Sustainable Trade and Market Partnerships Analyst [Open to internal and external applicants]

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 committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.

UNDP is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in about 170 countries and territories, including Indonesia, working to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet. UNDP supports implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Indonesia, UNDP works with the Government to integrate SDGs into national plan and policies.

Indonesia is one of the world’s largest producers of palm oil and a major cocoa grower, making these commodities critical to rural livelihoods and export revenue. They have received much attention in recent years particularly from the global community concerned about the sustainability of palm oil production. In response, the Government of Indonesia is taking steps towards building a greener economy that promotes growth, equity, improved livelihood and environmental integrity. At the same time, smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of these sectors, often struggle with low productivity and limited market access, keeping them in cycles of poverty. Smallholders manage a large share of Indonesia’s agriculture – approximately 40% of the nation’s oil palm plantation area is in the hands of 2.6 million smallholder farmers, and the vast majority of cocoa is grown by small family farms. These farmers often lack access to high-quality seedlings, training, and finance.

Efforts are underway at multiple levels to address these challenges and promote more sustainable commodity production, but better policy coherence is needed. At the national level, the Government of Indonesia is strengthening its policy framework for sustainable agriculture. Notably, a new Presidential Regulation on ISPO is being formulated to expand certification to all plantation actors (including independent smallholders and downstream industries like biofuel), with provisions for financial support to small farmers. The government is also finalizing a National Action Plan for Sustainable Palm Oil (2025–2029) to guide provinces in aligning development with sustainability goals. In the cocoa sector, platforms such as the Cocoa Sustainability Partnership (a multi-stakeholder initiative) aim to improve coordination of sustainability efforts, from farmer training to market linkages. At the regional and international level, Indonesia is actively engaging in partnerships to harmonize sustainability standards.

The Forest Agriculture and Sustainable Trade (FAST) Project is a strategic initiative aimed at transforming Indonesia’s agricultural commodity systems, focusing on palm oil and cocoa. Indonesia is a global leader in the production of these commodities, but unsustainable practices have led to significant deforestation, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic challenges for smallholder farmers. The FAST project, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), seeks to address these challenges by supporting sustainable land use, certification systems (e.g., ISPO), and supply chain transparency.

The FAST project will be implemented under UNDP’s Direct Implementation Modality (DIM) in collaboration with key government stakeholders, including the Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Coordinating Ministry of Food, and the Ministry of Agriculture. The UNDP Environment Unit will oversee implementation, ensuring that project objectives align with national policies and the UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) 2021-2025.

Furthermore, FAST's market transformation agenda is critical to ensure that policy and governance reforms are translated into improved market access, international recognition, and sustainable trade opportunities for Indonesian commodities. Therefore, the project requires a dedicated Sustainable Trade and Partnership Analyst to support the implementation of Output 2, focusing on the the market-facing pillar of the FAST Project. This role will provide support to the complex international sustainability requirements, strengthen engagement with regulators, private sector actors, and development partners, while ensuring alignment with evolving global market and due diligence frameworks. In addition, the analyst will lead technical efforts to foster strategic partnerships, facilitate market dialogues, promote the adoption of sustainable practices, and oversee the implementation of Output 2 deliverables to ensure the timely achievement of project targets.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the National Project Manager of FAST Project the Sustainable Trade and Market Partnership Analyst will support the project on a day-to-day basis to technical and substantive aspect of the project output 2 target and intervention and expected to work closely with FOLUR, GCP/SLPI project team, operation unit, as well as UNDP’s Programme Team in Nature Low Carbon

Provision of technical advisory, coordination and execution of delivery of Output 2 related to sustainable trade, market access, certification recognition, and international partnerships.

• Provide technical advisory support and coordination for the development and implementation of strategies, studies, and technical initiatives to strengthen sustainable trade, market access, certification recognition, and international partnerships under Output 2.
• Coordinate market transformation activities with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, international buyers, certification bodies, and development partners to enhance the global competitiveness of Indonesian sustainable commodities.
• Develop technical recommendations and strategic partnerships to improve market recognition, promote sustainable sourcing, and address evolving international trade and due diligence requirements.
• Oversee the implementation of Output 2 activities, ensuring timely delivery of technical outputs, workplan milestones, and quality assurance in line with project objectives.

Provision of technical support on emerging international market requirements, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), UK Forest Risk Commodities Regulation, due diligence frameworks, and sustainability standards

• Provide technical analysis and policy advice on emerging international market requirements, including EUDR, UK Forest Risk Commodities Regulation, due diligence frameworks, and evolving sustainability standards.
• Conduct assessments of global regulatory developments and identify implications, risks, and opportunities for Indonesian sustainable commodity exports.
• Develop technical guidance, policy briefs, and recommendations to support government agencies and stakeholders in complying with international market requirements and strengthening market readiness.
• Coordinate with international partners, government institutions, and private sector stakeholders such as Indonesian Chambers of Commerce (KADIN) to facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building, and alignment with global sustainability and trade frameworks.

