UNCDF utilizes its unique capability in the UN system to deploy grants, loans and guarantees to crowd-in finance for the scaling of development impact. UNCDF focuses on where the needs are greatest, a deliberate focus and capability rooted in UNCDF’s unique investment mandate to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the realization of the Doha Programme of Action for the least developed countries, 2022–2031.
As per its Strategic Framework, UNCDF works to deploy its functions as a hybrid development organization and development finance institution. UNCDF responds to Member States requests for assistance by providing targeted technical and financial advisory services on investments for development outcomes, designing bespoke financial structuring solutions, undertaking financial derisking of investments, and enhancing investment readiness of SDG aligned projects in partnership with private sector, UNOs, International and Local Finance Institutions, Development Finance Institutions as well as Foundations and Philanthropy, among others. UNCDF works to develop local financial systems, new markets and mobilize and crowd in capital from public and private sources. UNCDF is driven by a partnership mindset which enables it to deploy its different capital capabilities in highly tailored and responsive ways in order to mobilize investments flows from other sources, in particular from the private sector. By structuring transactions which are highly impactful, but also recognize the need for multiplying the impact of its own capital, UNCDF seeks to position itself as a preferred partner for different stakeholders. UNCDF’s work is focused on six priority areas, including:
• Sub-national and local infrastructure financing
• Women-owned enterprise financing
• Nature and climate financing
• Energy and decarbonization finance
• Sustainable food systems financing
• Inclusive digital finance
Following a recent restructuring, UNCDF’s organizational set up includes an Investment and Implementation Division (IID), Investment and Finance Oversight Division (IFOD), Operations and Oversight Division (OOD) and a Directorate of the Executive Office. UNCDF staff and personnel are located in regional hubs based in Dakar (Senegal), Nairobi (Kenya) and Bangkok (Thailand) with sub-regional presence in a number of locations in the Caribbean and Pacific Regions. UNCDF is led by an Executive Secretary based out of New York, USA. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 2321(XXII, para 1.a), the Administrator of the UNDP performs the function of the Managing Director of UNCDF. UNCDF is overseen by the Executive Board of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and performs the function of the Executive Board of UNCDF.
In Tanzania, UNCDF is implementing the Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL) in collaboration with the President's Office Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG). LoCAL is one of the programmes under UNCDF, which was piloted in three districts of the Dodoma region, i.e., Chamwino, Mpwapwa and Kondoa, potentially benefiting more than 800,000 people, particularly women. The identified districts have so far been able to access climate finance by using the established PBCRG mechanism to support implementation of climate change adaptation investments, mostly related to water and agricultural.
The programme is now moving to Phase II of its implementation. While new districts will be identified, new villages will also be identified in the existing districts, hence increasing the geographical coverage of the programme. In particular, the LoCAL Phase II will be implemented in Kondoa, Chamwino and Mpwapwa districts in Dodoma region; and 18 coastal districts of Tanzania. However, for the PBCRG, the implementation will cover Mkinga district,Tanga; Kigamboni Municipal, DSM; Mafia district,Pwani; Mtama district, Lindi; and Mtwara DC,Mtwara. The new phase programme will mostly focus on advancing local adaptation interventions and investments while paying special attention to sustainable productive sectors in coastal ecosystems, including integrated management of coastal natural resources, biodiversity, sustainable water and waste/plastic management, sustainable fisheries and climate- smart agriculture (CSA) techniques and solutions to local development.
UNCDF is seeking to recruit 8 Field Associates to provide practical technical support on climate smart agriculture techniques and solutions to advance climate adaptation action at the district level. The Field Associates will work under the direct supervision of the assigned Climate Change Specialist, Programme Specialist (Local Government) and the National Coordinator respectively. The districts are
- Mpwapwa -Dodoma Region
- Kigamboni Municipality -Darasalaam
- Kondoa -Dodoma Region
- Mafia -Pwani Region
- Mkiga -Tanga Region
- Mtama – Lindi Region
- Mtwara -Mtwara Region
- Chamwino -Dodoma Region
The Field Associates will support the LGAs’ with overall implementation of PBCRG mechanism throughout all steps at sub-national level, working in close collaboration with PO-RALG, Regional Secretariats and other local stakeholders.
Scope of Work:
- Support the implementation and results-based monitoring of the LoCAL’s field activities:
- Support implementation of LoCAL activities in the field in line with Annual Workplan (AWP) and support the preparation of periodic technical and financial reports on the implementation of LoCAL activities and undertake regular monitoring of the activities, including through field visits.
