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 committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP 

Iraq is recognized as one of the most affected countries by the harmful effects of climate change. Iraq ratified the Paris Agreement on January 14, 2021. In October 2021, the Government of Iraq (GoI) signed their first National Determined Contribution (NDC), which has been presented at the COP26. The Government of Iraq has requested UNDP support in implementation of the NDC, including through capacity development, advisory for sectoral planning and formulation of related strategies, frameworks, and instruments. 

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 offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in UNDP's Strategic Plan.

UNDP is an accredited Implementing Agency for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Trust Fund and the family of funds such as the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF), and the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBBF). As an Implementing Agency, UNDP offers countries highly specialized services for eligibility assessment, project formulation and due diligence, co-financing mobilization, implementation oversight, results management and evaluation, and knowledge management.

Iraq faces significant environmental and public health risks associated with persistent organic pollutants (POPs), hazardous chemicals, obsolete pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), unintentional POPs (UPOPs), industrial POPs (IPOPs), and chemically contaminated sites. Previous assessments identified substantial quantities of obsolete pesticides and potentially PCB-contaminated electrical equipment and highlighted significant technical and institutional capacity gaps in chemicals and contaminated-sites management.

The Government of Iraq is a Party to major international chemicals and waste conventions, including the Stockholm, Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata Conventions. Iraq has previously developed a National Implementation Plan (NIP) under the Stockholm Convention; however, the existing NIP requires updating to reflect newly listed POPs, improved inventories, updated risk information, institutional developments and current national priorities.

The Integrated Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Chemical Hotspots Management Project, therefore adopts an integrated approach combining:

  • strengthening the national framework for POPs and hazardous chemicals management;
  • updating the national POPs inventories and National Implementation Plan;
  • strengthening laboratory, inspection, monitoring and institutional capacities;
  • environmentally sound management and disposal of obsolete pesticides;
  • management and disposal/phase-out of PCB-contaminated equipment, oils and waste; and
  • assessment and remediation planning for priority chemical pollution hotspots.

The project comprises three components. Component 1 focuses on improved management of POPs and hazardous chemicals; Component 2 focuses on high-risk POPs in the agriculture and power sectors; and Component 3 addresses chemical pollution hotspots and contaminated sites.

Implementation will require extensive technical assistance, consultancy services, procurement of laboratory and field equipment, hazardous waste management services, capacity building, site assessments, remediation planning and policy/regulatory development.

The project will be implemented by UNDP through an Output Agreement with the Ministry of Environment. The Project Manager will therefore be the principal day-to-day focal point for implementation and coordination within the project management structure.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Manager will directly report to the Programme Specilaist with matrix reporting to the chief technical specialist of the Environment, Energy and Climate Change (EECC), UNDP Iraq. The position holder will be part of a dynamic team of national and international experts working on policy advocacy, capacity building, innovation and sharing best practices with national stakeholders on climate change, environmental management and POPs and Chemical Hotspots Management.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide Strategic Technical Direction and Leadership

  • Lead strategic planning for the project as well as formulation and periodic revisions of the project’s annual work plan (AWP), including plans for budget, HR and procurement that are developed in close coordination with UNDP’s Country Office Programme, HR, and Procurement teams. Lead development of detailed implementation plans. 
  • Lead the provision of high-level strategic and technical guidance to the project, ensuring alignment with UNDP corporate priorities, donor requirements, national development frameworks, and relevant international commitments.
  • Advise UNDP management and project stakeholders on emerging technical issues, risks, opportunities, and strategic approaches to enhance project impact, sustainability, and policy relevance.
  • Oversee the overall technical quality of project outputs, deliverables, studies, assessments, and knowledge products to ensure compliance with international standards and best practices.
  • Provide leadership in the identification, design, and implementation of innovative technical solutions and approaches that support the achievement of project objectives and intended outcomes.
  • Guide the integration of cross-cutting issues, including gender equality, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, human rights, and capacity development, into project planning and implementation.
  • Support adaptive management by recommending strategic adjustments based on implementation progress, lessons learned, and changing contextual circumstances.
  • Provide direction, guidance, and direct supervision to UNDP project personnel. Undertake technical review of project documents produced by the project team and partners, and ensure high technical standards are met. 
  • Ensure proper execution of all administrative activities associated with project implementation, including mobilizing goods and services, preparing Terms of Reference, completing contracting processes, recruiting/selecting consultants and experts, and managing financial arrangements/transactions and their correct authorization.
  • Identify opportunities for synergies with other projects within UNDP and beyond, to advance the key objectives and grow its focus. 

