AMEP and SPAW Programme Assistant (Individual Contractor’s Contract)

Under the overall supervision of the Coordinator of UNEP's Caribbean Environment Programme, and technical supervision of the Programme Officer for the AMEP Programme and the SPAW Programme, the Programme Assistant will carry out the following functions:

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in the regional coordination of the AMEP and SPAW Sub-Programmes including monitoring and evaluation of ongoing projects and activities; categorizes, updates, tracks and analyses data related to these projects and activities; and initiates requisite follow-up actions;
• Assists in the development and implementation of the biannual work-plans and budgets of the AMEP and SPAW Programmes including project monitoring and evaluation, overseeing the work of consultants, and identifying new sources of funding; 
• Researches, compiles, analyses, summarizes, and presents information/data on the status of implementation of AMEP and SPAW projects and activities including monitoring fund balance and expenditures.
• Assists in the development of new project proposals; reviews and coordinates submissions of these proposals to donor agencies ensuring that requisite information is included and justified in terms of proposed activities; proposes adjustments as necessary; and prepares reports on the status of submissions. 
• Collaborates with the AMEP and SPAW Programme Officers and Project Managers on performance reporting; liaises with relevant partners on project implementation in accordance with agreed Work Plans; provides assistance on reporting requirements, guidelines, rules and procedures and ensures completeness and accuracy of data and reports submitted.
• Drafts programme and project summaries including meeting reports, coordinates review and clearance processes, and coordinates with editor, translation services, etc. on finalization and publication of programme and project reports in multiple languages.
• Serves as focal point for the reporting of programme/project activities, involving extensive liaison with regional and international partners; supports implementation of  programme and project activities through preparation of terms of reference, obtaining necessary internal clearances, developing institutional agreements, processing and following-up on administrative actions, and resolving issues related to project implementation.
• Prepares, maintains and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal AMEP and SPAW databases; designs and generates a variety of periodic and ad hoc status reports, statistical tables, graphic content, and other background materials/notes to facilitate reporting, inspection and other periodic enquiries and reviews including periodic upload of this material to the CEP website.
• Assists in organizing and convening of CEP Meetings and Workshops.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Office.

Competencies:

• Professionalism:  Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units.  Ability to identify and resolve a range of issues/problems and to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Communication:  Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Planning& Organizing:  Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Qualifications:

• Education:  First Degree in Environmental Management, biological sciences, natural sciences, engineering or a related science field.  Additional post graduate training in environmental management and/or project management will be an asset.
• Experience:    Minimum of 5 years of experience in programme or project development, management, and/or implementation. Regional exposure and/or experience with environmental programmes and projects in the Caribbean will be an asset.
• Language:      English is the working language of the United Nations Environment Programme CAR/RCU. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.  Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is a significant advantage.  
• Other:      Excellent written and verbal communications skills;    Excellent interpersonal, presentation and negotiation skills;  Good Research and Analytical skills including proposal writing; Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications: Excel, Word, Power Point and Outlook;  Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team; Have strong organizational, multitasking and time management skills;  Be willing to travel.

Duty Station:     UNEP CAR/RCU, Kingston, Jamaica

Remuneration:    Starting (1,533,225.00)

Period:    6 months, can be considered for a Staff Post after that period.