Office/Unit/Project Description 

The Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) is implemented by UNDP on behalf of the GEF. UNDP oversees the SGP through the Vertical Centre and the Nature Centre of the Bureau of Policy and Programme Support (BPPS). Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the SGP efficiently channels direct grants to non-governmental and community-based organizations to help them address climate change, conserve biodiversity, protect international waters, reduce the impact of persistent organic pollutants, and prevent land degradation. Supporting communities in their efforts to achieve sustainable livelihoods while generating global environmental benefits is the core inspiration of the SGP.

Launched in 1992 as a corporate program of the GEF, the GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) has supported local action for over 30 years to address global environmental concerns. The SGP seeks to generate global environmental benefits in GEF focus areas: biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, protection of international waters, prevention of land degradation, and removal of persistent organic pollutants through community-based approaches. To date, the SGP has funded over 29,000 community-based projects in more than 120 countries. It has gained considerable experience at the community level, including in climate change adaptation while addressing issues in GEF focus areas. More information can be found at:  https://sgp.undp.org/ 

In Venezuela, the GEF began operations in 2010, allocating resources from the GEF’s Fourth Operational Phase (FO4) to support local initiatives in the focal areas of biodiversity, land degradation, and climate change, while generating sustainable livelihoods in communities. Since then, it has supported more than 241 community-based projects across the country. Project grants have been received by civil society organizations (CSOs). The GEF’s national coordination team has developed a capacity-building strategy for project proposal development and efficient project implementation by these implementing partners. 

Regarding the distribution of projects by focus area, 44% have been allocated to Biodiversity, 19% to Land Degradation, 33% to Climate Change, and 4% to Capacity Building. The projects have emphasized the conservation of terrestrial and marine landscapes by communities in large buffer zones of protected areas, the progressive restoration of degraded lands through sustainable family production systems and agroforestry systems with biodiversity-friendly crops (coffee and cacao), as landscape elements and drivers of sustainable livelihoods. This demonstrates a close relationship with the country’s physical and natural characteristics, with one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the region and more than 25% of its territory designated as protected areas.

For the period 2010-2025, the following overall environmental results stand out: over 580,000 hectares of forest landscapes conserved by communities, of which 571,000 hectares are within 20 national parks and 9,000 hectares correspond to family production systems; 75 community-run tree nurseries established for reforestation in agroforestry systems; 3 breeding centers established for the reproduction of 3 endangered species; release of over 2,500 endangered animals into the Orinoco and Caura rivers; 640 hectares reforested with native species; over 2,000 hectares of degraded soils restored; over 289 environmental education workshops; 34 projects applying low-carbon technologies; 80 projects led by women; 68 projects with youth; 18 projects with indigenous populations; and 2 projects with people with disabilities.

Key socioeconomic benefits include: over 10,500 people trained in ecotourism, conservation, and sustainable development; 1,500 producers using practices that reduce soil degradation and improve the productivity of their family farms; 420 producers who have incorporated agroecological practices into their coffee and cacao production; over 110 environmentally friendly community-based socio-productive initiatives; and more than 70 products derived from biodiversity, all part of eco-social enterprises that generate livelihoods. Since 2020, the Innovation Eco program has trained 20 eco-entrepreneurs from Small Grants Programme (SGP) initiatives, contributing to strengthening livelihoods in their communities.

The Eighth Operational Phase (OP8) of the Small Grants Programme (SGP) builds on 30 years of successful experience empowering local civil society organizations (CSOs) to design and lead community-driven initiatives that improve well-being and diversify livelihoods, increase awareness and resilience to environmental threats, and generate global benefits. The objective of OP8 of the SGP is to engage CSOs in terrestrial and marine landscape approaches worldwide by providing them with access to knowledge and information, offering training through hands-on learning, skills development, and technical assistance, as well as grants for interventions that improve well-being and socioeconomic conditions and generate global environmental benefits.

The objectives of FO8 reflect the key features of the Small Grants Programme 2.0, including new approaches to supporting youth, women, and indigenous peoples, while also linking to complementary mechanisms such as the Microfinance Initiative and the CSO Challenge Programme, cooperation with other GEF agencies, and leveraging opportunities with GEF strategies, including the implementation of the Integrated Programmes of the eighth replenishment period of GEF-8. Furthermore, it will facilitate opportunities for innovation and scaling up, catalyze multi-stakeholder partnerships to pilot new approaches through CSOs, and leverage their dialogue platforms for greater impact. FO8 will also be aligned with and contribute to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Strategic Plan (2022-2025).

Scope of work 

Under the direct supervision of the Resident Representative (or Deputy Resident Representative) and the secondary supervision of the PPD Regional Programme Specialist, the PPD National Coordinator will be responsible for the implementation of the overall work of the PPD, the performance of the PPD Programme Associate/Assistant and the National Steering Committee at the country level.

Ensure effective management of the SPPD Country Programme team

• Supervise the PPD Country Program Associate/Assistant and provide them with the necessary guidance and training;
• Promote and maintain effective teamwork within the SGP Country Programme team, the National Steering Committee members and with the UNDP country team; 
• Prepare and implement the annual work plan, including strategic and/or innovative initiatives, with established delivery and co-financing targets; prepare a proposal for an annual operating and administrative budget for the UNDP Country Office.
• Establish annual performance parameters and learning objectives for the SPP Country Programme team, assess their performance and provide feedback.

