National Consultant- Grants Monitoring

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network of the United Nations. Established in 1965, UNDP aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. It operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address their development challenges. UNDP focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and sustainable development, making it a key player in international development efforts.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Grants Monitoring will play a crucial role in the UNDP-supported Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC IP) Project. This position is primarily focused on ensuring systematic monitoring and oversight of climate adaptation grants that are implemented at the local level. The consultant will be responsible for assessing compliance with established guidelines, fiduciary standards, and donor requirements. This includes verifying the progress and utilization of funds allocated for climate adaptation initiatives. The consultant will also provide technical support to cooperatives formed by beneficiaries of the Community Resilience Fund (CRF) and community groups, thereby strengthening accountability and transparency in the management of these funds. Additionally, the consultant will contribute to timely reporting, financial documentation, and evidence generation that will inform project management and strategic decision-making. The assignment is expected to last for 90 working days over a period of six months, from June 2026 to November 2026, indicating a significant commitment to the project and its objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Consultant for Grants Monitoring include:

• Conducting systematic monitoring of climate adaptation grants to ensure compliance with approved guidelines and fiduciary standards.
• Verifying the progress and utilization of funds allocated for climate adaptation projects at the local level.
• Providing technical support to cooperatives and community groups formed by the beneficiaries of the Community Resilience Fund (CRF).
• Strengthening accountability and transparency in the management of climate adaptation grants.
• Preparing timely reports and financial documentation to inform project management.
• Generating evidence to support strategic decision-making related to climate adaptation initiatives.
• Engaging with stakeholders to ensure effective communication and collaboration throughout the monitoring process.
• Addressing any compliance issues that may arise during the monitoring of grants.
• Participating in capacity-building activities for local stakeholders to enhance their understanding of grant management and compliance.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a set of qualifications that include:

• A strong understanding of climate adaptation and resilience-building initiatives.
• Proven experience in grants monitoring and compliance assessment, particularly in the context of international development projects.
• Familiarity with fiduciary standards and donor requirements related to grant management.
• Excellent analytical skills to assess financial documentation and project reports.
• Strong communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders and provide technical support.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in using monitoring and evaluation tools and methodologies.

Educational Background:
Candidates for this position should possess a relevant educational background, typically a master's degree in fields such as environmental science, development studies, public administration, or a related discipline. A strong academic foundation in climate change adaptation and sustainable development is highly desirable, as it aligns with the objectives of the UNDP's initiatives.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in grants monitoring and compliance assessment, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in international development or a related field. Experience working with UN agencies or similar organizations is an advantage, as it provides insight into the operational frameworks and standards expected in such roles.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the UNDP and for reporting purposes. Knowledge of Bengali or other local languages is considered an asset, as it may facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an individual contractor role, with a contract duration of 90 working days over six months. The consultant will be expected to work full-time during this period, contributing to the successful implementation of the climate adaptation grants monitoring process. The position is based in Bangladesh, and candidates should be prepared to engage with local communities and stakeholders as part of their responsibilities. Compensation details and benefits will be discussed during the selection process.