Small Grants Programme National Coordinator

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to end poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, as well as protect the planet, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Together, these efforts aim to ensure that improvements in human wellbeing remain within ecological boundaries. We also help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities and institutional capabilities, as well as build resilience, in order to achieve the SDGs. 

UNDP China has been working in China more than 47 years, partnering to advance various phases of China’s development. UNDP China’s actions and programmes for the period of 2026-2030 are defined in its Country Programme Document for China (CPD), prepared in cooperation with the Government of China and other partners. The CPD contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for China 2026-2030 and aligned to support the development priorities outlined in the Government of China’s 15th Five Year Plan. 

We support the attainment of the SDGs in China, by promoting sustainable development principles in policies and decision-making, focusing on reducing inequality, promoting inclusive, low-carbon growth and protecting the environment.  Our work involves shaping the policy discourse and practices in China’s development cooperation and overseas public and private financing by providing policy and technical guidance on alignment with international best practices and norms. In addition, UNDP leverages its global network and South-South Cooperation (SSC) to facilitate mutual knowledge and experience sharing between China and partner countries on best practices and lessons learned to advance the SDGs.

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/ [link removed].

Since its launch in July 2009, SGP has funded 218 projects in 27 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in China, benefiting 765,711 households with grants totaling USD 10,308,980. Projects range from national level policy contributions, institutional strengthening and community-led initiatives on environment conservation, adaptation and mitigation work, capacity development as well as livelihoods and resilience building efforts. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The National Coordinator will report through a matrixed structure to both the Deputy Resident Representative and the SGP Regional Programme Specialist, s/he will be based in Planet Pillar according to CO structure management. 

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.

1. Ensure effective management of the SGP Country Programme team 

2. Ensure Programme/Portfolio Development and Management

3. Resource Mobilization and Partnerships

4. Facilitate Knowledge Management and Communication

5. Ensure Monitoring and Progress Controls

6. Contribute to achieving the UNDP Gender Equality Agenda

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

Competencies

Core Competencies:

People Management:

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site [link removed]

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction & Strategy    

Business Management    

Partnership management    

2030 Agenda: Planet     

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Experience:

Experience, Knowledge and skills:

Desirable criteria:

Required Languages:

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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