Lead Technical Quality Assurance and Programme Oversight

  • Provide technical review and quality assurance of project work plans, technical reports, procurement specifications, Terms of Reference, training materials, policy products, and other project deliverables.
  • Ensure that project activities are implemented in accordance with approved project documents, UNDP rules and regulations, donor requirements, and national priorities.
  • Support the technical teams in maintaining high standards of project delivery, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Review technical outputs developed by consultants, contractors, service providers, and implementing partners and provide recommendations for improvement where necessary.
  • Ensure consistency and coherence across project components and interventions to maximise results and avoid duplication of efforts.
  • Provide technical support to the implementing partners and act as a liaison between UNDP and the partners. 
  • Support resource mobilization efforts and project development.

Support Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Facilitate technical dialogue and collaboration between UNDP, government institutions, development partners, academia, civil society organisations, and private sector stakeholders. 
  • Provide technical advice and support to implementing partners to strengthen ownership, coordination, and effective project implementation. 
  • Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships, resource mobilisation, and collaboration that can enhance project sustainability and scale-up successful interventions. 
  • Represent the project and provide technical inputs during meetings, workshops, consultations, conferences, and policy dialogues as required.

Monitor and report on progress in implementing project activities and achieving the targets set.

  • Provide leadership and technical advice to the project in developing baselines and indicators for project monitoring and evaluation and coordinate the finalization of detailed results framework. Develop clear strategies and an effective system for data collection, means of verification, and information sharing and reporting. 
  • Lead the implementation of project monitoring, evaluation, and results framework to identify plan deviations and other problems; and make needed course corrections within agreed upon tolerances to achieve results. Conduct field visits as required to verify project activities relative to stated targets and provide regular field updates to UNDP management. 
  • Lead the development and conduct of mid-term and annual reviews, and end line assessment; and coordinate the conduct of independent evaluations. Organize project review and evaluation meetings. Follow up on the implementation of decisions, recommendations, and course corrections.
  • Manage and monitor project risks, including social and environmental risks, initially identified and submit new risks to appropriate project governing bodies for consideration and decision on possible actions. 
  • Coordinate the preparation of corporate, donor and government reports in line with the reporting schedule and UNDP and donor requirements. Ensure provision of ad hoc reports and information requested by relevant entities. 
  • Ensure proper operational and financial closure of the project.

Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic areas.

  • Provide technical guidance for the development and refinement of project indicators, monitoring frameworks, and reporting tools.
  • Review project progress and results regularly and provide recommendations to address implementation challenges and improve performance.
  • Contribute to the documentation of lessons learned, good practices, case studies, and knowledge products to support institutional learning and replication of successful approaches.
  • Lead and support capacity-building initiatives, technical trainings, workshops, and knowledge-sharing activities for project staff, government counterparts, and stakeholders.
  • Promote knowledge exchange and contribute to relevant communities of practice, technical networks, and learning platforms.

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

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 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

2030 Agenda: Planet

  • Nature
    • Environmental Governance: Global Environmental Governance

Finance

  • Budget Management
    • Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.

Business Direction & Strategy

  • Effective Decision Making
    • Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources.
  • Negotiation and influence
    • Reach an understanding, persuade others, resolve points of difference, gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue, negotiate mutually acceptable solutions through compromise, and create win-win situations.

Business Management

  • Project management
    • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals.
  • Risk management
    • Identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Minimum Education requirements

  • Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Natural Resources Management, Development Studies, Project Management or a relevant related field is required, OR
  • A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) in the above fields in combination with two additional years of relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree

Minimum years of relevant work experience

  • Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible professional experience at the national or international level in environmental management, chemicals and waste management, climate change and biodiversity, natural resources management, environmental safeguards, environmental policy and governance, and project management is required.

Required skills

  • Demonstrated experience in project management, preferably in environmental, chemicals, hazardous waste, climate, natural resources or sustainable development projects.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary teams and consultants.
  • Experience managing projects involving Government institutions and international development partners.
  • Proven Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, and experience in handling web-based management systems

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

  • Experience in working, liaising, and collaborating with UN agencies, governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and public international organizations.
  • Proven knowledge of capacity building theory and capacity building/assessment methodologies

Required Language(s)

  • Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic is required.

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.

Data Privacy

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