National Platform Coordinator – UNDP Papua New Guinea: Driving Sustainable Agricultural Practices and Land Use Planning for a Greener Future

March 23, 2025

14 minutes read

The National Platform Coordinator role at UNDP in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, is focused on coordinating and managing platforms for the Palm Oil and Cocoa sectors as part of a project aimed at sustainable land-use planning and biodiversity conservation in Papua New Guinea. Below is a breakdown of the key responsibilities and expectations of the role:

Key Responsibilities:

Coordination and Leadership:
- The Platform Coordinator will be responsible for managing and coordinating the development and implementation of the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms.
- These platforms are essential for bringing together stakeholders from the government, private sector, and civil society to promote sustainable practices in the palm oil and cocoa industries.
- The role involves overseeing the coordination of activities in two provinces—West New Britain and East New Britain—working closely with provincial agricultural specialists and other project team members.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- The Platform Coordinator will facilitate communication among various stakeholders, such as government ministries, private sector companies, local communities, and civil society organizations.
- The role requires organizing workshops, meetings, and events to engage these groups and encourage collaboration on sustainable practices in the palm oil and cocoa sectors.
Policy and Legislative Support:
- The coordinator will be involved in advocacy to ensure that national policies and local regulations support the development of the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms.
- They will help review existing legislation and work with the government to integrate these platforms into broader land-use planning processes at both the national and provincial levels.
Technical Support:
- The Platform Coordinator will assist with the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices under Component 2 of the project. This includes supporting technical inputs for improving practices in the palm oil and cocoa industries, ensuring these are included in the platform’s workplans.
- They will also help provide technical support to the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) and other relevant government agencies.
Knowledge Management:
- The role requires facilitating knowledge sharing and capacity-building activities, helping to raise awareness of sustainable practices and building partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
- They will also monitor and report on the impacts of the platforms and their activities.

Skills and Competencies:

Technical Expertise: Knowledge in agriculture, agricultural economics, or development practices is crucial, particularly with regard to palm oil and cocoa sectors.
Project Management: Strong organizational skills are needed to plan, prioritize, and execute projects efficiently.
Communication Skills: The role demands the ability to work and communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, private sector actors, and local communities.
Bilingual Fluency: Fluency in both Tok-Pisin and English is required to communicate effectively with local and international stakeholders.

Educational and Experience Requirements:

A Master’s degree in a related field such as agriculture, development, agribusiness, or environmental management is required. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of experience will be considered.
At least 5 years of relevant experience in agriculture, commodity management, or multi-stakeholder coordination is expected. Experience in the palm oil and cocoa sectors is highly desirable.
Prior experience in project management, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement is also crucial for success in this role.

Working Conditions:

The Platform Coordinator will be based in Port Moresby, but the role involves regular travel to project sites in West New Britain and East New Britain Provinces.
This position is part of a one-year contract with the possibility of an extension.

Impact and Purpose:

This job plays a critical role in helping Papua New Guinea address its complex development challenges by promoting sustainable land management and forest conservation. The ultimate goal of the project is to reduce deforestation, restore degraded lands, and promote inclusive economic development, particularly for communities dependent on agriculture. By supporting the palm oil and cocoa platforms, the coordinator helps ensure that these industries transition to more environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive practices.

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Certainly! Here’s an in-depth explanation of the National Platform Coordinator role at UNDP, covering various aspects of the job, its responsibilities, required qualifications, and impact in more than 2000 words.

Overview of the Role

The National Platform Coordinator at UNDP is a pivotal role based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG), responsible for leading the coordination, management, and implementation of the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms as part of a broader project focused on promoting sustainable land-use planning and biodiversity conservation in PNG. The platform is a multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to align government policies, private sector practices, and civil society actions to achieve sustainable agricultural practices and reduce the environmental and social impacts associated with the palm oil and cocoa sectors.

The National Platform Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing and facilitating the activities outlined under Component 2 of the project: “Promotion of sustainable food production practices and responsible value chains to reduce land stress and avert degradation and deforestation.” This is a high-impact role, contributing to the achievement of significant results, such as restoring 50,000 hectares of land, improving practices over 2.7 million hectares of landscapes, and providing direct benefits to more than 66,000 individuals, including marginalized groups.

Purpose and Scope of the Job

The purpose of this role is to coordinate actions between various stakeholders—namely, the government, private sector, and civil society—to drive forward the objectives of the GEF-FOLUR Project, which focuses on sustainable management of palm oil and cocoa production in Papua New Guinea. With rapid deforestation being a significant issue in PNG, particularly due to the conversion of forests into agricultural land for palm oil and cocoa plantations, the project aims to restore biodiversity, improve sustainable land-use practices, and promote climate resilience.

