The UNDP Climate Hub’s Progressive Platforms project supports developing countries in translating climate commitments into actionable strategies at UNFCCC negotiations, enhancing ambition, and fostering alignment with the Paris Agreement and other multilateral goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Preparation and oversight of Work plans and Positioning 
   • Within the strategic framework agreed with bi-lateral donors and development partners, oversee the preparation of work plans reflecting the scope of activities, timing, sequencing, cost and other inputs for the implementation of the Project activities;
   • Provide substantive inputs to the preparation of entities work plans and their implementation to connect and leverage opportunities for the UNDP Climate Hub and best ways to support countries’ on their climate goals, including high visibility and strategic engagement opportunities (e.g. donor forums, international conferences, etc.);
   • Provide technical advice to the Project Board, and present work plans, periodic narrative progress reports and expenditures status reports to the UNDP Climate Hub Director (“Global Coordinator”) and the Project Board.
2. Programme and Operational Management of the Project
   • Ensure operational management of the Progressive Platforms project and production of its outputs in accordance with UNDP Programme Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP), and UN Frameworks;
   • Exercise overall responsibility for planning, implementation, management, monitoring and coordination internally and with entities; and ensure appropriate tracking and substantive reporting of project progress for timely and efficient delivery of Project outputs and products leading to the achievement of expected results;
   • Ensure Programme staff and entities are communicating results and knowledge that maintains donor visibility and demonstrates UNDP’s thought leadership;
   • Oversee the Programme’s budget and determine resource allocation needed to achieve Programme deliverables in accordance with the Annual Work plans;
   • Supervise achievement of Project workplan and provide strategic guidance to ensure sound and substantive deliverables ensuring alignment to UNDP’s strategic plan where feasible.
3. Ensure Effective Communication of Project Results 
   • Ensure high-quality information on the project’s achievements and visibility of Project activities and knowledge products to the mass media and stakeholders via the centralized Communications team of the Climate Hub;
   • Ensure strong partnerships with platform partners and other stakeholders, regularly communicating best practices across platforms;
   • Lead and coordinate the organization of meetings, workshops, trainings and other related activities relevant to the implementation of the Project;
   • Oversee the publication of the Projects results, experiences, and lessons learned on NDC implementation and a dissemination strategy to ensure knowledge sharing at a global level
4. Maintain strategic partnerships and donor relations and support resource mobilization for the Progressive Platforms Project:
   • In coordination with the Head of the Climate Strategies and Policy team, develop and strengthen partnerships with relevant organizations, donors, and NGO’s, to support Project implementation;
   • Ensure strong coordination between the Programme and relevant initiatives to facilitate collaboration on support to countries on NDC implementation and vulnerable countries effective participation in multilateral negotiations;
   • Represent UNDP in partner discussions related to the implementation and scale up of the Project and related areas;
   • Mobilize external partnerships to enhance support to the Project and expand its experience to a broader constituency.

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

Also Check: 2024 Internship at the OECD Trento Centre for Local Development

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Manager – Progressive Platforms will report directly to the Head of the Climate Strategies and Policy team. S/he will be part of the larger Climate Strategies and Policy Team (CSPT) and the Climate Hub.

Check: AIIDEV Africa SDGs Campus Ambassador Programme 2024

Required Skills and Experience for UNDP Internship Project Manager

1. Education:
   • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Environmental Sciences, International Development, or other related field is required, or 
   • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the afore mentioned fields in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree.
2. Experience:
   • A minimum of five years (with Master´s degree) or seven years (with Bachelor´s degree) of progressively responsible work experience on climate policy and negotiations and/or project management in climate action.
3. Required skills:
   • Demonstrated understanding of UNFCCC negotiations and climate diplomacy issues;
   • Demonstrated experience in assessing NDCs, LTS, and National Adaptation Plans across a range of characteristics and development contexts;
   • Experience coordinating or managing EU funded projects;
   • Demonstrated research and analytic skills
   • Proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools; advanced knowledge using MS Excel
4. Desired skills:
   • Knowledge on UN and/or experience working with the UN
   • Familiarity with the mandate and operations of UNDP and deep knowledge in operational frameworks of UNDP
   • Experience with knowledge management on Climate Change and high quality analytic skills; with/ knowledge of the UNFCCC and multilateral negotiations processes.
   • Understanding of climate and energy policy strategies and incentives and understanding of climate finance concepts;
   • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
   • Self-motivated, with ability to work with minimum supervision on tight deadlines;
   • Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of teams and partners.
5. Required language:
   • Fluency in English is required.
   • Knowledge of another UN language such as French or Spanish will be considered an asset.