Background
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP Cambodia Country Office (CO) works in partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC), non-government organizations, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, multilateral aid agencies, bilateral donors, and the private sector to accelerate the achievement of Cambodia Sustainable Development Goals (CSDGs) and other national development priorities as set out in the Pentagonal Strategy for realizing the national vision 2050. ย
In Cambodia, the UNDP Country Programme Document 2024-2028 (CPD) identified three transformational shifts as priority for support during the next 5 years. The first shift is toward an economic growth model that accelerates inclusive growth, economic diversification, and human development. The second shift involves championing just energy transition, climate action and nature-based solutions as the foundation for national wealth, well-being, and resilience to shocks. The third shift is towards strengthening institutions, civic space, and participation as enablers for inclusive growth, access to rights and equal opportunities for all, whilst ensuring that the society at large is using the full potential of digital transformation. The CPD is aligned to national priorities and policies, particularly Cambodiaโs vision 2050 and the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1 2024-2028.ย
ย
The Circular Economy Portfolio is built on a foundation of multi-sector partnerships involving government, private sector, civil society, and international development actors. Guided by the UNDP's Signature Solution on the Environment, UNDP will continue collaborating with the Ministry of Environment (MoE). Other key government partners include the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MISTI), among others, who lead government efforts in policy development, green finance, and innovation. Collaboration extends to international organizations like the FAO, UNCDF, and UNEP, as well as private sector partners such as Coca-Cola, Chip Mong, and garment industry associations. The portfolio also engages with local communities and civil society groups to foster civic participation and awareness-raising efforts. UNDP with these partners will explore new sustainable financing options, management of non-tax revenues, green value chains, establishment of impact standards, and increase public awareness of the importance of ecosystem services. These initiatives will promote community-based management, advocate for nature-based solutions, and support sustainable livelihoods to ensure long-term sustainability while fostering a sense of ownership. These partnerships leverage the strengths of each stakeholder, aligning financial, technical, and policy resources to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. The combined efforts create an integrated framework for policy implementation, market growth, and behavioural change across sectors.
ย
Duties and Responsibilities
This Project Coordination Officer supervises a Project Assistant and reports to the Project Management Specialist for daily operations and quality assurance for the project implementation. For the project implementation, the incumbent works closely with the relevant ministries and partners for the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of project activities.ย
The Project Coordination Officer will perform assignments under the overall guidance of the Project Management Specialist and ensure the successful and effective implementation of projectsโ activities in coordination with UNDP CO and BRH Regional staff and Government officials, development partners, the private sector, as well as civil society organizations.
Perform day-to-day management /coordination of the projects:ย
Develop an annual work plan and budget and ensure that the proposed activities are aligned with overall project objectives, country programme and strategic plan;ย Coordinate the execution of the work plan to achieve the targets, including working with the teams to implement and achieve the targets;ย Monitor the implementation of the activities by partners, and provide guidance and inputs to them as required;ย Coordinate and contribute to the preparation of reports and other documents, writing up demarcated sections and editing overall to ensure structural sequencing and flow;ย Coordinate and contribute to periodic project reporting processes by producing timely progress reports, both internal and external as per UNDP and donorsโ requirements;ย Develop term of reference for all required consultancies and personnel, and participate in the recruitment processes;ย Coordinate with different teams to prepare Letters of Agreement, Memorandum of Understanding, Low-Value Grants, etc.;ย Contribute to the preparation of Board meetings and other meetings relevant to the socio-economic policy advisory and advocacy initiatives, contribute to preparation of minutes and other documentation, and ensure that recommendations made by the Project Board are addressed;ย Coordinate evaluations, audits and spot-checks, as needed.Coordinate activities among partners and other stakeholders:
Contribute to providing substantive inputs relating to the CE portfolio to UNDP and the project team, and to strengthen and scale up the partnership with key Government counterparts;ย Foster/enhance collaboration with Government bodies by building synergies and complementarities with Government counterparts and national partners;ย Contribute to seeking and identifying additional partnership and financing opportunities and prepare concept notes, funding proposals, donor briefings and presentations in support of resource mobilization to advance UNDPโs and the project goals;ย Mobilize, foster and strengthen strategic partnerships with the private sector, private foundations and other multilateral and bilateral organizations to advance and support the projectsโ objectives;ย Establish strong ties to and with national programmes, and relevant sectoral strategies, priorities and plans.Monitoring and evaluating activities of the projects/initiatives under the CE portfolio:
Ensure procurement planning and implementation, and close budget and financial monitoring of all activities of the projects;ย Set monitoring and evaluation priorities in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations;ย Contribute to the identification and monitoring of related risks/issues facing the project;ย Evaluate all relevant components of project deliverables, and the final product to ensure donorsโ requirements, high quality and client acceptance; Maintain close coordination with relevant line ministries, CSOs, donors, UN agencies, UNDP regional centre and headquarters, and others on all aspects of the project implementation; Contribute to seeking and identifying additional partnership and financing opportunities and support the resource mobilization.Facilitating knowledge management and sharing:
Ensure regular assessment of strategy, implementation, and action plans to identify key areas for improvement and guide future project plans;ย Exercise sound judgment in all project communications, ensuring they meet the needs of different audiences including government and private sector stakeholders, etc.;ย Manage stakeholder expectations and participate in communication activities to inform stakeholders of progress and issues;ย Establish and maintain a friendly internal communication system to ensure smooth communication among and between the project partners;ย Lead the process of knowledge creation and dissemination related to national, regional, and global know-how in the areas of project focus, including sustainable development;ย Help build the knowledge base, data, and support analytics to deliver a socio-economic policy and operational case to the Government;ย Contribute to the development and maintenance of the programme knowledge networks and practices and development of knowledge products; andย Participate in meetings with donors, governments, and national and international forums.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
ย
Competencies
Core Competenciesย
Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning Adapt with Agility: ย LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision makingย ยCross-Functional & Technical competenciesย
Business Direction & Strategy
Business Management
Results-based Management: Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools. Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals. Partnerships Management: Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies. Monitoring and Evaluation: Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.Finance
Budget management: Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (masterโs degree or equivalent) in Development Studies, Environment, Economic Development, Political Science, Sociology, or related fields is required; or A first-level university degree (bachelorโs degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. Educational background directly related to the project's subject area of waste management, plastics management and circular economy will be an added advantage.ยExperience:
Applicants with a masterโs degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a bachelorโs degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in project coordination, monitoring, and reporting is required. Working experience in coordinating multi-stakeholders, development initiatives, government counterparts, UN, and donor agencies; Solid experience in project management including design, implementation, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects. Working experience directly related to the project's subject area of waste management, plastics management and circular economy will be an added advantage; Demonstrated ability to communicate and deal effectively with partners including government, academia, civil society, private sector, UN and other development donors to address the relevant issue and to ensure the greater impact of the projects/ programmes; Good understanding of waste management and challenges in Cambodia; Demonstrated knowledge and experience in business modalities and the circular economy would be value-added. ยRequired Languages:
Fluency in Khmer and English is required.Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.ย
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
ย