General
Description of assignment title
Program Manager/Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management
Assignment country
Rwanda
Expected start date
01/10/2025
Sustainable Development Goal
13. Climate action
Volunteer category
National UN Volunteer Expert
Host entity
UNDP
Type
Onsite
Duration
12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments
1
Duty stations
Kigali
Details
Mission and objectives
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is committed to eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable, inclusive development by strengthening democratic governance, upholding the rule of law, and building resilient institutions. UNDP facilitates access to global knowledge, resources, and partnerships to support individuals and communities in improving their lives. Its work is anchored in advancing climate action, gender equality, and innovation, all in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Rwanda, UNDP plays a leading role in supporting the government’s efforts to transition toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. Central to this support is the mobilization and strategic deployment of climate finance to expand investments in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem restoration. These initiatives are essential to the realization of Rwanda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the country’s broader sustainable development objectives
Context
The Programme Manager will be responsible for the effective management of initiatives in Disaster Risk Management (DRM), Early Warning Systems (EWS), and climate adaptation. She/he will ensure strong stakeholder coordination, alignment with national priorities and UNDP’s strategic objectives, and the integration of climate-smart approaches to strengthen resilience and environmental governance. She/he will also drive innovation, promote knowledge exchange, and oversee the delivery of high-quality outputs across all assigned thematic areas. UNDP applies a portfolio approach that enables flexibility in responding to evolving development needs and maximizes synergies across interventions.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Sustainable Environment, Energy Development and Climate Change (SEEDCC) Unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Management of programmatic engagement: • Lead the implementation of DRM, EWS programmatic activities, ensuring timely deliv-ery of key components and alignment with strategic objectives. • Monitor progress against work plans and proactively follow up on critical milestones to avoid delays and bottlenecks. • Provide strategic oversight and troubleshooting support to maintain quality and respon-siveness throughout implementation. • Track and report on programmatic achievements, challenges, and lessons learned to in-form adaptive management. • Maintain regular communication with partners and internal teams to ensure coherence and accountability across all program streams. Policy Analysis, Knowledge Facilitation and Sharing: • Coordinate the Loss and Damage (L&D) study, including stakeholder engagement, data collection oversight. • Coordinate the implementation of the disaster risk assessment and hotspot mapping, in partnership with MINEMA and other key stakeholders. • Coordinate the implementation of the feasibility study on the integration of AI and machine learning in weather forecasting and climate information services • Coordinate the implementation of the implementation of the NbS Study Resource Mobilization: • Follow up on ongoing proposals development, ensuring that all technical and strate-gic comments from reviewers are addressed comprehensively and in a timely manner and design ToRs for SES, HACT, and other relevant assessments. • Develop of concept notes (CNs) and full proposals related to disaster risk manage-ment, early warning systems, climate-smart agriculture, natural resources manage-ment, ensuring coherence with national priorities, donor requirements, and UNDP’s climate-smart programming.
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 80
Required experience
7 years
Nationality
Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.
Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
7 years
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required Kinyarwanda, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Master’s degree in Environmental Management, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Agricul-ture, Natural Resources Management or related fields.
Competencies and values
• Accountability • Integrity • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management • Working in teams
Skills and experience
• Professional experience at national or international level in providing strategic advi-sory services in the fields of Climate Change, Environment and Natural Resources Management, Low Carbon and Climate Smart Agriculture • Hands-on experience in Project Management. • Familiarity with the Paris Agreement and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC); • Outstanding organizational and planning skills • Proven ability to multitask effectively is required. • Outstanding writing and editing skills, • Written and oral communicate skills
Area(s) of expertise
Development programmes, Energy and environment , Agriculture
Driving license
–
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, has experienced remarkable rejuvenation and stability, evident upon arrival in the city. While motorcycle taxis are the fastest mode of transport, they’re not recommended without your own helmet, though some provide helmets. Standard taxis, marked with yellow stripes, are another option, with many operated by Kigali Taxi Service or Kigali Airport Taxis. Public transportation is affordable and efficient, with new and well-maintained buses available, and prepaid cards can be purchased at bus stations. Rental cars are also available due to significant investment in infrastructure, leading to minimal congestion. Accommodations in Kigali are readily available and meet relevant standards, with recreational facilities like swimming pools also accessible. Shopping options include various shops and markets offering essential items, imported goods, home furnishings, electrical appliances, and vehicle spare parts. The city boasts both public and private health facilities, such as King Faisal Hospital and Legacy Clinic, equipped to handle emergencies and affiliated with CIGNA insurance. Kigali is considered exceptionally safe, with emergency numbers like 999 for police, 111 for fire fighters, and 112 for general emergencies, and 113 for traffic accidents. The UNV Programme offers monthly living allowance covering basic needs like housing, utilities, transportation, and communication. The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable them to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy
Scam warning
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