Associate Project Officer, P.2 (Fixed-term - 1 year), Apia, Samoa

This position is located in Apia, Samoa within the Representative Office for the South-West Pacific (RO-SWP) of the Regional Office for Asia and the South-West Pacific/Regional Coordination Office (RAP/RCO). The Associate Project Officer will work closely with the Project Officer to deliver WMO projects for the South-West Pacific Region and will report to the Representative for the South-West Pacific and coordinate with the Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) in the Development Partnerships and Programme Delivery Division (DPPD). The focus of this position is to support the management and implementation of the assigned projects and development of new initiatives in Region V (South-West Pacific).

Under the overall guidance of the Director, Regional Office for Asia and South-West Pacific and the direct supervision of the Representative for the South-West Pacific and in coordination with the Head of the PDMU, the Associate Project Officer will contribute to the planning and delivery of WMO projects in Regional V (South-West Pacific). 

The incumbent will collaborate closely with the Project Officers and relevant WMO departments, Members and partner organizations. The Associate Project Officer's primary responsibility is to ensure that the projects are delivered in accordance with the project documents, to the required standard of quality and within the specified constraints of time and cost. The incumbent will perform the following duties:

(a) Support the day-to-day implementation of project activities and assist the Project Officer (P3, Samoa) in monitoring progress against approved workplans and budget, with the responsibility of ensuring that the project produces the results specified in the project work plans within the specified constraints of time and cost;

(b) Review project components, develop project budget and timelines, assess delivery issues and work with national and regional counterparts to build common understanding and coordination on projects activities; 

(c)Assist in tracking and managing project expenditures in accordance with the project budget, as well as WMO rules and procedures, to ensure transparency, responsibility and timely fulfilment of both project targets and budget targets;

(d) Support the monitoring of project risks, identify emerging risks, address project delays, propose and implement mitigation measures as needed;

(e) Maintain regular communication with the project implementing partners and key stakeholders, ensuring their active participation, involvement and support of the project’s objectives and activities;

(f)Support the preparation, processing and tracking various contracts issued to ensure timely work completion per schedule and disbursements;

(g) Provide technical and administrative inputs in the preparation of project concept notes, project proposals and donor reports and ensure alignment with broader strategic objectives and initiatives of WMO and development partners;

(h) Maintain accurate data and information to facilitate monitoring and evaluation of projects and service activities, and to institutionalize and disseminate knowledge;

(i) Support administration for travel, events and meetings associated with projects in coordination with the Administrative Assistant at RAP and relevant colleagues in WMO headquarters;

(j) Prepare reports and documents and ensure compliance with contractual obligations;

(k) In cooperation with relevant WMO colleagues, support the process of building synergies and complementarities with other WMO and other UN agencies projects implemented in the region;

(l) Participation in meetings and events related to the project;

(m) Support the preparation and drafting of required documentation for the WMO Project Management Board for review and submission;

(n) Support logistical and documentation arrangements for the Steering Committee Meetings including the meeting materials, minutes and follow up actions; and

(o) Carry out other relevant duties as required.

• Understanding of challenges related to the development and implementation of projects particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Developing Countries;
• Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent communicator and facilitator with a wide-range and multi-culture stakeholders including national governments, development partners, inter-governmental regional organizations and non-governmental organizations; and
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to foster diversity, team spirit and collaboration.

Masters degree or equivalent in natural sciences, meteorology, climatology, international relations/international development, business administration or a closely related field. A first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with two years of additional directly relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree.

• A minimum of two years of combined national, regional and international progressively responsible experience in project or programme management.
• Experience in the administration and oversight of financial resources including project budget planning and reporting.
• Experience in project development and a good understanding of the processes and requirements of key international donors, in particular the Climate Risks and Early Warning System (CREWS), Adaptation Fund (AF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of other official languages of the Organization would be an advantage.

(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.)

The Associate Project Officer must demonstrate the required level of proficiency in the following competencies:

• Communication and influence.
• Collaboration and team dynamics.
• Inclusive mindset and cultural awareness.
• Decision making and problem solving.
• Integrity and accountability.
• Innovation and digital agility.
• Stakeholders understanding and engagement.

The position is funded from extra-budgetary funding.

Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$56,046

Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$21,410 (in addition to the net base salary)

Possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and pending satisfactory performance after an initial probationary period of one year which can be extended up to a maximum of two years.

Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system. Do not send your application via multiple routes. WMO no longer accepts applications via post or email. Only applicants for whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview.

WMO does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

WMO does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). WMO will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.