To ensure the development and management of programs and portfolios

• Stay abreast of national environmental concerns and priorities, as well as socio-economic conditions and trends related to the SGP, and assess their impact on SGP work and programme.
• Ensure the formulation and implementation of the Country Programme Strategy (EPP FO8), and its periodic review and updating.
• Manage SGP grant allocations and the country’s operating budget, maintain the financial integrity of the program by ensuring compliance with SGP standard operating procedures, as well as UNDP rules and regulations, and ensure the timely and effective use of SGP resources.
• Exercise quality control over the development of a portfolio of project ideas and concepts, and closely monitor the progress and results of program implementation.
• Organize regular workshops for stakeholders and project development sessions for civil society organizations (CSOs) and local communities, and potential applicants and other stakeholders to inform them about the SGP and its strategic initiatives.
• Work closely with civil society organizations (CSOs) and grassroots community organizations (GCOs) in preparing project concepts and proposals to ensure that projects align with the SPP’s strategic initiatives, the country programme strategy and technical guidance notes;
• Authorize and manage grants for project planning as needed.
• Monitor ongoing SGP grant projects and conduct regular field visits for project monitoring and provide technical and operational support and guidance to SGP beneficiaries as needed.
• Plan and act as secretary for the meetings of the National Steering Committee. Support and coordinate closely with the National Steering Committee and the Technical Advisory Group, as appropriate, in the process of reviewing, selecting, and approving project proposals, especially in the initial evaluation of proposals and the assessment of their eligibility.
• Promote programmatic, project and policy links between the SGP and GEF full or medium-sized projects planned or underway in the country, as well as those of other governments, donors and development partners.
• Report periodically to the Central Programme Management Team (CPMT) on the status of programme implementation, including annual progress reports, financial reports, audits and updating of relevant PPD databases.
• To monitor and evaluate the SGP Programme and projects by country, as well as donor initiatives, in coordination with the National Steering Committee (NSC) and the CPMT.
• Perform and coordinate administrative tasks (i.e., procurement, travel) in compliance with UNDP POPP procurement rules and regulations, as required for program implementation.

Mobilization of resources and partnerships

• Establish and maintain close working relationships with stakeholders, as well as promote the value, comparative advantages and ensure the visibility of the PPD.
• Assess the interest and priorities of major donors and other development partners and develop/update and implement the resource mobilization and partnership strategy to mobilize resources and develop partnerships with the government, donors and other partners to better leverage SGP resources and develop partnerships at the program level.
• Support PPD beneficiaries in obtaining co-financing and partnerships at the project level and help identify opportunities and resources to sustain and scale up projects.

Facilitating knowledge management and communication

• Documenting program/project histories, lessons learned, and best practices in the development, implementation, and monitoring of PPD programs/projects.
• Accessing the global SGP and other global and regional knowledge, extracting best practices and facilitating their dissemination and incorporation into the Country Programme and SGP projects, the UNDP Country Office and among counterparts and partners; 
• Support capacity building and the creation of beneficiary networks to facilitate knowledge exchange and promote its adoption through knowledge platforms, knowledge fairs, etc.

Ensure monitoring and progress controls

• Solid results and impacts of the SGP programme, in line with national strategies and priorities, as well as with the SGP strategy and approaches, that contribute to a transformative change in society and the economy to conserve the global environment and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. 
• An innovative, technically sound, and socially inclusive grant portfolio is developed and implemented. Resources are used effectively and efficiently to maximize the impact of the project/program. This fosters greater trust from clients and donors, and increases opportunities for visibility, collaboration, and co-financing.

The holder performs other functions within their functional profile that are considered necessary for the efficient operation of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional provisions

• The holder will be based at the UNDP office [Venezuela];
• The holder will report to the Resident Representative (or Deputy Resident Representative) and secondarily to the PPD Regional Program Specialist, in accordance with the PPD Operational Guidelines;
• The holder will be responsible for the supervision and development of the PPD Program Associate/Assistant
• The holder will be given access to the relevant information necessary for the execution of the tasks of this assignment;
• The holder will be provided with a workstation (i.e., laptop, Internet, telephone, scanner/printer, etc.) and access to a reliable Internet connection.

Skills

Cross-cutting and technical skills 

Minimum qualifications of the selected NPSA

Minimum training requirements          

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Environmental Management, Natural Resources, Ecology, Sustainable Development, Community Development, Biodiversity Conservation, Climate Change, or related areas is required, or 
• University studies (Bachelor’s level – first university level) in Environmental Science, Biology, Environmental Engineering, Geography or a related field, in combination with two additional years of relevant experience will be favorably considered instead of a Master’s degree.

Minimum number of years of relevant work experience

• A minimum of 2 years (with a master’s degree) or 4 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience is required, proven in coordination and technical and administrative management of programs or projects related to environmental management, sustainable development, environmental conservation, rural development, and community management.

Knowledge and skills required              

• At least 2 years of specific experience in the coordination or execution of environmental, rural, or community development projects, preferably in thematic areas and contexts similar to those of the PPD/GEF.
• Proven experience working in a sensitive environment that requires liaison and collaboration with multiple actors and vulnerable groups (e.g., NGOs, CSOs, government, etc.).
• Proven experience in implementing capacity building, community empowerment and knowledge management strategies in local-based projects.
• Experience in overseeing budgets, acquisitions and financial reporting, ensuring transparency and compliance with regulations.
• Understanding of the country’s environmental and sustainable development priorities, the Homeland Plan, the Great Mission Mother Earth Venezuela, as well as the global strategy of the GEF and the UNDP.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Experience in using computers and office software packages, experience in handling web-based management systems.
• Experience in fundraising and strategic alliances.
• Knowledge of UNDP’s strategic programs and operational policies is desirable.
• Experience in design, management, monitoring and evaluation of UNDP development programs and/or projects, in the GEF thematic areas including results-based management.

Required language(s) 

• Fluency in Spanish is a requirement. 
• Knowledge of other United Nations languages ​​is an advantage.

Professional certificates

• Professional certificates in addition to academic qualifications relevant to the GEF-PPD management work areas and project management are desirable.

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.

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