Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

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.

Viet Nam is also among the 10 countries most affected by disasters and climate extreme events over the period 1999-2018. The successive floods and storms in central Viet Nam in 2020 caused an estimated loss of 1.5% of the GDP.

Every year, Viet Nam generates approximately 3.9 million tons of plastic waste, with only 33% being recycled. Mismanagement of plastic waste, whether due to inadequate collection or improper disposal, results in pollution of both land and marine environments, adversely affecting ecosystems and human health. Since 2020, Viet Nam has set out on an ambitious transformation agenda towards a Circular Economy (CE). The country has integrated its definition of CE in the draft Socio-Economic Development Strategy (2021-2030) and the Revised Law on Environmental Protection (LEP) 2020, which marks a cornerstone in the inclusion of CE principles in policy frameworks. Following the LEP, Decree 08/2022/ND-CP outlined CE principles and stakeholders’ s responsibilities in driving the transition towards CE in Viet Nam.

In line with the UN’s One Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development Cooperation for Viet Nam for the period 2022-2026, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s Country Programme Document (CPD) in Viet Nam covers three important areas: 1) Climate Change, Disaster Resilience and Environmental Sustainability; 2) Shared Prosperity through Sustainable Economic Transformation; and 3) Governance and Access to Justice.

UNDP Viet Nam is mobilising an International Climate Change and Circular Economy Officer to support the portfolios on (i) “Climate Change), and (ii) “Circular Economy and Chemicals” of her/his time and contribute to project formulation and implementation, policy advocacy, communications, resources mobilization, and reporting in the areas of climate change adaptation and resilience, and circular economy.

The IPSA will contribute to the implementation of projects under these two portfolios and provide an on-demand basis to support to the Climate Change Portfolio activities related to climate change adaptation, Women and Youth empowerment in policy and practices. The IPSA will also engage in resource mobilisation and relevant research work under the programme portfolios.

The Climate Change and CE Officer will report to the Programme Officer on Climate Change and DRR and the Programme Analyst on Circular Economy and Chemicals of the Climate Change and Environment Unit, UNDP Viet Nam.

Duties and Responsibilities

Programme/project implementation

Lead the formulation, design of AWPs, contract agreement, and implementation of 04 projects/ activities listed below. 
Partner, with and support, the 02 Programme Officers in planning, management and implementation of relevant projects/initiatives, including but not limited to the implementation of all activities, support, coordination project partners, follow- up and review deliverables of national and international consultants, review and coordinate the production of knowledge materials, prepare work plans, and elaborate work packages and TORs.  
Prepare regular agregate reports on activities, outputs and outcomes, including technical progress, inception and annual reports for the office and donors as required.  
Lead and ensure quality documentation of the project’s lessons learnt and best practices; quality publication of technical reports, policy briefs, and results.  
Attend and deliver technical presentations and keynote speeches at events and conferences. 
Partially supervise two junior staff on the circular economy and one staff the podcast, review their work, deliver quality assurance, and monitor progress/results.  
Partially supervise two junior staff on the circular economy and one staff the podcast, review their work, deliver quality assurance, and monitor progress/results.

Programme/ project Development and Resources mobilization

Lead the formulation of a comprehensive project proposal on circularity in the agricultural sectors.
Contribute to the development of concept notes and project proposals on relevant climate change / CE focus areas.
Keep abreast of global and national development contexts to identify opportunities for project formulation and resources mobilization for UNDP interventions.
Support partnership development by engaging in dialogues and networks and building and maintaining regular contacts with national partners, multilateral and bilateral donor agencies and NGOs.

Policy Advocacy and Technical support on studies and research

Continue to lead research, studies, and policy analysis related to climate and circular economy topics.
Provide technical and coordination support to the partnerships and mechanisms, which UNDP chairs, co-chaired, coordinates, facilitates.
Author and contribute to country office blog posts and other written products capturing progress and learning from the CC and CE Portfolios
Prepare briefing notes on UNDP’s CE and CC work for internal audiences and senior management as requested.

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:

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work.
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking.
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process.
Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously.
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

2023 Agenda: Planet

Nature, Climate and Energy: Chemicals and Waste management: practical application; Climate Change Adaptation: Embedding adaptation into development policy/planning/decision making.

2023 Agenda: People

Gender: Gender Mainstreaming

Partnership management

Resource mobilization: Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities and establish a plan to meet funding requirements.

Business Development

Knowledge Generation: Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need.

Business Management

Results-based Management: Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improving performance and demonstrable results

Business Direction & 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.

Required Skills and Experience:

Education:

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental economics, climate change, international development or relevant subjects or related field is required, or
A first-level university degree (Bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree

Experience:

Minimum 2 years (with Master’s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of work experience in relevant thematic areas of climate change and circular economy .
Demonstrated experience in climate change and circular economy is an asset.
Experience working in Vietnam is an asset.
Having experience in working in a multicultural environment.
Have strong experience in gender mainstreaming.
Having experience in conducting research with international organisations is an asset

Required Language:

English

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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Climate Change and Circular Economy Officer