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.

BACKGROUND

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.

Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan.  The Crisis Bureau (CB) guides UNDP’s corporate crisis-related strategies and vision for crisis prevention, response and recovery. The Bureau has the responsibility for support to prevention, crisis response, resilience and recovery work under the auspices of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. As part of the Global Policy Network (GPN), the Crisis Bureau works in an integrated manner with UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) ensuring that issues are fully integrated into UNDP’s development programmes. 

The UN Global Early Warnings for All Initiative spearheaded by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to ensure everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027 is co-led by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). UNDP is an implementing partner of the Initiative through its existing projects and programmes, particularly the GCF Multi-Country Project on Early Warnings for All (EW4All). The EW4All is to be implemented in 7 countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Cambodia, Chad, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, and Somalia in partnership with their respective governments and with WMO, UNDRR, International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the International Federation for Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The Early Warnings for All Initiative is structured into four pillars: 

  1. Pillar 1. Disaster risk knowledge and management: Ensuring all countries have access to reliable, understandable and relevant risk information, science and expertise (led by UNDRR).
  2. Pillar 2. Detection, observation, monitoring, analysis, and forecasting: Ensuring all countries have robust forecast and monitoring systems (both soft and hardware infrastructure) and enabling policies to support optimization and sustainability of hazard monitoring and early warning systems (led by WMO).
  3. Pillar 3. Warning dissemination and communication: Using a people-centered approach to ensure that early warnings are effectively and timely disseminated to reach everyone, especially those most at risk (led by ITU).
  4. Pillar 4. Preparedness and response capabilities: Ensuring local governments, communities and individuals at risk have the knowledge and means to take pre-emptive early actions to prepare for and respond to incoming disasters upon receiving warnings (led by IFRC).

UNDP is playing the role of the Executing Agency for the project that will be delivered through its Two technical Outputs along with a Third Output focused on Project Management. 

The project’s technical Outputs are the following: 

Output 1: Enhancing enabling conditions globally and regionally to promote country-level actions towards the EW4All goals through the implementation of 3 activities: 

  • Activity 1.1: Enhanced Coordination and Technical Support for EW4All Implementation
  • Activity 1.2: Strengthened M&E to support EW4All Implementation
  • Activity 1.3: Strengthened knowledge management and lessons learned

Output 1 will be delivered in full coordination with the EW4ALL Pillar Leads who will act as Responsible Parties for the Project as per the project document. This work will be developed under the guidance of the Global Project Manager. 

Output 2: Accelerating actions in the countries of Antigua and Barbuda, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Chad, Ecuador, Fiji and Somalia towards EW4All through the delivery of the following country level activities

  • Activity 2.1: Strengthened Governance and Coordination
  • Activity 2.2: Disaster risk knowledge and observations
  • Activity 2.3: Warning dissemination, preparedness and response

This Output will be delivered by UNDP through its respective country offices with the support of national and subnational governments as well as national and international agencies (including pillar leads). Action on the ground will be led by a national project management unit that will be coordinated under the guidance of the Global Project Manager. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSABILITIES

This position is specifically intended to lead on the management and coordination of the EW4All Project multi-country project and its objectives. Ensuring a coherent implementation of the project in coordination with the project’s Responsible Parties, national implementation units and UNDP’s Country Offices, while also ensuring its support as part of the larger EW4All SG Initiative. 

The Global Project Manager provides the direction of project activities, ensures the achievement of project targets and results, plans project activities and inputs, and manages the day-to-day implementation of the project and supervises project experts and personnel. The Global Project Manager EW4All will be a Management Specialist, supervising a Global Management Unit. 

S/he works in close collaboration with the UNDP Regional Technical Advisors on Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) for LAC, Asia Pacific, Africa and UNDP’s Global Chief Technical Advisor for EW4All (global), keeping them abreast of project progress and issues. S/he also liaises closely with UNDP Programme and Operations Teams and maintains effective working relationships with project donors; Pillar Leads and National Project Managers.

