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
Ethiopia's rich biodiversity is under increasing threat due to rapid population growth, unsustainable resource use, and weak institutional capacity. These pressures have led to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal wildlife trade, endangering both ecological integrity and local livelihoods.
As part of the GEF-8 Wildlife Conservation for Development Integrated Program (GEF-8 GWP), this project addresses the key drivers of biodiversity loss through: Improved terrestrial protected area (PA) management effectiveness across eight sites having a cumulative area of 1,883,025 ha, and creation of two new terrestrial PA’s covering 196,500 ha; Improved practices across 150,000 ha of production landscapes within buffer zones of the target PAs, promoting biodiversity conservation and climate resilience; Restoration of 50,000 ha of degraded ecosystems to improve habitat integrity and ecosystem services; Enhanced anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts through capacity-building, cross-border collaboration, and improved enforcement; Expansion of nature-based tourism to increase the economic value of wildlife and habitats; Diversified livelihood opportunities that support ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation; and Adaptive learning and behavioral change strategies to strengthen wildlife economies and community resilience.
By integrating conservation with sustainable development, this initiative delivers significant Global Environmental Benefits (GEBs): improved biodiversity conservation, enhanced land management, 7.5 million metric tons of CO₂ mitigated, and 15,000 people (50% of whom are women) benefitting from the GEF-financed investment.
Leveraging the GWP knowledge platform, the project fosters cross-country collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy integration, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Ethiopia’s terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife.
Duties and Responsibilities
Field Implementation & Technical Delivery
- Lead the field-level implementation ensuring alignment with ecological priorities and technical standards.
- Apply expertise in biodiversity conservation, protected area management, species monitoring, and habitat restoration.
- Define technical specifications for conservation equipment, tools, and services to support procurement and implementation.
- Review and validate deliverables from consultants and service providers.
Scientific Research, Data & Monitoring
- Develop and implement scientifically robust methods for data collection, ecological assessments, and monitoring.
- Generate technical outputs such as baseline studies, field protocols, GIS maps, and biodiversity reports to inform decision-making.
- Provide technical inputs to evaluate progress toward biodiversity indicators and ensure accuracy in ecological reporting.
- Identify ecological risks or implementation challenges and propose adaptive, evidence-based solutions.
Capacity Building & Knowledge Management
- Design and deliver technical training and capacity-building activities for implementing partners and field personnel.
- Contribute to the documentation of lessons learned and promote knowledge-sharing on innovative conservation practices.
Policy Alignment & Compliance
- Ensure all technical interventions align with national environmental strategies and GEF, GWP, and UNDP technical requirements.
- Integrate gender-responsive and inclusive approaches into technical design and field execution of conservation actions.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangements and Reporting Lines
The Project Coordinator will operate under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and the overall guidance of the Team Leader, CRES Unit, UNDP. In carrying out assigned duties, the incumbent will work in close coordination with the GEF Programme Specialist, as well as with programme and operations teams across UNDP.
The Project Coordinator will also collaborate closely with the Director General of the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute and relevant staff within the institution. Strong engagement is expected with government counterparts, NGOs, community-based organizations, local communities, and other stakeholders. This collaboration is essential to ensure effective integration of GEF-supported programmes and projects into the UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD), enhanced resource mobilization efforts and harmonization and alignment of initiatives for maximum impact and sustainability.
Core Competencies
- Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have a 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 the complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate the benefits of a diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
- Business Direction And Strategy: Strategic Thinking – Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight
- 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 Management: Project management – Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
- 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.
- Business Management: Results-based Management – Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
- Digital: Team Design & Management – Ability to create a clear sense of shared purpose while leveraging curiosity, expertise and agency at an individual level. Set up and manage team rituals and rhythms that create a safe space for learning and reflection. Foster a positive culture around failure and encourage exploration and experimentation. Set the conditions and structures for 'fluid' team modelling and distributed leadership enabling the team to continuously develop and renew itself. Ability to create synergy between team members with diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, being able to leverage their broad knowledge and skillsets.
- 2030 Agenda: Planet – Nature – Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Illegal Wildlife Trade
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field is required. OR
- A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the 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.
- Candidates holding a PHD will have a distinct advantage.
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years (with Master’s degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s degree), of relevant experience in biodiversity and landscape management, of which 3 years in a project coordinating role is required
- Strong leadership and team management skills/experience.
- Excellent project planning, coordination, and organizational abilities and experience.
- Experience in financial and budget management.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other computer applications necessary for project management and protected area/biodiversity conservation.
- Strong organizational skills and proven ability to work under tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated background and knowledge in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem and landscape management.
- Demonstrated experience in working with local communities, government agencies, and conservation organizations.
- Experience in managing donor-funded projects, including compliance with reporting and financial requirements.
- Demonstrated experience in managing sustainable livelihood initiatives, and the ability to engage local communities with diverse cultures.
- Proven experience in developing and implementing capacity-building programs for diverse audiences.
- Proven familiarity with M&E tools and frameworks for conservation projects.
- Excellent skills/experience with the ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder initiatives.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills/experience, including report writing and public speaking.
- Proven Ability to work in remote field locations and travel extensively.
Language:
- Fluency in spoken and written English and one of the national language
Application Instruction:
The following documents shall be required from the applicants:
- Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
- A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
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.
