Project Specialist

The project “Advancing Meteorological Observations System for Resilient Development (AMOS- RD)”, funded by the Systematic Observation Financing Facility (SOFF), is an initiative aiming to support and strengthen Salomon Island’s capacities to provide reliable and effective meteorological observation services. Implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) over five years period between August 2024 to July 2029, the project aligns and contribute to the overall objective of supporting the mandate of the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) as the lead government entity for the administration of the meteorological information and services in the country. 

The overall goal of the AMOS- RD Project is to improve weather and climate prediction products by localizing and implementing the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) in the country. GBON, an initiative under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), aims to strengthen and standardize the global collection of essential weather and climate data. Its primary objective is to ensure that all countries, especially those with limited resources, contribute consistent, high-quality observational data that can be used for accurate weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and early warning systems. GBON sets specific requirements for the minimum density and frequency of surface and upper-air observations, ensuring that critical data, such as temperature, humidity, and pressure, are standardized and regularly reported. This network is vital for improving global data exchange and supporting more reliable, timely weather predictions, which are essential for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience. 

Within this framework, the AMOS-RD Project will enhance local observation systems by providing, installing, and maintaining the necessary infrastructure. Additionally, the project will foster an enabling environment for data collection, monitoring, and exchange by promoting the development of essential human and institutional capacities. It will also offer the necessary coordination and expertise to complement existing in-country capacities and systems. 

To ensure effective and timely implementation of the AMOS-RD project, UNDP Solomon Islands office is in the process of setting up the Project Management Unit (PMU) and a National Project Manager is required to oversee the PMU and ensure the day-to-day management of the project. Under the overall technical guidance of the Team Leader Resilience and Climate Change Unit based in the Fiji Multi-Country Office, the Project Manager will report to the RCC Team Leader Solomon Islands sub-Office. The incumbent will work closely with the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services, Bureau of Meteorology Australia and other relevant subject matter experts as well as the UNDP Operations, Programme and Project staff to deliver the annual work plans and contribute to project results and targets, while ensuring proper coordination, quality assurance and sustainability of undertaken initiatives.

In coordination with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and SIMS teams and under the overall supervision of the RCC Team Leader in the Solomon Islands office, the Project Manager will be responsible for the following roles and responsibilities: 

Provide strategic leadership for effective project management:

• Support required human resources capacities for the implementation of the project and ensure proper management of project resources, including among others, drafting TORs, contracts extensions, performances reviews, etc. 
• Lead the preparation of multi-annual, annual and quarterly work plans, budgets, monitoring and evaluation plans in line with the approved project document for AMOS- RD and in close consultation with SIMS and the UNDP Solomon Islands DRR and the Fiji MCO RCC Team and project board. 
• Oversee required procurement tasks for the engagement of services and resources to deliver the project activities. 
• Maintain regular contact with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, SOFF Technical Advisor in UNDP and SIMS to coordinate the inputs from the different partners towards the different project activities. 
• Ensure compliance and financial management of the project as per UNDP’s Programme Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) guidelines 
• Ensure regular communication and coordination with Project Board Member and support for project board meetings 
• Undertake Monitoring and evaluation functions, including preparing and implementing project monitoring plan 
• Manage and monitor the project risks- including the social and environmental risks and submit new risks to the Project Board for consideration. 
• Oversee contract management of goods, services and civil works in line with UNDP’s POPP guidelines and in close collaboration with the UNDP and government relevant teams 
• Support development and dissemination of project progress reports, to reflect achievements of expected targets 

Coordination and Technical Overseeing:

• Support SIMS on the national and provincial consultations to initiate the project and for specific project activities. 
• Coordinate the engagements and regular communication with relevant stakeholders involved under the project, including SIMS, Australian Meteorological services, and other GBON relevant experts 
• Work with the Chief Technical Advisor and the rest of the PMU on the development and implementation of key project activities, including stakeholder engagement plan, the gender, disability and social inclusion plan. 
• Coordinate the engagements of the Chief Technical Advisor with the relevant government ministries on establishing cost recovery mechanisms for SIMS. 
• In close coordination with the PMU team, SIMs, UNDP Operations Team and other relevant stakeholders ensure effective management of procurement planning and undertaking of needed procurement process for the effective contracting of needed goods and services under the project 
• Work with the PMU to make sure social and environmental risks connected to project activities are properly assessed and managed including through appropriate Environmental Impact Assessments and the Environment and Social Management plans 
• Ensure sustainability and government ownership in every step of the project implementation, including in handing over of developed systems and infrastructures 

Lead Communication and Knowledge Management:

• Develop knowledge articles, frequently asked questions (FAQ) and best practices; contribute to synthesizing lessons learnt and best practices. 
• Support the development of advocacy materials on the importance of the role of SIMS in climate adaptation, weather forecasting, early warning and climate information services. 
• Engage specialist support to develop awareness and education materials on the importance of the Automatic Weather Stations and the Upper Air Station for surrounding communities to protect the assets. 
• Collaborate with the communications team on press releases, social media write up and related platforms to create awareness on the AMOS- RD project. 
• Make sure development knowledge materials accounts for local perspectives, is conflict and culturally sensitive and are accessible and understood by end users. 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Core Competencies

• Achieve Results: ​​LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact ​ 
• Think Innovatively: ​​LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems ​
• Learn Continuously: ​​LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences​
• Adapt with Agility: ​​LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands ​
• Act with Determination:  ​​LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results​ 
• Engage and Partner: ​​LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration​
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: ​​LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity​

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Management 

• Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals 
• Results-based Management: Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools. 
• Communication: Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. ‡Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels 

Business Direction & Strategy 

• Systems Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system 
• Effective Decision Making: Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications. 

Digital

• Data Strategy and Management: Knowledge to draft or execute a data strategy or a data management framework. 

Administration & Operations 

• Building, facilities & office space management: Knowledge and ability to facilitate the renovation and upgrade of offices including review of complex engineering/architectural drawings; negotiate technical agreements to ensure fully operational building infrastructure and services; design policy & procedure (POPP) for premises and facilities including space standards; manage premises and facilities; validate financial statement notes on leasehold data. 

• Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in project management, quality assurance, management advisory services, monitoring and evaluation of development projects, and partnership management. 
• Excellent usage of computers and office software
• Proven relevant experience in managing projects, including complex procurements process 
• Familiarity with managing social and environmental safeguards 
• Nationals or others legally authorized to work in the Solomon Islands are eligible. 
• A valid driver’s license is a requirement. 
• Previous professional experience in working in similar roles 
• Technical knowledge of meteorological observation systems and information management 
• Prior experience with the UNDP or another UN Agency or International Organizations. 
• Familiarity with national legislation, norms and standards related to construction works, procurement processes, social and environmental safeguards. 

Languages 

• Fluency in English and Pidgin is required.