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 is carried out through a network of advisors and specialists located at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, to ensure that local knowledge and context specific expertise is linked to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. UNDP's 2026-2029 Strategic Plan highlights our continued commitment to eradicating poverty, accompanying countries in their pathways towards the SDGs and working towards the Paris Agreement. Built around four core objectives—prosperity for all, effective governance, crisis resilience, and a healthy planet—the plan is powered by three accelerators: digital and AI transformation, gender equality, and sustainable finance. UNDP promotes and scales up integrated whole-of-governance approaches and nature-based solutions that reduce poverty and inequalities, strengthen livelihoods and inclusive growth, mitigate conflict, forced migration and displacement, and promote more resilient governance systems that advance linked peace and security agendas.
    
UNDP multi-country office in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam provide technical assistance, policy, and technical advisory services to the Governments of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam in their efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), in partnership with development partners, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society. In Malaysia, UNDP’s programme priorities and partnerships are defined and operationalized through the Country Programme between the Government of Malaysia and UNDP to support and contribute to the development priorities and results envisioned in the 5-year Malaysia Plan. Malaysia is currently implementing several projects (with public sector partners) that support the 13th Malaysia Plan, which focused on driving inclusive, high-value and sustainable growth through technology, regional equity, social wellbeing, and environmental resilience under the Ekonomi MADANI framework.

At the core of the Country Office’s work is the Nature, Climate and Energy (NCE) portfolio, the largest programme portfolio in UNDP Malaysia’s Country Office. It encompasses a broad portfolio encompassing biodiversity and ecosystems, climate adaptation and mitigation, energy transition, environmental management, ozone protection, sustainable commodities, natural resource management and nature finance. Under the Country Programme Document 2026–2030, the portfolio supports integrated approaches to sustainable development, with an emphasis on diversifying funding sources, operationalizing innovative financial instruments and strengthening partnerships across government, the private sector, civil society and communities.

The Project Manager will provide comprehensive programme management and implementation support for assigned projects within the Nature, Climate and Energy (NCE) portfolio, encompassing nature and biodiversity, climate adaptation and mitigation, energy transition, ozone protection and environmental finance. The role will coordinate work planning, budgeting, procurement and recruitment, financial monitoring, risk management, results reporting and partner engagement to ensure timely delivery and accountability. The Project Manager will also support project formulation and resource mobilization, including the preparation of GEF project documents and other donor proposals, ensuring evidence-based design and alignment with national priorities and applicable donor requirements. The role will promote collaboration and knowledge exchange across NCE thematic areas and with other programme and operations units within the Country Office, identifying opportunities for integrated programming, shared expertise and coordinated delivery. Project assignments may span thematic areas and evolve according to portfolio priorities and workload.

Under the overall guidance of Head of Unit in Nature, Climate and Energy, the Project Manager is responsible for the overall strategic management of the project. This includes overseeing all phases from initiation to completion and ensuring high-quality, accurate work that supports effective delivery of the CO programme in line with UNDP rules and regulations. The Project Manager works closely with operations, programme, and project teams in the CO to exchange information and resolve implementation issues. The Project Manager will also contribute actively to assignments within the expanding portfolios of projects under the thematic pillar unit, in line with the incumbent performing other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the office.

Duties and Responsibilities

a) Ensure Effective Project Development, Planning, Management and Implementation

  • Contribute to the development and management of the Project in terms of expansion of the project and project management;
  • Under the guidance of the UNDP Head of Unit and in coordination with the National Project Directors and portfolio leads, oversee the implementation of project outputs and activities as outlined in the approved project document;
  • Conduct regular risk assessments, including financial, operational, social and environmental, compliance, reputational, and stakeholder risks; coordinate mitigation and response measures, monitor their effectiveness, and escalate issues requiring management decisions;
  • Oversee financial management across assigned projects, monitoring expenditure, commitments, advances and liquidation against approved budgets, work plans and annual delivery targets, and coordinating timely financial reporting and follow-up with implementing partners;
  • Ensure that UNDP-specific policies, rules, and processes (e.g., annual work plan, budgeting, finance, procurement, audit, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, etc.) are fully complied with according to the deadlines set. These include:
    • Preparation and submission of  annual work plans and budgets with annual outputs and activities, results-based indicators, and targets 
    • Preparation and monitoring of overall and annual project procurement plan
    • Development of terms of reference for technical services, consultants/experts, and specification of equipment/materials as required by the project, in consultation with the UNDP Head of Unit, the Project Technical Advisor, and implementing partners
    • Leading the preparation and submission of Quarterly Progress Reports, Mid-year Progress Reports, Annual Project Reports, Project Implementation Reviews, and Final Project reports to UNDP and donors, as applicable to each project. Maintenance of complete project documentation and records for procurement, Midterm Review, Terminal Evaluation, audit, project assurance activities, and knowledge management
    • Track implementation milestones, dependencies and delivery bottlenecks across assigned projects, escalating issues requiring management decisions and following up on agreed corrective actions.
    • Follow-up on audit and evaluation recommendations, and coordination of project closure, handover and sustainability arrangements.
    • Ensure that social and environmental safeguards, gender equality and inclusive participation are integrated into project planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting. Monitor and manage project risks, and apply adaptive management including corrective and adaptive measures in project implementation.

