Project Officer - Implementation Lead

Position description

The Project Officer will be based within the Department of Climate Change (DoCC), under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC). The Project Officer will be responsible for the management and overseeing of the successful execution of the Capacity Building for Climate Change Act Implementation project as the project manager, ensuring that all objectives are met on time, within the scope, and budgeted workplan. This entails day-to-day implementation including managing and coordinating the project team, developing analytical pieces and consultation briefs, providing leadership and guidance to ensure effective collaboration, and fostering a strong team dynamic. The role involves engaging and coordinating with key stakeholders, including external partners, donors, government, and GGGI internal teams, to ensure clear communication and alignment on project progress.

The role will identify and manage project risks, resolve issues, and implement mitigation strategies. Additionally, the Project Officer will oversee the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of project performance, ensuring that accurate updates are provided to senior leadership, donors, and stakeholders. The position also requires managing project budgets, resources, and ensuring compliance with MECC and GGGI’s internal policies, donor requirements, and local regulations, while maintaining high-quality documentation and deliverables.

The project position will be embedded within the Department of Climate Change of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC). The incumbent will report to the GGGI Country Representative and the Permanent Secretary of MECC. This dual reporting structure ensures alignment with MECC’s internal reporting procedures and requirements for the effective delivery of outputs under the provisions of the Climate Change Act (2021). Day-to-day tasking, assignment of responsibilities, and prioritization of activities will be directed by the Director of Climate Change through the Manager of Climate Change. The selected candidate will be expected to consistently uphold the values, standards, and regulations of both GGGI and MECC.

ENGAGEMENT

• Lead a project team of full-time staff and short-term consultants to deliver the project objectives.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders on behalf of MECC with government focal points for the Climate Change Act and other government representatives, project partners, the private sector, donor, communities, civil societies; and other external parties, ensuring effective collaboration and buy-in for project success.
• Engage with local, regional, and international organizations, leveraging partnerships to maximize project impact and ensure alignment with broader sustainability and climate change goals.
• Foster a positive, collaborative working environment within the project team, ensuring effective communication, knowledge sharing, and problem-solving to achieve project objectives.
• Represent MECC and GGGI in relevant forums, conferences, and events to promote the organization’s mission, advocate for green growth and sustainable development, and enhance MECC’s and GGGI’s presence and visibility in the region.

DELIVERY

• Ensure the project is delivered on time, within scope, and budgeted workplan by managing all phases of the project lifecycle, from initiation through to completion.
• Oversee the achievement of key project milestones and ensure the timely completion of deliverables, monitoring progress against established timelines and ensuring adherence to quality standards.
• Effectively allocate and manage project resources, including personnel, finances, and materials, ensuring optimal utilization and maintaining cost-effectiveness throughout the project.
• Ensure that all project deliverables meet MECC’s and GGGI’s quality standards, donor requirements, and regulatory expectations.
• Regularly assess project performance, identify any emerging issues, and implement corrective actions to ensure project objectives are met and risks are mitigated.
• Maintain accurate records of project progress, including reports, budgets, and performance metrics, ensuring all stakeholders receive timely and clear updates on project status.

FUNCTIONAL

Project Management Based

• Lead the development of detailed project plans, including workplan timelines, budgetary allocations and resource mobilization plans, risk management strategies, and deliverable schedules, ensuring all aspects are aligned with MECC’s mandate and project’s goals.
• Develop and manage project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure financial resources are used efficiently. Oversee financial reporting and ensure alignment with donor agreements and organizational policies.
• Identify, assess, and manage project risks, developing mitigation strategies to address potential challenges and uncertainties throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare and deliver detailed monthly and quarterly reports for internal and external stakeholders, including donors, senior management, and project partners, highlighting progress, challenges, and outcomes.

Project Outcome Based

• Responsible for comprehensive capacity building program including needs assessment, design and delivery of technical workshops and capacity building modules based on the needs of the stakeholders, including government partners and organizations.
• Provide additional support through on-the-job training, i.e, expert briefings, job shadowing, and peer-to-peer learning.
• Lead the development of performance indicators and MEL frameworks to support the National Climate Change Policy and digitisation processes for the implementation of the Climate Change Act.
• Support and track the progress of general policy implementation, coordinate with the Department of Climate Change to draft Disbursement Requests according to donor requirements and timelines (under the EU Budget Support Program).
• Support MECC in the identification, prioritization, and provision of select legal support for the development of regulations, guidelines, consequential amendments, administrative processes, and/or strategic changes to existing legislation.
• Develop and facilitate analytical pieces and consultation briefs on topics relevant to MECC, specifically to the Department of Climate Change.
• Organize and facilitate workshops with the private sector, civil society, and the public to consult on key sections of the Climate Change Act (CCA) 2021, ensuring inclusive and meaningful engagement and develop accessible guidelines for priority regulations and sections of the CCA.
• Support the development of effective communication and coordination mechanisms between members National Climate Change Coordination Committee (NCCCC), NAP Steering Committee, NOP Steering Committee, and the Fijian Taskforce for Secretariat function as directed by the Executive Management of MECC.

CORPORATE

• Actively support the mission, vision and values of MECC and GGGI.
• Promote an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect, and partnership.
• Promotes creativity and innovation amongst staff and partners.
• Represent MECC and GGGI in an official capacity with its government partners and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's or Master’s degree in project management, Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, or a related field. (A Master’s degree will be considered an advantage)
• At least 5-7 years of experience in project management, including experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in sustainable development or climate change-related projects.
• Proven track record of managing complex projects, from initiation through to completion, particularly in international development, green growth, or environmental sustainability sectors.
• Strong experience in stakeholder management, including working with governments, donors, and local organizations.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on building capacity and fostering collaboration.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Familiarity with budgeting, financial management, and donor reporting.
• A deep understanding of green growth, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development principles.

Application instructions

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