Ensure the direction of project activities and the achievement of project targets and results, by focusing on the following results:

  • Develop a project strategy for its implementation in accordance with the project’s objectives included within the Project Document and approved Funding Proposal, ensuring a coordinated and coherent approach. 
  • Develop project annual work plans (AWP) and quarterly work plans in close consultation and collaboration with the Pillar Leads and participating COs for both project outputs, ensuring that these align with global level annual targets. 
  • Establish and implement a project monitoring and reporting system that includes global level annual and cumulative targets based for Output 1 and consolidate national level targets for Output 2. The project’s monitoring system should be based on the project logical framework and approved monitoring plan to ensure reporting on both global and country level activities for the two outputs can be streamlined and consolidated at the global level. The monitoring system should establish a clear reporting line to ensure that that project reporting is up to date. 
  • Develop and monitor project budget with the support of the Global Project Associate while ensuring the timely implementation of AWP activities and the achievement of the project result; 
  • Organize Project Board meetings twice a year to present the project’s strategic direction, its progress, issues and risks of the project and to seek an approval from the Board for the Annual Work Plan; ensure timely preparation of agenda, background materials and minutes of the Board Meetings;
  • Oversee and coordinate formulation and execution of detailed implementation plans, procurement and human resources, communication and risk management plans for the Project; 
  • Identify bottlenecks in project implementation and keep the UNDP abreast of the issues and develop solutions;
  • Establish adequate monitoring procedures and systems throughout project activities in close collaboration with the Pillar Leads and respective CO teams;
  • Immediately escalate issues with potential to impact UNDP´s effectiveness, financial soundness or reputation to the UNDP Global Advisor on CCA.

Ensure day-to-day management of the project, by focusing on the following results:

  • Carry out the following elements of project management with technical input/support from the Chief Technical Advisor and other members of the Global PMU:
    1. Annual work planning
    2. Annual budgeting
    3. Procurement of goods and services
    4. Budget and expenditure monitor and analysis
    5. Contractual management
    6. Quarterly and annual progress reporting
    7. Quarterly operational reporting
  • Ensure the appropriate use of project funds as well as the consistent application of UNDP rules and regulations while carrying out the project management activities described above;
  • Establish formal reporting channels by identifying focal persons for communication and coordination with the Pillar Leads and COs. The latter will comprise the respective country Project Managers and Chief Technical Advisors.
  • Ensure proper and timely implementation of activities and reporting by the responsible parties engaged in the project.
  • Develop terms of references and work specifications for all contractors’ work; monitor the work of consultants for local contractual management in coordination with the Procurement Officer and Admin/Finance Officer;
  • Develop and review concept notes and reports, including back to office and field reports, for all project personnel including PMU, support staff and experts on the advisory team; monitor the work of personnel in coordination with the Procurement Office and Admin/Finance Officer;
  • Supervise and manage project personnel; establish performance objectives and standards, and ensure timely and appropriate feedback, guidance and support for optimum performance;
  • Collect information on technical, financial, political, operational and management situations on the ground that affect the project implementation, and support the CTA in carrying out risk assessments;
  • Monitor project risks and implement risk mitigation measures, jointly with the CTA; update the risk and mitigation measures at the Project Board meetings;
  • Ensure that the Environmental and Social Management Plan, Stakeholder Engagement Plan and the Gender Action Plan are adhered to during the project implementation; If not, immediately inform the relevant UNDP CO and the Global Advisor CCA and jointly identify/discuss solutions;
  • Coordinate and facilitate all independent project evaluations and audits. Contribute to the audits and evaluations by providing relevant data and documents, facilitate field visits and meetings with relevant agencies by the auditors and evaluators. 
  • Provide inputs to audit management responses; implement audit recommendations for the project;
  • Coordinate and prepare the Annual Performance Report to the GCF as well as ad hoc thematic and substantive reports/analysis/briefs;
  • Implement project communications activities in close collaboration with the UNDP Communications Specialist while identifying key lessons learned relevant for UNDP and development practitioners;
  • Maintain the results-management systems including Quantum project management module. Track milestones, deliverables, and outcomes for the project as per the project log-frame, consolidating the reports from Pillar Leads and participating COs.
  • Provide quarterly updates on progress, challenges, and achievements for the project. Identify and communicate project risks and status of delivery to the Project Steering Committee.
  • Support the Global Advisor in drafting communications to the GCF, Pillar Leads, Project Steering Committee, and other UN offices as needed. This includes preparing summaries, notes to file, presentations, briefs, and talking points related to the project. 

Ensure and coordinate provision of high-quality technical advice and building of partnerships:

  • Ensure, with support from the CTA, that technical outputs are produced according to plans and up to highest technical standards; review and clear technical outputs for quality;
  • Establish, maintain and facilitate strategic dialogue between participating UNDP-COs, Pillar Leads and Government officials among host countries at both national and local levels, in project´s areas of work;
  • Advocate UNDP with the partners and stakeholders;
  • Provide inputs to UN coordination platforms including the global dashboards being operated by the Pillar Leads and participate in meetings, as requested.
  • Establish Technical Working Groups at the global level, with focal persons who are experts in relevant areas of project interventions, drawing from the Pillar Leads and within the UNDP.
  • Liaise with UNDP COs and in-country partners on project activities, specifically ensuring coordination between the Pillar Leads and COs on their respective outputs.
  • Organize regular coordination meetings between the Pillar Leads, COs and relevant partners. This includes meetings with Technical Working Groups.
  • Organize and lead meetings with stakeholders and partners.
  • Provide regular updates to regional/ global EW4All meetings of partners.
  • Organize regular Project Steering Committee Meetings, providing regular updates on delivery (physical and financial) of project activities, results, risks and mitigation measures. 

