The Programme Assistant (PA) will be recruited to assist in the implementation of  projects carried out by the National Ozone Unit in partnership with the UNDP Trinidad and Tobago Country Office. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago acceded to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol for the Phase-out of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) in 1989, and operates under Article V(1) of the Montreal Protocol (MP).  Trinidad and Tobago was the first country of the Caribbean Commonwealth to become a party to this multilateral environmental agreement. Trinidad and Tobago has thus far been successful in phasing out the imports of chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) within the targets of the Montreal Protocol.

As obligated under the Montreal Protocol, Trinidad and Tobago will now be implementing an HCFC Phase out Management Plan (HPMP) from 2013. This plan will outline the activities and programmes to be undertaken by the various stakeholders in the air conditioning and refrigeration sector to reduce demand and eventually phase out the use of HCFCs. This is country is mandated to reduce imports of HCFCs from 10% of the baseline (average of 2009 and 2010 HCFC imports) by 2015.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT) is in receipt of funding provided through the Montreal Protocol MultiLateral Fund and administered by United Nations Development Programme – to implement the HPMP. se National Ozone Unit’s projects are funded by the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol and the Global Environment Facility and seek to phase out Montreal Protocol Controlled Substances and Mitigate Climate Change. 

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago acceded to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol for the Phase-out of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) in 1989, and operates under Article V(1) of the Montreal Protocol (MP).  Trinidad and Tobago was the first country of the Caribbean Commonwealth to become a party to this multilateral environmental agreement. Trinidad and Tobago has thus far been successful in phasing out the imports of chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) and is well on its way to achieving the phase out of Hydrochofluorocarbons HCFCs within the targets of the Montreal Protocol. The Kigali Amendment to which Trinidad and Tobago is also a party focuses on the phase out of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which has is not an ozone depleting substance but which has a considerable green house warming potential.

The PA will support the management of all aspects of the projects which address the requirements of these Conventions and will serve as a liaison between the National Ozone Unit and the Trinidad and Tobago UNDP Country Office.

The PA should be knowledgeable about  UNDP’s approach to project management, be highly motivated, enthusiastic, and capable of working independently. The PA should have the ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders from governments, agencies, non-governmental organisations, and research institutions. A good understanding of the national institutional framework is highly desirable. The PA must possess strong writing skills in the English Language.  

Under the supervision and guidance of the National Ozone Officer at the Ministry of Planning and Development and in Coordination with the Programme Officer, Energy, Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction of UNDP, Trinidad and Tobago, the PA will provide support for overall project implementation and day-to-day project activities and coordinating with the project consultants to ensure efficient delivery of project outputs.

The PA will ensure that the projects in the National Ozone Unit’s portfolio are efficiently managed to fulfil their aims and objectives.  The PA will:  

Project Implementation

• Assist in the preparation of work plans and annual operational  plans; organizing team meetings to assign tasks, monitoring progress on a regular basis;
• Assist in the streamlining of  the day-to-day project activities including procurement of goods and services such as consultants, equipment;
• Organize, facilitate and provide accurate records of meetings with Government counterparts, international partners, donor agencies, private sector, NGOs and other stakeholders in relation to the implemented projects;
• Facilitate a close working relationship between the Ozone Unit, UNDP and relevant stakeholders;
• Foster and establish links with related national and regional projects, and other international programmes;
• Ensure that the projects are implemented with the full participation of relevant national and local institutions;
• Organise national workshops under the projects, including preparation of invitations and agendas, resource persons and participants;
• Ensure the publication and dissemination of the reports identified as project outputs.
• Assist in the production of Communication Products as per the Ministry’s and UNDP’s Applicable Guidelines.

Project Assurance and Oversight

• Assist in the development of annual workplans for the project activities to be carried out.
• Participate in preparation of Terms of Reference and organizing interviews for selection of candidates for consultancies;
• Provide oversight of budgetary expenditure and review progress and achievement of results as established on the Annual Operating Plans.
• Assisting project personnel in conducting administrative and logistical functions and ensuring timely and effective implementation of project activities;
• Ensure that the projects comply with the policies of the Government, UNDP, Donors, in terms of regulations, procedures, reporting requirements and ethical standards.

Administrative

• Prepare  correspondence to stakeholders such as letters and memos as relevant to the project;
• Assisting in stakeholder engagements of the National Ozone Unit.
• Facilitating that UNDP rules and regulations are adhered to in the implementation of the projects;
• Producing quality communication products adhering to all guidelines for all use of logos and all branding material of the Government, UNDP, and any other Stakeholders.
• Assisting in procurement practices: Assistance in the production of the Annual Operating Plans and Annual Procurement Plans (and their corresponding updates)
• Assisting in financial reporting for the projects: production of quarterly and annual reporting documents (Atlas Reporting such as CDRs, PRO, PBB, AWP, AAA, etc.)
• Assisting in Quality assurance of project Reporting: production of quarter and annual reporting document (Ministry, UNDP and Donor’s Corporate Reporting Requirements).

• Experience with sectors or with projects related to ozone depleting substances would be an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge of UNDP rules, procedures and systems will be considered an asset.
• Good understanding of the national environment/development issues, donor reporting requirements and Trinidad and Tobago’s national obligations towards the Montreal Protocol.
• Experience in working with development agencies and government departments.
• Demonstrated strong leadership and partnership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to liaise and foster cooperation between agencies, including Government, private sector participants, NGOs and other stakeholders.
• Familiarity with MS Office.
• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken)-;
• Excellent communication (Written and Oral) Skills;
• Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to work well in teams.

Education:

A Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, development studies or a related field. 

Experience:

At least 3-5 years of relevant experience in the field of environmental management.

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC 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: one (1) year renewable