In its broader context, the Platform Coordinator will support the government’s efforts in establishing sustainable agricultural practices and effective governance mechanisms to help counteract the pressures on natural resources from large-scale commercial agricultural activities. The role requires in-depth understanding of agriculture, environmental sustainability, policy advocacy, and stakeholder management, while also working closely with various provincial and national stakeholders to ensure the project’s success.

Key Responsibilities

Central Coordination of the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms: The National Platform Coordinator will be responsible for leading the coordination and implementation of the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms. These platforms are key elements of the project and are designed to bring together various stakeholders in the agriculture and environmental sectors. The coordinator will ensure that all activities are well-managed and aligned with the overall goals of the project, including restoring degraded land and improving sustainable agricultural practices.
- Coordination of activities: The role requires coordinating and supporting the activities related to the establishment and operation of the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms. This includes working with the National Agriculture Technical Specialist (NATS) and the Project Team to develop a detailed work plan and ensuring that milestones and objectives are achieved.
- Multi-stakeholder engagement: The coordinator will be a key liaison for coordinating meetings, discussions, and collaborations among government agencies, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and local communities. The goal is to foster partnerships that will enable effective implementation of sustainable practices across the palm oil and cocoa value chains.
Technical Support for Implementation: As part of Component 2 of the project, the Platform Coordinator will provide technical support in implementing sustainable agricultural practices across both the palm oil and cocoa sectors. This includes identifying and promoting innovative techniques and best practices that reduce land degradation, deforestation, and the associated environmental impacts.
- The role will involve capacity-building activities for government officials, farmers, and local stakeholders to help them adopt and implement sustainable agricultural methods.
- The coordinator will also support the integration of sustainable practices within national policies and programs, including coordinating with government officials and commodity boards in the palm oil and cocoa sectors to ensure that sustainable practices are integrated into broader agricultural and environmental policies.
Advocacy and Policy Support: A significant part of the Platform Coordinator’s responsibilities will involve advocacy efforts to ensure the adoption of policies that support sustainable agriculture and land management practices. This will require reviewing existing legislation related to palm oil and cocoa production, working with stakeholders to advocate for the endorsement and adoption of new regulations, and helping to integrate these into national and provincial land-use planning processes.
- The role will involve direct collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) and other relevant ministries in PNG to ensure that the government adopts policies that encourage the development of sustainable palm oil and cocoa value chains.
- Additionally, the Platform Coordinator will work to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable agricultural practices at the national and provincial levels, helping to engage local governments and stakeholders in adopting these practices.
Engagement with Private Sector and Local Communities: The Platform Coordinator will work closely with private sector actors, particularly those involved in palm oil and cocoa production, to ensure that they are adhering to sustainable practices. The role also involves engaging with local communities to build awareness and ensure that the needs and interests of affected populations are taken into account.
- The coordinator will help establish partnerships with companies in the palm oil and cocoa industries, promoting sustainable sourcing and supply chain management practices.
- They will also work with local communities to ensure that they are involved in decision-making processes, have access to sustainable agricultural methods, and benefit from the implementation of the project.
Monitoring and Reporting: The Platform Coordinator will support the monitoring and evaluation of the project’s activities, ensuring that progress is tracked and results are documented. This includes developing tools and methods for monitoring the impact of the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms, collecting data on key indicators, and reporting on the success of the project in improving land-use practices, reducing deforestation, and enhancing livelihoods.
- Regular reporting on the progress of activities, challenges faced, and successes achieved will be required to keep stakeholders informed and maintain transparency throughout the project.
- The coordinator will also be responsible for ensuring that lessons learned are shared with stakeholders and used to inform future programming.
Knowledge Management: A critical responsibility of the National Platform Coordinator is to facilitate knowledge management and the sharing of best practices among stakeholders. This includes organizing workshops, seminars, and other knowledge-sharing events, as well as developing awareness-raising materials to promote the benefits of sustainable agriculture and land management.
- The role will involve documenting successful case studies, identifying lessons learned, and promoting innovative solutions that have worked in other parts of the country or globally. These efforts will help drive the scaling up of sustainable practices across the palm oil and cocoa industries.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: The role requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields related to agriculture, environmental management, agribusiness, green commodities, or other related fields. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in a related field combined with additional years of experience may be considered.
Experience:
- At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in agriculture, sustainable land-use practices, or commodity value chains (with a Master’s degree), or 7 years (with a Bachelor’s degree).
- Experience in multi-stakeholder initiatives, particularly those focused on agriculture, environmental sustainability, or commodities.
- At least 3 years of experience in the palm oil and/or cocoa sectors is desired, including knowledge of industry challenges, governance issues, and sustainability practices.
- Strong experience in project management, including planning, implementation, and monitoring of large-scale initiatives.
- Experience working with government officials, private sector representatives, and civil society organizations in both national and provincial contexts.
- Familiarity with UNDP policies and procedures is an asset.
Skills:
- Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders across sectors and foster partnerships.
- Demonstrated leadership and team management abilities.
- Fluency in Tok-Pisin and English is required to communicate effectively in the local context and with international stakeholders.
- Proficiency in monitoring and evaluation techniques, including the ability to track project results and generate reports for an international audience.
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex issues.
- A systems-thinking approach to understanding the interrelatedness of agricultural, environmental, and socio-economic systems.

