Programme Associate - Environment

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the lead development agency of the United Nations, connecting countries to a vast network of global knowledge, experience, technical and financial resources. UNDP works with governments and citizens on nurturing their own solutions to global and national development challenges, while developing local capacity to address these issues. The UNDP Multi-Country Office (MCO) in Jamaica also serves Bermuda, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands.

The MCO has an extensive nature, climate and energy portfolio implemented in partnership with the Governments of Jamaica & Bahamas and local partners with financing from the Global Environment Facility. The portfolio is designed to deliver strategic policy and advisory services; support Governments in meeting national and international climate & environmental obligations; advance low-carbon development; and improve environmental management capacities.

Under the guidance and supervision of the Programme Analyst - Capacity Development, the Programme Associate-Environment directly supports all the technical and strategic functions related to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) portfolio, spanning programme design and implementation guided by the UNDP’s Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures.  

The Programme Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations and is situated within the Programmes Unit of the UNDP Jamaica MCO.  They work in close collaboration with the operations, programme, and project teams within the MCO, Regional Bureau and UNDP HQs to resolve complex programmatic matters, exchange information and ensure efficient and consistent service delivery. 

Ensures the administration and implementation of UNDP-GEF portfolio of projects focusing on the following:  

• Supports the implementation of project activities including the monitoring of progress against the project results framework and the approved annual workplans.  
• Supports the sourcing of personnel, goods and services including drafting terms of reference and work specifications and follow up of all contractors’ work  including review of deliverables throughout the project design and development phases.  
• Supports the management and monitoring of  existing project risks and the identification and submission of new risks to the project board for consideration and decision on possible actions if required; maintenance of the project risks log.  
• Supports effective application of Results Based Management tools, establishment of  targets and monitoring achievement of results including gender sensitive indicators across projects.
• Support results reporting (e.g. progress reports, donor reports, annual reports, etc.).
• Supports project evaluations and/or reviews, including preparation of terms of reference, participation in consultant selection and technical feedback on evaluations.
• Plans and coordinates events, including conferences, seminars, workshops, consultations, meetings, press briefings and other programme activities.  
• Ensures timely support of logistical services for the programme, including organizing missions, travel arrangements, DSA payments, hotel bookings, etc.  
• Contributes to the implementation of the MCO’s communication plan including professional, clear and timely communication with partners and stakeholders, as required to ensure seamless implementation of logistical and events planning tasks and activities.  
• Preparation of briefs for meetings of senior management with Government counterparts and minutes of meetings as appropriate.

Effective formulation of programme strategies and implementation of the country offices Resource Mobilisation Strategy focusing on the achievement of the following results: 

• Undertakes research and consultation as required to support the formulation of new programmes/project.
• Assists in the implementation of programme quality assurance and oversight processes for project development, implementation and closure based on donor requirements.  
• Supports the implementation of the MCO’s partnerships and resources mobilization strategies with a focus on gender equality,  to secure projects with a GEN2 marker or higher and to achieve programme outcomes.
• Supports the identification and development of proposals to support the  programmatic areas of cooperation, aligned to the strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors’ priorities.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and partnerships in the CO focusing on achievement of the following:  

• Develop and maintain institutional relationships with Government Partners, networks, civil society organisations and key programmes, with a focus on nature, climate and energy.
• Support communications on key results and contribute to the development of knowledge products, tools and trainings
• Supports the preparation and dissemination of reports, newsletters and quarterly reports on programme implementation and interventions.  

Institutional Arrangement

• The Programme Associate – Environment will work under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Analyst – Capacity Development . 

Business Management

Risk Management

• Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks

Partnership 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.

Project Management

• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

Business Direction and Strategy

Business Acumen

• Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome.  
• Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks.

Business Development

Knowledge Facilitation

• Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally.

UNDP Representation

• Ability to represent UNDP and productively share UNDP knowledge and activities; advocate for UNDP, its values, mission and work with various constituencies.