Government of Saint Lucia

Department of Sustainable Development

Terms of Reference for 

Project Assistant 

Saint Lucia’s Fourth National Communication (FNC) and the Initial Biennial Transparency Report (BTR 1) Projects to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

1. BACKGROUND   

Saint Lucia’s status as a developing country and as a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), requires the periodic preparation of National Communication (NC) reports and Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) to the Conference of Parties (COP) and the Paris Agreement (PA), under the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF). The primary objective of these reports is to enable countries to report on work planned and undertaken, in response to the adverse impacts of climate change. It is a legal requirement and it enables the COP to monitor national progress towards the implementation of the convention.

To date, Saint Lucia has submitted its Initial National Communication (INC), Second National Communication (SNC), Third National Communication (TNC) and Initial Biennial Update Report (BUR1). The main deliverable of this three-year project is the Fourth National Communication report which is inclusive of six thematic components: (i) National Circumstances, (ii) Greenhouse Gas Inventory, (iii) Mitigation Assessment, (iv)Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment, (v), Other Relevant Information and (vi) Gaps and Constraints.

Under the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) countries are expected to track and report progress towards achieving their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and communicate adaptation actions including good practices, priorities, needs and gaps, in order to inform the Global Stocktake under Article 14 of the Agreement.  In addition to submitting their National Communications (NCs) every four years, signatory countries will be expected to submit Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), including a National Inventory Report, every two years, starting from December 2024.

The Financial Mechanism of the UNFCCC, which includes the Global Environment Facility (GEF), has provided funding to facilitate the preparation of the Fourth National Communication (FNC) and the BTR. This process is inclusive of a stocktaking exercise and stakeholder consultations, the output of which will serve as the baseline for the formulation of a project proposal for the FNC.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), through its umbrella programme, will function as the implementing agency. At the national level, the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, through the Department of Sustainable Development (DSD), will function as the executing agency for the duration of the two projects.  

1.1 Post to be filled  

In light of the aforementioned, the Department of Sustainable Development (DSD) seeks to engage a Project Assistant to provide support to the National Technical Coordinators (NTCs) in executing activities geared towards achieving the objectives of the Fourth National Communication (FNC) and the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) Projects, as detailed in the scope of services below. Knowledge of Climate Change would be an asset. 

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES 

The successful applicant will be expected to perform the following functions during the course of this assignment:

2.1 Project Management and Reporting Assistance:

1. Assist the two NTCs in managing project activities.
2. Assist the NTCs in managing project expenditures while ensuring that expenditure statements are inline with UNEP budget lines. 
3. Assist the NTCs in preparing project work plans and quarterly progress reports in line with the Project Implementation Plans (PIPs) and utilizing UNEP and Government of Saint Lucia formats (GOSL).  d) Maintain the projects filing systems

5. Arrange purchasing of office equipment for the projects on a competitive basis; and maintain an inventory of non-expendable equipment. 
6. Provide technical support for execution of all project activities for the FNC and BTR.
7. Provide support for developing and promoting project awareness materials for the two projects

2.2 Secretarial support:

1. Assist with the scheduling and convening of all meetings, workshops and seminars for both projects.
2. Attend and take detailed minutes during official meetings
3. Assist in the dissemination of project information to all stakeholders, as necessary
4. Assist the NTCs in liaising with relevant local, regional and international institutions and organizations.
5. Maintain a roster of national, regional and international consultants.
6. Provide general administrative support to project activities. 

3. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY

3.1 Qualifications and Experience:

1. Diploma in Administration, Management, or equivalent with three to four years work experience as a project assistant.  

OR

2. A ‘Level certification in at least one natural science subject and two to three years’ work experience as a project assistant                   
3. Experience in working with local, regional or international organizations will be a plus.

3.2 Knowledge and Ability:

1. Proven experience as a Project Assistant
2. Experience in working with large organizations 
3. Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks, set goals and develop systems for achieving those goals 
4. Proficient skills with Microsoft Office suite
5. Possess a general understanding of the structure of the Public Service and the machinery of the

Government’s administrative policies and procedures, and the ability to apply and conform with rules and regulations according to the Staff Orders.

6. Ability to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills
7. Ability to work independently with little supervision
8. Ability to work as part of a team, exercise good judgment in making decisions and communicate information effectively
9. Ability to demonstrate good interpersonal skills  

4. REMUNERATION 

Salary will be paid on a monthly basis and will be subject to government taxes. 

5. DURATION

The Project Assistant will serve for a period of 12 months in the first instance, with the possibility for contract renewal.

6. ACCOMMODATION

The Project Assistant will be accommodated at the office of the Department of Sustainable Development.

7. REPORTING & SUPERVISION

The Project Assistant will report to the National Technical Coordinators under the guidance of the Chief Sustainable Development and Environment Officer or designate. 

8.EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Expression of interest should be submitted to the Permanent Secretary via email address sustainable.devt@govt.lc no later than March 29, 2024. Submissions must include a cover letter expressing interest, Curriculum Vitae no more than three pages, including at least two referees and relevant proof of academic qualifications, which must be certified.