2. Provide project support to sub-national government counterparts and key stakeholders:
Support target LGs to collect and interpret climate-related data and information, to update their local climate risk assessments, and to mainstream climate change into their local public planning and budgeting systems. Provide hands-on guidance on climate smart agriculture to the LGAs and communities in the field Under the guidance of the Programme Management Specialist, support capacity building (“learning by doing”) and preparation of local government development and investment plans and budgets that foster inclusive and climate resilient local economies and communities3. Proved administrative support to the implementation of project activities:
Participate in planning and organization of training/events facilitating the wide representation and full participation of local and regional stakeholders by following UNCDF rules and regulations and ensuring gender equality. Assist in the organization of field visits, missions, conferences, and other logistics arrangements. Support LGs to collect and compile narrative, expenditure reports and other related financial documents, as required. Arrange meetings and draft routine correspondence, minutes including preparing background materials for discussions and briefing sessions.4. Support effective mainstreaming of gender equality and community participation:
Follow-up with LGs to ensure the inclusion of gender equality and participation of communities throughout the PBCRG cycle, during the local adaptation planning and cash for work selection processes. Ensure that all the data, when collecting and compiling inputs relating to programme, are gender dis-aggregated.5. Support facilitating knowledge sharing and communication:
Support and facilitate consultation and exchange of information, synergies, learning and know-how at the local level, in relation with partners and stakeholders involved with LoCAL expected results. Support the knowledge and communication efforts of LoCAL in Tanzania (i.e., LoCAL stories, news articles, photos, videos, social media presence, country webpage and web presence, as appropriate) with support and guidance from the UNCDF MEAL/KM Specialist. Keep regular contacts with local authorities and implementing partners as requested by supervisor. Act as interpreter when required. Perform any other related duties as required by supervisor/ management.6. Risk Management and Adaptive Learning
Proactively identify, assess, and document risks (e.g., climate shocks, governance delays, financial risks) affecting the implementation of Climate Change adaptation Investments and recommend mitigation measures. Monitor external factors (political, environmental, socio-economic) that may impact project timelines or outcomes, ensuring adaptive responses. Support the Local Government Authority in integrating risk management into PBCRG cycle and local planning processes. Facilitate after-action reviews to capture lessons learned and improve future interventions for scaling out LoCAL Initiatives in Tanzania. Ensure compliance with UNCDF’s risk policies while building LGA capacity in climate resilient project managementThe incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation
Institutional Arrangement
Programme Manager will be the overall responsible for the implementation at the country level. The Field Associates will work under the direct supervision of the assigned Climate Change Specialist and Programme Specialist (Local Finance Specialists) respectively with an overall coordination of National Coordinator and will support the LGAs’ Teams with the overall implementation of PBCRG mechanism throughout all steps at sub-national level, working in close collaboration with PO-RALG, Regional Secretariats and other local stakeholders.
Core Competencies:
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention tdetails, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discriminationCross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Business Management: Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals Business Management: 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 Business Management: Communication: Ability to 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 Management: Monitoring & Evaluation: Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns. Partnership management: Relationship Management: Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding 2030 Agenda (Planet): Nature: Climate change adaptation policy and planning: National Adaptation PlansRequired Education, Experience & Skills
Education
Secondary education is required or University Degree in Development Studies, Social Science, Management or related discipline with knowledge on sustainability related fields (environment, water and sanitation, agriculture.), will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirementExperience
Minimum of Six (6) years (with secondary education) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience with local and community development, climate change and/or environment related issues, of which at least one (1) year supporting local governments and/or communities. At least1 year practical work experiences at the district level in Tanzania is required. Practical understanding of the application of climate-change-agriculture (specifically for the Dodoma region) is required. At least 1-year experience in monitoring and evaluation is required.Required Skills
Demonstrated ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel is required. Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment is required.Desired Skills
At least 3 years of work experience with local governments, local stakeholders and, local communities including women and youth. Experience in local economic development for the most vulnerable (women and youth) At least 3 years of Practical knowledge with on performance-based grant systems, planning and budgeting processes Practical experience with training and capacity building activities. Knowledge and experience related to climate change and/or environment. Experience with a UN organization/agency/International development sector Experience with Quantum/similar applications and UNDP/Development sector Procurement Processes.Required Language:
Fluency in English and Kiswahili is required.Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. To facilitate the assessment process and ensure appropriate placement, applicants are requested to clearly indicate their preferred duty station(s) in their application.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP 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.
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