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Small Grants Programme National Coordinator [Open to internal and external applicants]
Better Than Cash
Cuba
Posted on Mar 24, 2026
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
Office/Unit/Project Description
UNDP supports sustainable human development in Cuba by focusing on economic, social, and environmental progress. Working alongside the country, UNDP helps implement the National Economic and Social Development Plan through 2030, as well as the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The organization encourages a dynamic economy, protects social achievements and equity, and promotes practices that ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. This includes advancing renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and building resilience to climate change and natural disasters.
Guided by national priorities and strategies set with the Cuban government in the Country Programme Document (CPD) and aligned with the United Nations Cooperation Framework, UNDP’s work in Cuba centers on four main areas: Local Human Development, Disaster and Risk, Nature, Climate and Energy, and HIV/AIDS prevention and control. Gender equality is integrated into all these areas. UNDP also promotes decentralized, bilateral, multilateral, and South-South cooperation.
Within the Nature, Climate and Energy (NCE) area, UNDP develops initiatives that align with Cuba’s goals to enhance the conservation and resilience of both natural and built environments. These projects integrate environmental concerns into development plans and economic activities, support environmental finance, and address climate change adaptation and mitigation. Attention to gender and social equity is included throughout these efforts.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) is implemented by UNDP on behalf of the GEF Partnership. UNDP oversees the Small Grants Programme (SGP) through the Vertical Hub and the Nature Hub of Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS). Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Small Grants Programme efficiently channels direct grants to non-governmental and community-based organizations to help them cope with climate change; conserve biodiversity; protect international waters; reduce the impact of Persistent Organic Pollutants; and prevent land degradation. Helping communities with their initiatives for sustainable livelihoods while generating global environmental benefits is the core inspiration of the Small Grants Programme.
Launched in 1992 as a corporate programme of the GEF, the GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) has supported local action for over thirty years to address global environmental concerns. SGP aims to deliver global environmental benefits in the GEF focal areas of biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, protection of international waters, prevention of land degradation, and elimination of persistent organic pollutants through community-based approaches. To date, SGP has funded over 29,000 community-based projects covering more than 120 countries. It has gained considerable experiences at the community level, including adapting to climate change while addressing issues of the GEF focal areas. Further information can be found at: https://sgp.undp.org/.
In Cuba, the SGP began activities in 2005 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 provided support to 177 community projects across the country. Project grants have benefited more than 100 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
To ensure the desired environmental, economic, and social quality and impact, the national coordination of the SGP has developed a strong strategic alliance with scientific and academic institutions throughout the country. This has allowed projects to be innovative, characterized by the transfer of technology and knowledge that guarantees environmental sustainability, while also contributing to the fulfillment of national policies and the country’s international commitments.
During the period 2005–2024, projects have addressed three key environmental areas: land degradation, biodiversity conservation and Climate Change. The emphasis of the projects has been focused on:
- The gradual recovery of productive capacity on degraded lands through the implementation of sustainable land management principles, agroecological practices, and the establishment of agroforestry and silvopastoral systems.
- The efficient use of water resources and the conservation of water resources, including the reduction of pollution in watersheds.
- The conservation of terrestrial and marine landscapes, with an emphasis on areas of high value for biological diversity; including the conservation and sustainable use of threatened or high-value species.
- Support for the energy transition in communities and agricultural cooperatives.
- The diversification of livelihoods and subsistence means in rural communities.
Currently, the SGP has two sources of funding to support the implementation of projects in Cuba: the GEF (which is the traditional source that finances the program) and the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (which was recently incorporated).
Scope of Work
Under the direct supervision of the NCE Programme Officer, the SGP National Coordinator will report to the Resident Representative (or Deputy Resident Representative) and the SGP Regional Programme Specialist., the SGP National Coordinator will be responsible for the implementation of the overall work of SGP, the SGP Programme Associate/ Assistant, and the National Steering Committee at the country level.
Ensure effective management of the SGP Country Programme team
- Supervise the SGP Country Programme Associate/ Assistant and provide necessary guidance and coaching;
- Promote and maintain effective teamwork within the SGP Country Programme team, the National Steering Committee members, and with the UNDP CO team;
- Prepare and implement annual work plan, including strategic and/or innovative initiatives, with set delivery and co-financing targets; draft annual SGP Country Office administrative and project operational budget proposal
- Set annual performance parameters and learning objectives for the SGP Country Programme team, assess their performance and provide feedback.
Ensure Programme/Portfolio Development and Management
- Keep abreast of national environmental concerns and priorities as well as the socio-economic conditions and trends as they relate to the SGP and assess their impact on SGP’s work and programme.
- Ensure formulation and implementation of the Country Programme Strategy (CPS), and its periodic review and update.
