Background
UNDP is the UN's knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development and serves as an integrator for collective action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDPโs policy work spans deep local knowledge to global advocacy. To this end, UNDP invests in its Global Policy Network (GPN), a field-based and global technical expertise network supporting signature solutions and organizational capabilities outlined in UNDPโs Strategic Plan.
UNDP's 2022-2025 Strategic Plan reaffirms its commitment to eradicating poverty, supporting SDG pathways, and advancing the Paris Agreement. Within the GPN in the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP's Nature, Climate Change, Energy, and Waste Hubs promote integrated governance approaches and nature-based solutions. These initiatives aim to reduce poverty and inequalities, strengthen livelihoods and inclusive growth, mitigate conflict and displacement, and enhance resilient governance linked to peace and security.
UNDP is collaborating with the Japanese Embassy to support a Government of Zimbabwe to enhance resilience in the aftermath of the El-Nino induced drought of 2023-2024 through a project in Chivi and Mwenezi. The project aims to enhance food security and resilience in rural communities by addressing key agricultural challenges. It will focus on increasing production of drought-resistant grains and resilient crops to improve food security in drought-prone areas of Chivi and Mwenezi districts, Zimbabwe. To combat crop losses of up to 40% from red-billed quelea birds (Quelea quelea), the project will deploy innovative crop protection technologies. Additionally, novel techniques will improve soil water retention and crop nutrition, boosting yields during dry spells and enhancing agricultural efficiency. The project will also strengthen smallholder farmers' resilience by improving climate adaptation capacity, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and supporting community-driven resilience initiatives to ensure sustainable food security.
Duties and Responsibilities
Ensure Effective Project Administrationย
Oversee the subcontracted NGO (Responsible Party) to ensure efficient and effective project implementation. Ensure adherence to project objectives, timelines, and quality standards. Provide technical and managerial support as needed. Monitor NGO performance and recommend necessary capacity-building interventions. Facilitate communication between UNDP, Responsible and Implementing partners. Work closely with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development ย and the Responsible Party to ensure alignment with national policies and strategies.Ensure Project Financial Management
Monitor project budgets and ensure compliance with financial regulations. Oversee financial reporting and liaise with finance teams. Ensure efficient resource allocation and financial accountability. Support financial tracking for the implementing NGO and other partners.Provision of technical guidanceย
Provide technical guidance on project activities related to climate resilience and food security, especially the SHEP Approach that is aimed at Market-Oriented Agriculture. Ensure the integration of climate-smart agricultural practices and sustainable farming techniques. Oversee the adoption of innovative crop protection and soil enhancement techniques. Collaborate with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development to implement best practices and policy recommendations.Reporting, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Communications and Knowledge Sharingย
Work closely with the M&E Officer to track progress and impact. Develop progress reports, presentations, and documentation for stakeholders. Ensure alignment with UNDP's reporting requirements and national development frameworks. Develop and implement a communications strategy to share project outcomes with stakeholders, donors, and the public. Prepare success stories, policy briefs, and newsletters to highlight key achievements and lessons learned. Ensure visibility of project activities through media engagement, social media updates, and public outreach campaigns. Ensure project reports capture results, lessons learned and good practices for possible wider application.ยCoordinate Data Collection and Analysis:
Coordinate with the M&E Officer to gather and analyze project data. Use data insights to inform decision-making and project adjustments. Ensure data-driven evaluation of project outcomes, providing evidence-based recommendations. Liaise with the Ministry to integrate project findings into broader agricultural policies.Ensure Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination:
Foster strong relationships with government entities, particularly the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development. Engage with local authorities, community leaders, and farmer groups to ensure inclusive participation. Actively engage in stakeholder meetings, workshops, and policy dialogues.Facilitate Project Steering Committee Meetings:
Organizing and facilitating Project Steering Committee meetings, ensuring timely preparation and distribution of meeting agendas, minutes, and action points. The PSC will meet quarterly to: Review project progress and key performance indicators; Address implementation challenges and provide strategic direction; Ensure alignment with national policies and sectoral priorities; Enhance coordination among stakeholders and promote synergies with related initiatives; Approve work plans, budgets, and any necessary project adjustments.Ensure Supervision of Implementing NGO:
Oversee the subcontracted NGO responsible for project implementation; Ensure adherence to project objectives, timelines, and quality standards; Provide technical and managerial support as needed; Monitor NGO performance and recommend necessary capacity-building interventions.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization
Institutional Arrangementย
The Project Coordinator will work under the overall supervision of the Nature, Climate, and Energy Team Leader at UNDP. The Coordinator will also report to the relevant focal point in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development to ensure alignment with national policies and sectoral priorities. The Project Coordinator will also work closely with the M&E Officer, who will each dedicate 50% of their time to the project. This role requires proactive leadership, strategic coordination, and a commitment to sustainable development outcomes.ย
The Project Coordinator will be responsible for ensuring compliance with UNDP policies, procedures, and operational guidelines, including procurement, financial management, risk assessment, and environmental and social safeguards. The Coordinator will also facilitate collaboration between UNDP, government partners, and the implementing NGO, ensuring that project activities align with UNDPโs quality standards and sustainability principles.
Regular progress meetings will be conducted with UNDP and the Ministry to review project implementation, address challenges, and ensure adaptive management approaches. The Project Coordinator will also contribute to knowledge sharing and lessons learned to support UNDPโs broader portfolio on climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.
Competencies
Core Competencies
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact; Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems; Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences; Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands; Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results; Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration; Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.Functional/Technical competencies
2030 Agenda: Planetย ย
Administration & Operations
Events Management (including retreats, trainings, and meetings): Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc.Administration & Operationsย
Travel Policy and Procedures:ย Knowledge of travel policy and procedures; ability to interpret travel policy, the Staff Rules, administrative circulars and financial regulations and rules on travel- related matters.ยPartnership Managementย
Private sector resource mobilization:ย Ability to identify, develop and manage partnerships that leverage private sector technical expertise and resources.Finance
Financial Planning and Budgeting: Ability to create and manage processes to achieve UNDP's long and short-term financial goals, including through planning, budgeting, forecasting, analyzing and reporting.Procurement
Procurement Management: The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source.Business Direction and Strategyย
System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.ยRequired Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree ( Masterโs degree or equivalent ) in Agricultural Management/Agricultural Economics/Finance, or a closely related field is required. A first-level university degree (bachelorโs degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.Experience:
Minimum of 5 years (with masters degree) or 7 years (with bachelorโs degree) of ย relevant experience, preferably in the implementation of environment/biodiversity/natural resources management projects is required.Requiredย skills:
Demonstrated experience in supervising and leading teams is required.ย Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling web-based management systems is required. ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ยDesired additional skills
Proven track record of sound knowledge in environmental or biodiversity related policies is highly desirable;ย Experience in supervising technical assessments, reports and technical documents is desirable;ย Previous UN/International organization experience or similar setting will be an added advantage;ย Experience in budget formulation, review and implementation at project level is desirable; Prior experience with UNDP projects would be an asset.ยLanguage Requirements:
Fluency in English and Shona or Ndebele is required.ยEqual 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.
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