Ensure communications with UNDP and relevant partners about progress, future plans and issues of the project

  • Maintain communications with the partners (Pillar Leads, the UNDP CB and BPPS, participating UNDP COs and host governments) about progress, future plans and issues of the Project;
  • Organize formal or informal briefing sessions with the partners, as needed, to inform them of any minor changes in the implementation plan, needs for adaptive management, and emerging risks;
  • Act as the window for any environmental or social grievances from local communities in the host countries;
  • At the request of the Project Steering Committee and partners, prepare ad hoc communication materials to inform the progress of the Project.
  • Ensure that the Project systematically builds capacities of host country governments through introduction of innovation and best practices, access to knowledge and expertise and promote their application to project implementation;

Communications, Learning and Knowledge Management:

  • Support overall Communications and Knowledge Management of the project, including the development and implementation of a Communication and KM Strategy and yearly action plans; 
  • Oversee evaluation, capturing, codification, synthesis of lessons and stimulating the uptake of best practices and knowledge, including the development of knowledge materials;
  • Peer reviews, comments on, and seeks to improve communications and knowledge management materials; 
  • Contributes to the global Community of Practice on EWS4All and sharing knowledge with relevant countries;
  • Liaises with relevant partners, COs and other UNDP teams to integrate knowledge management. 
  • Ensure capturing and dissemination of lessons learnt during project implementation and coordinate with national partners for wider dissemination;
  • Facilitate the Project’s or participation in international knowledge networks to draw on and share best practice and lessons learned

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangements

  • The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the UNDP Global Lead Climate Information and Early Warning Systems Advisor. He/she will collaborate in a responsive and pro-active manner with all technical specialists under the PIM as well as teams in the UNDP Regional Hubs, Country Offices, Headquarters, and counterparts within responsible parties and partners.
  • The incumbent will work remotely from his/her home-base. 
  • The incumbent will be given access to relevant information necessary for the execution of the tasks under this assignment. 
  • The incumbent will be responsible for providing his/her own workstation (i.e. laptop, internet, phone, etc.) and must have access to reliable internet connection. 
  • Given the global consultations to be undertaken during this assignment, the incumbent is expected to be reasonable flexible with his/her availability for such consultations taking into consideration different time zones. 

COMPETENCIES

  • 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 benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management 

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

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL & TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

Business Direction & Strategy

  • System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
  • Effective Decision-Making: Take decisions in a timely and efficient manger in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.

Business Management

  • Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
  • Communication: Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internal-ly and externally, through media, social media and other ap-propriate channels
  • Risk Management: Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks
  • Operations Management: Ability to effectively plan, organise and oversee different parts of corporate operations, simultaneously and in an inte-grated way, in order to convert the organisation’s assets into the best results in the most efficient way. Knowledge of rele-vant concepts and mechanisms.

2030 Agenda: Planet

  • Climate: Climate change Adaptation: Climate Information and Early Warning Systems (CI & EWS)

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Climate Change, International Development, Environment or Natural Resource Management, Public Policy and/or Administration is required, or
  • A first-level university degree (Bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree.

Required skills and competencies

  • Minimum 7 years (with master´s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor´s degree) of professional experience in international development organizations, NGOs, and/or bilateral development cooperation agencies.
  • At least 3 years of experience in project management and/or project coordination.
  • Proven experience in developing analytical and capacity building content like reports, training materials/ packages in the area of preparedness.
  • Experience working on global programs and projects.
  • Proven experience in communications and knowledge management in the area of preparedness (e.g. setting up and overseeing knowledge management systems; developing and delivering public presentations; drafting blogs, vlogs/ videos, or social media)?
  • Experience in disaster preparedness, and disaster risk reduction more broadly.
  • Experience with early warning systems.

Desired skills

  • Experience working with environmental vertical funds such as the GEF/ GCF/ AF.
  • Experience developing/implementing long term financial sustainability strategies.
  • Experience managing cross-functional, globally distributed teams across multiple time zones and cultural contexts. 
  • Experience with UN Agencies and international organizations working on disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation and resilience.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in English is required;
  • Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desired.

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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