coordinate and oversee preparation and timely delivery of the progress and operational reports from the Project and, assist UNDP to co-arrange review meetings (e.g. Tripartite Review);
6. Submit Quarterly and Annual Progress Reports (QPR) and financial reports to the PSC, UNDP and UNOPS;
   

Qualifications and Application Procedure:

Education

• A recognized Masters degree in Fisheries, Environment Science and/or Management, Oceanography or a directly related field;
  

Experience

• At least 7 years experience in fields directly related to the assignment;
• Demonstrated management, interpersonal, networking and team building skills;
• Familiarity with the goals and procedures of international organizations, in particular those of the GEF and its partners (UNDP, UNEP, the FAO, and regional organizations (SADC, NEPAD) related to Project);
• A good background in Information management methods and technology;
• Previous work experience in one or more of the participating countries, and previous work experience in the region on issues related to the Project will be very favorably considered.
  

Language

Excellent communication skills and fluency both written and oral in English are required, preferably with a good working knowledge of Portuguese.

Other Useful Information

The full Project Document can be found at: http://www.iwlearn.net/iw-projects/iwproject.2007-09-10.7040011368/project_doc

Submission of Applications

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 iwvacancies@unops.org. Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line.

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.

Application Deadline: 17 April 2009