National Platform Coordinator – GEF-FOLUR Project
National Platform Coordinator with UNDP in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Here’s a summary of the key details:
Job Overview:http://UNDP National Platform Coordinator – GEF-FOLUR Project
- Position: National Platform Coordinator
- Location: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
- Agency: UNDP
- Grade: NPSA-10
- Contract Duration: 1 year with possibility for extension
- Vacancy Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA)
- Practice Area: Nature, Climate, and Energy
- Deadline to Apply: March 27, 2025
Responsibilities:
- Coordination: The Platform Coordinator will support the establishment of Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms, working with various stakeholders including the government, private sector, and civil society.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinate development and implementation efforts, especially under the sustainable agriculture and land-use components of the GEF-FOLUR project.
- Technical Guidance: Provide expertise for sustainable land-use practices and sustainable commodity value chains in the palm oil and cocoa sectors.
Qualifications:
- Education: Advanced degree in agriculture, development practices, agribusiness, green commodities, or related fields (or a bachelor’s degree with extra years of experience).
- Experience: 5+ years with a master’s degree (7+ years with a bachelor’s degree) in agricultural commodities, including experience with multi-stakeholder initiatives, policy, and governance.
- Languages: Fluency in Tok-Pisin and English.
- Preferred Experience: At least 3 years’ experience in the palm oil and/or cocoa sectors.
Competencies:
- Results-focused: Ability to set challenging objectives and drive impact.
- Innovative thinking: Proactive in finding solutions to complex issues.
- Collaboration: Ability to work across sectors and engage various partners.
Other Details:
- Location: Based in Port Moresby with frequent travel to project sites in West and East New Britain Provinces.
- Gender and Diversity: UNDP values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds.
If you’re interested in this role, it’s important to apply before the deadline, March 27, 2025.
Would you like more details or help with applying?
Certainly! Here’s a more detailed explanation of the National Platform Coordinator role with UNDP in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea:
Overview of the Position:
This role is designed for someone who will play a central coordinating role in establishing and supporting the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms under the GEF-FOLUR Project. These platforms are focused on addressing the environmental challenges caused by palm oil and cocoa farming, including deforestation, land degradation, and unsustainable agricultural practices. The project focuses on New Britain Island, which is under threat from agricultural expansion, particularly in the palm oil and cocoa sectors.
Key Duties:
- Coordination of the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms:
- The Platform Coordinator will manage the processes to establish these commodity platforms, which bring together government, the private sector, and civil society.
- The platforms aim to help improve sustainable farming practices, reduce deforestation, and improve the livelihoods of local communities.
- Facilitation of Stakeholder Engagement:
- The Coordinator will work to bring various stakeholders—such as farmers, industry leaders, government agencies, and NGOs—together to share knowledge, develop solutions, and align efforts toward common objectives. This includes building awareness of the importance of sustainable practices and their benefits.
- The role will also involve developing and distributing materials to increase public awareness about these issues.
- Technical Support for Sustainable Practices:
- The Platform Coordinator will work closely with technical specialists and service providers to provide support for sustainable practices in the palm oil and cocoa sectors. This might include introducing new technologies, improving farming techniques, and ensuring that responsible practices are being followed at all levels of the commodity supply chain.
- Collaboration with Government Agencies:
- A significant part of the job will be ensuring that government policies and regulations align with the project’s goals. This will include working with Papua New Guinea’s Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) to promote sustainable agriculture practices and land-use policies.
- The Coordinator will also advocate for the endorsement and adoption of guidelines and regulations to ensure the sustainability of palm oil and cocoa industries.
- Field Travel:
- The role is based in Port Moresby but requires regular travel to project sites in West and East New Britain Provinces to monitor the progress of the platforms and engage with local stakeholders.
- The position involves working on the ground with local farmers, communities, and government representatives.
- Capacity Building:
- The Platform Coordinator will help to build the capacity of local stakeholders to implement more sustainable farming practices, manage natural resources, and address the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
- This might include organizing workshops or training programs for farmers and local businesses.
Table of Contents
Skills and Qualifications:
- Education: The position requires a Master’s degree in fields like agriculture economics, agribusiness, green commodities, or development practices. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with additional experience (at least 2 extra years) is also acceptable.
- Experience:
- 5-7 years of relevant experience (depending on the level of education) in agriculture, particularly in the palm oil and cocoa sectors.
- Experience with multi-stakeholder initiatives, such as facilitating coordination between different sectors (government, business, and civil society) to achieve sustainable development goals.
