PROJECT MANAGER (SAICM PROJECT) JOB IN MAURITIAN (NATIONALS ONLY)

Application Deadline :10-Nov-11

Background

Project Background:   Mauritius is proposing this project as part of a partnership initiative being advanced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to assist developing countries to take up all the strategic priorities of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) Quick Start Programme (QSP) namely:   Development or updating of national chemical profiles and the identification of capacity needs for sound chemicals management; “Development and strengthening of national chemicals management institutions, plans, programmes and activities to implement the Strategic Approach, building upon work conducted to implement international chemicals-related agreements and initiatives”; and “Undertaking analysis, interagency coordination, and public participation activities directed at enabling the implementation of the Strategic Approach by integrating – i.e. mainstreaming – the sound management of chemicals in national strategies, and thereby informing development assistance cooperation priorities”.    Mauritius’ objectives for this project are to work with the UNDP/UNEP partnership initiative to begin implementing key steps for strengthening the domestic sound management of chemicals regime consistent with SAICM, including:   Qualification of the links between priority major chemical management problem areas and human health and environmental quality in Mauritius;   Identifying what areas of Mauritius’s national SMC governance regime need strengthening most urgently; Development of a realistic phased plan for strengthening Mauritius’s national SMC governance regime;   Assistance for Mauritius to quantify the costs of inaction/benefits of action in planning/finance/economic language regarding major chemical management problem areas (drawn from objective 1 above); and Propose a path forward to mainstream the highest priority SMC issues in Mauritius’s development planning processes and plans. Compilation of national chemicals management organization and structures in one document. Initiate assessment and action to manage mercury in Mauritius    Mauritius has recently completed key background studies on chemicals management within the country that will be the starting point for this project, supplemented by this project’s planned “Situation Report” which will integrate findings to-date and broaden the analysis in the SAICM context.  The recent studies in Mauritius, while emphasizing the Stockholm Convention POPs, are informative of chemicals management priorities as a whole within the country.   This project will build upon these findings and the recognition within Mauritius that without mainstreaming sound management of chemicals priorities in development and policy documents, progress on these priorities has been and will likely continue to be slower than is needed for the SAICM 2020 goal.  Mauritius wants to accelerate action stimulated by the SAICM process.     Role of the Project Manager   The national Project Manager, with the support of UNDP and UNEP, will establish a cross-sectoral, Interagency Coordinating Mechanism (ICM) to support the work of the project, e.g. by further expanding the role of DCC Board   SMC is best considered in a cross-sectoral context, especially for purposes of development planning, as overseen by a national coordinating body that comprises key ministries involved with aspects of chemicals management. At a minimum, a national SMC interagency coordinating mechanism should include representatives from the ministries of environment or sustainable development and natural resources, health, and agriculture, along with finance and development planning ministries or commissions. However, in practice, the range of ministries involved with key aspects of SMC or whose activities have a significant impact upon SMC, is much broader. Logically, consultation mechanisms on SMC issues should include them.   This work will require that the Project Manager undertakes to identify, brief and bring into the project activities, as appropriate, those government ministries with important responsibilities for chemicals management. The table below indicates the ministries that are typically engaged in aspects of chemicals management in Mauritius.   Ministry of Health: Importation - Storage - Transport - Distribution/Marketing - Use/Handling - Disposal Ministry of Environment:  Storage - Transport - Use/Handling - Disposal        Ministry of Agriculture:  Storage - Use/Handling   Ministry of Labour:   Storage - Transport - Use/Handling  Ministry of Local Government: Storage - Transport - Use/Handling - Disposal Customs and Excise Dept.: Importation   Organisational Context:   The Project Manager (PM) will be responsible for the overall management of the project, including the mobilization of all project inputs, supervision over project staff, consultants and sub-contractors. The PM will report to the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life, UNDP and the Project Steering Committee, in close consultation with the host institution for all of the project’s substantive and administrative issues. From the strategic point of view of the project, the PM will report on a periodic basis to the Project Steering Committee (PSC). Generally, the PM will be responsible for meeting government obligations under the project, under the national execution modality (NEX). He/She will perform a liaison role with the Government, UNDP and other UN Agencies, NGOs and project partners, and maintain close collaboration with any donor agencies providing co-financing. The Project Manager will liaise and work closely with all partner institutions to link the project with complementary national programs and initiatives. The PM is accountable to the MoA and the PSC for the quality, timeliness and effectiveness of the activities carried out, as well as for the use of funds. The PM will produce Annual Work and Budget Plans to be approved by the PSC at the beginning of each year. These plans will provide the basis for allocating resources to planned activities. The PM will further produce quarterly operational reports and  Progress Reports on a 6-monthly basis for submission to the PSC. These reports will summarize the progress made by the project versus the expected results, explain any significant variances, detail the necessary adjustments and be the main reporting mechanism for monitoring project activities. The PM will also be technically supported by contracted national and international service providers. Recruitment of specialist services for the project will be done by the PM, in consultation with the UNDP and the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life The Project Steering Committee (PSC):   A National Project Steering Committee (PSC) will be convened by the Health and Quality of Life, and will serve as the project’s coordination and decision-making body. The PSC meetings will be chaired by the NPD. It will meet according the necessity, but not less than once in 2 months, to review project progress, approve project work plans and approve major project deliverables. The PSC is responsible for ensuring that the project remains on course to deliver products of the required quality to meet the outcomes defined in the project document.   