Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

  • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
  • Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
  • Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
  • Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Office/Unit/Project Description 

Somalia’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems are globally significant but face increasing pressures from climate change, land degradation, overexploitation, and biodiversity loss. The UNDP-supported project aims to restore degraded ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity protection, enhance community resilience, and promote sustainable natural resource governance.

Somalia lies within the Horn of Africa Biodiversity Hotspot and the East African Coastal Forest Biodiversity Hotspot, supporting globally significant terrestrial and marine ecosystems. These ecosystems provide essential services, including carbon sequestration, water regulation, coastal protection, and food security.

The project will support an inclusive government-led legal process for establishing protected areas (PAs), including assessments, consultations, and gazettal. The process will prioritize community-led approaches that integrate statutory, customary (Xeer), and religious governance systems to build a robust institutional foundation. Restoration and improved management of rangelands, forests, and coastal areas will strengthen ecosystem resilience and local livelihoods.

Scope of Work 

1. Project Leadership and Implementation Management

  • Lead the overall planning, coordination, and implementation of the Protected Areas Project, ensuring timely, high-quality, and results-oriented delivery in line with the Project Document, national priorities, and UNDP/GEF frameworks. 
  • Supervising project personnel and partners, managing procurement and contracts, facilitating governance structures (Project Board and Technical Committees), and applying adaptive management to address implementation challenges and risks.
  • Coordinate actions with relevant ministries, local authorities, and stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of project activities.
  • Provide technical guidance and support to project staff and consultants to ensure quality outputs.

2. Operations, Procurement and Contract Oversight

  • Ensure efficient management of project operations, including preparation of TORs and technical specifications, procurement of goods and services, and supervision of contractors and consultants. 
  • Maintain quality assurance of deliverables and ensure compliance with UNDP operational policies and procedures.
  • Oversee procurement and contract management to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.

3. Financial Management, Audit and Co-financing Oversight

  • Oversee financial planning, execution, and reporting, ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with approved budgets. 
  • Review and validate financial requests (including FACE forms), monitor expenditures, track co-financing 
  • commitments, identify budget variances, and facilitate audits, spot checks, and financial reviews in compliance with UNDP and GEF requirements.
  • Manage project budgets, ensure compliance with UNDP financial rules and donor requirements.
  • Prepare regular financial and narrative reports for internal and external stakeholders.

4. Monitoring, Reporting and Results Management

  • Lead implementation of the project monitoring and evaluation framework, ensuring effective tracking of progress against results frameworks and GEF Core Indicators. 
  • Prepare high-quality progress reports, including PIR, inception, quarterly and annual reports, and ensure timely submission of project revisions and amendments.
  • Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation systems to assess project progress and impact.
  • Compile and submit project reports, including annual and final reports, incorporating lessons learned and recommendations.
  • Support independent evaluations and audits as required.

5. Knowledge Management, Safeguards and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Promote knowledge management by documenting lessons learned and disseminating project results. 
  • Ensure implementation of environmental and social safeguards (including Gender Action Plan and stakeholder engagement frameworks), facilitate inclusive stakeholder participation, support communication and visibility, and integrate learning into adaptive project management.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Manager will report to the Portfolio Manager and supervise the colleagues in the Project

Competencies

       

Core
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 the benefits of a diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management 

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies  

Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Management Project Management Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
Business Management Partnerships Management Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
Business Management Results-Based Management Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
Business Direction & Strategy Negotiation and Influence Reach a common understanding/agreement, persuade others, resolve points of difference through a dialogue, negotiate mutually acceptable solutions and create ’win-win’ situations.
Business Direction & Strategy Systems Thinking Use objective problem analysis and judgment to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall system.
2030 Agenda: Partnerships Private Sector Engagement Ability to identify, conduct outreach, and manage relationships with the private sector

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Min. Education requirements
  • Advanced university degree (master´s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Biodiversity, Natural Resource Management, or related field is required, or
  • A first-level university degree (bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Min. years of relevant work experience 
  • A minimum of 5 years (with a Master's degree) or 7 years with (Bachelor's degree) of experience managing large-scale environmental or conservation projects. 
Required   skills 
  • Proven experience in leadership, team management, and donor relations.
  • Experience with UNDP/GEF procedures.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
  • Experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and diverse funding sources.
  • Experience with UNDP policies, procedures, and tools, including FACE financial instruments.
  • Experience working with government agencies, donors, and UN organizations in project implementation.
  • Experience with biodiversity conservation frameworks, protected areas management, and sustainable resource use.
  • Experience in procurement, financial and administrative management in donor-funded projects.
Required Language(s) 
  • Fluency in English and the Somali language is required.
Professional Certificates  

Equal 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. 

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. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.