- Experience in project management and working with agricultural policies and commodity governance.
- Languages: You must be fluent in Tok-Pisin (widely spoken in Papua New Guinea) and English.
- Technical Skills:
- Project Management: Ability to plan, implement, and oversee complex projects to achieve specific outcomes.
- Stakeholder Management: Strong skills in engaging and building relationships with various stakeholders, including government agencies, corporate sectors, and local communities.
- Knowledge of Sustainable Agriculture: Understanding of the challenges facing the palm oil and cocoa sectors and the ability to guide stakeholders in adopting sustainable practices.
Competencies and Values:
UNDP expects candidates to demonstrate:
- Results-driven approach: Ability to set clear, measurable objectives and achieve significant outcomes.
- Innovation and problem-solving: Thinking creatively to address complex issues like climate change and land degradation.
- Cross-sector collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams and partners.
- Cultural sensitivity: Appreciation for diversity and inclusion, particularly in a multicultural and diverse country like Papua New Guinea.
Impact of the Role:
- The Platform Coordinator will contribute to long-term environmental sustainability by helping to reduce deforestation, promote biodiversity conservation, and improve the livelihoods of local communities.
- By working with the palm oil and cocoa industries, the project will also have a direct economic impact, improving agricultural practices and strengthening the value chains for these key commodities.
Final Thoughts:@vacancyspaces.com
This role is ideal for someone with experience in agriculture and project management, particularly in sustainable commodity development. It’s an opportunity to work at the intersection of environmental sustainability, economic development, and community empowerment in Papua New Guinea.
If this aligns with your career goals and background, this could be a highly rewarding opportunity! Would you like assistance with applying for the role or need help with your resume?
Certainly! Below is an extended and detailed explanation of the National Platform Coordinator role for UNDP in Papua New Guinea, designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the position, responsibilities, qualifications, and impact.
National Platform Coordinator – UNDP in Papua New Guinea
The National Platform Coordinator position is part of the GEF-FOLUR Project (Global Environment Facility – Food, Land Use, and Restoration), which is a collaborative initiative led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This project focuses on tackling pressing environmental and economic challenges in Papua New Guinea (PNG), particularly concerning the palm oil and cocoa industries. These industries, vital to PNG’s economy, are contributing significantly to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable land use practices.
The National Platform Coordinator will play a central role in establishing and supporting the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms. These platforms are designed to bring together stakeholders from government, private sector, civil society, and local communities to collaboratively work toward sustainable agricultural practices and a responsible value chain for palm oil and cocoa. The work will be carried out within the framework of the GEF-FOLUR Project, which aims to address land degradation, deforestation, and agriculture-related environmental concerns.
The position requires a highly skilled and dynamic individual with strong expertise in sustainable agriculture, project management, multi-stakeholder coordination, and policy engagement. The role is situated in Port Moresby, but regular travel to West and East New Britain Provinces is essential, as these are the focal areas for project activities. Below is a detailed breakdown of the position, its responsibilities, required qualifications, and competencies.
UNDP’s Focus in Papua New Guinea
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development organization that works to end poverty, reduce inequality, and mitigate climate change. In Papua New Guinea, the UNDP’s focus is on promoting inclusive, green growth, and resilient development. The challenges the country faces are complex and multifaceted, with issues like rapid population growth, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices that hinder sustainable development.
The GEF-FOLUR Project is designed to address these issues by promoting sustainable land-use practices, especially in the agricultural sector, which is a key contributor to both economic development and environmental degradation in the country. By focusing on Palm Oil and Cocoa, the project aims to drive positive change in two major industries that have significant environmental and socio-economic impacts.
Job Responsibilities of the National Platform Coordinator
The National Platform Coordinator will be responsible for managing the coordination of the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms and ensuring that the project’s goals are met through effective engagement and implementation. Below is a more detailed exploration of the key duties of the role:
1. Coordination of Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms
The National Platform Coordinator will be the central figure in the creation and management of the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms. These platforms are designed to bring together stakeholders from various sectors—government agencies, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and local communities—to address sustainability challenges in the palm oil and cocoa sectors.
- Strategic Planning: The Coordinator will ensure that the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms are established in alignment with the GEF-FOLUR Project goals. This includes the development of work plans, strategies, and initiatives that will be implemented through the platforms.
- Stakeholder Engagement: The Coordinator will facilitate collaboration between key stakeholders and ensure that the platforms are used as vehicles for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and problem-solving.
