We are looking for a Project Coordinator who Takes overall responsibility that project is run effectively and efficiently in all key areas by leading and supervising project cycle according to WWF standards of project and programme management which includes define, design, implement, analyse/adapt, share and meets donor requirements.
Location:
WWF office in Baku, Azerbaijan
Project Information:
Promoting Sustainable damn development at river basin scale in the Southern Caucasus. (Pilot Phase)
The Southern Caucasus, a global biodiversity hotspot is covered by a freshwater network of more than 43.000 rivers and 7 Ramsar Sites. The Ecoregion harbors more than 70 fish species (at least 14 endemics). However, unsustainable development of dams (hydropower, water security, irrigation) is disrupting environmental flows at river-basin-scale (low/high flows, floods). This negatively impacts on habitat connectivity and conditions, species interactions, water quality. As knock-on effects biodiversity and ecosystem services (such as community fisheries, drinking water supply) degrade. While renewable hydropower is pivotal for mitigating climate change, the sustainability of all dams combined at river-basin-scale has not been assessed yet and is at question. Armenia and in particular Georgia have high potential for hydropower development. The latter aims at developing hydropower energy as a leading export product, but only 18% of the estimated hydropower capacity are exploited yet. Besides from large plants, 300 sites for small plants have been identified that pose a high cumulative threat to biodiversity/ecosystem services. The new Georgian Government is currently reassessing hydropower plans, which provides an opportunity for engaging them in CSDL. In Azerbaijan hydropower has a similar energy share, but all dams together (incl. water security, irrigation) add on to the cumulative impacts on biodiversity/ecosystem services (e.g. destroying spawning grounds of fish, thus undermining local fisheries). Already degraded environmental flows are further impacted by climate change e.g. changing precipitation patterns, which may jeopardize formerly economically viable dams. The Caucasus Ecoregion Conservation Plan (ECP) therefore calls for dam development guidelines by 2015 to minimize their negative impacts. USAID hydropower Investment Promotion (HIPP) and UNDP project “Reducing transboundary degradation in the Kura-Aras river basin” see the need for the river-basin-scale dam assessments to complement their own work.
GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE: The project will be implemented in the Kura-Aras river basin (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia) and the Black Sea Catchment Basin (Georgia). Only work at this river-basin-scale will ensure that the cumulative negative impacts of dams on environmental flows and consequently biodiversity and ecosystem services are largely avoided. This will also significantly reduce the related reputational and financial risks for investors.
EXPECTED RESULTS
• Stakeholder engagement secured, CSDI (Caucasus Sustainable Damn Initiative) has been established successfully.
• Participatory assessments and prioritizations of biodiversity/ecosystem services available.
• Sustainable damns assessment and planning methodology selected.
• A Proposal has been developed for phase 2 of CSDI.
I. Mission of the Department:
Mission of Conservation department is developing and implementing conservation strategy through proggrames and model projects that protect critical places, critical species and reduce ecological footprint. To focus its interventions in the strategic direction of integrated management of large-scale conservation landscapes to ensure the organization delivers conservation impact at a scale that matters for WWF’s mission.
II. Major Duties and Responsibilities:
• Contribute to the development, review and update of conservation strategy,
• Implement the conservation strategy and action plan related to the project in charge,
• Prepare, regularly reviews and updates the detailed time, cost and financing schedules for the project,
• Monitor, review and update the annual budget together with SMT,
• Coordinate the implementation of project measures and activities as defined in the action/operational plan based on the project budget,
• Monitor progress against activity work plan to ensure that the project attains its objectives as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible,
• Support overall strategic engagement and partnership building with relevant international and national stakeholders,
• Provide support in policy advocacy, fundraising and proposal development when required,
• Represent and promote the project in meetings, workshops, conferences, and symposium to present project activities and achievements, organize training courses, workshops and seminars, within the frames of the project.
• Maintain regular contact with partners to keep them aware of WWF’s activities and to seek feedback from them for continuous improvement
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of interested groups both inside and outside WWF, who can assist in the project activities including but not limited with governmental institutions, community, donors, NGO and other stakeholders, in order to discuss issues related to the project, raise awareness among locals and ensure their involvement.
• Provide inputs to communications products/campaigns to ensure accurate information will be published to promote the image of the organization and project activities,
• Promote and set up mechanism for information sharing with all stakeholders
• Monitor the timely implementation and financial management of sub-contracts,
• Monitor project activities conducted by selected service providers and partners,
• Frequently travel to existing project areas, conduct field monitoring research,
• Review and provide technical comments to technical studies Coordinates the provision of technical advice to local authorities, community groups and other implementing partners,
• Lead the process of procurements, authorize repayments and confirm acceptance certificates for delivery of goods and services. ensures that the deliverables of international and national consultants, other services and goods and works procured by the project are of the required standard and are delivered on time and within a budget,
• Provide all technical reports, presentation, maps, data and information, pictures produced by the project for CPM,
• Coordinate work of consultants,
• Be Involved in the recruitment and selection of staff under supervision,
• Ensure that project staff and consultants perform to an acceptable standard; identifies gaps in knowledge and experience and arranges appropriate training; ensure that they act in accordance with highest professional and ethical standards,
• Update Representative, Country Directors and Conservation Director on performance of staff under technical supervision,
• Develop TORs for short-term and long-term consultants and monitor the work of the consultants to ensure the deliverables as TORs,
• Responsible for ensuring excellent team dynamics, motivation, professional development and managing other employment-related issues,
• Supervise compiling all project related documentation and communication material and provide brief,
• Maintain a project monitoring and evaluation system and provide support to the evaluation of the project,
• Accountable for the submission of project technical and financial progress report.
III. Profile:
Required Qualifications
• A university degree in Environmental/Conservation Management, International Relations / Development, or other related fields.
• Proven track record in successfully developing, leading, and managing large-scale projects and/or institutions in the field of conservation, natural resource management, international development, and/or other related fields
• At least 3 years professional experience in managing environmental projects, preferably in Fresh water.
• Demonstrated experience in liaising and co-operating with government, local administrations, donors, NGOs and private sector
• Experience of senior level negotiations
• Fluent in Azeri, Russian and English languages.
• Advanced computer user
• Familiar with local and international legislation and conventions related to water management
• Familiar with principals of sustainable damn development, Integrated River basin management, Biodiversity assessment methodology, ecosystem services and etc
IV. Required Skills and Competencies
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to relate convincingly and credibly with diverse audiences including senior executives
• Strong organizational skills with an aptitude to get things done;
• Ability to conceptualize and create products which link programme with business interests
• Demonstrated ability to successfully handle multiple, time critical tasks
• Strong leadership skills
• Adhere to WWF’s values: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.
V. Working Relationships:
Internal - Interact extensively with other departments at WWF CauPO and WWF Az as well as WWF International and National Organizations and Programme Offices through network.
External - Interact with governmental institutions, local communities, donors, NGOs, media, and other
Programmes and projects with related objectives and activities
This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organizational needs
How to apply?
Email an attached cover letter and CV in English to office@wwfcaucasus.org
Please make sure to add the following reference in your e-mail subject line in order to receive an email confirmation: Project Coordinator (fresh water)
Deadline for applications: Sunday 4th August 2013