Office/Unit/Project Description
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. In this context, UNDP invests in its 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 UNDP’s 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. BPPS staff provide technical advice to Country Offices, advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represent UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private, government and civil society dialogues, and engage in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas.
UNDP’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan highlights our continued support countries’ progress towards high human development, while protecting the planet. Four strategic objectives – prosperity for all, effective gov- ernance, crisis resilience and healthy planet – define its strategic direction, powered by three accelerators: digital and AI transformation; gender equality; and sustainable finance. All are underpinned by a commitment to human rights and to leaving no one behind. The Strategic Plan sharpens the focus on what UNDP does best: supporting systemic change, through integrated development solutions driven by national priorities.
No sustainable development is possible without a healthy planet. UNDP is a leading connector at the nexus of plan- et and development, delivering integrated solutions to the challenges of climate change, disasters, biodiversity loss, energy, chemicals and waste, while advancing development priorities on governance, prosperity and resilience. UNDP aims to translate global commitments - under the Paris Agreement, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, Montreal Protocol and other international agreements - into effective local action. We support countries to assess their options for achieving just and sustainable transitions and harness new ideas to tackle the financing challenge.
The Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) is a unique blended finance vehicle dedicated to coral reefs globally. Hosting both a Grant Fund and an Investment Fund, the GFCR is designed to scale financial solutions and blue economic transition that bolsters the resilience of coral reefs and the communities that depend on them. In more than 20 coral nations, GFCR focuses on incubating and scaling financial interventions and enterprises that address local drivers of coral reef degradation, unlock conservation funding flows, and increase communities’ adaptive capacities. Supported solutions include waste treatment and recycling facilities, coral reef insurance, sustainable aquaculture and agriculture, ecotourism enterprises, blue carbon credits, and sustainably financed Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
The GFCR Coalition is a public-private partnership driven by Member States, UN Agencies, financial institutions, philanthropies, impact investors and organisations. The GFCR Coalition includes more than 20 coral nations, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation; Prince Albert II Monaco Foundation; Minderoo Foundation; the Governments of Germany, France, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom; the Green Climate Fund; Pegasus Capital Advisors; Builders Vision; Bloomberg Philanthropies; the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF); the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) and the Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP).
Through the Fund, capital will be leveraged to help developing countries mobilize the resources they need to meet their coral reef commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. The Fund will support business models that can sustainably finance key conservation and development goals for coral reefs via two initiative windows. Technical assistance, capacity development, monitoring, and evaluation are provided via the grant window using grants and concessional finance, while the investment window generates de-risked investment capital to maximize the impact of projects supported by the grant window.
UNDP is a founding partner of the GFCR. Drawing on relevant knowledge and resources from within UNDP – and working with a range of third-party delivery partners – the UNDP team is responsible for delivering a comprehensive set of activities and outcomes in support of the continued implementation of GFCR’s strategy and mission, including production and adaptive management of the GFCR investment strategy and plan, strategic finance and knowledge partnerships, knowledge management, and development and monitoring of GFCR policies, reporting, standards, and guidance. In addition, the team is responsible for providing technical advice and oversight for UNDP GFCR programmes in Fiji, Maldives, Papua New Guinea, Jordan and Egypt, with other programmes in the pipeline.
The Technical Specialist for Coral Reef Ecosystems & Finance works under the overall supervision of the UNDP Senior Technical Specialist for Ocean Finance & SIDS, who directs UNDP’s engagement with the Global Fund for Coral Reefs.
Scope of Work
The Technical Specialist (TS) for Coral Reef Ecosystems & Finance is primarily responsible for providing technical, policy, and programming implementation support across UNDP’s global GFCR project and wider GFCR portfolio, and delivering related knowledge, capacity development and solution sharing services. The TS will support UNDP’s engagement with the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, including management of UNDP’s GFCR global project and programme portfolio, the development and implementation of the REEF+ Knowledge Management and Learning programme (including a GFCR platform hosted by UNDP) and related fundraising. The TS is expected to support and oversee UNDP´s work with key partners in the coral reefs arena including UN agencies, governments and inter-governmental organizations, NGOs, donors (bilateral, IFI, foundations), the private sector and other stakeholders. Overall, the TS will support the UN Global team managing the GFCR with the implementation and achievement of the GFCR Strategic Plan.
Innovation, Strategic Leadership, Policy Dialogue and Advocacy
- Contributing to a strategic understanding of, and engagement with, the substantive technical issues, institutions and processes related to UNDP’s coral reefs and biodiversity finance portfolio, including establishing contact and developing partnerships with other agencies, donors, NGOs, the private sector, financial institutions, scientific institutions, etc.
- Providing policy development support and guidance to country offices and governments, especially in coral nations
- Supporting the development of strategic UNDP policy position papers and internal briefing notes relevant to SIDS, coral nations and innovative finance
- Facilitating policy analysis and the development of technical tools and guidance
- Maintaining trusted relationships with country offices, government and non-governmental partners in coral nations
- Regularly updating senior management on trends and issues related to coral reef finance and related topics
- Briefing the UNDP GFCR Executive Board member in advance of each board meetings, including the preparation of materials, and providing ad hoc briefings where necessary.
- Participating in and presenting during GFCR Executive Board meetings and Technical Working Groups.