b) Establish Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization

  • Develop new and maintain existing partnerships with a view to resource mobilization for effective project development and the achievement of the project’s objectives: Establish and maintain close working relationships with stakeholders, advocate UNDP’s comparative advantages with the corresponding programme, initiatives, and projects; and ensure project visibility;
  • Assess programme interests and priorities of key donors and development partners, support the development and/or update of CO Partnership and Resource Mobilisation Strategy;
  • Identify opportunities and areas for UNDP support, and mobilise resources from, but not limited to, the private sector, bilateral or multilateral donors, development partners, and financial institutions;
  • Develop opportunities, partnerships, and initiatives that can expand the scope, resources, and impact of the project, in consultation with the UNDP Head of Unit, the Project Technical Advisor, and implementing partners.

c) Provision of Technical Review Services

  • Provision of technical support services in the development of outputs/knowledge products and design of project activities, including monitoring and evaluation;
  • Review and contribute to all outputs and deliverables produced under the project;
  • Analyze and aggregate project results/outputs and report project progress at the objective and outcome level;
  • Review and ensure technical soundness and cost-effectiveness of project activities;
  • Develop and implement capacity-building activities aimed at government counterparts, civil society groups, media, and relevant stakeholders;
  • Support the formulation of Global Environment Facility (GEF) Project Identification Forms (PIFs), CEO Endorsement/Approval packages and other donor proposals across the NCE portfolio, ensuring evidence-based project design, sound technical foundations, alignment with national priorities, and compliance with applicable donor requirements and international standards;
  • Formulate a framework for data sharing among stakeholders.

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

  • Ensure effective facilitation of knowledge building and management, guidance to all stakeholders on project management, operational, and technical matters focusing on the attainment of the project indicators;
  • Undertake regular exchange of information/experience with other projects, cross-learning, and sharing results and good practices;
  • Contribute to written inputs of UNDP flagship products/newsletter/policy brief knowledge networks and communities of thematic practice based on project results, data and information, lessons learned, and best practices;
  • Capture lessons learned during project implementation and document these in the context of developing a wider communications strategy about the project and its achievements, to facilitate dissemination within UNDP, stakeholders, and potential partners;
  • Participate in regular internal progress meetings, including with project stakeholders;
  • Participate in training events, communities of practice, as well as codify and share knowledge;
  • Promote collaboration and knowledge exchange across thematic areas and with other programme and operations units within the Country Office, identifying opportunities for joint initiatives, shared expertise and coordinated delivery.

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

Competencies

Core competencies:

  • Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
  • Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
  • Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
  • Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
  • Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
  • Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction and 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.

Business Development

  • Knowledge Generation: Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new 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 reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risk
  • Monitoring & Evaluation: Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

Partnership Management

  • Relationship Management: Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding

2030 Agenda: Planet

  • Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Specialized knowledge of terrestrial and marine biodiversity, conservation concepts, landscape management, and global frameworks (CBD, GBF).

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Biology, Forestry, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Policy, Economics, Engineering, Business Administration, Renewable Energy, Natural Sciences, Public Administration, International Relations or a related field is required, or;
  • A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the subject areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

  • Minimum 2 years (with master's degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in managing and implementing development initiatives/projects is required.

Required skills:

  • Demonstrated project management experience including risk management;
  • Experience in monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, and results-based reporting, including strategic management;
  • Experience leading and managing outputs and activities in all phases of project management involving multiple partners and stakeholders;
  • Proven field experience in development and implementation initiatives/projects either at national, sub-national/state, local, or community levels.

Desired Skills:

  • Experience with UNDP or other UN Agencies is desired;
  • Experience managing SDG-related projects, including environmental projects relevant to the NCE portfolio is an added advantage;
  • Experience managing multiple projects or complex programmes, including planning, budgeting, procurement, financial monitoring and results reporting is desired;
  • Experience assessing and mitigating project risks, and integrating gender equality, social inclusion and environmental safeguards is desired;
  • Experience supporting environmental policy or strategic planning or translating priorities into programmes, and contributing to resource mobilization and donor proposals is desired;
  • Experience with donor-funded project reporting and accountability; building partnerships; coordinating multidisciplinary teams; addressing implementation challenges; and communicating results is desired;
  • Familiarity with GEF, Adaptation Fund or comparable mechanisms is an asset

Required Language(s):

  • Fluency in English and Malay 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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