Small Grants Programme Assistant [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.

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in 177 countries and territories, UNDP offers global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.”

UNDP Timor-Leste's Country Programme Document (CPD) for 2026-2030 sets a vision for sustainable and inclusive development. The programme focuses on empowering vulnerable populations, reduces rural poverty, and builds resilience to climate change and disasters. It addresses structural barriers to socio-economic participation, prioritizing women, youth, and marginalized rural communities, while promoting environmental sustainability through nature-based solutions.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) is implemented by UNDP on behalf of the GEF Partnership. UNDP oversees the Small Grants Programme (SGP) through the Vertical Hub and the Nature Hub of BPPS. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Small Grants Programme efficiently channels direct grants to non-governmental and community-based organizations to help them cope with climate change; conserve biodiversity; protect international waters; reduce the impact of Persistent Organic Pollutants; and prevent land degradation. Helping communities with their initiatives for sustainable livelihoods while generating global environmental benefits is the core inspiration of the Small Grants Programme.

Launched in 1992 as a corporate programme of the GEF, the GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) has supported local action for over thirty years to address global environmental concerns.  SGP aims to deliver global environmental benefits in the GEF focal areas of biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, protection of international waters, prevention of land degradation, and elimination of persistent organic pollutants through community-based approaches. To date, SGP has funded over 29,000 community-based projects covering more than 120 countries. It has gained considerable experiences at the community level, including adapting to climate change while addressing issues of the GEF focal areas.  Further information can be found at: https://sgp.undp.org/.

● Generate Performance Evaluation Report
● Support implementation of the project monitoring system in alignment with its Monitoring and Evaluation framework to facilitate effective information sharing on project status and achievement of targets.

• The incumbent will be based in the UNDP Timor-Leste Country Office;
• The incumbent will report to the SGP National Coordinator;
• The incumbent will be given access to relevant information necessary for the execution of the tasks under this assignment;
• The incumbent will be provided with a workstation (i.e. laptop, internet, phone, scanner/printer, etc.) and access to reliable internet connection 
 

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

Education:

• Secondary education is required. OR
• A first level university degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in Business or Public Administration, Environmental and Social Science will also be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
• A certificate in Business Administration/ Accounting or Finance will provide distinctive advantage to the candidate
 

Experience:

• Minimum five (5) years (with Secondary education), or two (2) years (with Bachelors’ degree) of progressively responsible administrative or programme experience is required at the national or international level. 

Experience, Knowledge and skills:

• Demonstrated experience and ability to review and edit documents, and ability to produce meeting reports identifying key actions is required.

Desirable Criteria: 

• Experience in project management/support at the rural/local community level is an asset 
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation and results-based management tools with a background and interest in the analysis of development issues and related policy matters will be an added advantage. 
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems is an asset.
• Experience in supporting programme financial management is an advantage.
• Experience in providing operational support, including event management and logistics, is an advantage.

Required Language(s):

• Fluency in UN Language and the National language of the duty station is required.  
• Knowledge of other UN Languages is an asset

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.

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.

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.