Job Description

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

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Office in Tajikistan has been active since 1994 and is guided in its work by the Country Programme Document, which in turn builds upon the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP has made a significant contribution to developing the National Development Strategy, with an outline of policies and investments necessary to reach the SDGs by 2030. Together with the Government of Tajikistan, civil society and the people of Tajikistan, UNDP works towards identifying local solutions to global and national development challenges. Its main focus is reaching sustainable development by enhancing accountability of the current governance system, mitigating natural disaster threats, and contributing to environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.

The Climate Change, Energy and Environment (CCEE) Cluster of UNDP Tajikistan manages a diverse and growing portfolio of various projects currently under implementation across the country. The Cluster provides strategic, technical, and operational support to national counterparts in addressing Tajikistan’s key environmental, climate, and energy challenges, in line with national development priorities and international commitments. The Cluster’s programmatic focus spans several interrelated thematic areas, including climate change adaptation and mitigation, integrated water resources management, sustainable land management, urban resilience to disaster and climate risks, promotion of renewable and green energy solutions, and biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.

In particular, with regard to biodiversity conservation and it’s biodiversity portfolio, UNDP's Country Office in Tajikistan is currently supporting the country’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) update and implementation in alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). As countries move from updating their NBSAPs towards implementation, targeted support is required to translate national biodiversity priorities into concrete actions and address critical implementation gaps.

In this context, the NBSAP Accelerator Action Account Multi-Partner Trust Fund (NBSAP AAA MPTF) provides targeted support to countries to accelerate implementation of their NBSAP priorities and translate national biodiversity commitments into concrete action. The Fund supports high-priority interventions that address critical policy, institutional, technical and financing gaps and that have not been sufficiently covered through other available resources. Its support is intended to strengthen national readiness for sustained biodiversity action, increase implementation ambition and create foundations for further investment in achievement of national biodiversity priorities and the KMGBF.

In Tajikistan, the project directly contributes to the objectives of the NBSAP AAA MPTF by providing targeted support for NBSAP implementation, with a particular focus on operationalizing KMGBF Target 6 on invasive alien species (IAS). The project will strengthen the scientific, technical and policy basis for the prevention, monitoring and management of IAS, including through establishment of a national IAS database and development of the country’s first State Programme and Action Plan on Invasive Alien Species. These interventions will help address critical data and policy gaps, strengthen national capacities for ongoing biological risk monitoring and management, and establish a more coherent framework for coordinated action on invasive alien species.

The project further contributes to strengthening the core functions of NBSAP implementation through institutional capacity development and strategic policy support, applying a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach. It also contributes to KMGBF Target 23 on gender equality by integrating gender-responsive approaches and promoting the equitable participation of women and vulnerable groups within IAS knowledge, monitoring and policy systems. The initiative will additionally promote youth engagement and digital innovation in biodiversity information management, thereby supporting an inclusive, sustainable and potentially scalable approach to implementation of KMGBF priorities in Tajikistan.

Under the direct supervision of UNDP Programme Specialist on Climate Change, Energy and Environment, and overall guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative, the Project Coordinator will coordinate project interventions, liaise with national partners and support effective teamwork and strong partnerships. The Project Coordinator will provide technical and programmatic support to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality project results that strengthen national capacities, data systems and policy frameworks for the prevention and management of invasive alien species, in line with Tajikistan’s NBSAP and the KMGBF.

He/she will ensure implementation mechanisms and technical working groups are established and meet regularly, that all planned workshops, technical studies and other activities are organised in a timely manner, and that they meet expected quality standards. He/she will also specifically be responsible for outreach activities to relevant stakeholders, and the preparation of synthesis reports, policy briefs, press releases and briefing notes for Government, donor, UNDP, etc.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Ensure effective technical support to the project focusing on achievement of the following results:

• General coordination and liaison of project activities with national counterparts, scientific institutions and relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate the development and validation of the National IAS Catalogue and Database.
• Facilitate the development, testing and validation of standardized IAS risk assessment protocols.
• Coordinate the development of the multi-sectoral National IAS Programme and Action Plan.
• Ensure alignment of the project’s technical outputs with the NBSAP, the KMGBF, national biodiversity reporting processes and other relevant national policies and strategic frameworks.
• Facilitate technical assessments, field data collection, consultations and other analytical work required for the development of the National IAS Catalogue, risk assessment protocols, IAS Database and National IAS Programme and Action Plan.
• Provide substantive support to project stakeholders in reviewing and validating technical methodologies, assessments, databases, policy documents and other project outputs.
• Coordinate project activities among relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to the National Biodiversity and Biosafety Centre under the Committee for Environmental Protection, National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry Agency, Customs Service, Food Security Committee, other relevant ministries and agencies, civil society organizations, academia and local communities, as specified in the Project Document.
• Facilitate the establishment and effective functioning of the Multi-Stakeholder Platform and Task Force Group/Thematic Working Group for technical coordination, policy dialogue and development and validation of project outputs.
• Ensure the elaboration of the Stakeholder Engagement and Gender Action Plan before the kickstart of project implementation, and further ensure their effective implementation and regular monitoring.
• Ensure that gender-responsive approaches and meaningful participation of women, youth and vulnerable groups are appropriately integrated into IAS assessments, data systems, consultations and policy development in line with the project’s Results Framework.
• Coordinate and follow up on implementation of relevant environmental and social safeguard measures.
• Review all technical reports as required. Fulfil substantive activities under the Project Work Plan which are not covered by consultants or other contracted experts.
• Support the timely technical review, validation, finalization and submission to relevant national authorities of key project outputs, including the National IAS Catalogue, standardized risk assessment protocols, national IAS Database and National IAS Programme and Action Plan.
• Provide necessary inputs to showcase project’s experience at national, regional and international forums/events as required.
• Upon request of the Programme Specialist, participate in and make presentations at conferences, working meetings, workshops, round-table discussions and other relevant events on the IAS project and its linkages with biodiversity conservation, NBSAP and KMGBF implementation.

1. Ensure effective operational and programmatic support for the project:

• Ensure operational and programmatic coordination of the project in accordance with the Project Document, approved work plans, Results Framework and applicable UNDP rules and procedures.
• Support the overall management and coordination of project implementation, ensuring timely and proper execution of activities by consultants, experts, contractors and project partners.
• Prepare Terms of Reference (ToR) for national and international consultants, experts, contractors and other service providers in line with the Project Document and relevant UNDP procedures; coordinate and guide their work and ensure compliance with agreed work plans and respective ToRs and the quality and timely delivery of outputs.
• Facilitate organization of the project Inception Workshop and support the establishment and functioning of the Project Steering Committee, Multi-Stakeholder Platform and Task Force Group/Thematic Working Group.
• Support communication and coordination with government institutions, scientific organizations, civil society organizations, local communities and other stakeholders involved in implementation of activities specified in the Project Work Plan.
• Prepare meeting agendas and background materials, take notes/minutes of project meetings and ensure timely follow-up on decisions and agreed actions.
• Support preparation and implementation of annual and detailed project work plans, including monitoring of implementation progress and follow-up on planned activities and deliverables.
• Monitor project progress against the Results Framework, including achievement of indicators and targets, and coordinate collection, verification and consolidation of supporting evidence.
• Collect and analyze project-related data and information from government counterparts, consultants, scientific institutions, implementing partners and other relevant sources for project monitoring and reporting purposes.
• Assume responsibility for the timely preparation of project progress reports and other required inputs in line with the reporting requirements of NBSAP AAA MPTF and corporate standards of UNDP.
• Support preparation of the project’s final report and project operational closure upon completion of project activities.
• Monitor project risks and issues in accordance with the Project Document and risk framework and ensure that emerging risks are promptly brought to the attention of the Programme Specialist and relevant project governance bodies.
• Support regular updating of project risk log and follow up on agreed risk mitigation measures.
• Monitor project expenditures, commitments and balances against approved project budget lines and work plans and bring potential deviations requiring management attention to the Programme Specialist.
• Coordinate project activities with other relevant biodiversity, climate and environmental initiatives and programmes in Tajikistan to ensure complementarity, avoid duplication and promote synergies, including with NBSAP update and national reporting.
• Provide assistance and substantive inputs to the Programme Specialist in preparation of project briefs, presentations, reports, talking points and other relevant materials.
• Ensure effective dissemination of and access to information on project activities and results, and support project outreach and communication activities in coordination with UNDP communications staff.
• Liaise with the NBSAP AAA MPTF focal point and relevant UNDP regional focal point(s) to ensure effective project implementation, seek and follow up on technical and operational guidance, address project-related issues and queries, and ensure alignment with applicable programme requirements and guidance.
• Support resource mobilization efforts by providing inputs to the new project ideas, concept notes, funding proposals, and other relevant resource mobilization materials.

1. Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic area.

• Organize trainings, technical workshops, consultations, awareness-raising events and capacity-building activities in a participatory manner, involving relevant government institutions, scientific / academic institutions, civil society organizations, local communities, women and youth groups, and other stakeholders.
• Support capacity building of decision-makers and relevant technical institutions on IAS identification, risk assessment, Geographic Information System (GIS)-based monitoring, data management, use of the national IAS Database to be established under the project, and relevant NBSAP and KMGBF frameworks.
• Support development and dissemination of technical guidance, IAS field guides, training materials, project briefs, factsheets, awareness materials and other knowledge products generated under the project.
• Identify, synthesize and document good practices, lessons learned and implementation experience generated by the project and its partners, including through maintenance of relevant project knowledge and lessons-learned records.
• Participate in and ensure substantive contributions to relevant knowledge networks, communities of practice and technical exchanges on IAS management, biodiversity conservation and implementation of the NBSAP and KMGBF.
• Promote awareness and advocacy on IAS-related biodiversity risks, prevention and management measures, and opportunities for collaboration in coordination with project partners, stakeholders and UNDP communications staff.
• Support engagement of women, youth and local communities in knowledge generation, awareness raising and dissemination of biodiversity information, in line with the project’s whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office/Project and the Organization

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Coordinator will be based in Dushanbe, at the premises of either the National Biodiversity and Biosafety Center or the National Academy of Sciences, subject to management decision with frequent visits to the UNDP Country Office. Within his/her role, the incumbent will coordinate the achievement of the expected project results by providing strategic guidance to project staff and consultants and liaising among the targeted stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of relevant activities. The Project Coordinator will be accountable and report to the UNDP Programme Specialist on Climate Change, Energy and Environment.

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 ​

People Management competencies:

• UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

2030 Agenda: Planet

• Nature
• Ecosystems and Biodiversity Programme: Protected and Conservation Areas and Systems
• Gender
• Gender and Environment

Business Development

• Knowledge Generation
• Ability to research information and turn it useful knowledge, relevant for content, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches.
• Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.

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.
• 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.

Business Direction & Strategy

• Systems 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

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environment/Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity, Climate, Public Administration, Economics or related field is required, or
• A first level university degree (Bachelor's degree) in the fields mentioned above, in combination with an additional 2 years of relevant experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a related field of study are not required to have professional work experience.
• Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two years of experience of working in nature resource management projects.

Desired skills:

• Experience in implementing multi-stakeholder initiatives that promote sustainable environmental management and biodiversity conservation.
• Experience in managing work teams and coordinating technical assessments, reports and technical documents.
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems.
• Experience in working with Government and a wide range of donors, the UN, international organizations, and/or civil society;
• Experience in Tajikistan biodiversity conservation and/or sustainable use programs or projects.
• Experience in analysis, research in the field of ecology, environment protection, sustainable resource management.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Russian or Tajik 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.

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