Project Officer [Open to Internal & External Applicants]

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Job Details

  • Oct 5, 2026 Posted date
  • Oct 11, 2026 Expire date
  • Category
  • Nairobi, Kenya Location
  • Postgraduate Degree Education Level
  • Experience Level
  • Full Time Job Type

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

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ global development network, advocating for sustainable human development and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. In Kenya, UNDP supports national development priorities by fostering inclusive economic growth, strengthening democratic governance, promoting climate and environmental sustainability, and advancing innovation and digital transformation.

As part of its commitment to addressing plastic pollution and advancing the circular economy, UNDP Kenya has entered into an agreement with the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) to host the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Secretariat. The NPAP is a nationally-led, multi-stakeholder platform that aims to tackle plastic pollution and accelerate the transition toward a circular plastics economy in Kenya. Guided by three strategic pillars—convening communities and curating conversations, generating new knowledge and national action roadmaps, and catalyzing strategic investment for high-potential solutions—the NPAP brings together key stakeholders across government, private sector, civil society, and academia. The platform will lead the co-creation of a data-driven National Plastic Action Roadmap, promote innovation and inclusive participation, and coordinate the implementation of solutions to reduce plastic leakage and foster sustainable growth in Kenya. This position will be embedded within the UNDP Kenya Country Office and support the effective coordination and delivery of the NPAP’s mission and strategic activities. In addition the role will support growth of UNDP Kenya’s work on waste and circular economy.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, Climate Change, with overall guidance from the Team Leader, Environment and Resilience, and in close coordination with the GPAP Secretariat, the Project Officer will coordinate the strategic and operational delivery of the National Plastics Action Partnership (NPAP) Secretariat hosted by UNDP Kenya. Specifically, the Project Officer will:

Coordinate the strategic management and operations of the NPAP Secretariat.

  • Coordinate the overall operations and strategic delivery of the NPAP Secretariat, ensuring that activities are implemented in accordance with agreed priorities, timelines and governance arrangements;
  • Work closely with the GPAP Secretariat, NPAP Leadership Board Chair and relevant government ministries to maintain strategic alignment, institutional ownership and effective coordination;
  • Supervise and provide strategic guidance to Secretariat staff, consultants and support personnel, ensuring clarity of responsibilities and timely delivery of agreed outputs.

Lead the development and implementation of the NPAP National Action Roadmap.

  • Lead the development and implementation of the NPAP National Action Roadmap in collaboration with government, private sector, civil society, development partners and other key stakeholders;
  • Coordinate technical partners, including the National Analysis and Modelling tool provider and metrics consultants, to ensure timely, coherent and high quality deliverables that inform the Roadmap;
  • Manage relationships with strategic investment and financing partners and identify opportunities to mobilize funding and investment for implementation of priority plastics and circular economy actions.

Strengthen NPAP governance and stakeholder engagement.

  • Support the identification, engagement and onboarding of Leadership Board members, Task Force participants and expert advisors;
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for NPAP members and coordinate their participation in Leadership Board meetings, Task Force activities and other NPAP processes;
  • Organize and moderate Leadership Board and Task Force meetings, including agenda setting, preparation of meeting materials, logistics, stakeholder engagement and follow up on agreed actions;
  • Oversee the planning and delivery of workshops, stakeholder dialogues and other convenings to share knowledge, build partnerships and catalyse scalable solutions.

Lead communications, knowledge management and global engagement.

  • Coordinate national and global communications and outreach in partnership with the GPAP Secretariat and relevant communications teams;
  • Manage the NPAP presence on the GPAP Digital Collaboration Platform, ensuring regular content updates, knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement;
  • Contribute to the design and delivery of NPAP and GPAP events, including national sessions held alongside annual global meetings and other strategic platforms;
  • Support research, learning and knowledge sharing through the preparation of reports, issue briefs, case studies and synthesis of emerging evidence and insights on plastic pollution and the circular economy.

Ensure effective monitoring, reporting and quality assurance.

  • Ensure timely submission of quarterly progress reports and other updates to the GPAP Secretariat, capturing implementation progress, results, challenges, lessons learned and impact stories;
  • Ensure that gender equality, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and safeguarding considerations are integrated throughout NPAP planning, implementation, partnerships, communications and reporting.

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

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Officer will report to the Project Manager, Climate Change and coordinate with the GPAPA secretariat.. S/he will be office-based, following arrangements with the UNDP Kenya Country Office, and will be given access to relevant information necessary for the execution of the tasks under this assignment.

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 & Strategy:

  • Strategic Thinking
    • Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritize plans in line with UNDP objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and
      opportunities; linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions
    • Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments
      and possible ways forward look like for UNDP.

Business Management

  • Communication
    • Ability to 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
  • Results-based Management
    • Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results
  • Project Management
    • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
  • Partnerships Management
    • Ability to 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

2030 Agenda: Planet

  • Climate

Circular economy and green economy

Skills and qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in environment, public policy, environmental engineering, international development, management, social sciences or other relevant fields OR First-level University degree (Bachelor´s degree) in the above fields with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of advanced university degree.

Experience:

  • Applicants with a Masters’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience;
  • Applicants with a Bachelors’ degree ( or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience or progressive work experience in programme management, preferably in the fields of sustainable development, waste management, environmental policy, or public-private partnerships.

Desired Skills

  • Minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in project or programme management, preferably in the fields of sustainable development, waste management, environmental policy, or public-private partnerships;
  • Proven track record of coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives, especially involving government, private sector, and civil society actors;
  • Experience working with or within international development organizations, preferably the UN system;
  • Strong familiarity with circular economy and plastic pollution issues in Kenya or similar country contexts;
  • Demonstrated experience in leading teams, managing consultants, and delivering complex projects within tight timelines;
  • Experience in organizing high-level policy dialogues, workshops, and multi-stakeholder events;
  • Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments;
  • Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills/experience, including the ability to engage with senior government officials and industry leaders;
  • Solid skills and experience in project planning, monitoring, and reporting, including familiarity with results-based management;
  • Proficiency in using digital collaboration tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and project management software;
  • Proven Ability to synthesize research and technical findings into clear and actionable policy recommendations;
  • High proven degree of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

Required Languages

  • Fluency in English and Swahili 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

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.

How to apply

Apply on Employer Website

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