Background
UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDPโs policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in UNDPโs Strategic Plan.
Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDPโs Strategic Plan. BPPS staff provide technical advice to Country Offices, advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represent UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private, government and civil society dialogues, and engage in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas.ย
UNDP's 2022-2025 Strategic Plan highlighting our continued commitment to eradicating poverty, accompanying countries in their pathways towards the SDGs and working towards the Paris Agreement. As part of the GPN in the BPPS, UNDP's Nature, Climate, Energy, Waste and Chemicals Hubs promote and scale up integrated whole-of-governance approaches and nature-based solutions that reduce poverty and inequalities, strengthen livelihoods and inclusive growth, mitigate conflict, forced migration and displacement, and promote more resilient governance systems that advance linked peace and security agendas.ย
BPPSโ Hubs on Nature, Climate, Energy, Waste and Chemicals work with governments, civil society, and private sector partners to integrate nature, climate, energy and waste related concerns into national and sector planning and inclusive growth policies, support country obligations under Multilateral Environmental Agreements, and oversee the implementation of the UNโs largest portfolio of in-country programming nature, climate change, energy and waste. This multi-billion-dollar portfolio encompasses:ย
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services including forests;ย Sustainable Land Management and Desertification including food and commodity systems;ย Water and Ocean Governance including SIDS;ย Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation including Nature-based Solutions for Adaptation Climate Mitigationย Sustainable Energy;ย Extractive Industries;ย Chemicals and Waste Management;ย Environmental Governance and Green/Circular Economy; and SCP approaches.ยThis work advances crosscutting themes on innovative finance, digital transformation, capacity development, human rights, gender equality, health, technology, and South-South learning.
Under BPPS, the newly established UNDP Nature Hub leads the organizationโs work to put nature at the forefront of development efforts, advancing nature-based solutions for realizing a sustainable planet, as well as scaling up of solutions for sustainable management of natural resources. The Hub focuses on core areas such as enhancing environmental governance, advocating for sustainable development, improving biodiversity finance, fostering resilient food and agricultural systems, promoting sustainable land use, advancing wildlife conservation, and nurturing green jobs. It also oversees initiatives related to Water, Oceans and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The Nature Hub is the arrowhead of UNDPโs commitment to the Nature Pledge, aimed to support more than 140 countries in achieving their ambitious goals under the Global Biodiversity Framework and nature-dependent Sustainable Development Goals. The Nature Pledge focuses on three system shifts essential to putting nature at the heart of sustainable development: a value shift, an economic and finance shift, and a policy and practice shift.ย
The Nature Pledge Delivery Programme (July 2024-December 2030) was approved to deliver seven (7) Outputs and Activities as outlined below:
Output 1: Biodiversity is protected, restored and sustainably usedย Output 2: Water and oceans governance is enhancedย Output 3: Integrated sustainable landscape management secures resilience of communities and ecosystems Output 4: Transformation towards sustainable Food and Agriculture Commodity Systems is enabledย Output 5: Good environmental governance and rule of law are mainstreamed into national and sectoral policies and practiceย Output 6: Public and private Nature Finance is scaled-upย Output 7: The impact of UNDP nature programming is enhanced through effective integration of cross-cutting themes.ยOutput 3 of the Nature Pledge Programme encompasses strategic actions towards integrated landscape management (ILM) to secure the resilience of communities and ecosystems, including:
accelerating and upscaling ecosystem restoration and sustainable land and water management, mainstreaming nature in development, production sectors and spatial policy planning and practice, upscaling gender-responsive nature-based solutions targeting climate action, poverty reduction, inclusive growth, job creation and disaster, conflict and pandemic prevention, andย catalysing rapid global behaviour shifts through increased accountability, strengthened deterrence and empowered Indigenous People and local communities.The Programme Coordinator works under the overall supervision and leadership of the Senior Technical Advisor (STA) for Ecosystems and Biodiversity and Global Thematic Lead for the ILM pillar and in close collaboration with other Technical Specialists and Advisors at both global and regional levels, to coordinate the strategic direction and actions under Output 3 of the Nature Pledge Programme as outlined above.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Programme Coordinator will work closely with the STA to:
Coordinate the development and strategic direction of the entire Output/Pillar 3 (i.e., the ILM Pillar) of the Nature Pledge Programme in line with the ambitions outlined in the Nature Pledge and its programme.ย Coordinate ILM Pillarโs efforts to strengthen UNDPโs strategic understanding and engagement with substantive technical issues relating to the concept and approach of ILM and its systematic application and deeper integration into UNDP Nature Hub programmes and initiatives,ย Coordinate development and management of internal and external partnerships and collaboration around ILM themes. Coordinate the Nature Hubโs monitoring, evaluation, and learning on ILM, including key communities or practice on key themes, in collaboration with other Nature Hub teams. Contribute substantivly to strategy development for UNDPโs engagement with global initiatives and events that the Nature Hub takes a corporate lead on (e.g., Conference of Parties), and Stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in ILM and landscape restoration to inform UNDP strategies.Lead Innovation, Strategic Leadership, Policy Dialogue of Output / Pillar 3(ILM Pillar):ย
Coordinate the strategic engagement with stakeholders at the global level, including UN agencies, NGOs, and scientific institutions, to understand key technical issues in ILM and other Nature Pledge Programme Output 3 themes. Initiate the development of initiatives and programs under Output 3 of the Nature Pledge Programme for implementation of global agreements and commitments for addressing the planetary crisis, including through multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and related processes, Participate in forums, conferences, and workshops to contribute UNDP corporate positioning and stay updated on emerging trends and challenges in ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation, Coordinate inputs into the development and implementation of UNDPโs global and regional strategies that are relevant and aligned with Output 3/ILM Pillar of the Nature Pledge Programme, in collaboration with other hubs and teams within the Environment Signature Solution of UNDP (e.g., Climate Hub), BPPS (e.g., Gender and Governance Teams), GPN (e.g. Crisis Bureau), Regional Hubs and beyond (Country Offices) Coordinate inputs into the development of strategic UNDP thematic policy position papers and internal briefing notes on ILM, ensuring alignment with global agendas and priorities, Lead on policy analysis and the development of technical tools and guidance on ILM, and Keep the Thematic Lead on ILM informed of trends and issues with respect to the substantive technical area and contribute actively to the Nature Hubโs programming and business plans.Lead Partnership Development, Advocacy and Resource Mobilization:
