Project Support: Bioprospecting Value Chains Project
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works globally to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality, focusing on sustainable development, democratic governance, and climate resilience. In South Africa, UNDP supports the Bioprospecting Value Chains Project, an initiative aligned with the Biodiversity Economy Strategy (NBES). This project aims to optimize economic benefits from biodiversity, ensuring equitable use of genetic resources and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and community initiatives. The project extension focuses on consolidating achievements and deepening impact through capacity building and stakeholder engagement.
Job Purpose
The Project Support role is crucial for ensuring the efficient and accelerated delivery of results for the Bioprospecting Value Chains Project, which has an 18-month extension. The incumbent will provide technical and administrative support, particularly for Output 2.3 concerning Indigenous Knowledge (IKS) Registration and Honeybush Small Grants. This involves managing project administration, supporting gender mainstreaming, contributing to communications and reporting, assisting with social and environmental risk management, and supporting monitoring and evaluation activities. The role requires in-depth knowledge of the project's objectives, operational framework, and sector specifics, especially within the Honeybush sector, to maintain project momentum and ensure successful implementation of remaining outputs.
Responsibilities
Provide technical and administrative support for the Bioprospecting Value Chains Project, focusing on Output 2.3 (IKS Registration and Honeybush Small Grant). Key duties include: Project Administration: Quality control partnership agreements, draft implementation reports, and develop post-project sustainability plans. Gender Mainstreaming: Coordinate gender training sessions and monitor the integration of gender markers in project outputs. Communications and Reporting: Draft and disseminate project updates, support the communications strategy, maintain a repository of results, and develop articles for publication. Social and Environmental Risk Management: Assist in identifying and tracking risks, coordinate site visits, and monitor compliance with safeguards. Monitoring and Evaluation: Support the M&E plan, collect data for reports (PIR, APR), track gender and safeguard indicators, and contribute to implementation reports. Administrative Support: Organize project files, coordinate meetings and workshops, and track deliverable progress.
Work Experience
Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in Research, Biodiversity and Ecology, Project Management, Environment, or Climate Change. Requires understanding of ecological principles, fieldwork proficiency, strong communication skills, experience with local communities, and familiarity with relevant environmental laws and conservation management practices.
Skills
Professionalism, integrity, teamwork, respect for diversity, commitment to continuous learning, planning, organizing, communication, flexibility, and genuine commitment to voluntary engagement. Expertise in administration, communication, advocacy, public information, project management, programme development, and strategy is required.