Technical Project Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a 'leave no one behind' approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO Office), located in Panama City, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

UNEP Brazil Country Office works in an integrated manner with UNEP LACO and its Regional Sub-Coordinators in anchoring the national programme portfolio in the design of new projects and partnerships, and as well in identifying funding opportunities that can address national priorities.

The GEF-7 CITinova II Project – "Promoting Integrated Metropolitan Planning and Innovative Investments in Urban Technologies in Brazil" is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It was signed by the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

UNEP HQ, through the Economy Division and the Ecosystem Division, is the implementing agency for the project "Promoting integrated metropolitan planning and innovative urban technology investments in Brazil" (CITinova II). The Global Environment Facility (GEF) provides funding to a total of more than US$ 12.5 million. The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI) is the national executing partner, and as such, the institution responsible for overseeing the project activities as foreseen in the Project Document.

MCTI nominates a National Director and a National Coordinator, who are responsible for the general supervision of the project activities, which will be carried out, in a decentralized manner, by the co-executing partners – The United Nations Environmental Program Brazil (UNEP-BR) and the Brazilian Biodiversity Fund (FUNBIO) in three pilot metropolitan regions in Brazil. These are: (1) Belém Metropolitan Region, (2) Florianópolis Metropolitan Region, and (3) Integrated Development Region of Teresina.

The CITinova II Metropolitan Regions integrate the UrbanShift program. UrbanShift is the brand name of the Global Environment Facility's Sustainable Cities Impact Program. It is led by the UN Environment Programme and implemented in partnership with the World Resources Institute, C40 Cities, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, the UN Development Programme, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

The program is supporting more than 23 cities in 9 countries and focuses on integrated urban planning, lowcarbon infrastructure, sustainable waste management and nature-based solutions for urban sustainability. UrbanShift brings together global, national, and local stakeholders, and engages with city-based organizations and the private sector to work towards common sustainability visions.

Project Description

The GEF-7 CITinova II Project – aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen biodiversity conservation, and achieve economic, social, and environmental co-benefits through integrated urban planning. The implementation of period is four years from the second quarter of 2023.

The project activities are planned at national and sub-national levels. The latter occurs at the Belem Metropolitan Region, the Florianopolis Metropolitan Region and the Greater Teresina Integrated Development Region. The proposed activities are organized into four Components:

Component 01 – Governance and integrated urban planning: Proposal of metropolitan governance arrangements, development of integrated metropolitan planning tools and preparation of integrated metropolitan plans for the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, integrated management of conservation units and urban green areas, solid waste management, sustainable urban mobility, and strategies for the sustainable urban development of urban areas.

Component 02 – Investments in low-emission technologies and biodiversity conservation: Implementation of low-emission pilot projects in the cities of Belem, Florianopolis, and Teresina. Development of agroforestry production chains on Combú Island (PA), strengthening community-based conservation and fauna monitoring in the Pirajubaé Marine Extractive Reserve (SC) and strengthening water security and fauna monitoring in the Carijós Ecological Station (SC).

Component 03 – Innovative financing: Strengthening national mechanisms for financing sustainable urban development initiatives. Capacity building of public entities to access financing. Development of a payment program for environmental services aiming to strengthen the conservation of Utinga State Park and to improve the provision of ecosystem services for the Belem Metropolitan Region.

Component 04 – Dissemination of knowledge and capacity building: Development of the Innovations and Solution System for Sustainable Urban Planning (SIS+) to promote the dissemination of knowledge on sustainable urban development and integrated urban planning at national, regional, and local level. Capacity building regarding sustainable urban planning. Systematization and dissemination of good practices, lessons learned and project experiences.

Purpose of the Recruitment

The objective of this term of reference is to hire a Technical Project Assistant to offer aid during the execution of technical and administrative routines related to the project "Promoting integrated metropolitan planning and innovative urban technology investments in Brazil" (CITinova II). This GEF (Global Environment Facility) project is being implemented by UNEP in partnership with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI). The Technical Assistant will be stationed at the headquarters of the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Brasilia.

The incumbent will work at the headquarters of the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, in Brasilia, from Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week, (7.5 hours each day).

Qualifications / special skills or knowledge required

Academic Background Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in administration, engineering, urban planning, biology, international relations, or related field is mandatory.
• Candidate with Bachelor's degree must have at least 2 (two) years' experience working with administration, engineering, urban planning, biology or international relations or related fields.

Desirable Work Experience:

• Working experience or training related to at least one of the following fields: urban sustainability and/or climate change and/or biodiversity conservation.
• Experience in supporting the development, planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of projects.
• Demonstrated experience working with national governments and/or international organizations.
• Experience working in gender issues and knowledge of relevant gender issues in Brazilian cities.

Language requirements:

• Fluency in English and Portuguese languages is mandatory.

Mandatory Skills:

• Good communication and ability to manage administrative routines and daily agenda.
• Capacity to write correspondences, reports, texts, documents, and invitations.
• Ability to work together with co-execution partner institutions.
• Good Interpersonal relationship skills to work closely with partners and project coordinating teams.
• Capacity to organize, report and to do the accountability of meetings, seminars, workshops, and other events under the Project.
• Computer skills with knowledge and experience in spreadsheet packages and databases (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc.).

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical standards.
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN Environment.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

• Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings

Expected result of services
All services to be performed under this Term of Reference will have a direct impact on the development and implementation of the project "Promoting integrated metropolitan planning and innovative urban technology investments in Brazil" (CITinova II).

Legislative authority
The contract will be governed by United Nations Environmental Programme rules and procedures

Duration
Contract duration is one (1) year. Contract may be renewed. Either party may terminate the SC before the expiry date of the contract by giving notice in writing to the other party. The minimum period of notice shall be 14 calendar days.

Indicative level of remuneration
The value presented on UNDP's Service Contract table refers to the gross salary to be paid to the Contractor, not being included the amount related to the payment of Income Tax and others related Taxes, which shall be of sole responsibility of the Contractor. Under SC contract, the Local Social Security (INSS), Health and Life Insurance costs are fully covered by the organization through the corresponding funding source. Payment under the SC is based on services satisfactorily provided in accordance with the terms of reference under the SC.

Travel involved
Costs with missions/travels in order to meet the objectives and results stated in this Term of Reference are not included in the total amount mentioned above and shall be covered by the Project upon request of the Project National Director.

Objectives, expected outputs and accomplishment indicators

Objectives:

Task description
Under the supervision of UNEP Brazil Representative and in close collaboration with the MCTI National Director and the Project Management Unit, the Technical Project Assistant will undertake the following tasks:

• Collaborate with the Project Management Unit and the National Directorate in all project coordinating, reporting, monitoring, and evaluating activities.
• Aids in the coordination of all planning and governance activities of the project.
• Contribute to the organization, accountability and reporting of meetings, seminars, workshops, and other events.
• Help to organize official travels.
• Participate in procurement processes and recruitment related project activities.
• Liaise with UNEP staff.
• Contribute to the drafting, translation, and review of documents and presentations.
• As part of a team, document lessons learned and best practices.
• Organize all project information, including terms of reference, deliverables and products produced within the project activities, project documentation through images, videos, and meeting reports.
• Attend capacity building activities when requested by the National Directorate and UNEP.
• Other actions required for effective project execution.

Work Location
This post is for duty at the headquarters of the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Brasília/DF.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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