Deadline: 29 June 2023 Job Position: Project Associate. (11494)

Job Description:

Background:

The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, as well as SwedBio, have provided financial support for the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net), a capacity-sharing “network of networks” initiative managed by UNDP, UNEP-WCMC, and UNESCO. It encourages communication between the science, policy, and practise sectors to manage biodiversity and ecosystems more effectively, enhancing long-term human well-being and sustainable development. By coordinating its initiatives with the global assessment themes of IPBES and using the pertinent IPBES guidance materials, BES-Net supports and contributes to the organization’s capacity building efforts.

Summary of Job Details.

Four interconnected activities make up the BES-Net initiative:

• Trialogues, which bring together BES-Net’s three target communities of science, policy, and practise for in-person discussions to promote mutual learning, intercultural understanding, and inter-institutional coordination on specific policy-relevant questions at the national and regional levels, provide face-to-face capacity building support.
• National ecosystem assessments: As a supplement to the global assessments carried out by IPBES, BES-Net supports the development of capacity in a few selected nations to carry out national assessments and develop a set of policy support tools for the application of the assessment findings. utilising the Sub-Global Assessment Network’s (SGAN) knowledge.
• Support for post-Trialogue/national assessment uptake: BES-Net offers catalytic seed funds to the target countries that have taken part in the Regional Trialogue process and/or finished national ecosystem assessments in order to support the adoption of the IPBES assessments, as agreed at the Regional Trialogues, and/or the national assessment recommendations in the policy, science, and practise fields.
• Online networking resources: The BES-Net web portal provides a thorough knowledge resource library on biodiversity and ecosystem services as well as a large database of organisations and subject-matter experts working on the IPBES thematic assessment areas. Through social media platforms and monthly e-newsletters, BES-Net and its network partners share the most recent news and developments.

Responsibilities and Obligations:

The project associate will be in charge of efficiently and effectively supporting BES-Net’s project implementation. More precisely, the incumbent will be accountable for carrying out the following duties in strict accordance with UNDP POPP, rules, and regulations:

Financial management and budgeting:

• aid in the creation of budgets and help the establishment of annual and multi-year work plans (AWPs);
• Creating periodic financial data reconciliations, AWP revisions, and project delivery status reports;
• review and confirm all financial activities, transactions, and supporting documents; take necessary corrective action; and report any unexpected activity.
• as well as for other internal and external objectives, prepare and deliver periodic financial reports and analysis;
• Ensure the upkeep of internal spending control systems;
• Ensure the management and clearing of petty cash.

Implementation and coordination of the project:

• help ensure a seamless switchover of BES-Net operations from ATLAS to Quantum in accordance with corporate procedures and schedules;
• oversee the project’s financial management, budget, and all day-to-day accounts;
• oversee the prompt examination of quarterly financial reports and the distribution of the management of advances in order to coordinate with the accountable parties;
• aid in the audit assurance activities, verifications, and evaluations of projects;
• aid in completing project closures on time;
• In conjunction with the project’s HQ/UNDP Kenya operations, make suggestions and assist the execution of cost-saving, reduction, and business improvement strategies.

Support for project administration:

• support ongoing operating environment monitoring and analysis as well as modifications to execution strategies, management structures, and capacity for implementation;
• Participate in the creation, ongoing modifications, and execution of procurement and human resources strategies, making sure that updates are made as soon as possible in cooperation with the relevant HQ and UNDP Kenya focal points;
• assist in planning and coordinating meetings, activities, and official missions;
• In conjunction with the asset management focal points, assist with the inventorying and management of project assets, including disposal of materials, tools, communications, and files;
• assisting UNDP Kenya in resolving operational and protocol concerns;
• carry out additional duties as directed by the project manager.

Institutional Structure

The incumbent will collaborate closely with the Administrative Associate while working under the direction of the Programme Specialist (BES-Net Project Manager). at order to boost the efficacy of the BES-Net team and their implementing partners, she or he is expected to routinely contact with the pertinent operations counterparts at UNDP Kenya and HQs. She or he is also expected to support/offer advise to the BES-Net team on matters relating to money management, operations, and Quantum.

Competencies:

• Results Achieved: LEVEL 1: Plans and oversees own job, paying close attention to details, meets deadlines with high-quality work.
• Think Creatively: LEVEL 1: Is open to novel concepts and known risks, a practical problem-solver, and an innovator.
• Continuous Learning LEVEL 1: Asks for comments, is observant and open-minded, shares knowledge, and is willing to learn from mistakes.
• LEVEL 1: LEARNS TO ADAPT TO CHANGE, CONSTRUCTIVELY HANDLES DISCERTAINTY/UNCERTAINTY, AND IS FLEXIBLE.
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Displays motivation and drive, and is able to perform calmly and confidently in the face of difficulty.
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Shows empathy and understanding for others and builds strong bonds with others.
• LEVEL 1: Recognise and respect differences, be cognizant of unconscious bias, and challenge discrimination.

Technical and Cross-Functional Competencies

1. Required knowledge and abilities:
   • Proven experience in project and financial monitoring; Demonstrated experience supporting project implementation;
   • Must have working knowledge of ERP systems and web-based management solutions, particularly PeopleSoft/Quantum;
   • Knowledge of how to use office applications and computers so it will be advantageous to have certification in administration or financial training, such as ACCA.
   • Experience with IPSAS, IFRS, or accrual accounting is highly preferred;
     working knowledge of UNDP;
   • An asset is UNDP certification in project management, procurement, human resources, accounting, and finance.
2. Education:
   • Secondary education is complete.
   • A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as business administration, public administration, finance, or economics.
3. Experience: Three (3) years of applicable experience with a bachelor’s degree and six (6) years of relevant experience in an operations role, specifically with experience in finance within the UN system.
4. Language:
   • English fluency and superior written and verbal communication skills are essential;
   • An asset should have some working knowledge of another UN language.

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