Background
UNDP Sri Lankaโs Climate and Environment Team (CET) promotes biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, renewable energy, climate resilience, and disaster risk management. The team works closely with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to meet the countryโs international obligations, such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Biodiversity Targets, and Land Degradation Neutrality Targets. The team consists of three pillars: Energy & Waste, Food Security & Climate Change Adaptation, and Biodiversity Conservation & Sustainable Natural Resources Management.
Within the Energy and Waste Pillar, several initiatives focusing on waste management, renewable energy, e-mobility, and chemical waste management are underway. In this context, in collaboration with the Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government and the Western Province Waste Management Authority, UNDP is planning to implement two new projects to establish a framework for comprehensive municipal solid waste and plastic waste management in selected LA areas of Sri Lanka, building on existing experience and global best practices, while demonstrating improved waste management practices at the local authority (LA) and local community levels.ย
MSWM (Municipal Solid Waste Management) Project: This three-year project, aims to improve municipal solid waste management (MSWM) in Sri Lanka by strengthening the policy framework, demonstrating sustainable Public-Private Partnerships, and establishing a system to monitor GHG emission reductions. Plastic Waste Management and Circular Interventions: A three-year project funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation, aimed at developing a comprehensive framework for plastic waste management. It focuses on improving practices at the local authority and community levels, leveraging existing experiences and good practices.To ensure the effective implementation and coordination of the above projects, UNDP will hire a Project Coordinator . Under the overall supervision of the Team Leader, Climate and Environment Team (CET), and in coordination with the Programme Manager โ Energy & Waste and the Senior Technical Specialist โ Energy & Waste, the Project Coordinator will be responsible for ensuring the timely delivery of the projects as specified in the respective Project Documents.
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Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Coordinator ย will work under the overall guidance and direct supervision of Policy Specialist and Team Leader, Climate and Environment Team.
Project Coordinator will be based in UNDP Country Office in Colombo, within the Energy and Waste Management Pillar. The role will support the effective and timely implementation of waste projects under the guidance of the Team Leader, Climate & Environment Team. ย
Key Duties and Accountabilities
Project Implementation and Coordination
Lead and coordinate the implementation of project activities for both the TCCF Plastics Circularity Project and the MSWM Project in line with the Project Results Frameworks Coordinate with national advisory committees, local authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution and prepare meeting minutes on time Develop TORs and coordinate the procurement process for national experts and international experts, consultants, and service providers within the given timeframe Track and facilitate project spending in alignment with project budgets and UNDP regulations to maintain transparency and meet project and budget targetsย Prepare Project Progress Review Reports and other required progress reports for Project Boards, UNDP, and donorsStakeholder Engagement and Communicationย
Facilitate coordination among national and local authorities, private sector partners, civil society, and informal waste collectors involved in both projects Organize and lead project meetings, workshops, and stakeholder consultations to promote project goals and gather feedback Ensure effective communication and knowledge sharing between project stakeholders and among the nine participating countries for the TCCF projectย Maintain regular communication with the UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub and other international partnersย Engage in public awareness and education activities to build support for waste management practices and circular economy principlesTechnical Advisoryย
Provide technical guidance on plastic waste management, municipal solid waste management, Best Environmental Practices, and Best Available Technologiesย Develop and oversee the delivery of training programs for local authorities, waste workers, and other stakeholders on waste management and circular economy practices ย Support the development and implementation of gender-sensitive strategies for waste management ยMonitoring, Evaluation, and Complianceย
Support the execution of Monitoring and Evaluation systems and facilitate periodic progress reviews and terminal evaluation Conduct regular field visits to monitor project progress, identify challenges, and implement solutions promptlyย Monitor the implementation of gender action plans, Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEP), Environmental & Social Management Plans (ESMP), Social & Environmental Screening Procedures (SESP) updates, and Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRM) and update these frameworks as neededย Ensure compliance with established frameworks and enforce necessary adjustments when required Prepare reports on the status of gender action plans, SEPs, ESMPs, SESP updates, and GRMs for UNDP and project donors and apply adaptive management strategies when necessaryKnowledge Management and Capacity Buildingย
Coordinate knowledge management activities, training programs, social and environmental management plans, and gender mainstreaming strategies Maintain proper documentation and communication of project issues, innovations, and lessons learned among key government officials and Project Board membersยThe incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
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 improvementsย 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 flexibleย 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 discriminationCross-Functional & Technical competencies:ย
Business Managementย ย ย ย
Information Management and Technology ย ย ย ย
Project Management. Knowledge of project management principles. ย Ability to plan, organize, and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.ยInclusive Growth ย ย ย ย
Development planning and Monitoring. Ability to develop business and planning processes at the national and local level and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations.2030 Agenda: Planet ย ย ย ย
Climate (General). Knowledge of climate change Including climate change international regime) and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (Masterโs degree or equivalent) in Engineering, Environmental Science, Development Studies, or Natural Resource Management is required or A first-level university degree (bachelorโs 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:
A minimum of two (2) years (with a master's degree) or four (4) years (with a bachelor's degree) of progressively responsible work experience in Engineering, Environmental Science, Development Studies, or Natural Resource Management is required. Advance Usage of computers and office software package (MS Word, Excel etc.) and knowledge of database packages and experience in handling of web-based management systems. Experience in handling general project administration and management of logistics. Experience working in the UN System. Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation tools and methodologies. Strong knowledge of sustainable consumption & production principles, circular economy, waste management policies, sustainable development practices, and climate related projects. Proven Understanding of UNDP project management frameworks, results-based management, and donor reporting requirements would be an asset.Required languages:
Fluency in English and Sinhala or Tamil are 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.ย
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.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย 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.
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.
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