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

Ethiopia's rich biodiversity is under increasing threat due to rapid population growth, unsustainable resource use, and weak institutional capacity. These pressures have led to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal wildlife trade, endangering both ecological integrity and local livelihoods.

As part of the GEF-8 Wildlife Conservation for Development Integrated Program (GEF-8 GWP), this project addresses the key drivers of biodiversity loss through: Improved terrestrial protected area (PA) management effectiveness across eight sites having a cumulative area of 1,883,025 ha, and creation of two new terrestrial PA’s covering 196,500 ha; Improved practices across 150,000 ha of production landscapes within buffer zones of the target PAs, promoting biodiversity conservation and climate resilience; Restoration of 50,000 ha of degraded ecosystems to improve habitat integrity and ecosystem services; Enhanced anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts through capacity-building, cross-border collaboration, and improved enforcement; Expansion of nature-based tourism to increase the economic value of wildlife and habitats; Diversified livelihood opportunities that support ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation; and Adaptive learning and behavioral change strategies to strengthen wildlife economies and community resilience.

By integrating conservation with sustainable development, this initiative delivers significant Global Environmental Benefits (GEBs): improved biodiversity conservation, enhanced land management, 7.5 million metric tons of CO₂e mitigated, and 15,000 people (50% of whom are women) benefitting from the GEF-financed investment.

Leveraging the GWP knowledge platform, the project fosters cross-country collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy integration, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Ethiopia’s terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife.

Duties and Responsibilities

1.Ensure Project Planning, Coordination, and Implementation

Oversee overall management of the project across all components.
Develop and execute a comprehensive project implementation plan in line with GEF and UNDP guidelines.
Coordinate all project activities, ensuring alignment with objectives, timelines, and budget.
Revise and approve work plans and terms of reference submitted by technical coordinators at EWCA and EBI.
Facilitate adaptive management based on monitoring findings.

2. Ensure Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

Serve as the primary liaison between Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA), UNDP, GEF, Global Warming Potential (GWP), and other stakeholders.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with government agencies, NGOs, local communities, and private sector partners.
Facilitate stakeholder meetings and consultations to ensure inclusive project design and implementation.
Promote project achievements through regular updates to stakeholders and the public.

3. Team Leadership and Capacity Development

Supervise, mentor, and periodically evaluate project personnel to ensure effective performance and delivery.
Establish strong team spirit through capacity building and fostering ethical standards among project personnel
Provide technical guidance on biodiversity conservation, wildlife management, and sustainable development practices.

4. Ensure Financial Management and Compliance

Manage project budgets and financial resources in compliance with UNDP, GEF, and government financial procedures.
Ensure harmonized financial management across institutions.
Oversee resource mobilization efforts to support project sustainability.

5. Ensure Monitoring, Evaluation, and Facilitate Knowledge Management

Develop and implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess project performance and impact.
Prepare and submit accurate and timely progress reports to EWCA, UNDP, GWP, GEF, and other partners.
Prepare and submit high-quality technical documents and policy briefs.
Promote knowledge sharing and best practices in wildlife conservation and sustainable development.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangements and Reporting Lines

The Project Manager will operate under overall guidance and direct supervision of the Team Leader, CRES Unit, UNDP. In carrying out assigned duties, the incumbent will work in close coordination with the GEF Programme Specialist, as well as with programme and operations teams across UNDP.

The Project Manager will also collaborate closely with the Director General of the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority and relevant staff within the institution. Strong engagement is expected with government counterparts, NGOs, community-based organizations, local communities, and other stakeholders. This collaboration is essential to ensure effective integration of GEF-supported programmes and projects into the UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD), enhanced resource mobilization efforts and harmonization and alignment of initiatives for maximum impact and sustainability.

Competencies

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have a lasting impact
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate the complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate the benefits of a diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Direction And Strategy: Strategic Thinking – Develop effective strategies and prioritised 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 Direction And Strategy: System 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: Relationship Management – Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding.
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.
Digital: Team Design & Management – Ability to create a clear sense of shared purpose while leveraging curiosity, expertise and agency at an individual level. Set up and manage team rituals and rhythms that create a safe space for learning and reflection. Foster a positive culture around failure and encourage exploration and experimentation. Set the conditions and structures for 'fluid' team modelling and distributed leadership enabling the team to continuously develop and renew itself. Ability to create synergy between team members with diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, being able to leverage their broad knowledge and skillsets.
2030 Agenda: Planet – Nature – Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Illegal Wildlife Trade

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Natural Resource Management, Conservation, Wildlife Management, Environmental Science or related fields is required. Or A first-level university degree (bachelor’s 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:

Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of experience in protected areas and wildlife management
At least 5 years of progressive experience in managing large-scale conservation or development projects, preferably with international funding (e.g., GEF, UNDP).
Demonstrated experience in strong leadership and team management
Experience in project planning, coordination, and organizational abilities.
Proficient in financial and budget management.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other computer applications necessary for project management and protected area/biodiversity conservation.
Expertise in biodiversity conservation strategies and sustainable development principles.
Proven experience in protected area and wildlife conservation, community-based natural resource management, or ecosystem restoration.
Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, including government, NGOs, local communities, and international organizations.
Experience in financial and administrative management of donor-funded projects.
Experience in implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Proven experience and participation in knowledge management platforms such as the Global Wildlife Program

Language:

Fluency in English is required.
Working knowledge of local language is desired

Application Instruction:

The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.

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.

Project Manager – Wildlife Conservation for Development