The Nairobi-based Global Policy Centre on Resilient Ecosystems and Desertification (GC-RED) is one of UNDP’s Global Policy Centers. GC-RED manages the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net), a capacity sharing “network of networks” initiative that promotes dialogue and cooperation between science, policy and practice for effective BES management, contributing to long-term human well-being and sustainable development.

In partnership with the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Phase I of BES-Net (2016-2020) has been contributing to the capacity building work of the Intergovernmental Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) through three inter-linked areas of work:

Face-to-face capacity building support through Regional Trialogues: Trialogues bring together BES-Net’s three target communities of science, policy and practice for face-to-face dialogues around the themes of the completed IPBES Thematic Assessments, particularly on pollinators/pollination and land degradation/restoration. Fostering mutual learning, inter-cultural understanding and interinstitutional coordination on specific policy-relevant questions at the national and regional levels, Trialogues strengthen the interface between these communities and enhance national capacity to integrate scientific findings of the IPBES assessments into policy, decision-making and on-the-ground practices;

National Ecosystem Assessments (NEA): BES-Net supports the development of national capacity to conduct NEAs in selected countries, complementing the global assessment being undertaken by IPBES. Leveraging the expertise of the Sub-Global Assessment Network (SGAN), the NEA process encompasses not only the production of national assessment reports, but also the development of a set of policy support tools to integrate assessment findings into decision-making; and

Online platform for global networking: The BES-Net web portal provides a comprehensive knowledge resource library on biodiversity and ecosystems services, and a rich database of organizations and experts working on the IPBES thematic assessment areas. The latest news and updates from BES-Net and its 100+ network partners are circulated via social media channels and disseminated through bi-monthly e-newsletters.

Building on the achievements of BES-Net Phase I to date, BES-Net Phase II is launching in 2020 with the aim to formalize the scientists-policymakers-practitioners partnership and strengthen synergy and complementarity in their BES-related decisions, actions and subsequent impacts in target countries. BES-Net Phase II will work jointly to support evidence-informed policy setting, strategic planning and the implementation of transformative solutions for BES protection in 18 countries. It will also up-scale the successful approaches of BES-Net Phase I, by promoting NEAs in four new countries and facilitating the Regional Trialogues in some 40 countries around the forthcoming BES thematic assessments to be produced by IPBES. The activities and results of the initiative will contribute to the implementation of the IPBES Work Programme and the IPBES Capacity-building Rolling Plan in partner countries. Experiences and achievements will be widely disseminated through the BES-Net online platform.

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Operations Associate, GC-RED, and the general supervision of the Policy Specialist/BES-Net Coordinator, GC-RED, and in full compliance with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies, the incumbent will provide a wide range of programme support services for smooth implementation and management of BES-Net operational responsibilities.

This is a project post. Initial appointment against this post is for a period of one year and any extension will be subject to funding availability.

• Efficient administrative and logistical support
• Support to human Resources and procurement services
• Support for effective administrative and financial control
• Support to supply and assets management
• Support to common services
• Support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing

• Provide administrative and logistical support, including the arrangement of travel, hotel reservation, processing of Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA), visa requests, identity cards and other documents; 
• Provide administrative and logistical support for Trialogues and other workshops/meetings, etc.;
• Establish and maintain the project related filing systems; 
• Provide administrative support to maintenance of premises and common services, as needed;
• Ensure timely PO creation; budget check for requisitions and POs. 
• Implement the internal control system ensuring that E-requisitions and duly prepared and approved and budget checks undertaken; 
• Provision of efficient general reception and information services;
• Provision of reliable registry services and protocol issues; 
• Briefing/debriefing to the project team on issues relating to area of work and training on the administrative procedures, as required;

• Guide and coordinate the recruitment process in close coordination with relevant authorities for review and approval, as required, encompassing the drafting of job description, job classification, vacancy announcement, screening of candidates, compilations of matrixes, organization of interview panels, reference checks, negotiation, awarding of contract, etc.; 
• Coordinate the preparation of procurement plans for the project and monitor their implementation as needed;
• Guide and coordinate the project procurement activities and processes for both goods and services in     close coordination with relevant authorities for review and approval, as required; 
• Assume overall responsibility for management and monitoring of the contracts in and outside Atlas
• Maintaining the project staffing/personnel related reports, such as the attendance and leave management and travel monitoring, and reviewing and processing of invoices from vendors; 
• Develop and regularly update the rosters of project related vendors and consultants  
• General HR correspondence.

• Assist in the project financial management in coordination with the Operations Associate and the BES-Net Coordinator, such as monitoring of disbursements and payments, recording of the flows and drafting financial reports, as required; and   
• Assist in preparation and conduct of audit and implementation of audit recommendations

• Organization of trainings for the BESNet staff and implementing partners on the administrative procedures.
• Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in project.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

• Coordination of BES-Net assets management, timely preparation and submission of periodic inventory reports.
• Coordination of the provision of reliable and quality office supplies for BES-Net staff.

• Maintenance of common services/office space management to ensure integrated activities on common services and implementation of the UN reform.

• Analyzes general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives

• Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things
• Documents innovative strategies and new approaches

• Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position
• Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks
• Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments

• Demonstrates ability to identify problems and proposes solutions 

• Uses information/databases/other management systems
• Provides inputs to the development of simple system components
• Makes recommendations related to work procedures and implementation of management systems

• Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion
• Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines
• Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients
• Responds to client needs promptly

• Gathers and disseminates information on best practice in accountability and results-based management systems
• Prepares timely inputs to reports

• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity  
• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment 
• Self-development, initiative-taking 
• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work 
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively 
• Creating synergies through self-control
• Managing conflict
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.
• Informed and transparent decision making

• Secondary School Education. University degree in business, public administration or similar discipline, desirably with specialized training in procurement and administration
• Procurement Certification Programme

• Minimum six (6) years of progressive relevant administrative, procurement and other project support experiences at national or international level
• 3 Years of relevant experience will suffice if in possession of a Bachelor’s degre
•  
• Proficiency in web-based systems/ERP such as ATLAS and UNDP Procurement Processes, Programmes and Policies is highly desired 
• Experience in the usage of computers and MS Office packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and other computerized applications
• Good writing and communication skills
• Previous work experience with UNDP or renowned international organizations is desired

• Fluency in written and oral communication skills in English is required. 
• UN Language of the duty station as desirable

Important applicant information

All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.

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.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension subject to funding & performance