Project Administrative & Financial Assistant-Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry 

Job Summary

Duration of the contract: 3 years, 2022- 2024

About
The Paris Agreement requested the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to support the establishment and operation of the Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) to assist developing countries in meeting the enhanced transparency requirements of the agreement in both the pre and post-2020 period. The CBIT aim is to enable countries to establish or strengthen their in-house capacity to track progress on national commitments made under the Paris Agreement, and also to produce more comprehensive and accurate reports capturing their implementation in the medium to long-term. The CBIT also supports countries to build capacity to enhance their level of ambition under the Paris Agreement, including by enhancing capacities for the generation of more accurate and updated data on emissions in all sectors, as well as in the impacts of adaptation measures in increasing resilience of communities and ecosystems.

Zimbabwe applied for support from the GEF to strengthen the capacity of local institutions to conform to the Enhanced Transparency requirements of the Paris Agreement. The project was approved and implementation is earmarked to start in 2021 and end in 2024. To that end, the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry (MECTHI) is seeking the services of a full-time Project Administrative and Financial Assistant (PAFA) with a financial background to assist in the implementation of the CBIT Project. The candidate should be highly motivated, enthusiastic, and capable of working independently. The PAFA will provide assistance to the Project Technical Coordinator to facilitate smooth implementation of the project. The PAFA will be recruited by MECTHI. His / Her involvement in previous activities related to Climate Change is a major pre-condition.

Duties And Responsibilities

Duties
Duties of the PAFA include: Assist the Project Technical Coordinator (PTC) in managing project activities; Budgetary control and processing of all financial transactions; Support to process procurements and other administrative tasks; Production of Financial and progress reports; Assist the PTC in preparing work plans and organisation of meetings; Facilitate the process of recruitment of the project personnel (draft terms of reference in consultation with the Legal Department in the MECTHI and UN Environment and vacancy announcement, arrangement of interview, maintenance of roster of international and national consultants, etc); Ensure that there is proper accountability of project funds; Prepare the expenditure statements in line with the UN environment budget code; Prepares quarterly financial statements and any other financial reports; Ensure timely implementation of project activities focusing on delivery of results and quality control through systematic planning, preparation of annual and quarterly work plans and budgets, monitoring and evaluation; Financial reporting, preparation of audits and follow-up actions, and maintenance and inventory control of all project assets.

Qualifications And Experience

Education
A degree in Public Administration, Business Studies, Accounts, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Geography, Environmental Science and Climate Change or any other relevant programme.

Experience
At least 3 years’ experience in project or financial administration; Experience in office management, equipment, usage of computers and office software packages (E-mail / Internet, MS Word, Excel, Publisher etc) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages and in handling of web- based management systems; Working knowledge of the government’s procurement guidelines and procedures is an advantage; Appreciation of UN Environment processes and procedures in project implementation and procurement will be an advantage; Good knowledge of operational and administrative procedures related to project implementation; Systematic, well organized approach to work and demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in prioritizing assignments, effective time management and efficiency in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Appreciation of government policies and strategies on climate change; Very good communication and writing skills in English and at least one local language; Experience working in a multi-cultural and / or international work environment; Experience in working with government and national stakeholders, with demonstrated ability to work under different settings and environments.

Language
Fluency in both written and spoken English and any one local language.

Professionalism
Good judgement in balancing the need to follow orders and take initiatives; Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relationships with multiple stakeholders; Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback; Excellent analytical and problem solving skills; Highly developed written and oral communication skills; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.