Technical Specialist, Partnerships and Policy

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, sustainable development, and climate change, aiming to empower lives and build resilient nations. UNDP is committed to fostering partnerships with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to achieve its goals and support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Technical Specialist will serve as a pivotal figure in the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI), focusing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This role involves acting as the national focal point for the CAFI secretariat, facilitating communication and coordination between the government and implementing organizations. The Technical Specialist will lead the development and implementation of CAFI programs, ensuring alignment with national and regional initiatives. This position requires a strategic approach to stakeholder engagement, promoting synergies across various programs and initiatives to maximize impact. The specialist will also be responsible for synthesizing lessons learned and best practices to inform strategic communications and program development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage CAFI's country engagement process in DRC, coordinating with relevant officials and stakeholders.
• Drive stakeholder engagement efforts, identifying opportunities for strategic dialogue and partnership development.
• Facilitate dialogue and advocacy mechanisms, supporting country engagement with multilateral and regional initiatives.
• Prepare and coordinate background materials and documentation for strategic dialogues and meetings.
• Identify innovative opportunities to strengthen synergies between existing initiatives.
• Support the implementation of CAFI's engagement process, including policy dialogue and partnership agreements.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop engagement plans and actor mapping.
• Oversee the development of milestone monitoring matrices and organize annual partnership reviews.
• Support executive management of the CAFI Secretariat, ensuring effective communication and coordination among programs. 1
• Provide top-quality advisory services and facilitate knowledge management, establishing advocacy networks and supporting policy advisory services.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in Environment, Ecology, Forestry, Business Management, Law, Economy, or related field is required.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the mentioned areas combined with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in natural resource management, development economy, and/or climate change policy in Central Africa is required.
• Demonstrated work experience in partnership agreements and programming modalities of the UN or other development institutions is required.
• Proven experience with political engagement with government counterparts and managing complex multi-stakeholder processes is desired.
• Fluency in both French and English is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in relevant fields such as Environment, Ecology, Forestry, Business Management, Law, or Economy. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in these areas, combined with additional qualifying experience, will be considered. This educational background is essential to ensure the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively engage in policy dialogue and program management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience for candidates with a Master’s degree, or 7 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. This experience should be in the fields of natural resource management, development economy, or climate change policy, specifically within the context of Central Africa. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in partnership agreements and programming modalities, as well as familiarity with development assistance policies and procedures. Experience working with senior-level development partners and managing multi-stakeholder processes is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is strong communication skills in these two languages to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of a tiered application process, with specific eligibility criteria based on the applicant's current employment status within UNDP or related organizations. The role is expected to involve significant collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and the private sector. The position may require travel within the DRC and potentially to other countries in the region for stakeholder engagement and program implementation. UNDP is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply.