Project Coordinator – NDC 3.0 Formulation (UNDP Bhutan)

March 3, 2025

10 minutes read

This position is with UNDP Bhutan, working on the development of Bhutan’s Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0). The NDCs are commitments under the Paris Agreement where countries outline their climate action plans. Bhutan, being a leader in environmental conservation, aims to enhance its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and strengthening climate adaptation measures.

The Project Coordinator will be responsible for managing and coordinating this process, ensuring effective planning, stakeholder engagement, monitoring, and implementation. The role requires working closely with government agencies, international organizations, consultants, and other stakeholders to ensure Bhutan’s NDC 3.0 is successfully prepared and submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) before COP30 in 2025.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Management & Coordination

Lead and oversee the planning and execution of Bhutan’s NDC 3.0 formulation process.
Ensure the project meets UNDP and donor requirements (such as the Green Climate Fund – GCF).
Prepare Annual Work Plans and Budgets to guide project implementation.
Monitor progress and ensure the timely delivery of all project milestones.
Coordinate technical working groups, partner organizations, and experts working on climate-related policies.

2. Stakeholder Engagement & Communicationhttp://Project Coordinator for NDC 3 Formulation – UNDP Bhutan

Work closely with government bodies, particularly the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), to align the NDC 3.0 with national priorities.
Facilitate collaboration between government agencies, civil society, development partners, private sector, academia, and international organizations.
Organize and facilitate meetings, workshops, and consultations to gather input and feedback from stakeholders.
Prepare progress reports and updates for UNDP, government agencies, and donors.
Ensure effective knowledge-sharing by developing policy briefs, reports, and communication materials.

3. Compliance & Reporting

Ensure all project activities comply with UNDP’s Program and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP).
Oversee financial management and reporting, ensuring funds are used effectively and transparently.
Identify potential risks and challenges, proposing solutions to mitigate them.
Maintain project dashboards and ensure all project documentation is well-organized for audits and evaluations.

Required Qualifications & Skills@vacancyspaces.com

Education:

Master’s degree in Climate Change, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Management, Development Economics, or a related field.
OR a Bachelor’s degree in these fields with an additional 2 years of experience.

Work Experience:

Minimum 5 years of relevant experience with a Master’s degree OR 7 years with a Bachelor’s degree.
Experience in sustainable development, climate change policies, environmental protection, and project management.
Strong knowledge of Bhutan’s national climate policies, strategies, and environmental frameworks.
Experience in developing and implementing projects, preferably with UN agencies or government organizations.
Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership building.
Experience in workshop facilitation, training, and managing consultants is an advantage.

Skills Required:

Project management skills – ability to plan, organize, and execute complex projects.
Communication skills – strong verbal and written communication in English and Dzongkha.
Teamwork and collaboration – ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
Problem-solving and adaptability – ability to address challenges and find solutions.
Budgeting and financial management – ensuring compliance with UNDP and donor requirements.
Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) skills – tracking project progress and reporting outcomes.
Knowledge of international climate agreements and policies.

Contract & Work Details

Position Type: Full-time
Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
Contract Duration: 1 year (with the possibility of extension)
Agency: UNDP Bhutan (Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific)
Salary Grade: NPSA-10 (National Personnel Service Agreement)
Application Deadline: March 5, 2025

Why This Job is Important?

This role is crucial in ensuring Bhutan continues to lead global efforts in climate action. As a carbon-neutral country, Bhutan’s NDC 3.0 will play a major role in shaping its sustainable future. The Project Coordinator will directly contribute to policy-making, project implementation, and strengthening Bhutan’s environmental leadership on the global stage

Project Coordinator – NDC 3.0 Formulation (UNDP Bhutan)

Job Overview

This role is part of Bhutan’s commitment to global climate action under the Paris Agreement. As a Project Coordinator, you will be at the forefront of coordinating Bhutan’s Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), a national document that outlines Bhutan’s climate commitments for the next decade.

Bhutan has been recognized as one of the few carbon-negative countries in the world, meaning it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits. To maintain this status while ensuring sustainable development, Bhutan must submit an updated NDC 3.0 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) before COP30 in 2025.

This position is crucial in shaping Bhutan’s future climate policies, securing international funding, and driving sustainable development initiatives.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Project Leadership & Strategic Coordination

Oversee and lead the entire NDC 3.0 formulation process from start to submission.
Develop strategies, timelines, and work plans to ensure project milestones are met.
Ensure the project aligns with Bhutan’s Five-Year Development Plans, National Environment Strategy, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Work closely with UNDP Bhutan, government ministries, and international organizations to integrate the NDC 3.0 with Bhutan’s national policies.
Ensure that Bhutan’s NDC 3.0 is ambitious, achievable, and aligned with scientific climate data.

2. Stakeholder Engagement & Public Consultations

Collaborate with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, NGOs, and local communities to ensure inclusivity in the NDC development process.
Organize high-level meetings, stakeholder workshops, and public consultations to gather inputs from various groups.
Ensure that the perspectives of women, youth, indigenous communities, and vulnerable populations are integrated into climate policies.
Represent UNDP Bhutan in climate-related events, policy dialogues, and international forums.

3. Climate Policy Development & Research

Conduct policy research, data analysis, and climate risk assessments to develop strong evidence-based recommendations.
Identify priority areas for climate mitigation and adaptation, including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, forest conservation, and disaster risk reduction.
Work with technical experts, consultants, and researchers to prepare technical reports, policy briefs, and recommendations for Bhutan’s NDC 3.0.
Ensure alignment with global best practices in climate finance, nature-based solutions, and low-carbon development strategies.

4. Financial & Resource Mobilization

Assist in identifying and securing funding from international donors, climate finance institutions, and multilateral agencies such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), and Adaptation Fund.
Develop project budgets and financial reports in line with UNDP and donor guidelines.
Ensure transparent and accountable financial management of project resources.
Identify opportunities for public-private partnerships to support Bhutan’s climate initiatives.

5. Reporting, Monitoring & Evaluation

Develop progress reports, financial statements, and project documentation for UNDP and Bhutanese government agencies.
Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and ensure timely completion of project activities.
Establish monitoring frameworks to measure Bhutan’s progress in achieving its climate targets.
Ensure Bhutan meets its reporting obligations to the UNFCCC, UNDP, and other international bodies.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Educational Background:

Master’s degree in Climate Change, Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Natural Resource Management, International Relations, or a related field.
Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in these fields must have at least two additional years of relevant experience.

Work Experience:

Minimum 5 years of professional experience with a Master’s degree OR 7 years with a Bachelor’s degree.
Proven experience in climate change policy, environmental governance, and sustainable development.
Prior work with international organizations, UN agencies, or government institutions is an advantage.
Experience in project management, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and financial planning.
Strong understanding of Bhutan’s environmental policies, climate finance mechanisms, and international climate agreements.

Technical & Professional Skills:

Excellent project management skills, including ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders.
Strong analytical skills to interpret climate data and develop policy recommendations.
Ability to write high-quality reports, proposals, and technical documents.
Strong knowledge of climate change adaptation, mitigation, and disaster resilience strategies.
Familiarity with international climate finance mechanisms (e.g., GCF, GEF, World Bank).
Experience in conducting workshops, training sessions, and capacity-building programs.

Soft Skills:

Leadership and teamwork – Ability to lead projects and collaborate with different stakeholders.
Excellent communication – Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Dzongkha.
Problem-solving and adaptability – Ability to handle challenges and develop creative solutions.
Attention to detail – Ensuring high-quality work and compliance with regulations.

Why This Job is Important?

The Project Coordinator for NDC 3.0 will play a crucial role in shaping Bhutan’s climate action for the next decade. Bhutan is known as a global leader in carbon neutrality, conservation, and green development, and this role ensures that the country maintains this leadership position.

By leading the development of Bhutan’s NDC 3.0, this position will:
✅ Influence national policies on climate action, clean energy, and environmental protection.
✅ Help secure international funding for Bhutan’s climate projects.
✅ Strengthen Bhutan’s reputation as a climate leader in the global community.
✅ Ensure that Bhutanese communities benefit from sustainable and resilient development.

This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on Bhutan’s environmental and economic future.

Additional Details

Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
Position Type: Full-time
Contract Duration: 1 year (with possibility of renewal)
Salary Grade: NPSA-10 (National Personnel Service Agreement)
Agency: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bhutan
Deadline to Apply: March 5, 2025

Would you like help in preparing your application, cover letter, or resume for this role? 😊

Project Coordinator – NDC 3.0 Formulation (UNDP Bhutan)

Introduction

The world is at a critical juncture in the fight against climate change, and Bhutan is among the few countries that have set an exemplary standard by being carbon-negative—absorbing more carbon than it emits. However, with rising global temperatures, increasing economic growth, and rapid urbanization, Bhutan must continuously update its climate commitments to ensure sustainable development while maintaining its environmental leadership.

This role—Project Coordinator for NDC 3.0 Formulation—is an exciting opportunity to lead Bhutan’s third iteration of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), a key policy document under the Paris Agreement. This job is not just administrative but highly strategic, as it will define Bhutan’s climate commitments, policies, and actions for the next decade.

The position is with UNDP Bhutan, which plays a critical role in supporting the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) in formulating and implementing climate policies, adaptation programs, and carbon neutrality strategies.

Understanding the NDC 3.0 & Its Importance

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are at the heart of the Paris Agreement (2015), where each country outlines its climate action plans, goals, and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance climate resilience. Every five years, nations must submit an updated NDC to ensure their climate commitments remain ambitious and science-based.

For Bhutan, the NDC 3.0 will be its third update and must address:
✅ Long-term carbon neutrality strategies while supporting economic development.
✅ Integration of climate resilience policies in forestry, energy, transport, and agriculture.
✅ Enhanced strategies for climate finance, ensuring access to Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), Adaptation Fund, and other international mechanisms.
✅ Stronger commitments to nature-based solutions, sustainable land use, and disaster risk reduction.
✅ Alignment with Bhutan’s Five-Year Development Plans (FYPs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Project Coordinator will play a lead role in driving this process, ensuring Bhutan’s commitments are scientifically sound, implementable, and financially viable.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leading the NDC 3.0 Formulation Process

🔹 Develop and implement a roadmap for Bhutan’s NDC 3.0 submission before COP30 in 2025.
🔹 Ensure full alignment with Bhutan’s National Climate Change Policy, Vision 2045, and sectoral policies.
🔹 Engage technical experts, ministries, NGOs, private sector players, and local communities in a multi-stakeholder approach.
🔹 Conduct a gap analysis of Bhutan’s current climate actions, identifying progress, challenges, and opportunities.
🔹 Develop scientifically robust targets for emissions reduction, adaptation, and climate resilience.
🔹 Coordinate closely with UNDP Regional and Global Climate Teams for technical assistance.

2. Policy Research, Data Analysis & Climate Modelling

🔹 Work with researchers, universities, and climate experts to conduct climate modeling and risk assessments.
🔹 Use data-driven approaches to assess Bhutan’s emissions profile, renewable energy potential, and adaptation needs.
🔹 Study international best practices in climate governance, carbon trading, and sustainable finance.
🔹 Integrate emerging trends, such as nature-based solutions, AI in climate monitoring, and blockchain in carbon accounting.

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Participatory Approach

🔹 Organize high-level meetings with policymakers, climate negotiators, and technical experts.
🔹 Conduct consultation workshops with local governments, farmers, businesses, and indigenous communities.
🔹 Ensure that women, youth, and vulnerable groups have a voice in Bhutan’s climate strategy.
🔹 Develop capacity-building programs to enhance technical knowledge among stakeholders.

4. Climate Finance & Resource Mobilization

🔹 Identify funding opportunities from multilateral donors, international climate funds, and development banks.
🔹 Support the Royal Government of Bhutan in applying for grants under GCF, GEF, Adaptation Fund, and World Bank programs.
🔹 Develop climate finance strategies for attracting private sector investment into green projects.
🔹 Prepare budget estimates, cost-benefit analyses, and financial proposals.

5. Implementation, Monitoring & Reporting

🔹 Establish a robust monitoring framework to track Bhutan’s NDC progress.
🔹 Work with the National Environment Commission (NEC) to submit Bhutan’s climate progress reports to the UNFCCC.
🔹 Ensure that all climate actions meet international standards for transparency and accountability.

Skills & Qualifications

Education:

✅ Master’s degree in Climate Science, Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, Natural Resource Management, or related fields.
✅ Bachelor’s degree holders must have two extra years of relevant work experience.

Work Experience:

✅ 5+ years of experience in climate policy, project management, or environmental governance.
✅ Experience working with government agencies, UN bodies, or international organizations is preferred.
✅ Familiarity with Bhutan’s national policies and international climate agreements.

Technical Skills:

✅ Strong knowledge of climate modeling, emissions accounting, and sustainability strategies.
✅ Experience in data analysis, policy research, and climate finance mechanisms.
✅ Strong understanding of UNFCCC negotiations, Paris Agreement, and COP meetings.

Soft Skills:

✅ Strategic thinking & leadership – Ability to lead projects, coordinate stakeholders, and drive policy formulation.
✅ Excellent communication skills – Strong ability to present complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences.
✅ Problem-solving & adaptability – Ability to respond to challenges creatively and flexibly.

Challenges & Opportunities

Challenges:

⚠️ Balancing climate ambition with economic development – Ensuring Bhutan’s policies are ambitious yet achievable.
⚠️ Engaging diverse stakeholders – Navigating differing perspectives among government bodies, private sector, and local communities.
⚠️ Accessing climate finance – Securing funding in a competitive global environment.

Opportunities:

🌱 Bhutan’s leadership in climate action – Building on Bhutan’s global reputation as a carbon-negative country.
🌱 International recognition – Represent Bhutan in global climate forums, UN events, and regional dialogues.
🌱 Long-term impact – Shape policies that will guide Bhutan’s sustainability journey for the next decade.

Why This Job Matters

This position directly impacts Bhutan’s climate future and strengthens its role as a global leader in sustainable development. By leading the NDC 3.0 formulation, you will:
✅ Help Bhutan secure climate finance for transformative projects.
✅ Influence policies on clean energy, green jobs, and climate resilience.
✅ Ensure that Bhutan’s communities, forests, and economy are protected from climate risks.
✅ Strengthen Bhutan’s international standing as a pioneer in sustainable development.

This is not just a job—it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Bhutan’s environmental and economic future.

Application Details

📍 Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
📑 Position Type: Full-time, contract-based
📆 Deadline to Apply: March 5, 2025
💰 Salary: NPSA-10 (Competitive salary based on experience)
🏢 Agency: UNDP Bhutan

Would you like assistance in crafting a compelling cover letter or resume for this role? 😊

March 3, 2025

10 minutes read