- Manage the SGP grant allocations and country operating budget, maintain the financial integrity of the programme by ensuring adherence to SGP Standard Operating Procedures as well as UNOPS rules and regulations, and ensure 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 programme implementation progress and results.
- Organize periodic stakeholder workshops and project development sessions for civil society organizations (CSOs) and local communities, and potential applicants and other stakeholders to inform about SGP and its Strategic Initiatives.
- Work closely with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community-based Organizations ( CBOs) in preparation of project concepts and proposals to ensure that projects fit with the SGP Strategic Initiatives, Country Programme Strategy, and technical guidance notes;
- Authorize and manage project planning grants as required.
- Oversee ongoing SGP grant projects and conduct periodic project monitoring field visits and provide technical and operational support and guidance to SGP grantees as required.
- Plan and serve as secretary to the National Steering Committee meetings. Support and closely coordinate with the National Steering Committee and Technical Advisory Group where relevant, in the process of project proposal review, selection and approval, especially the initial appraisal of proposals and assessment of eligibility.
- Foster programme, project, and policy linkages between the SGP and the full or medium-sized GEF projects, planned or underway in the country, as well as those of other government, donors and development partners.
- Report periodically to the Central Programme Management Team (CPMT) on programme implementation status, including annual monitoring reporting, financial reporting, audit, and update the relevant SGP databases.
- Undertake monitoring and evaluation of SGP Country Programme and projects, and grant maker initiatives, in coordination with National Steering Committee (NSC) and CPMT.
- Perform and coordinate administrative tasks (i.e. procurement, travel) adhering to SGP SOPs procurement rules and regulation, as required for programme implementation.
Resource Mobilization and Partnerships
- Establish and maintain close working relationships with stakeholders as well as promote the value, comparative advantages, and ensure visibility of the SGP.
- Assess interest and priorities of key donors and other development partners and develop/update and implement the resource mobilization and partnership strategy to mobilize resources from and develop partnerships with the government, donors and other partners to best leverage SGP resources and develop programme level partnerships.
- Support SGP grantees in securing co-financing and project level partnerships and assist in identifying opportunities and resources for sustaining and scaling up projects.
Facilitate Knowledge Management and Communication
- Document programme/project stories, lessons learned, and best practices in SGP programme/project development, implementation, and oversight.
- Access SGP and other global and regional knowledge, distill best practices and facilitate their dissemination and incorporation within SGP Country Programme and projects, UNDP CO, and to counterparts and partners;
- Support capacity building and networking of grantees to facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote uptake through Knowledge platforms, Knowledge fairs etc.
Ensure Monitoring and Progress Controls
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Sound SGP programme results and impacts, in alignment with national strategies and priorities and SGP strategy and approaches, that contribute to transformational change in society and economy to conserve the global environment and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, Innovative, technically sound and socially inclusive grant portfolio is developed and implemented. Effective and efficient use of resources to create maximum project/programme impact. Increased trust by clients and donors and increased opportunities for visibility, partnerships and co-financing.
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 incumbent will be based in the UNDP Cuba office;
- The incumbent will report to the Resident Representative (or Deputy Resident Representative) and secondarily to the SGP Regional Programme Specialist, in accordance with SGP Operational Guidelines;
- The incumbent will be responsible for the supervision and development of the SGP Programme Associate/ Assistant
- The incumbent will be given access to relevant information necessary for the execution of the tasks under this assignment;
- The incumbent will be provided with a workstation (i.e. laptop, internet, phone, scanner/printer, etc.) and access to reliable internet connection.
Competencies
Expected Demonstration of Competencies
| Core | |
| Achieve Results | LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work |
| Think Innovatively | LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking |
| Learn Continuously | LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning |
| Adapt with Agility | LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process |
| Act with Determination | LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously |
| Engage and Partner | LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships |
| Enable Diversity and Inclusion | LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making |
People Management
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
| Thematic Area | Name | Definition |
| Business Direction & Strategy | Strategic Thinking | Develop effective strategies and prioritized 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 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. |
| 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. |
| Business Direction & Strategy | Systems 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 | Strategic engagement | Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives |
| 2030 Agenda: Planet | Nature | Local Action |
Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA
| Min. Education requirements |
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| Min. years of relevant work experience |
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| Experience, Knowledge and skills | Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems is required. |
| Desirable criteria |
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| Required Language(s) |
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| Professional Certificates |
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.
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.
Under the direct supervision of the NCE Programme Officer, the SGP National Coordinator will report to the Resident Representative (or Deputy Resident Representative) and the SGP Regional Programme Specialist., the SGP National Coordinator will be responsible for the implementation of the overall work of SGP, the SGP Programme Associate/ Assistant, and the National Steering Committee at the country level.