The PSC’s role will include: (i) overseeing project implementation; (ii) approving all project work plans and budgets, at the proposal of the Project Manager (PM), for submission to UNDP Regional Centre in Bratislava and Montreal Protocol Unit in New York; (iii) approving any major changes in project plans or programs; (iv) providing technical input and advice; (v) approving major project deliverables; (vi) ensuring commitment of resources to support project implementation; (vii) arbitrating any conflicts within the project and/or negotiating solutions between the project and any parties beyond the scope of the project; and (ix) overall project evaluation. The PSC may include in its composition, representation of the stakeholders as per the Dangerous Chemicals Control Board. The PSC representation and terms of reference will be finalized in the Project Inception Workshop (IW).   The PSC will be composed of high level representatives of the key ministries related to Protected Areas. It will provide high-level policy guidance and orientation to the project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions: Implementation of Project strategies Management of the Project Coordination of stakeholders and Project Steering Committee Provision of top quality policy advice services to the Government and  facilitation of knowledge building and management Supervision of Project Personnel 1. Ensures implementation of project strategies focusing on achievement of the following results: Project initiation and final planning with UNEP and UNDP;  Supervise and coordinate the production of project outputs, as per the project document; Mobilize all project inputs in accordance with UNDP procedures for nationally executed projects; Supervise and coordinate the work of all project staff, consultants and sub-contractors; Coordinate the recruitment and selection of project personnel Ensures the timely and effective implementation of all components of the project;  Carry regular, announced and unannounced inspections of all sites and the activities of any project site management units.  Project initiation meeting held and summary meeting report produced Final project implementation plan produced;  Briefing package for government ministries/stakeholders produced, including description of the significance/value of mainstreaming; Comprehensive stakeholder database developed organized by category   2. Ensures effective management of the Project assigned  focusing on quality control from formulation to implementation of the Project document achieving the  following results: Prepare and revise project work and financial plans, as required by UNDP and UNEP; Oversee and ensure timely submission of the Inception Report, Combined Project Implementation Review/Annual Project Reports (PIR/APR), 6-monthly progress reports, Technical reports, quarterly financial reports, and other reports as may be required by UNDP and other oversight agencies; Facilitate administrative backstopping to subcontractors and training activities supported by the Project;   3. Ensures Coordination of stakeholders and Project Steering Committee focusing on achievement of the following results: Liaise with UNDP, relevant government agencies, and all project partners, including donor organizations and NGOs for effective coordination of all project activities; Building a comprehensive database on organizations by category (ministerial, academia, private sector, etc.). This will be used to track invitations to stakeholders to participate in consultative processes under this initiative and also for soliciting information. Notification of and briefing about the project for government ministries, government commissions, major private sector associations and other NGOs that might be relevant to the project, including requesting that these organization designate a project contact point charged with project communications, gathering information in support of the project and identifying stakeholders among their constituencies, etc.; and A strengthened focus on improved cross-sectoral governance for the sound management of chemicals at the national and local levels Disseminate project reports and respond to queries from concerned stakeholders; Report progress of project to the steering committees, and ensure the fulfilment of steering committees directives. Coordinate and assists scientific institutions with the initiation and implementation of all field studies and monitoring components of the project     4. Ensures provision of top quality advisory services and  facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results: Oversee the exchange and sharing of experiences and lessons learned with relevant community based integrated conservation and development projects nationally and internationally; Assist community groups, municipalities, NGOs, staff, students and others with development of essential skills through training workshops and on the job training thereby upgrading their institutional capabilities; Increased awareness amongst government officials and project stakeholders about SAICM Assists and advises the teams responsible for documentaries, TV spots, guidebooks and awareness campaign, field studies, etc     Impact of Results The Key results impact on successful implementation of the project’s Strategic Results Framework. Effective Strategic Results Framework implementation and achievement of project outputs and results as outlined in the project document will be appraise by the members of the Project’s Steering Committee

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability Treats all people fairly without favoritism 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 Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills     Development and Operational Effectiveness Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources Good knowledge of the Results Management Guide and Toolkit Strong IT skills Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change     Management and Leadership Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Postgraduate qualifications in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related science subject, including Environmental Sciences Postgraduate qualification in management/project management is also desirable. Experience: at least 4 years experience in field or research experience in chemical toxicology and proven track record in chemicals management.  Working experience with International Conventions will be an added advantage. Working experience with the project national stakeholder institutions and agencies is desired; Ability to effectively coordinate a large, multi-stakeholder project; Ability to administer budgets, train and work effectively with counterpart staff at all levels and with all groups involved in the project; Strong drafting, presentation and reporting skills; Strong computer skills; Excellent written communication skills.   Language Requirements:Fluency in English and French (written & spoken) Mode of Application Interested and qualified candidates should apply on-line through UNDP jobs website: http://jobs.undp.org. Please ensure that you upload your UNDP Personal History Form – P11 (available at http://un.intnet.mu) and CV as one attachment in the relevant field of the on-line application. Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.  Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply. UNDP reserves the right not to make any appointment following this advertisement