Duties and responsibilities

The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical backstopping to strengthen safeguards processes in Ghana, particularly focused on safeguards activities needed for implementing TREES and advancing with LEAF process. Under the supervision of the UN-REDD Programme Officer, the consultant based in Accra Ghana will work directly with the designated REDD+ safeguards focal points and the National REDD+ Secretariat based in the Forestry Commission of Ghana (FC) with frequent physical presence at the FC offices.

More Specifically, He/she Will Perform The Following Tasks

• Develop inputs and follow up on the requirements to comply with ART/TREES and LEAF safeguards requirements, including inputs for the safeguards section of the TREES Registration Document, the TREES Monitoring Report and the Plan for Conformance with TREES safeguards outcome indicators,
• Elaborate Ghana’s second summary of safeguards information, in collaboration with key country stakeholders and information providers, including data gathering, editing and continued follow up with information providers,
• Provide legal advice to strengthen the implementation of policies and actions defined for addressing and respecting REDD+ safeguards in Ghana, based on the national approach to safeguards,
• Provide guidelines, follow up and support the implementation of the Feedback Grievance and Redress Mechanism, including legal advice to address complaints or grievances received associated to REDD+ implementation in the country.
• Define benefit sharing arrangements or inform updates for these arrangements for future ER payments associated to an agreement with LEAF, building on the advances and experiences to date related to the benefit sharing plan for ER payments under the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme,
• Plan the development of capacity building efforts in Ghana related to the Feedback Grievance and Redress Mechanism, Benefit Sharing arrangements and other safeguards/related topics, in close coordination with the country focal points,
• Monitor and evaluate activities, including provision of safeguards inputs for population of ER monitoring report, based on processes defined by the Forestry Commission of Ghana.
• Identify actions and recommendations for strengthening the application of safeguards at the national, subnational and local level.
• Identify opportunities for strengthening of safeguards reporting through the country’s SIS

Qualifications/special Skills
Academic Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, law with focus on environment, natural resources management, environmental engineering or related field, is required.

Experience

• A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible working experience with first level degree in forestry forest policy, forest or natural resources management, climate change, ecosystem management, REDD+ or related fields is required.
• Prior working experience with an international organization is an advantage,
• Understanding of laws and national policies associated to forestry sector and human rights is desirable,
• Experience in understanding social issues associated to forest and natural resources management is desirable,
• Experience working across diverse institutions and fostering productive stakeholder partnerships and REDD+ stakeholders in Ghana is desirable.

Skills

• Knowledge of dispute resolution and grievance redress mechanisms,
• Knowledge of report writing and editing,
• Basic computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office programs,
• Good communication, adaptability and time management skills are an asset.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of any other official UN languages would be an asset. Knowledge of Twi is desirable.

Responsibilities

This position is located in UNEP's Corporate Services Division (CSD) at the Nairobi Duty Station. Under the overall supervision of the Head of Unit, Finance Management Section, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Medium Term Plan:
• Reviews, analyses and finalizes the preparation of the medium-term plan and its revisions on the basis of submissions.
• Ensures legislative mandates are accurately translated into programme budgets.
• Budget preparation:
• Reviews and analyses data with respect to the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements for the Division, including programmatic aspects.
• Provides support to Division Director and Managers with respect to the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions.
• Reviews, analyses and provides input into finalization of programme budget/financial implications.
• Budget administration:
• Issues allotments, including redeployment of funds when necessary, ensuring appropriate expenditures.
• Monitors budget implementation and determines/recommends reallocation of funds when necessary.
• Monitors expenditures to ensure that they remain within authorized levels.
• Reviews all requisitions generated by the Umoja system for goods and services to ensure correct objects of expenditure have been charged, ensuring availability of funds.
• Administers and monitors extra-budgetary resources, including review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures.
• Prepares relevant documentation with respect to budget performance submissions.
• Reviews and makes appropriate recommendations with respect to the finalization of budget performance reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
• General:
• Keeps up to date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to programme and/or peacekeeping budgets, ensuring compliance with intergovernmental recommendations and decisions as well as with United Nations policies and procedures.
• Monitors and supervises the work of subordinate staff as required.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of financial principles and practices. Ability to independently conduct research and analysis, formulate options and present conclusions and recommendations. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• 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.
• PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, or related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in finance, administration, budget, business administration or related area is required.
• Experience in working with Enterprise Resource Planning Systems is desirable.
• Experience working within the UN system or similar international organisations is desirable.
• Experience on specialized financial management tasks and advisory services to Governing Bodies is desirable.
• Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.