National Coordinator for the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The UNDP Rwanda Country Office is part of the United Nations Development Programme, which has been operational since 196

• The organization focuses on sustainable development and poverty reduction, working in over 170 countries. The Rwanda Country Office is currently implementing its Country Programme Document (CPD 2025–2029), which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and supports Rwanda's National Strategy for Transformation and Vision 205
• The office employs a diverse team dedicated to addressing environmental and climate challenges in Rwanda, particularly through initiatives like the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme.

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 coordinating with various stakeholders, including the National Steering Committee, to ensure effective management and execution of the programme. The Coordinator will be responsible for preparing and implementing annual work plans, managing grant allocations, and ensuring adherence to operational guidelines. The role requires a deep understanding of national environmental concerns and socio-economic conditions, as well as the ability to foster partnerships and mobilize resources to enhance the programme's impact. The Coordinator will also be tasked with monitoring and evaluating the programme's effectiveness and ensuring that it aligns with national strategies and priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Coordinator will ensure effective management of the SGP Country Programme team, promoting teamwork and collaboration among stakeholders. Key responsibilities include preparing and implementing annual work plans, managing the SGP grant allocations, and maintaining financial integrity by adhering to operational procedures. The Coordinator will organize stakeholder workshops, oversee ongoing grant projects, and conduct monitoring field visits to provide technical support to grantees. Additionally, the Coordinator will facilitate knowledge management by documenting lessons learned and best practices, and will be responsible for reporting on programme implementation status to the Central Programme Management Team. The role also involves resource mobilization and establishing partnerships with donors and development partners to leverage resources for the programme.

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. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, will also be considered. Relevant professional experience in managing environment or natural resource management projects at national or local levels is required, with a minimum of 2 years for those with a master’s degree and 4 years for those with a bachelor’s degree. Proficiency in using computers and office software packages is essential, along with experience in web-based management systems.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in relevant fields such as Environmental or Natural Resource Management, Economy, Public Policy, Law, Environmental Economics/Management, or Business Administration is required. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in these fields with additional qualifying experience will be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental management and policy implementation.

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 or natural resource management projects at national or local levels is essential. Candidates should also have progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, preferably within international or national contexts. Familiarity with UNDP programmes and development projects, particularly in the GEF-SGP thematic areas, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English and/or French, as well as the national language of Rwanda, is required. Knowledge of additional UN languages is considered an advantage, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse context of UNDP operations.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kigali, Rwanda, and involves a matrixed reporting structure to both the Resident Representative and the SGP Regional Programme Specialist. The incumbent will have access to necessary resources, including a workstation and reliable internet connection. 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 multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions.