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.
Vietnam has united to tackle plastic pollution, a pressing national issue, with 2.9 million tons of plastic waste generated annually (as of 202 ). To support Vietnam in addressing this challenge, with a target of reducing marine plastic litter by 75% by 2030 and promoting reuse, reduction, and recycling across various sectors, UNDP has actively partnered with government agencies and relevant stakeholders. Together, they are transforming commitments into actions and deploying practical solutions and initiatives. The Circular Economy, Waste, and Chemicals (CE) Portfolio of UNDP has been instrumental in this transformation, piloting and expanding innovative solutions, and fostering an innovation ecosystem that includes innovators, startups, intermediaries, and investors. These efforts aim to reduce plastic waste and enhance a more sustainable and inclusive circular economy.
Funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), the Ending Plastic Pollution Innovation Challenge (EPPIC) is an ASEAN-wide competition inviting innovators to share their bright ideas for tackling plastic pollution. EPPIC has supported over 100 innovations through its acceleration program, offering USD 18,000 to each project and providing a platform for ASEAN countries to share knowledge and exchange lessons learned. At the national level, the Vietnam National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) platform brings together multiple stakeholders from different sectors, enabling collaboration between the government and other vital partners to turn plastic waste and pollution commitments into actions. As the host of the NPAP Secretariat, UNDP Vietnam works with NPAP’s Leadership Board chair, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), to devise collaborative plans for national plastic reduction goals and initiatives. And one of the first two technical working groups under the NPAP, the Innovation and Financing Task Force, was established in May 2023. Comprising 14 members from government agencies, businesses, NGOs, development organizations, and financial institutions, this task force fosters innovative ideas and solutions and unlocks new sources of sustainable financing for plastic reduction, reuse, and recycling.
In addition, continuing the momentum of supporting national action plans, UNDP Regional has partnered with the Coca-Cola Foundation in the Asia-Pacific region, including Vietnam, to create an enabling environment and promote circular interventions throughout the plastic lifecycle. This partnership will bring more opportunities for various pilot projects to tackle plastic pollution in fisheries and local provinces, promote responsible sourcing throughout the supply chain, and improve waste sorting at the source. It will also strengthen the engagement of relevant stakeholders in collective plastic actions towards a circular economy in Vietnam
UNDP Viet Nam is looking for a Project Analyst to coordinate and support the successful implementation of projects related to plastic pollution and innovation under the Circular Economy, Waste, and Chemicals Portfolio.
Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will work under direct supervision and reports to the Programme Analyst in charge of the Circular Economy, Waste, and Chemicals Portfolio. He/she will work closely with international programme specialist, technical advisors, programme analysts, innovation and circular economy officers, supporting staff, NPAP leads and specialists of GPAP, Director General and officers of International Cooperation Department of MONRE.
This position is expected to deliver the following tasks:
Coordinate and ensure the successful implementation of the TCCF Regional Plastics Circularity Project:
- Be responsible for day-to-day management of the project; develop and adjust annual workplan and timeline for the project with certain deliverables and milestones of 04 project interventions;
- Coordinate with the focal points of the above-mentioned components (if any) and technical officer within the CE portfolio and national and/or international consultant for TORs of consultancies and relevant work packages, procurement and equipment, output review in accordance with project’s objectives, and event organization.
- Actively engage and maintain regular contact with local focal points and government authorities to ensure the smooth running of the project activities;
- Be responsible for project reports, project’s knowledge products, experience exchanges and lessons learned compiled from project activities;
- Coordinate with the UNDP Regional Team to ensure any project updates and reporting, risk monitoring and communication plan the guidance of the Programme Analyst;
- Support Progamme Analyst (PM) with administrative and financial procedures in bidding and disbursement.
Coordinate the NPAP Innovation and Financing Task Force
- Coordinate and support the implementation of relevant activities of the Task Force (TF) within the year-round timeline in collaboration with the TF chair and co-chair and under the guidance of NPAP Secretariat’s Manager;
- Facilitate the TF meeting, including the preparation and organization of TF events in collaboration with the TF chair, co-chair and the Engagement and Communication Associate;
- Support to update the NPAP innovation tracker with plastic-associated innovations and the utilization of this database;
- Support NPAP’s report and communication materials with TF activities and outputs;
- Support to expand impacts of the TF activities in boosting effective and innovative solutions to tackle plastic waste and plastic pollutions.
- Support the formulation and the implementation of projects under the Circular Economy, Waste, and Chemicals Portfolio
The Viet Nam Flagship Project of Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW)
- Act as the focal point to organize regular meetings and updated progress of the project Risk Monitoring Task Force;
- Conduct engagement with local authorities, NGOs, businesses and relevant organizations, stakeholders in the implementation of the project upon requests.
The ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge (ABIC) and the Global Plastics Innovation Programme (GPIP)
- Lead the communication with the UNDP Indonesia team regarding the project implementation, and provide contribution to the pilot phases of the ABIC at CO level to 5 innovation winners;
- Coordinate and implement to achieve the target of promoting technology adoption, advance innovation uptake and strengthen South-South cooperation in Plastics management among project’s selected countries under the GPIP;
- Tailor activities to streamline and position UNDP Viet Nam in fostering plastic innovations through these regional initiatives.
Other tasks on project formulation and implementation
- Participate in planning for the portfolio development and fund raising for project, activities under the Portfolio.
- Support to the preparation of reports, knowledge products and other proposals of the CE portfolio and UNDP regarding the plastic innovation work
Perform 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: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
- Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
- Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
- Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
- Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
- Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Business Direction & Strategy
- Systems 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
- Risk Management. Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks
- Project Management. Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
- Monitoring. Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results
Business Development
- Knowledge Generation. Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.
Partnership management
- Multi-stakeholder engagement & funding. Knowledge and ability to forge multi-stakeholder partnerships, and remove any obstacles to resource mobilization and multi-stakeholder funding platforms
2030 Agenda: Planet
- Climate. Circular economy and green economy
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Natural and Engineering Sciences, applied sciences, Sustainable Development or related field 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 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in project coordination/management of natural sciences and technologies, specifically related to waste/plastic management to support national targets for reducing plastic pollution.
- Experience in running a partnership platform and/or establish and maintain a task force with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, NGOs, and international organizations is an advantage;
- Experience in plastic innovations, including project management, partnership management, stakeholder engagement, and/or event organization is an asset;
- Experience in working with government agencies and local authorities could be an advantage to increase the portlio’s contribution to the national plans.
- Previous experience with UNDP project implementation, particularly being familiar with Procurement Procedures and working with technical consultants to achieve identified targets, is an advantage.
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems is desired.
Required languages:
- Fluency in English and Vietnamese is required.
Disclaimer
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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