Small Grants Programme National Coordinator [Open to Tier 1 & 2 applicants]

Better Than Cash
Better Than Cash

São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe

Posted on Jul 29, 2026
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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.

  1. Office/Unit/Project Description

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in São Tomé and Príncipe supports the Government in advancing sustainable development pathways that address poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), the country faces structural vulnerabilities linked to its size, remoteness, and exposure to external shocks, particularly climate change and environmental degradation. At the same time, São Tomé and Príncipe is endowed with exceptional natural capital, hosting rich terrestrial and marine biodiversity and functioning as a net carbon sink. The country’s global environmental significance is further reflected in its designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the recognition of its traditional cocoa production system as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS/SIPAM), highlighting the intrinsic link between biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and cultural heritage. UNDP works in close partnership with national institutions, civil society, and development partners to strengthen capacities, mobilize resources, and deliver integrated solutions aligned with national priorities and global commitments.

Within this framework, the Climate and Nature portfolio constitutes a core pillar of UNDP’s programme, focusing on supporting the implementation of the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), advancing climate resilience, and promoting the sustainable management of natural resources. The portfolio encompasses a growing pipeline of projects addressing climate mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, disaster risk reduction, and the transition towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy. Key areas of intervention include strengthening climate governance systems—such as transparency, monitoring and reporting—supporting national adaptation planning and implementation, enhancing resilience to climate-related risks (including flooding and water insecurity), and advancing nature-based solutions and biodiversity finance mechanisms.

UNDP’s interventions are characterized by an integrated, cross-sectoral approach that combines policy advisory, institutional capacity development, and on-the-ground implementation. The portfolio places strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement—working closely with government entities, local communities, private sector actors, and development partners—and ensures that climate and environmental actions are inclusive, gender-responsive, and aligned with broader socio-economic priorities, including the promotion of green and blue economy opportunities. As the portfolio continues to expand in scope and complexity, there is a growing need for strengthened programme management and coordination capacity to ensure effective delivery, monitoring, and reporting across multiple projects and funding streams

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/.

2. Scope of Work

The National Coordinator will report through a matrixed structure to both the Resident Representative (or Deputy Resident Representative) and the SGP Regional Programme Specialist. The Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the SGP at the country level, including direct supervision of the SGP Programme Associate/Assistant and coordination of the National Steering Committee.

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

  • 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.

3. Institutional Arrangement

  • The incumbent will be based in the UNDP São Tome e Principe CO office;
  • The incumbent will have a matrixed reporting line to the Resident Representative (or Deputy Resident Representative) and 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
  • 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

4.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
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

5. Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Min. Education requirements • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental or Natural Resource Management, Economy, Public Policy, Law, Environmental Economics/Management, Business Administration or a related field is required.
OR
• A first level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree
Min. years of relevant work experience • Minimum 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience in managing environment / natural resource management projects / initiatives at national or local levels is required.

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

• Progressively responsible experience in project or programme management or related area at international and/or national level is desirable.
• Proven experience in managing and/or providing services for the design, management and monitoring and evaluation of UN/DP Programmes and/or development projects including results-based management a significant advantage
• Experience in any of the GEF-SGP thematic areas at the national level highly desirable
• Knowledge of strategic programmes and operational policies of UNDP is an asset
• Proven experience working in a sensitive environment requiring liaison and collaboration with multiple actors (e.g. NGOs, CSOs, government, etc.) is desired.

Required Language(s) :

• Fluency in English and Portuguese of the duty station required
• Knowledge of French/Spanish is an advantage
Professional Certificates

******In accordance with SGP Operational Guidelines, all SGP Local Action team members must be nationals of the designated duty station. Any exception to this requirement, must be duly reviewed and approved by the SGP Global Manager, in consultation with the Office of Human Resources.

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.

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