Programme analyst: Climate change adaptation (NO-B)

Background

UNDP’s environment activities in China include biodiversity, climate change (adaptation and Mitigation), natural resources management, and chemical managements. Within these areas, UNDP China helps to assess and develop policy options, strengthen implementation capacities and mobilize finance, to support efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and meet obligations under Multilateral Environmental Agreements. In particular, UNDP seeks to ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into national development strategies and frameworks (main-streaming).

Globally, UNDP has been a leader in developing and helping apply economic and market-based approaches to address environmental management challenges, through a range of programmes and facilities including the Global Environment Facility (GEF). UNDP China has become a key partner for the government in developing and implementing environment programmes. A sizeable portfolio of projects and programmes has been developed over the past 15 years.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the team leader of Energy and Environment Team, the programme analyst is responsible for management of UNDP programme with special focus on climate change adaptation. The Programme Analyst leads and directly administers UNDP programmes in climate change adaptation and capacity building.

The programme analyst leads on monitoring, review and supervision of UNDP Climate Change Adaptation and capacity Building Programmes in China, and lead on the planning and conduct of periodic reviews on the status and progress of the portfolio programme, and oversee the identification of implementation problems, formulate and execute corrective actions to address these and improve portfolio performance in the assigned sectors. He/she ensures consistency with the UNDAF/Country Programme priorities and develops creative responses to emerging challenges and opportunities.

The programme analyst analyzes political, social, economic and environmental trends and leads formulation, management and evaluation of programme activities within his/her portfolio, and provides policy advice services, and work within general policies, principles and goals, having freedom to work with clients.

The programme analyst works in close collaboration with the programme and operations teams, programme staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff and government officials, technical advisers and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful CO programme implementation.

The programme analyst also works in close collaboration with government partners, the operations team in UNDP, other programme units, UNDP HQs staff, technical advisers and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society to successfully implement the UNDP programme.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

1.Implementation and management of Climate Change Adaptation and Capacity Building Portfolio focusing on achievement of the following results:

- Ensures effective management of the Climate Change Adaptation and Capacity Building programmes focusing on quality control from formulation to implementation of these programmes;
- Compliance with corporate management standards, CO guidelines and procedures, finance guidelines and corporate planning tools and frameworks.

2. Identification, formulation and implementation of projects and programmes achieving the following results:

- Lead new project identification, formulation and appraisal particularly as it relates to climate adaptation; presentation of the projects to the Programme Advisory Committee, finalization of contribution agreements; determination of required revisions; coordination of the mandatory and budget re-phasing exercises, closure of projects through proper review exercises.
- Coordination of programme implementation with the implementing partners. Introduction of performance indicators/ success criteria, cost recovery, targets and milestones.
- Financial and substantive monitoring of projects, identification of operational and financial problems, development of solutions. Participation in audit of NEX projects.
- Analysis of programme impact. Disseminate project results and plan/organize appropriate high profile advocacy events.
analysis and research of the political, social and economic situation in the country and preparation of substantive inputs to various programming documents (Common Country Assessment, UN Development Assistance Framework, Country Programme Document, Country Programme Action Plan...)
- Identification of new areas for support and interventions in close cooperation with EEG and RCB and key partners, i.e. government agencies, NGOs and private sectors;
- Country Office business processes mapping and preparation of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Results Management.
- Development and implementation of an internal system to monitor and follow up of project cycle phases.
- Effective application of Results-Based Management tools, establishment of management targets and monitoring of results.

3. Ensures creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization and advocacy strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

- Development of partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society in the specific thematic areas 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 of opportunities for initiation of new projects, active contribution to the overall office effort in resource mobilization.
- Strengthening partnership with donors and effective implementation of strategies.
- Undertaking advocacy activities to secure the support and contribution of key stakeholders to strengthen the capacity of China to adapt to climate change, at the national and sub-national levels.
- Preparation of briefing notes, statements and speeches for Senior Management related to adaptation to climate change.
- Maintenance of project briefs and activity information for bilateral donors, academia, private sector and other UNDP field offices to support UNDP’s public awareness activities.
- Coordinate with the relevant UNDP HQ divisions and the regional centre in Bangkok for consistency of approach, exchange of experiences, and continuous improvement of practices.

4. Provision of top quality policy advisory services to the Government and UNDP Senior Management and facilitation of knowledge management focusing on achievement of the following results:

- Substantive contributions to the ongoing policy dialogue with government partners, and provision of technical advisory services to government and national stakeholder processes on climate change related issues;
- Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to programme country policy goals, and advocacy for and assistance to the government to include climate change related information and risk management measures into national policies, plans, and monitoring systems across the affected sectors;
- Identify and formulate strategies and tools to integrate climate change and risk reduction activities into specific sectoral policies and plans, including non-climate change initiatives of the government;
- Undertake systematic stocktaking of knowledge, research and data gaps on climate change in China and identify and/or update capacity gaps at the national level;
- Prepare a comprehensive collaborative review and analysis of existing literature and research about climate related vulnerabilities in China;
- Stocktaking of current and proposed adaptation options in affected sectors to address urgent and immediate vulnerabilities because of climate change;
- Prepare a comprehensive synthesis report on existing and potential adaptation options, including evident data, information and financing gaps;
- Contribute to the strengthening of capacity of government and non-government institutions and staff of various government entities to understand the short-term as well as long-term implications of climate change, and the related mitigation and adaptation measures;
- Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
- Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme issues.

Competencies

Corporate competencies:

- Demonstrates integrity and professionalism by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UN and UNDP;
- Displays impartiality and sensitivity to differences in cultural, gender, religion, race, and nationality

Functional competencies:

Knowledge management and learning
- Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
- In-depth knowledge on development issues;
- Ability to advocate and provide policy advice and contribute to the design and implementation of feasible and sustainable development solutions;
- Able to apply advanced technical knowledge, skills and expertise in climate change adaptation;
- Able to use technical expertise to advise and support in developing policy with special focus on climate change adaptation.
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
development and operational effectiveness
- Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting in relation to management of complex issues in the area of climate change adaptation.
- Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources;
- Strong IT skills;
- Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and effect staff behavioural/ attitudinal change. 

Management and Leadership 
- Focuses on impact and results in line with expectations of key stakeholders and able to effectively respond and utilize feedback;
- Experienced in leading teams, in /conflict resolution/management, mobilizing key stakeholders for development results, and working across institutional boundaries;
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
- Has a high level of understanding of the needs of key stakeholders, i.e. government agencies, private sector parties, non-government organizations, and donors;
- Applies highly developed skills to support external client groups;
- Seeks feedback from key stakeholders on the quality of service and effectiveness of support provided;
- Builds strong relationships with key stakeholders
- Remains calm and in control under pressure

Required skills and experience

Education:
Advanced University Degree in one of the following: Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Natural Sciences, Natural Resource Management or generic Development studies with environmental specialisation.

Experience:
- A minimum of 7 years of post-graduate professional experience in environment/sustainable development, with knowledge of Eastern Asia and China.
- Substantive knowledge of programming tools for planning and monitoring, and general knowledge of the development context in China.
- Experience with project design and monitoring.
- Thorough technical and practical understanding of issues related to environmental governance, natural resources management, environment, climate change adaptation, and policy processes.
- Experience in providing policy advice and building the capacity to implement policy recommendations on sensitive environmental issues, especially on climate change adaptation
- Prior practical experience in addressing the consequences of climate change on poverty, for disaster risk reduction , and gender will be an asset.

Language requirements:
Proficiency in Mandarin and English, with excellent oral and writing skills in both languages is a must.