Technical Specialist for Ecosystem Restoration & Climate Resilience (Open to internal and external applicants)

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.

The United Nations Development Programme (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. UNDP Cambodia Country Office (CO) works in partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC), non-government organizations, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, multilateral aid agencies, bilateral donors, and the private sector to accelerate the achievement of Cambodia Sustainable Development Goals (CSDGs) and other national development priorities as set out in the Pentagonal Strategy for realizing the national vision 2050. 

In Cambodia, the UNDP Country Programme Document 2024-2028 (CPD) identified three transformational shifts as priorities for support during the next 5 years. The first shift is toward an economic growth model that accelerates inclusive growth, economic diversification, and human development. The second shift involves championing just energy transition, climate action, and nature-based solutions as the foundation for national wealth, well-being, and resilience to shocks. The third shift is towards strengthening institutions, civic space, and participation as enablers for inclusive growth, access to rights and equal opportunities for all, whilst ensuring that the society at large is using the full potential of digital transformation. The CPD is aligned to national priorities and policies, particularly Cambodia’s Vision 2050 and the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1 2024-2028.

The Global Environment Facility round 8 (GEF-8) Ecosystem Restoration Integrated Program - Restoring ecosystems for sustainable development in the Tonle Sap Basin and Siem Reap/Phnom Kulen landscape (ERIP) and Least Developed Countries Fund - Building resilient livelihoods through nature-based solutions in the Tonle Sap Basin and Siem Reap/Phnom Kulen landscape (LDCF),  are implemented by UNDP on behalf of the GEF Partnership.  The programme aims to promote integrated watershed and ecosystem management for improved livelihoods, climate resilience, and cultural heritage in the Tonle Sap Basin and Siem Reap/Phnom Kulen landscape. 

The Technical Specialist for Ecosystem Restoration and Climate Resilience will play a key role in providing substantive inputs and guiding support to the National Project Director(s) and the Project Management Unit(s) of the Ministry of Environment in implementing the two projects, drawing on UNDP Cambodia’s extensive experience in ensuring the programme’s achievements and impact.

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Resident Representative of Nature, Climate and Energy (ARR-NCE), the Technical Specialist will work in close collaboration with the Programme Analyst and Project Coordinator to support work of the Ministry of Environment teams in coordination with relevant UNDP regional centre staff in-charge of the two projects, national & sub-national government officials, experts nationally and internationally, civil society and private sectors to successfully implement the ERIP and LDCF projects.

The incumbent may also be required to take on other programmes/projects/initiatives within the scope of the TOR, depending on the workload at the time.

The incumbent will perform the following key functions.

Core:

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have 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 complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Business Direction & 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 other parts of the system.

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.
• 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.
• Partnerships 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.
• Risk Management: Identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks.
• Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritize, and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity. Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.

2030 Agenda: Planet

• Climate: Climate Change Adaptation: Ecosystem-based adaptation and management.
   

Education:

• An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental Science, or other related Development Studies 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.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of professional experience in biodiversity and forest conservation, ecosystem restoration, or related field.

Desired skills and experiences:

• At least 2 years of the above experience should be in providing oversight and advisory services to multiple complex development projects in the  areas of nature, climate change, energy, development/climate financing or disaster risk reduction
• Experience in developing an international standard report with the consolidation of a complex national consultation process
• Proven experience in programme/project implementation. Implementation and management experience of GEF/GCF projects 
• Experience in partnership and networking establishment with multi-stakeholders, including government people, NGOs, and CSOs;
• Experience in implementing gender and safeguard guidelines, policies, procedures, and tools, as well as building capacity on environmental and social safeguard standards and management in the context of forestry, biodiversity, natural resource management, and climate change;
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of policy development processes
• Demonstrated experience providing technical support to project implementation in a developing country is essential. Work experience in Cambodia 
• Prior experience in a UN Agency and/or international organizations 
• Experience working in multi-national teams to implement programmes involving different funding and implementing agencies 
• Experience working, negotiating, and coordinating with high-ranking and senior officials 

Required Languages:

• Fluency in English is required;
• Knowledge of the Khmer language is an advantage. 

Professional Certificates:

• Professional Certification in programme or project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE-2, MSP etc.) is an advantage.

Travel:

• The Technical Specialist will be based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and stationed in the Ministry of Environment. Provincial and international travel may be required from time to time. UNDP policies, rules, and regulations concerning duty travel will be observed and adhered to. 

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.

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. 

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.

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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