National Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization dedicated to eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities through sustainable development. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission. UNDP has been active in Panama, focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supporting the country in reducing inequality and promoting sustainable development with a focus on equity, balance, and environmental sustainability.

Job Overview:
The National Coordinator will play a pivotal role in overseeing the implementation of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) at the country level. This position involves direct supervision of the SGP Programme Associate/Assistant and coordination with the National Steering Committee. The Coordinator will be responsible for managing the SGP Country Programme team, ensuring effective teamwork, and preparing and implementing annual work plans that include strategic initiatives and budget proposals. The role requires keeping abreast of national environmental concerns and socio-economic conditions, managing grant allocations, and ensuring adherence to operational procedures. The Coordinator will also be tasked with fostering partnerships, mobilizing resources, and facilitating knowledge management and communication within the SGP framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Coordinator will report to the Deputy Resident Representative and the SGP Regional Programme Specialist. Key responsibilities include: managing the SGP Country Programme team, supervising the Programme Associate/Assistant, promoting teamwork, preparing annual work plans, setting performance parameters, managing grant allocations, ensuring financial integrity, organizing stakeholder workshops, overseeing ongoing grant projects, conducting monitoring visits, and reporting on programme implementation status. The Coordinator will also establish relationships with stakeholders, assess donor interests, support grantees in securing co-financing, document lessons learned, and ensure effective use of resources to maximize project impact.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental or Natural Resource Management, Economy, Public Policy, Law, Environmental Economics/Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the aforementioned fields, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, will be considered. Relevant professional experience in managing environment/natural resource management projects at national or local levels is required, with a minimum of 2 years for those with a Master’s degree or 4 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Proficiency in computer usage and office software is essential, along with experience in web-based management systems.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Environmental or Natural Resource Management, Economy, Public Policy, Law, Environmental Economics/Management, or Business Administration is required. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in these fields, combined with additional qualifying experience, will also be considered.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a Master’s degree or 4 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Experience in managing environment/natural resource management projects at national or local levels is essential. Additional desirable criteria include progressively responsible experience in project or programme management at international or national levels, proven experience in managing UNDP programmes, and familiarity with GEF-SGP thematic areas.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, while knowledge of English is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in the UNDP Panama office, with a matrixed reporting line to the Deputy Resident Representative and the SGP Regional Programme Specialist. The incumbent will supervise the SGP Programme Associate/Assistant and will have access to necessary information and resources for task execution. The role emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from marginalized or excluded populations. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form. The organization reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement.