The Department of Environmental Affairs, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, is implementing a full-sized project financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), on Development of Value Chains for Products derived from Genetic Resources in Compliance with the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing and the National Biodiversity Economy Strategy (2018-2022).”
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Background
The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is seeking to appoint an experienced Project Manager to serve the project. He/she will be a nationally recruited professional managed by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), dually reporting to both DEA and the United Nations South Africa Country Office (UNDP). He/she shall be responsible for the overall project management of the project and will work under the supervision of the XXXXXX in DEA as well as in close collaboration with UNDP.
The Project Management Unit (PMU) will be headed up by a Project Manager (PM), working out of the Department of Environmental Affairs. The PM will take charge of all outcomes under Project Document. The PM will also have managerial responsibilities vis-à-vis the approval of payments within UNDP’s system.
In view of her/his responsibilities to deliver these outcomes, the PM should be an expert in ABS and the Nagoya Protocol and all related institutional aspects, in addition to having the required experience in management of this type of project. The post of PM will be a full-time post over the project lifespan. This is a critical position and it is important that person filling this position has a continuous global view of the overall project.
The PM shall be in overall charge, and have overall responsibility for the PMU. The execution of the PM’s duties in the PMU will be supported by a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and a Finance and Administrative Associate. She/he will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the PMU, under the supervision of DEA and the UNDP. The PM is ultimately responsible for organizing and overseeing delivery on all aspects and activities of the Project.
Summary of Key Functions
The PM shall be responsible for the overall performance of the project, and be responsible for the coordination of all aspects of the Project.
He/she shall liaise directly with designated officials of all the project partners (including NGOs and government bodies), other members of the Project Steering Committee (PSC), the GEF Implementing Agency (UNDP), the GEF Executing Agency (DEA), existing and potential additional project donors/stakeholders, National Focal Points, and others as deemed appropriate and necessary by the PSC or by the Project Coordinator him/herself.
The budget and associated work plan will provide guidance on the day-to-day implementation of the approved Project Document and on the integration of the various partnerships and opportunities to mainstream and institutionalize the project
He/she shall be responsible for delivery of all substantive technical, managerial and financial reports from and on behalf of the Project.
He/she will provide overall supervision for all staff in the PMU.
Prepare an Annual Work Plan of the project on the basis of the Project Document, under the general supervision of the Project Steering Committee and guidance by UNDP and DEA;
Coordinate and monitor the activities described in timely and efficient manner in accordance to the work plan;
Flag any risks emerging during the project implementation that will hamper timely progress of the project implementation or successful delivery of intended outputs and outcomes.
Direct and be ultimately responsible for project monitoring, evaluation and reporting processes;
Oversee the development of information management tools to ensure evaluation, monitoring and replication activities;
Ensure project compliance with all UNDP and GEF policies, regulations and procedures;
Ensure consistency between the various project elements and related activities provided;
Foster and establish close linkages with relevant projects in South Africa, regionally and internationally, and with other related GEF programs where applicable;
Represent the project at meetings and other project-related forums in South Africa, and within the region and globally, as required; and
Submit quarterly reports of relevant project progress and problems to UNDP, DEA and the Project Steering Committee.
Education
At least a Masters Degree in Resource Economics, Biodiversity Management, Value Chain Development, or Environmental Law
Demonstrated coordination and project leadership skills, and ability to multi-task;
Demonstrated experience on institutional and policy matters, and technical knowledge on aspects relating to ABS;
Familiarity with the goals and procedures of government institutions, including those of UNDP and GEF as it relates to the Project goals and objectives;
Availability for extensive domestic travel;
Ability to work under high pressure.
Language
Excellent command of English and good communication skills.