Impact and Vision

The National Platform Coordinator will play a critical role in advancing Papua New Guinea’s long-term development objectives by improving agricultural sustainability and reducing deforestation. This role contributes directly to enhancing the livelihoods of local communities and supporting the government’s efforts to protect the country’s rich biodiversity while promoting sustainable economic growth.

By coordinating the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms, the Platform Coordinator will help create a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector that benefits both people and the planet. The success of this project will have a lasting impact on the way Papua New Guinea approaches land-use planning, agricultural development, and climate resilience in the coming decades.

This comprehensive breakdown of the National Platform Coordinator role provides an in-depth understanding of the job’s responsibilities, qualifications, and potential impact. If you need further clarification or additional details on specific areas, feel free to a

Expanded Overview of the National Platform Coordinator Role

The National Platform Coordinator role at UNDP in Papua New Guinea (PNG) offers an exciting and impactful opportunity for individuals passionate about agricultural sustainability, environmental conservation, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The job involves key leadership responsibilities within a complex project that seeks to address some of the most pressing development challenges faced by PNG: rapid deforestation, unsustainable land use, and the need for more sustainable agricultural practices.

Papua New Guinea is a country of immense biodiversity, with vast natural resources, including forests, which support livelihoods and provide ecosystem services vital to the population. However, there is significant pressure on these resources due to agricultural expansion, particularly for palm oil and cocoa production. The National Platform Coordinator will lead efforts to mitigate these pressures by promoting sustainable land-use practices and helping to restore ecosystems affected by unsustainable agricultural practices.http://UNDP National Platform Coordinator Job Posting

Mission of the GEF-FOLUR Project in PNG

The GEF-FOLUR Project focuses on improving land-use planning and enhancing sustainability within the palm oil and cocoa sectors. At its core, the project aims to tackle the deforestation crisis in PNG by fostering the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. The project has the following goals:

Restore degraded landscapes: 50,000 hectares of land will be restored to improve soil quality, water retention, and biodiversity.
Improve practices across vast landscapes: Over 2.7 million hectares will see improved agricultural practices aimed at reducing land stress and deforestation.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions: The project aims to mitigate over 32 million metric tons of CO2 by improving agricultural methods and land management.
Generate positive economic outcomes: The project will directly benefit over 66,000 individuals, including 28,838 women and 37,809 men, by promoting better agricultural practices, sustainable value chains, and environmental stewardship.

The Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms are integral components of this project, where the National Platform Coordinator will ensure their establishment, management, and sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities Expanded@vacancyspaces.com

1. Coordination of Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms

The Platform Coordinator will be tasked with centralizing and driving the coordination of the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms. These platforms are multi-stakeholder initiatives designed to foster collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society actors to promote sustainable agricultural practices. The coordinator will be responsible for:

Strategic development: Designing the platforms’ framework, developing their operational plans, and defining roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders involved.
Management oversight: Ensuring effective operation of the platforms and that the agreed-upon goals are being met according to established timelines and milestones.
Stakeholder engagement: Engaging with a broad network of stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, local communities, and international organizations, to ensure effective collaboration.

2. Support for Sustainable Practices in Palm Oil and Cocoa Sectors

A key component of the role is providing technical support to ensure that sustainable agricultural practices are being adopted within both the palm oil and cocoa sectors. This will involve:

Identifying best practices: Working with experts to identify and share best practices in sustainable farming, agroforestry, and climate-smart agriculture that are suitable for local contexts in PNG.
Capacity building: Providing training to farmers, provincial authorities, and private sector actors on the importance of sustainability and how to implement new practices. This will help improve productivity while minimizing environmental degradation.
Knowledge sharing: Facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experiences among local agriculturalists and international experts. This may involve organizing workshops, seminars, and other knowledge-sharing events.

3. Support for Legislative Reform

A critical aspect of the role will be to support policy reforms aimed at creating a supportive environment for sustainable practices in the palm oil and cocoa industries. This will require:

Policy review: Working closely with the government of PNG to review existing agricultural policies and land-use legislation to identify opportunities for improvement.
Advocacy: Leading efforts to advocate for the adoption of progressive policies and regulations that support sustainable agricultural practices. This may include lobbying for changes in national legislation that impact agricultural production, environmental sustainability, and deforestation.
Inter-agency collaboration: Coordinating efforts between different levels of government, especially national and provincial authorities, to ensure that new policies are effective at all levels and can be successfully implemented.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation of Project Impact

The Platform Coordinator will ensure that the progress and impact of the project are tracked and reported regularly. This will include:

Developing monitoring frameworks: Designing and implementing frameworks to track progress towards key project objectives, such as land restoration, improved agricultural practices, and emissions reduction.
Data collection and analysis: Collecting and analyzing data to assess whether the project is achieving the desired outcomes. This may involve working with field teams and external evaluators to gather on-the-ground feedback.
Reporting: Producing detailed reports on project progress and impact, and sharing this information with UNDP, donors, government stakeholders, and other key partners.

5. Fostering Public Awareness and Education

An essential element of the role will be raising awareness of the importance of sustainable palm oil and cocoa production. This will include:

Community outreach: Engaging local communities in the discussion of land-use practices and educating them about the long-term benefits of adopting sustainable farming techniques.
Communication strategy: Developing and implementing a public relations strategy to communicate the project’s goals, achievements, and lessons learned to a broad audience. This will involve working with media outlets, creating awareness materials, and organizing public events.
Building a local movement: The Platform Coordinator will work to build a grassroots movement that encourages broader adoption of sustainable practices in the agricultural sector.

Competencies Expanded

The National Platform Coordinator will be required to demonstrate a combination of core competencies and cross-functional technical competencies that align with UNDP’s goals. Some of these competencies include:

System Thinking: Understanding the broader systems in which the palm oil and cocoa industries operate, including the economic, social, and environmental impacts. The coordinator must be able to see the interconnections between agricultural practices and the wider socio-economic and environmental context.
Negotiation and Influence: Given the need to coordinate diverse stakeholders, strong negotiation skills will be required to build consensus and resolve conflicts, ensuring that the platform operates smoothly and that the project goals are met.
Results-Based Management: The ability to manage projects with a focus on achieving measurable results is crucial. The Platform Coordinator will need to manage multiple tasks and prioritize actions to ensure that resources are used effectively to achieve the project’s goals.
Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with various stakeholders, from government agencies to local communities and private sector partners, will be key. This includes establishing trust and ensuring collaboration between various parties who may have different interests and priorities.

Impact of the Role

The National Platform Coordinator will play a vital role in achieving sustainable development in Papua New Guinea. The country faces challenges related to poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, and the Platform Coordinator will contribute to addressing these issues by promoting more sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices.

Environmental Impact: The project aims to address the urgent issue of deforestation, which is driven in part by unsustainable palm oil and cocoa production. The National Platform Coordinator will help reduce environmental degradation and support the restoration of ecosystems, contributing to the protection of biodiversity.
Economic Impact: Through the development of sustainable agricultural value chains, the project will enhance the livelihoods of local farmers and communities, fostering more resilient economies in West New Britain and East New Britain Provinces. This will create more job opportunities and economic growth while ensuring that economic development is compatible with environmental sustainability.
Social Impact: By promoting inclusive growth, particularly for women and marginalized groups, the project will enhance social cohesion and community resilience. As more people become engaged in sustainable agricultural practices, they will be empowered with better knowledge, resources, and support to create long-term improvements to their well-being and livelihoods.

Conclusion

The National Platform Coordinator position is a challenging yet deeply rewarding role that will have a long-lasting impact on Papua New Guinea’s development trajectory. By playing a central role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and land-use planning, the coordinator will contribute directly to addressing some of the most pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges facing the country. The role requires a combination of strategic leadership, technical expertise, and strong stakeholder engagement skills, and offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in protecting biodiversity, promoting inclusive growth, and enhancing resilience in one of the world’s most ecologically unique regions.