Project Coordinator - Biodiversity And Landscape

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ethiopia is implementing the GEF-8 Wildlife Conservation for Development Integrated Program. This project aims to address critical biodiversity loss drivers, including habitat degradation and human-wildlife conflict, by enhancing protected area management, promoting sustainable landscape practices, and restoring degraded ecosystems. The role sits within the Crisis Resilience unit.

Job Purpose

The Project Coordinator will lead field-level implementation of biodiversity conservation initiatives within Ethiopia, ensuring alignment with ecological priorities and technical standards. This role involves developing and executing scientifically robust data collection and monitoring methods, generating technical outputs for decision-making, and identifying/addressing ecological risks. The coordinator will also design and deliver capacity-building activities for partners and field personnel, ensuring all interventions comply with national strategies and GEF/UNDP requirements. A key aspect is integrating gender-responsive approaches and fostering collaboration with government, NGOs, and local communities to achieve sustainable conservation outcomes and enhance wildlife economies.

Responsibilities

Lead field-level implementation of biodiversity conservation projects, ensuring adherence to ecological priorities and technical standards. Apply expertise in conservation, protected area management, species monitoring, and habitat restoration. Develop and implement scientific methods for data collection, ecological assessments, and monitoring, producing reports and GIS maps. Provide technical input for progress evaluation and risk management. Design and deliver training for implementing partners and field staff, documenting lessons learned. Ensure technical interventions align with national strategies and GEF/UNDP requirements, integrating gender-responsive approaches. Collaborate closely with project management, government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to ensure effective program integration and stakeholder engagement.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years (with Master's) or 7 years (with Bachelor's) of relevant experience in biodiversity and landscape management, including 3 years in project coordination, is required. Experience in financial management, working with diverse stakeholders (communities, government, NGOs), managing donor-funded projects, and developing capacity-building programs is essential. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools is necessary.

Skills

Biodiversity conservation, protected area management, species monitoring, habitat restoration, project planning and coordination, data collection and analysis, ecological assessment, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, financial management, report writing, public speaking, Microsoft Office proficiency, working in remote locations.

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