- Platform Operations: The role will involve day-to-day management of the platforms, overseeing the logistical and operational aspects of meetings, events, and communication between stakeholders.
2. Facilitating Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
A key responsibility for the National Platform Coordinator is to foster strong relationships and ensure effective communication among stakeholders. This includes building trust between government agencies, the private sector, and civil society, especially in contexts where these groups may have competing priorities.
- Stakeholder Mapping: The Coordinator will identify all relevant stakeholders who need to be engaged in the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms. This includes private sector representatives (palm oil and cocoa producers), government officials, local farmers, NGOs, researchers, and community leaders.
- Developing Partnerships: The Coordinator will work to develop partnerships and collaborations across different sectors to strengthen the platforms. This can involve securing private sector investment in sustainability initiatives or influencing policy changes at the national or provincial levels.
- Engagement Strategies: The Coordinator will develop and implement strategies to keep stakeholders engaged over time. This includes organizing workshops, trainings, roundtables, and consultations to ensure that all parties are aligned and working toward the same goals.
3. Technical Support for Sustainable Agriculture
The National Platform Coordinator will provide technical support to stakeholders to ensure that the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms are effectively addressing the core sustainability issues. This includes guiding stakeholders on best practices, policy development, and sustainable land-use management techniques.
- Sustainability Guidelines: The Coordinator will support the development of sustainability guidelines for the palm oil and cocoa industries. These guidelines will cover aspects such as deforestation-free supply chains, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation.
- Technical Expertise: The Coordinator will provide guidance on sustainable farming practices and assist farmers in adopting methods that protect the environment, improve productivity, and ensure long-term agricultural viability.
- Capacity Building: This role also involves providing capacity-building support to farmers and communities in West and East New Britain Provinces. This can involve training programs on sustainable agriculture techniques, climate-smart farming, and biodiversity conservation.
4. Policy Advocacy and Government Relations
The Platform Coordinator will have a critical role in influencing policy development and ensuring that national and provincial policies align with the goals of the GEF-FOLUR Project. The Coordinator will work closely with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) and other government agencies to ensure that sustainable agricultural practices are promoted at the national level.
- Policy Advocacy: The Coordinator will advocate for the adoption of sustainable agriculture policies that support the palm oil and cocoa industries while minimizing environmental degradation.
- Legislative Review: The Coordinator will help review existing legislation related to palm oil and cocoa production, identifying gaps or areas for improvement. This may involve advocating for new policies or regulations that promote responsible land use, climate resilience, and biodiversity protection.
- Government Relations: The Coordinator will maintain strong working relationships with government ministries, especially those related to agriculture, land use, and environmental management. This collaboration will be key to the successful implementation of the project’s objectives.
5. Monitoring and Reporting
The National Platform Coordinator will play a key role in ensuring that project progress is tracked and reported effectively.
- Monitoring: The Coordinator will work with the project team to monitor the progress of the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms. This includes tracking the achievement of key project milestones and ensuring that activities are aligned with the overall project objectives.
- Reporting: The role involves providing regular updates to UNDP and project stakeholders on the progress of the platforms. The Coordinator will prepare detailed reports on project performance, including financial, technical, and operational aspects.
6. Field Operations and Travel
The position is based in Port Moresby, but regular travel to the West and East New Britain Provinces will be required. These provinces are the focal areas for the project’s activities, and the Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of project activities at the provincial level.
- Field Visits: The Coordinator will visit project sites to monitor activities, engage with local communities, and ensure that the objectives of the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms are being achieved.
- Local Engagement: In the provinces, the Coordinator will work closely with provincial agricultural specialists to ensure that the project’s goals are integrated into local development plans and are being implemented effectively.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed in this role, the National Platform Coordinator will need a robust set of skills and experience in areas like agriculture, sustainable development, project management, and multi-stakeholder coordination.
Educational Background:
- Advanced degree (Master’s level) in fields such as agriculture economics, agriculture development, agribusiness, green commodities, or related disciplines. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with additional years of relevant experience is acceptable.
Professional Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in agriculture, development practice, or commodity management.
- Experience in palm oil and/or cocoa sectors (at least 3 years) is highly desired.
- Experience with multi-stakeholder initiatives, ideally in project management or policy advocacy.
- A proven track record of working closely with government officials, private sector partners, and civil society organizations.
Technical Skills:
- Strong understanding of sustainable agricultural practices and commodity governance.
