Technical Specialist [open To Internal And External Applicants]

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Papua New Guinea focuses on environmental protection and climate change adaptation, prioritizing sustainable natural resource management and climate resilience. This role supports key projects funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aiming to strengthen marine conservation, enhance governance, and promote sustainable economic activities in coastal and marine areas.

Job Purpose

This Technical Specialist role is crucial for advancing sustainable resource management and climate resilience in Papua New Guinea's marine and coastal areas. The position will provide strategic technical leadership and advisory services to national and sub-national stakeholders, ensuring effective project implementation and policy alignment. The role involves designing and leading high-impact local economic development interventions, fostering strategic partnerships, and driving knowledge management to achieve lasting environmental and socio-economic benefits for coastal communities and contribute to global climate and biodiversity goals.

Responsibilities

Provide authoritative technical guidance and thought leadership to stakeholders on project implementation and policy alignment. Lead the integration of scientific and technical knowledge into program design, ensuring coherence with national priorities. Oversee collaboration with sub-national partners and co-financing agencies, and guide strategic communication and knowledge dissemination. Provide technical oversight for community-level programming and ensure compliance with environmental, gender, and social safeguard frameworks. Design and lead local economic development interventions, including inclusive value chains and green enterprise development. Supervise technical staff and consultants, and manage project risks. Lead the identification and cultivation of partnerships with government, donors, private sector, and civil society. Represent the project in strategic forums and contribute to resource mobilization efforts. Lead capacity-building initiatives and drive knowledge capture from field implementation.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive experience in marine or natural resources management, or blue economy-related projects is required with a Master's degree. Seven years of experience is required with a Bachelor's degree. Experience with computers, office software, and web-based management systems is necessary.

Skills

Core Competencies: Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, Enable Diversity and Inclusion. Technical Competencies: Working with Evidence and Data, Customer Satisfaction/Client Management, Communication, Monitoring and Evaluation, Business Direction & Strategy (System Thinking), Event Management, Partnership Management (Relationship management).

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