Programme Specialist - Environment and Climate
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) operates globally to reduce poverty, inequality, and promote sustainability. In Gabon, UNDP focuses on the country's significant role in the Congo Basin's forests and its commitment to low-carbon development. Key initiatives include the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) and the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), supported by partners like the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The UNDP Gabon Environment and Climate portfolio addresses climate governance, sustainable urban transformation, waste management, and nature-positive development, providing strategic advice to the government.
Job Purpose
This role supports the implementation of UNDP Gabon's Environment and Climate portfolio, contributing to project management, technical advisory services, resource mobilization, and knowledge management. The UN Volunteer will work closely with government counterparts, donors, and civil society to advance projects related to climate governance, sustainable urban transformation, waste management, and nature-positive development. A key responsibility will be managing the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), coordinating activities and supporting the development of its roadmap. The position aims to strengthen national capacities, ensure project compliance, and foster partnerships for environmental protection and sustainable development in Gabon.
Responsibilities
The UN Volunteer will support the Environment and Climate portfolio by ensuring timely project delivery, managing the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Secretariat, and assisting with project governance mechanisms. Responsibilities include developing and monitoring work plans, budgets, and procurement plans, as well as managing risk registers and ensuring compliance with UNDP policies and donor agreements. The role involves providing technical advice for stakeholder engagement and capacity building, supporting project monitoring and reporting, and serving as a focal point for UNDP's Social and Environmental Standards. Additionally, the volunteer will contribute to technical advisory services on environment, climate, and waste management policies, support resource mobilization efforts by identifying partners and opportunities, and contribute to knowledge management by documenting lessons learned and disseminating project outcomes.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required, including experience in designing, implementing, or monitoring environment, climate change, waste management, or natural resource management projects, particularly those funded by donors. Experience in policy formulation, stakeholder engagement, and providing technical assistance to governments and civil society is essential. Experience in proposal development and resource mobilization is also required. Work experience in the African context and with international development organizations is considered an asset.
Skills
Key competencies include strong programme/project management, planning, and results-based reporting skills. Excellent communication, diplomacy, and interpersonal skills are essential. Proficiency in proposal development and resource mobilization is required. Knowledge of climate finance, carbon markets, or circular economy is desirable. Core values include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, building trust, integrity, judgment, decision-making, knowledge sharing, leadership, planning, organizing, professionalism, and teamwork.