Project Associate

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Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org.

UNDP in Papua New Guinea prioritizes environmental sustainability, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk resilience under Outcome 4 of the UNDP Country Programme Document (2024–2028). Through this portfolio, UNDP supports the Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG) in strengthening climate resilience, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources while addressing the increasing risks posed by climate change and disasters. The programme contributes to PNG’s commitments under key international frameworks, including the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. In parallel, UNDP supports the integration of natural capital accounting and ecosystem valuation into national planning and fiscal decision-making to ensure that the economic value of ecosystems is properly recognized and safeguarded for long-term sustainable development.

The UNDP environment and climate change portfolio in Papua New Guinea (PNG) plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable resource management and climate resilience. Recognizing the increasing risks posed by climate change and natural hazards, UNDP is also strengthening the country’s disaster risk management and climate resilience systems. Papua New Guinea faces escalating exposure to floods, landslides, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis, which threaten development gains and disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. In response, UNDP—working with the National Disaster Centre (NDC), National Weather Service (NWS), Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), and the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazard Management (DMPGM)—is supporting the Government to modernize disaster governance, strengthen risk information systems, and develop sustainable disaster and climate risk financing mechanisms.

The Disaster Risk Management Bridging Phase Project aims to reduce loss of life, livelihoods, and development gains from disasters and climate shocks in Papua New Guinea by strengthening inclusive, risk-informed disaster risk management (DRM) systems. Aligned with UNSDCF Outcome 5, the initiative will enhance the capacity of national and subnational institutions to anticipate, prepare for, and manage multi-hazard and climate risks through improved governance frameworks, integrated risk information systems, and sustainable disaster risk financing mechanisms. The overall objective is to enable Papua New Guinea to move from reactive disaster response toward a proactive, coordinated, and resilience-focused approach that protects vulnerable communities and safeguards development progress.

The project is structured around three interlinked outputs. First, it will strengthen legal and institutional frameworks for DRM by supporting the operationalization of the forthcoming National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Act and Policy. This includes developing regulations, standard operating procedures, and coordination protocols, clarifying roles and responsibilities across national and subnational levels, and building institutional capacities. A strong emphasis will be placed on integrating gender equality, disability inclusion, and human rights considerations into disaster governance systems.

Second, the programme will establish a unified digital risk information system through the development of a National Risk Registry (NRR). This platform will integrate hazard, climate, exposure, and socio-economic datasets into a comprehensive and interoperable system accessible to decision-makers across government agencies. By strengthening data sharing, geospatial analysis, and real-time risk monitoring, the NRR will improve multi-hazard early warning systems and support evidence-based planning, preparedness, and response at both national and provincial levels.

Third, the programme will support the development of predictable and inclusive disaster risk financing mechanisms. This includes assessing existing public financial management systems for disaster risk management, designing a risk-layered financing framework, and strengthening coordination between the National Disaster Centre and fiscal authorities such as the Department of Treasury and Department of Finance. The programme will also explore innovative and inclusive financing solutions—such as microinsurance, parametric insurance, and community contingency funds—to support preparedness, early action, and resilient recovery.

Implemented by UNDP in partnership with the National Disaster Centre and key government institutions, and supported by partners such as the Government of Australia, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Geoscience Australia, and development finance institutions, the initiative will strengthen Papua New Guinea’s institutional capacity, data systems, and financial architecture for disaster resilience. Ultimately, the programme will contribute to building a more resilient, inclusive, and climate-secure Papua New Guinea, where communities and institutions are better equipped to manage disaster and climate risks.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Associate works under the general supervision of Disaster Risk Management Specialist and collaborates closely with the project unit, environment programme team and operations team for the implementation of the project.

Support partnerships and resource mobilization. 

Provide support to the effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on progress of project implementation.

Support knowledge building, knowledge sharing and capacity building relevant to the assigned project. 

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:

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Management 

Technical-Finance 

Technical – Procurement 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

Desired Skills:

 Experience in preparation of financial reports and overviews

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection [link removed]

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.