- Excellent skills in project management, including the ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and execute projects effectively.
- Ability to design and implement training programs and capacity-building initiatives.
- Fluency in Tok-Pisin and English is required for effective communication in the local context.
Conclusion
The National Platform Coordinator position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to sustainable development in Papua New Guinea by promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing the environmental impact of palm oil and cocoa production. By coordinating key platforms, engaging stakeholders, advocating for policy change, and providing technical expertise, the Coordinator will play a vital role in ensuring the success of the GEF-FOLUR Project.
This role requires a dedicated individual with a passion for sustainable development, the ability to manage complex projects, and the skill to foster strong relationships across different sectors. If you have a background in agriculture, project management, and multi-stakeholder coordination, and are motivated to make a lasting impact on both the environment and the economy, this could be the ideal opportunity for you.
Sure! Here’s an even more extensive and detailed exploration of the National Platform Coordinator position for the GEF-FOLUR Project in Papua New Guinea, focusing on different facets of the role and the broader context:
National Platform Coordinator – UNDP Papua New Guinea: A Detailed Overview
Introduction to the Role
The National Platform Coordinator position is a critical leadership role within the UNDP‘s GEF-FOLUR Project (Global Environment Facility – Food, Land Use, and Restoration). The GEF-FOLUR Project is a major initiative designed to tackle some of the most pressing environmental and socio-economic issues in Papua New Guinea (PNG), particularly focusing on agriculture and land-use practices related to Palm Oil and Cocoa production.
The role is essential in helping UNDP address major sustainability challenges and create a more resilient agricultural sector in Papua New Guinea, with a focus on deforestation, land degradation, and climate change. These issues directly impact both the natural environment and the livelihoods of local communities who depend on agriculture for their income and sustenance.
By focusing on creating and supporting the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms, the National Platform Coordinator will bring together diverse stakeholders to tackle these complex issues and improve the sustainability of these critical agricultural commodities. The role will require strong leadership, strategic thinking, and collaboration with various actors from both the public and private sectors.
The Context: Papua New Guinea’s Development Challenges
Papua New Guinea is a country with significant natural resources and a diverse population of over 8 million people, spread across a large geographic area. Despite its potential, PNG faces major development challenges due to factors like:
- Deforestation and biodiversity loss, which are particularly alarming in rural areas where agriculture is a major economic activity.
- The impact of unsustainable land-use practices such as illegal logging and land clearance for palm oil and cocoa plantations.
- Inadequate access to knowledge about sustainable farming methods and the challenges posed by the lack of infrastructure to support small-scale farmers in rural areas.
- Vulnerable agricultural value chains, which lack integration between local farmers, the private sector, and government initiatives to encourage sustainability.
The Palm Oil and Cocoa industries in PNG are significant contributors to the country’s economy but have also been key drivers of environmental degradation, including the conversion of high-value forests into agricultural land. These industries face mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices that can reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining or increasing economic benefits.
The GEF-FOLUR Project: Key Objectives
The GEF-FOLUR Project, which is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aims to address the challenges related to agriculture and land use in PNG. The project’s goal is to create a sustainable, climate-resilient system for land-use management on New Britain Island, focusing particularly on the Palm Oil and Cocoa sectors.
The main objectives of the GEF-FOLUR Project are:
- Restoring Degraded Land: The project aims to restore 50,000 hectares of land affected by deforestation and land degradation, mainly caused by agricultural activities.
- Sustainable Agriculture Practices: The project will promote sustainable agricultural practices, focusing on improving the methods used in the palm oil and cocoa sectors to reduce environmental damage.
- Increasing Awareness and Knowledge: A key component of the project is to raise awareness and build technical capacity within the agriculture sector to help stakeholders adopt more sustainable practices.
- Improving Governance and Policy: By working with both the Papua New Guinea government and private sector partners, the project aims to improve policies and regulations related to land use and commodity production.
The National Platform Coordinator will play a pivotal role in achieving these objectives by leading the establishment and coordination of Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms to engage stakeholders from all sectors in the development and implementation of these strategies.
Key Responsibilities of the National Platform Coordinator
The National Platform Coordinator will be directly responsible for the successful establishment, development, and operational coordination of the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms within the framework of the GEF-FOLUR Project. Below are the expanded key responsibilities:
1. Platform Creation and Coordination
The Coordinator will oversee the creation and long-term development of both the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms, ensuring they are effective in bringing together government bodies, private sector representatives, civil society, and local communities to address sustainability challenges.
