Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The UNDP Multi-Country Office (MCO) for Mauritius and Seychelles serves as a critical platform to provide strategic and technical support to both countries in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The MCO focuses on fostering an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development trajectory while addressing key challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable natural resource management. The office works in collaboration with national governments, local communities, international organizations, and other development partners to implement initiatives that prioritize climate action, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem management. The MCO's vision aligns with global and regional strategies to create a more sustainable future, driven by innovation, partnerships, and community-centric solutions.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer will be locally recruited based on an open competitive process following UNDP procedure, with input to the selection process from the Project partners. Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Officer is responsible to assist and support in the implementation of project activities, while ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. He/She will be responsible for the technical implementation of project activities and achieving the results mentioned in the project document. Whenever the Project Manager or Project Assistant is absent, the Project Officer is expected to enable the team to function smoothly and deliver expected results. The Project Officer position is intended to assist the project in terms of relevant technical inputs, stakeholder engagement, capacity-building initiatives and communication activities, while aligning activities with UNDP’s environmental sustainability objectives and donor requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will provide support for the adoption of gender sensitive policies to manage IAS; support the effective prevention and management of IAS; ensure knowledge management and learning; and provide support to the project team. Specific tasks include assisting relevant authorities with technical inputs for the endorsement and implementation of the reviewed National Invasive Alien Species Strategy and Action Plan (NIASSAP) and the associated legal amendments; following up with authorities to mainstream NIASSAP provisions into relevant policies and legislation; supporting the government in effectively preventing and managing IAS threats; assisting in the development and national implementation of sustainable biosecurity strategies; developing skills for improved biosecurity; implementing IAS control-led ecosystem restoration; ensuring knowledge management and learning systems are in place; contributing to the development of the National IAS Information System; implementing the National IAS Communication and Awareness Strategy; and participating in Monitoring and Evaluation exercises. The incumbent will also support the Project Manager and team in coordination with the Project Steering Committee and other stakeholders, provide top-quality advisory services, and assist in all reporting and communication exercises.

Required Qualifications:
Education: An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences, natural sciences, ecosystems management, or related Invasive Alien Species (IAS) management or related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience: Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. However, applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in natural resource management, preferably in the context of wildlife conservation, law enforcement, and awareness raising.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences, natural sciences, ecosystems management, or related Invasive Alien Species (IAS) management or related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:
Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. However, applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in natural resource management, preferably in the context of wildlife conservation, law enforcement, and awareness raising.

Languages:
The job does not specify mandatory languages, but proficiency in English is likely essential given the context of UNDP operations. Knowledge of French may also be beneficial due to the location in Mauritius and the potential need for communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is locally recruited, and the Project Officer will work under the general supervision of the Project Manager and will collaborate closely with the National Project Director for National Implementation Modality (NIM) Projects. UNDP values diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination. UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for other similar positions.