Portfolio Management
- Managing the day-to-day delivery of all aspects of the UNDP GFCR global project with supervision of the Programme Associate, Knowledge Management and Learning Analyst, and related contractors
- Providing technical advice to UNDP-led GFCR programmes under development and implementation, in coordination with the Senior Programme Specialist.
- Advising the GFCR Secretariat on the implementation of GFCR policies across the Fund’s portfolio of programmes and interventions.
- Advising country offices, governments and other constituencies on issues related to the conservation and management of coral reef ecosystems; the establishment, effective management, and sustainable financing of Marine Protected Areas; blended and innovative financing approaches and private sector engagement for scaled up solutions; and integrated coastal management, particularly in coral nations.
- Assisting in the maintenance of the Planet Hub’s information and corporate information systems in relation to UNDP’s coral reefs portfolio.
- Facilitating the identification and sourcing of technical expertise and support, including assisting with the preparation of TORs, identification, and evaluation of experts, and reviewing reports.
Resource Mobilization and Portfolio Development
- Proactively contributing to strengthening donor relationships and raising funds for UNDP’s coral reefs portfolio, including grant funding as well as, via partnerships, private equity, and debt financing for bankable investment opportunities.
- Representing UNDP and GFCR in relevant events and facilitating UNDP senior management engagement in key events.
- Supporting programme and project identification and development, including integrated approaches and multifocal area projects.
- Facilitating the process of preparation, design, submission, and approval of programme/project concepts and full-fledged proposals for financing.
- Providing guidance and support in the identification and sourcing of technical expertise and support, including assisting with the preparation of TORs, identification, and evaluation of experts, and reviewing reports.
- Facilitating liaisons with potential financing agencies and institutions.
Development Impact
- Leading the overall implementation and demand-led updates of the GFCR REEF+ platform and programme of work including the development of capacity development and exchange programmes, maintenance of communities of practice, and the curation of partner/solutions profiles.
- Support the Senior Programme Specialist to advance the global GFCR partnership with the UNDP Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN).
- Support the Senior Programme Specialist to advance the development of a global GFCR GEF partnership including the integration of GFCR into the GEF8 Blue & Green Islands Integrated Programme as well as the development of a standalone GEF project to support GFCR access to SIDS and LDCs.
- Preparing reports and communications pieces effectively showcasing socio-economic development benefits of UNDP and GFCR programmes as well as environment results.
Learning, Knowledge Management and Self Development
- Evaluating, capturing, codifying and synthesizing lessons, and stimulating the uptake of best practices and knowledge relating to coral reef finance.
- Peer reviewing, commenting on, and seeking to improve the technical quality of Planet Hub and GFCR programmes and projects, policies, practices, guidelines, advisory notes, publications, etc.
- Supporting the preparation and delivering of training courses and events.
- Responding to queries on programme and project progress, impacts and lessons.
- Developing and carrying out a personal learning plan.
Institutional Arrangement
- The Technical Specialist – Coral Reef Ecosystems & Finance will report to the UNDP Senior Technical Advisor for Ecosystems & Biodiversity.
- The Technical Specialist will be given access to relevant information necessary for the execution of the tasks under this assignment.
- The Technical Specialist will be responsible for providing her/his own workstation (i.e. laptop, internet, phone, scanner/printer, etc.) and must have access to reliable internet connection.
- Given the global consultations to be undertaken during this assignment, the Technical Specialist is expected to be reasonably be flexible with his/her availability for such consultations taking into consideration different time zones.
- The Technical Specialist will engage regularly with the supervisor by email and Skype on a weekly and/or as needed daily basis.
- The Technical Specialist shall submit to the Supervisor a monthly progress report on the status of the implementation of tasks.
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 (Insert below standard sentence if the position has direct reports.)
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
2030 AGENDA: PLANET Nature
Ecosystems and biodiversity
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Customer Satisfaction/Client Management
‡ Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs.
‡ Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy.
‡ Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests.
‡ Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Project management
‡ Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 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 internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Resource management
‡ Ability to allocate and use resources in a strategic or tactical way in line with business needs and priorities and principles of accountability and integrity
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 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 on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance 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 an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks.
‡ Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Partnership 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.
Minimum Qualifications and Competencies of the Successful IPSA
Min. Academic Education
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or higher) in marine science, environmental sciences, and in economics or business studies with a specialization in environment and development, or other closely related fields.
A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the said fields with an additional two years of qualifying professional experience will be given consideration in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Min. years of relevant Work experience
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience (or 9 years with bachelor’s degree in lieu of master’s degree) working with developing countries in the field of marine and coastal area conservation, management and financing.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience with conceptualizing and developing internationally financed projects and programmes.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience working with/in SIDS and/or coral nations in the policy development and implementation processes associated with coral reef conservation.
Desired additional skills
- Demonstrable experience in working across different disciplines and connecting natural resource issues with the sustainable development agenda.
- Demonstrable experience in working on conservation finance.
- Experience working with multilateral, bilateral and/or regional environmental funds.
- Experience in establishing and/or maintaining strategic and long-term partnerships.
- Experience with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Green Climate Fund (GCF) and/or GFCR is an advantage
- Experience in direct project management and guiding project implementation and management an advantage
- Working experience in an international organization is an advantage as is knowledge of UNDP policies, procedures and practices
Required Language(s) (at working level)
- Excellent knowledge of the English language, with exceptional writing, presentation, and communication skills
- Working knowledge of French or Spanish an asset
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.
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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