Project Coordinator

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

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

Skills Required:

• Applied / Natural / Science
• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development