Institutional Support and Capacity Building Specialist [Open to internal and external applicants]

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.

The Central African region is home to the second largest tropical rainforest in the world, is sucking out about 1.5 billion tons of CO2 of the atmosphere or 4% of the world’s emissions every year and provides a habitat to more than 10,000 plant and animal species. Forest loss is accelerating despite ongoing efforts, as government action alone has not been enough to establish an effective balance between the interests of the forest and of economic development. On this basis, a coalition of donors – the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Norway, the Republic of France, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Korea – together with Central African partner countries – Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Gabon – have decided to enter into a collaborative partnership to establish the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI). 
CAFI’s objective is to recognize and preserve the value of the forests in the region to mitigate climate change, reduce poverty, and contribute to sustainable development. This objective will be attained through the implementation of country-led, national scale REDD+ and Low Emissions Development (LED) investment frameworks that include policy reforms and measures to address the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation and promote sustainable development. The CAFI Trust Fund is the principal means to implement the Central African Forest Initiative. It is administered by the MPTF-O, that also provides the Secretariat services. The Congo Basin, home to over 200 million hectares of tropical forest, represents one of the world’s most vital carbon sinks and biodiversity reservoirs. Sadly, the region continues to experience alarming rates of forest loss. Over one million hectares of forest is lost annually, driven by small-scale agriculture, infrastructure expansion, and unsustainable logging practices. Despite its ecological and climate significance, Central African forests receive only 11% of forest climate financing worldwide. This deforestation not only undermines global climate goals but also threatens the livelihoods of over 75 million forest-dependent communities.

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Chief Policy Dialogue and Country Engagement.

5.    Competencies 
Expected Demonstration of 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

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Forestry, Climate Change, Natural Resource Management, Public Policy, Law, Public Administration or a related field, 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 the advanced university degree.

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.

Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in coordination of institutional/political engagement and capacity building activities to high-level and multi-stakeholder platforms, preferably involving national and local government agencies, CSOs, and Donors.
Required skills and competencies   

 •    Experience working in the development sector particularly working with international organizations, national and local government agencies.
•    Experience with development and/or improvement, and implementation of fiduciary management systems for funding engagement of interested Parties.
•    Experience in developing capacity building programs for government partners.
•    Experience in working with the United Nations, including its policies and procedures pertaining to partnership engagement.
•    Experience with accreditation to vertical funds or national execution of development programs (either multi or bilateral experience)

  •    Experience in land use, forests, climate projects.
•    Relevant experience in the Congo Basin region.
•    Experience in organizing training, organizational development, and strategic planning 
•    Proven experience managing partner and stakeholder relationships at the national or international level.
•    Demonstrated experience of budget management, work planning, monitoring, and reporting.

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. 

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.

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