Coordination, collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Support to the facilitation of the engagement with international buyers, private sector actors, commodity associations, financial institutions, and development partners to promote sustainable commodity markets.
• Build and maintain partnerships that support market access, investment opportunities, sustainable sourcing, and recognition of Indonesian sustainable commodities.
• Organize and coordinate business dialogues, trade missions, investment forums, and multi-stakeholder engagements to strengthen collaboration across the commodity value chain.
• Support knowledge exchange, partnership development, and follow-up actions to advance market transformation objectives.

Support Outreach, Partnership initiatives and trade or business innovation

• Support to the preparation of trade dialogues and policy advocacy initiatives to strengthen international recognition and acceptance of Indonesian sustainable commodity certification systems.
• Support to the development and implementation of partnership development strategies and market outreach programs with government agencies, industry associations, certification bodies, and international stakeholders.
• Coordinate advocacy campaigns, trade promotion activities, and knowledge-sharing events to enhance awareness of Indonesia's sustainable commodity policies and certification frameworks.
• Monitor the effectiveness of partnership, advocacy, and outreach initiatives, identifying opportunities to expand market recognition, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and support sustainable trade objectives.

Provision of support to the Project Management Unit

• Support the Project Management Unit (PMU) in planning, coordinating, and implementing project activities to ensure effective and timely delivery of Output 2.
• Contribute to the preparation of annual workplans, Term of Reference, technical reports, and donor reporting requirements in compliance with UNDP procedures.
• Coordinate with technical teams, operations staff, consultants, and implementing partners to facilitate project implementation, quality assurance, and administrative processes.
• Provide technical and operational support for project governance, including organizing steering committee meetings, technical working groups, missions, workshops, and knowledge management activities.

Support Gender Equality, Youth and Knowledge Management

• Ensure gender mainstreaming activities under FAST Project.
• Ensure inclusivity of gender, youth, People with Disabilities local community across FAST project intervention Support the development of gender monitoring and assurances report.
• Leads in generating project brief, policies, knowledge products such as best practices and lessons learnt for knowledge sharing; and contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
• Conducts internal capacity building training for project staff to facilitate appropriate management and timely delivery of project outputs including in gender analysis and gender mainstreaming;
• Effective contribution to learning and knowledge sharing in gender analysis and gender mainstreaming.

The incumbent of the position should avoid any kind of discriminatory behaviour including gender discrimination and ensure that:

• Human rights and gender equality is prioritized as an ethical principle within all actions.
• Activities are designed and implemented in accordance with “Social and Environmental Standards of UNDP”.
• Any kind of diversities based on ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, class, gender are respected within all implementations including data production.
• Differentiated needs of women and men are considered.
• Inclusive approach is reflected within all actions and implementations, in that sense an enabling and accessible setup in various senses such as disability gender language barrier is created.
• Necessary arrangements to provide gender parity within all committees, meetings, trainings etc. introduced.

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
• Entrepreneurial Thinking: Identify and seize opportunities to service and add value to clients, create clarity around UNDP value proposition to beneficiaries and partners, develop clear service offers responding to client needs in line with UNDP's organizational priorities and mandate.
• Negotiation and Influence: Reach a common understanding/agreement, persuade others, resolve points of difference through a dialogue, negotiate mutually acceptable solutions and create 'win-win' situations

Business Development:

• Knowledge Facilitation: Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange.

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
• Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

2030 Agenda:

• Planet: Nature: Food and Agriculture Commodities Systems

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, International Trade, Business Administration, Public Policy, Sustainable Development, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is required; or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant professional experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of a Master's degree.

Experience:

• Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field are not required to have prior professional work experience.
• Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in programme/project management

Desired Skills:

• Experience in office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
• Proven professional experience in developing and executing strategies related to sustainable trade/ market access/commodity value chains/private sector engagement.
• Experience working within the palm oil and/or cocoa sectors in Indonesia, including a clear understanding of smallholder farmer dynamics (e.g., productivity, certification challenges, or market barriers).
• Solid technical understanding and practical experience dealing with trade policy/ international sustainability standards, or supply chain due diligence regulations.
• Proven track record in organizing, coordinating, or facilitating high-level business dialogues, trade missions, investment forums, or multi-stakeholder knowledge-sharing events.
• Experience in managing technical deliverables, planning/monitoring project activities, tracking output indicators, or preparing high-quality technical progress reports within sustainable development initiatives.
• Prior experience working within the UN system, with specific familiarity with UNDP project management procedures
• Demonstrated experience integrating Gender Equality, Social Inclusion (GESI), or human rights principles into project design, implementation, or reporting

Required language(s):

• Fluency in English and Bahasa Indonesia 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

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