Project Officer - Innovation in Sustainable Design
Organizational Context
The Danish Egyptian Dialogue Initiative (DEDI), hosted by UNDP Egypt, is a four-year program (2025-2028) focused on innovation and green transition. It fosters dialogue between Denmark and Egypt on climate, circular economy, and sustainable development. DEDI implements activities across three components: innovation in sustainable design, green environmental literacy for youth, and youth dialogue on climate and security. UNDP provides technical, operational, and administrative support, including grant management and partnership development.
Job Purpose
This Project Officer role supports the effective implementation of the Danish Egyptian Dialogue Initiative (DEDI) in Egypt, specifically focusing on Component 1: Innovation in Sustainable Design. The purpose is to provide technical support, foster partnerships, and coordinate program activities related to youth, innovation, green transition, and entrepreneurship in design sectors. The role contributes to developing innovative programs, supporting youth-led businesses, and managing partnerships to ensure DEDI's activities align with the Danish Arab Partnership Programme and Egypt's green transition agenda, ultimately driving continuous learning and program improvement.
Responsibilities
Provide technical support and advisory for program activities related to innovation in sustainable design, youth, entrepreneurship, and the green transition. Coordinate and implement program activities, including developing annual work plans and designing program concepts for bootcamps, ideation cycles, and showcase events. Lead calls for proposals, support the development of youth-driven business models, and manage project risks. Cultivate and coordinate partnerships with universities, innovation hubs, SMEs, and other organizations in Egypt and Denmark. Oversee contractual agreements, financial tracking, and procurement processes. Facilitate collaboration and showcase opportunities for youth innovators. Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) by refining indicators, tracking KPIs, and preparing reports. Facilitate knowledge management, communication, and the application of innovative approaches to program delivery.
Work Experience
A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience (with a Master's degree) or 4 years (with a Bachelor's degree) is required. Experience should be at the national and/or international level in project/programme coordination, implementation, stakeholder engagement, partnerships management, and development programming, preferably in areas related to sustainable development, youth, innovation, or the green transition. Experience with international organizations is desirable.
Skills
Core Competencies: Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, Enable Diversity and Inclusion. Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies: Strategic Thinking, System Thinking, Knowledge Facilitation, Project Management, Communication, Relationship Management. Demonstrated experience in program design, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and reporting. Strong knowledge in sustainable development, innovation, youth, entrepreneurship, and green transition. Experience in international stakeholder engagement and partnership development.