National Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's lead agency on international development, established to help eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience to climate change and disasters. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, with a mission to assist countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UNDP Multi Country Office in Jamaica has been active for 50 years, serving programming in The Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and Turks and Caicos Islands. UNDP's work is focused on four main areas: Social Resilience and Inclusion, Citizen Safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Rule of Law, Climate Change Resilience, and Sustainable Natural Resource Management. The organization has a significant portfolio aimed at advancing the green transition and addressing climate change challenges, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Job Overview:
The National Coordinator will play a pivotal role in overseeing the implementation of the Small Grants Programme (SGP) at the country level. This position requires a strong leader who can manage the SGP Country Programme team, ensuring effective teamwork and collaboration with various stakeholders, including the National Steering Committee and UNDP Country Office team. The Coordinator will be responsible for preparing and implementing annual work plans, managing the SGP grant allocations, and ensuring adherence to operational guidelines. The role also involves engaging with civil society organizations and local communities to promote project concepts that align with SGP's strategic initiatives. The National Coordinator will be expected to monitor and evaluate the SGP Country Programme and projects, ensuring that they contribute to the overall mission of UNDP and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Coordinator will report to both the Assistant Resident Representative and the SGP Regional Programme Specialist. Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the implementation of the SGP at the country level, including direct supervision of the SGP Programme Associate/Assistant.
• Promoting effective teamwork within the SGP Country Programme team and with other stakeholders.
• Preparing and implementing annual work plans with strategic initiatives and targets.
• Managing the SGP grant allocations and ensuring financial integrity.
• Organizing stakeholder workshops and project development sessions.
• Monitoring ongoing SGP grant projects and providing technical support to grantees.
• Establishing partnerships with stakeholders and promoting the visibility of the SGP.
• Documenting lessons learned and best practices for knowledge management.
• Ensuring compliance with procurement rules and regulations. 1
• Reporting periodically on programme implementation status and undertaking evaluations of the SGP Country 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. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience will be considered. Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in managing environment/natural resource management projects at national or local levels, or 4 years with a bachelor’s degree. Proficiency in using computers and office software packages is required, along with experience in handling web-based management systems. Experience in project or programme management at international or national levels is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes 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, Business Administration, or a related field. 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 with a Master’s degree or 4 years with a Bachelor’s degree in managing environment/natural resource management projects or initiatives. Candidates should have progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, particularly in international development contexts. Experience in managing and evaluating international development programmes, especially in GEF-SGP thematic areas, is highly desirable. Proven experience working with multiple stakeholders, including NGOs, CSOs, and government entities, is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in the UNDP Multi-Country Office in Kingston, Jamaica. The incumbent will have a matrixed reporting line to the Assistant Resident Representative and the SGP Regional Programme Specialist. The role involves supervision of the SGP Programme Associate/Assistant and requires access to relevant information and resources for effective task execution. The position emphasizes the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and adherence to UNDP's operational guidelines and standards.