National Project Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and advocacy, working to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. UNEP's mission is to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. The UNEP Vienna Programme Office specifically focuses on the Western Balkan region, facilitating the implementation of numerous projects related to climate change, biodiversity protection, and land degradation.

Job Overview:
The National Project Coordinator will play a crucial role in the effective and timely implementation of a project aimed at enhancing biodiversity conservation and resilience to climate change in the Albanian Alps. This position involves overall project coordination, which includes engaging with project partners, providing management and technical guidance, ensuring the achievement of project deliverables, and facilitating communication with the Ministry and other stakeholders. The consultant will be responsible for maintaining a comprehensive understanding of project dynamics, knowledge products, and deliverables, while also monitoring trends and developments in the country and similar projects. The success of this role hinges on the ability to implement effective strategies that keep stakeholders informed and promote national and international interest in the values of the Albanian Alps, contributing to sustainable development and the protection of the National Park.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Project Coordinator will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Providing overall technical coordination of project activities and ensuring alignment with the approved Project Document and UNEP/GEF requirements.
• Coordinating activities with project partners, monitoring work plans, outputs, budgets, schedules, and reporting obligations.
• Maintaining an updated project implementation and monitoring tracker to oversee activities, responsibilities, outputs, deadlines, and follow-up actions.
• Organizing coordination meetings with UNEP, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, project partners, and consultants, and ensuring follow-up on decisions and actions.
• Conducting partner due-diligence procedures and preparing or revising Terms of Reference and partner agreements.
• Guiding and supervising project partners and national consultants, reviewing deliverables, and providing feedback.
• Monitoring progress against the project results framework and identifying delays or constraints.
• Maintaining a project risk register and informing relevant parties of significant risks or delays.
• Liaising with national and local institutions, municipalities, protected-area authorities, local communities, civil society, and development partners. 1
• Organizing and documenting stakeholder consultations, meetings, workshops, and training sessions. 1
• Ensuring compliance with UNEP Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures. 1
• Preparing project progress, implementation, and financial reports, and supporting mid-term evaluations. 1
• Coordinating Project Steering Committee meetings and maintaining an organized project filing system. 1
• Contributing to new project concepts and proposals related to land degradation, climate change, and biodiversity.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in environmental studies, natural resource management, forestry, agriculture, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in the aforementioned fields, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A PhD in relevant fields will be considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of experience in natural resource management, protected areas, and related project implementation or management, demonstrating a proven track record of achieving results. Prior experience managing UN projects, particularly UN/GEF projects, and familiarity with UN and GEF procedures and guidelines are desirable. Understanding of sustainable development principles, including financial and institutional sustainability, is also preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in fields such as environmental studies, natural resource management, forestry, agriculture, or a related discipline. A first-level degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of relevant work experience. A PhD in a relevant field is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in natural resource management, protected areas, and project implementation or management. Candidates should have a proven track record of achieving results in similar roles. Experience in managing UN projects, particularly those funded by GEF, is highly desirable, as is familiarity with UN and GEF procedures and guidelines. Candidates should also demonstrate a strong understanding of sustainable development concepts and practices.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and Albanian is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with international stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time and expected to last for three months. The consultant will be engaged for the GEF7 project implemented in Albania, focusing on biodiversity conservation and climate change resilience in the Albanian Alps. The role involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, including government ministries, local communities, and international partners. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and equitable hiring process.