- Platform Design: The Platform Coordinator will work closely with the UNDP team and local experts to design the operational structures of both platforms. This will include identifying key stakeholders, setting objectives, and outlining the specific roles of different actors.
- Coordination of Activities: Once the platforms are established, the Platform Coordinator will oversee the coordination of activities, ensuring that all parties are aligned with the project’s sustainability goals. This involves organizing regular meetings, conferences, and consultations where stakeholders can share ideas and strategies for addressing sustainability challenges.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: A significant part of the role will be facilitating cross-sector collaboration between various stakeholders, which may include the palm oil and cocoa industries, government ministries, NGOs, research institutions, and local communities.
2. Technical Support and Knowledge Sharing
The Platform Coordinator will provide technical assistance to various stakeholders involved in the project, especially when it comes to implementing sustainable agricultural practices and improving governance structures in the Palm Oil and Cocoa sectors.
- Sustainability Guidelines: The Coordinator will ensure that guidelines for sustainable agriculture practices are developed, tested, and implemented at the farm level. These guidelines will address issues such as deforestation, soil erosion, biodiversity conservation, and water management.
- Training and Capacity Building: The Coordinator will organize training sessions and workshops to increase the capacity of farmers, local officials, and private sector partners. These sessions will focus on climate-smart agriculture, land restoration techniques, and improving agricultural productivity without further harming the environment.
- Knowledge Sharing: The role requires the development of a knowledge-sharing platform where farmers and stakeholders can exchange best practices and solutions to shared challenges. The Platform Coordinator will facilitate the creation of an inclusive platform for dialogue among all stakeholders.
3. Policy Advocacy and Government Relations
A crucial part of the National Platform Coordinator’s work will involve policy advocacy at both the national and provincial levels. This role requires a deep understanding of the agricultural policies in Papua New Guinea and how they can be adapted to promote more sustainable practices in the palm oil and cocoa sectors.
- Government Advocacy: The Platform Coordinator will advocate for policy changes that promote sustainable agriculture, including the adoption of national and regional legislation that supports climate resilience, deforestation-free supply chains, and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
- Collaboration with Government Agencies: Working closely with government bodies, including the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), the Platform Coordinator will facilitate the integration of sustainable land-use practices into national agricultural policies and provincial development plans.
- Legislative Support: The Coordinator will contribute to the review of existing policies and propose new legislation that helps align the country’s agricultural practices with international sustainability standards. This includes working on creating sustainability frameworks for both Palm Oil and Cocoa industries that align with UNDP and GEF goals.
4. Monitoring, Reporting, and Evaluation
The National Platform Coordinator will ensure that the project is being implemented efficiently and effectively by tracking progress, managing budgets, and preparing detailed reports on the platform’s activities and outcomes.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: The Coordinator will monitor the progress of the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms, ensuring that all activities are aligned with the project’s goals. They will work with other project stakeholders to collect data, assess the impacts of interventions, and adjust strategies as necessary.
- Progress Reports: The Platform Coordinator will prepare regular progress reports for UNDP and other stakeholders, detailing project achievements, challenges, and the next steps. These reports will be used to inform decision-making and to ensure that project activities are on track to meet key objectives.
5. Field Engagement and Provincial Coordination
While the role is based in Port Moresby, the Platform Coordinator will spend significant time in the field, particularly in the West and East New Britain Provinces, which are focal areas for the project’s activities.
- Local Engagement: The Coordinator will work with provincial authorities, local agricultural specialists, and communities to ensure that sustainable land-use practices are being adopted on the ground.
- Site Monitoring and Field Visits: The Platform Coordinator will regularly visit project sites in these provinces to assess the implementation of activities and engage directly with stakeholders. This will help ensure the coordination of efforts and the integration of local communities into the Palm Oil and Cocoa Platforms.
Required Skills, Experience, and Qualifications
To be considered for this critical role, candidates must meet the following qualifications and possess the requisite experience and skills:
Educational Requirements:
- Master’s Degree in agriculture economics, development practices, agribusiness, green commodities, or related fields. A Bachelor’s degree combined with relevant work experience may also be considered.
Professional Experience:
- 5 years of experience (with a Master’s degree) or 7 years of experience (with a Bachelor’s degree) in agriculture, sustainable development, or commodity management.
- At least 3 years of experience in the palm oil and/or cocoa sectors is preferred.
- Proven experience in multi-stakeholder initiatives and inter-sectoral coordination.