Coordinate development of UNDPโs strategic partnerships and collaboration on ILM and other themes relevant to Nature Pledge Programme Output 3. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, local communities, and academic institutions, to foster partnerships, exchange knowledge, and promote ILM approaches. Coordinate UNDPโs contribution to and participation in global partnership initiatives and dialogues on ILM and related themes Act as the technical liaison/focal point between UNDP and partners to synergize programs and build collaborative relationships. Conduct in-reach into UNDPโs programs to raise awareness of external partner offerings and facilitate the use of innovative partner tools and services within UNDP programs where relevant. Support the identification of emerging sources of funding, assessment of their current usage and potential for future programming and participate in dialogues with existing and potential new partners.Monitor and report on progress in implementing project activities and achieving the targets set:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
Lead the implementation of programme monitoring, evaluation, and results framework to identify plan deviations and other problems; and make needed course corrections within agreed upon tolerances to achieve results.ย Coordinate the preparation of corporate, donor and government reports in line with the reporting schedule and UNDP and donor requirements. Ensure provision of ad hoc reportsย requested by relevant entitiesFacilitate Learning, Knowledge Management and Self Development:ย
Coordinate the development and implementation of monitoring, evaluation and learning plan/s to track the impact of UNDP initiatives on ILM and contribution of Output 3 to the Nature Pledge Programme IRRF. Lead on the knowledge management and communications for Output 3, cording closely with the communications teams within the Nature Hub and broader BPPSย Initiate production of communication pieces effectively showcasing the development contributions ((SDG impacts) of the UNDP portfolio of initiatives on ILM and linkages to the UNDP Strategic Plan priorities and targets, Coordinate the inputs from ILM Pillar to the Nature Hubโs efforts in capturing, codifying, synthesizing lessons, and stimulating the uptake of best practices and knowledge, including the development of knowledge materials, Contribute to peer reviews, provision of thematic technical inputs, and seek to improve the technical quality of programmes/projects, policies, practices, guidelines, advisory notes, publications and the like, and Lead on the preparation and delivery of ILM Pillar thematic knowledge sharing and learning events within the organization.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization
Institutional Arrangement
Competencies
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 and technical competencies:
Business Direction & Strategy- Systems Thinkingย ย ย ย 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. Business Direction & Strategy- Effective Decision Makingย ย Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with oneโs authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.ย Business Development- Knowledge Generationย ย ย ย ย ย ย Ability to research information and turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations. Business Development- Knowledge Facilitationย ย ย ย ย ย ย Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange. Business Management- Communicationย ย ย ย ย ย 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. Partnership Management- Relationship managementย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 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 - Natureย Ecosystems and BiodiversityRequired Skills and Experience
Education:
An advanced university degree (masterโs degree or equivalent) in Environmental or Natural Sciences Geography, Natural Resource Management, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Economics, Social Sciences, International Relations, or other closely related field is required. OR A first-level university degree (bachelorโs degree) in the said fields with two additional years of qualifying work experience will be given due consideration in lieu of an advanced university degree.Experience:
Minimum of 5 years (with Masterโs degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor'sโ degree) of relevant experience working on integrated landscape and ecosystems management; climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation.Required skills and competencies:
Experience in project and program design for addressing environmental challenges such as land and ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, climate change. Demonstrated experience in designing initiatives and programmes according to a theory of change, logical framework or other scheme which designs outputs in support of broader outcomes and overall objectives. Experience in coordinating/supervising team efforts to deliver strategic initiatives or programmes against budgets and timelines. Experience in coordinating research and analysis of technical information and stakeholder inputs towards development of projects and initiatives, including risk screening, work planning, budgeting and M&E planning, in line with RBM principles.ย At least 5 years of experience in project management or project/programme development or coordination/implementation in the field of environment and development in any of the UNDP programming regions.Desired skills and competencies:
Working experience with an international organization is an advantage. Demonstrated experience and knowledge of UNDP policies, procedures and practices is desired. Working experiences with and/or in developing and middle-income-countries in other regions would be desirable. Experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis and review, including experience working with statistical software and data visualization tools, including the use of AI tools is an asset. Familiarity with UNDPโs Social and Environmental Safeguards Policy and Framework and Human Right Based Approach to programming is an advantage. Experience in innovative partnership development and collaboration around key ILM themes is an advantage.ยLanguages:
Fluency in English is required.ย Working knowledge of other UN languages, especially French or Spanish, is an advantageEqual 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.ย
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.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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