National Coordinator, GEF Small Grants Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address development challenges. The organization focuses on various areas, including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and sustainable development. UNDP has a workforce of over 17,000 employees and collaborates with numerous partners to implement projects that promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for people around the world. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) is one of the initiatives under UNDP, aimed at providing financial and technical support to community-based projects that address global environmental issues.

Job Overview:
The National Coordinator for the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) will play a pivotal role in overseeing the implementation of the SGP at the country level in Papua New Guinea. This position requires a strategic leader who can manage the SGP Country Programme team, ensuring effective collaboration and communication among team members and stakeholders. The National Coordinator will be responsible for developing and managing the Country Programme Strategy (CPS), ensuring alignment with national environmental priorities and the GEF focal areas. The role involves supervising the SGP Programme Associate/Assistant, managing grant allocations, and maintaining financial integrity within the programme. The National Coordinator will also facilitate knowledge management, resource mobilization, and partnerships to enhance the visibility and impact of the SGP. This position is crucial for driving community-based initiatives that contribute to biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable livelihoods.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure effective management of the SGP Country Programme team by supervising the SGP Country Programme Associate/Assistant, promoting teamwork, and implementing annual work plans with strategic initiatives.
• Oversee programme/portfolio development and management by staying informed about national environmental concerns, managing grant allocations, and ensuring adherence to SGP Standard Operating Procedures.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, including donors and civil society organizations, to mobilize resources and support project-level partnerships.
• Facilitate knowledge management and communication by documenting lessons learned, best practices, and supporting capacity building for grantees.
• Ensure monitoring and progress controls are in place to assess the impact of the SGP programme and projects, aligning with national strategies and the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Perform administrative tasks related to procurement and travel as required for programme implementation.

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. 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. Desirable criteria include progressively responsible experience in project or programme management at international or national levels, proven experience in managing UNDP programmes, and knowledge of GEF-SGP thematic areas.

Educational Background:
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 is required. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields, combined with additional qualifying experience, will also be considered.

Experience:
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. Desirable experience includes project or programme management at international or national levels, managing UNDP programmes, and working in sensitive environments requiring collaboration with multiple stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in a UN language and the national language of Papua New Guinea is required. Knowledge of additional UN languages is an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, and involves full-time engagement. The role may require travel within the country for project monitoring and stakeholder engagement. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and adheres to strict standards against harassment and discrimination.