National Project Manager – UNDP Indonesia: Leading Marine Plastic Reduction Efforts

This National Project Manager role with UNDP Indonesia focuses on managing a project related to reducing marine plastic waste and improving waste management processes. The job is based in Jakarta Pusat, and the selected candidate will work closely with Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment to implement the country’s National Action Plan on Marine Debris Handling (RAN PSL).
🔹 Why This Job Mattershttp://National Project Manager – UNDP Indonesia Job Listing
Indonesia is one of the world’s largest contributors to marine plastic pollution, with over 600,000 tons of plastic waste entering the ocean annually. The government has set a target to reduce marine debris by 70% by 2025, and this role plays a key part in coordinating efforts, strengthening policies, and mobilizing resources to achieve that goal.

📌 Key Responsibilities
The National Project Manager (NPM) will lead and manage the project to ensure effective implementation, stakeholder coordination, and measurable impact. The main responsibilities include:
1️⃣ Project Management & Implementation
- Oversee the Marine Plastic Litter Reduction Acceleration Secretariat Project.
- Ensure the project meets quality standards, budget, and timeline.
- Manage a team of experts, consultants, and stakeholders.
- Monitor and evaluate project progress, ensuring alignment with the National Action Plan (RAN PSL).
2️⃣ Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
- Work closely with government agencies (18 ministries & agencies), private sector, NGOs, and local communities.
- Facilitate discussions with local governments on waste management policies.
- Support negotiations for the International Legally Binding Instrument (ILBI) on marine plastic pollution.
- Expand community-based initiatives like GRADASI (interfaith waste donation movement).
3️⃣ Policy & Strategy Development
- Assist in developing and evaluating Indonesia’s post-2025 marine debris strategy.
- Design and implement innovative waste management solutions.
- Ensure strong data collection & monitoring systems for marine debris management.
4️⃣ Resource Mobilization & Fundraising
- Seek donor funding and partnerships for project expansion.
- Work with UNDP and other agencies to develop funding proposals.
- Ensure effective communication strategies to raise awareness and attract investments.
📌 Qualifications & Experience Required
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🎓 Education
- A Master’s degree in International Development, Economics, Public Policy, Sustainable Development, Business Management, or a related field.
- OR a Bachelor’s degree with 7 years of experience (instead of 5 years required for a Master’s).
💼 Work Experience
- 5+ years (with Master’s) or 7+ years (with Bachelor’s) of experience in:
- Project management (preferably in sustainability, waste management, or environmental programs).
- Coordinating multi-stakeholder projects, especially between international organizations and governments.
- UNDP or government project management is a plus.
- Donor relations and fundraising experience is desirable.
- Familiarity with marine debris management, waste behavior change, and recycling programs is an advantage.
🌍 Skills Required
✅ Strong leadership & management skills.
✅ Ability to coordinate across ministries, NGOs, and private sector partners.
✅ Experience in policy development and environmental regulations.
✅ Knowledge of waste management systems, marine debris policies, and sustainable solutions.
✅ Strong reporting, financial planning, and fundraising experience.
✅ Fluent in Bahasa Indonesia and English.
📌 Why Apply?
This is a high-impact role where you will lead Indonesia’s national effort to tackle one of the most urgent environmental crises—marine plastic pollution. You’ll work with top government agencies, international organizations, and local communities to create real change.
🌿 If you’re passionate about sustainability, environmental policy, and project management, this is a great opportunity to make a difference! 🌏
Would you like help with your application (e.g., resume, cover letter, or interview preparation)? Let me know how I can assist you! 😊
National Project Manager – UNDP Indonesia
Location: Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia
Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Project Focus: Marine Plastic Litter Reduction & Waste Management Improvement
🌏 Introduction: Why This Job Matters
Indonesia is among the largest contributors to marine plastic pollution, with an estimated 600,000 tons of plastic waste entering the ocean every year. To combat this growing environmental issue, the Indonesian government, in collaboration with international organizations such as UNDP, has developed a strategic plan—the National Action Plan for Marine Debris Handling (RAN PSL)—to reduce marine plastic waste by 70% by 2025.
The National Project Manager (NPM) plays a key leadership role in ensuring the success of this ambitious project by overseeing its implementation, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and developing long-term sustainable waste management solutions.
By joining this role, you will contribute directly to shaping Indonesia’s environmental policies, building partnerships, and implementing programs that address one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
📌 Job Overview
The National Project Manager (NPM) is responsible for leading and managing the implementation of the Marine Plastic Litter Reduction Acceleration Secretariat Project in Indonesia. The role requires strong project management skills, leadership capabilities, stakeholder engagement expertise, and policy development experience.
The NPM will work closely with 18 government ministries and agencies, NGOs, private sector stakeholders, and local communities to ensure successful execution of the project’s goals.
Additionally, the role involves extensive coordination with international donors, funding agencies, and global organizations to secure financial support and scale up marine plastic reduction efforts.
📌 Key Responsibilities
The role of the National Project Manager is divided into four major responsibilities:
1️⃣ Project Management & Implementation
- Lead the implementation of the Marine Plastic Litter Reduction Acceleration Secretariat Project in Indonesia.
- Ensure that the project follows UNDP’s standards, budgetary guidelines, and timeline expectations.
- Manage a multidisciplinary team of professionals, consultants, and project coordinators.
- Oversee financial planning, budget allocation, and expenditure tracking to maintain financial efficiency.
- Monitor project progress and ensure that all activities align with the National Action Plan (RAN PSL) and Indonesia’s waste management policies.
- Ensure effective documentation and reporting to UNDP, government stakeholders, and international donors.
2️⃣ Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the primary liaison between UNDP, the Indonesian government, and other stakeholders.
- Engage with local governments to support waste management and marine debris policies.
- Collaborate with NGOs, academic institutions, and research centers to develop innovative solutions.
- Strengthen private-sector engagement, especially with corporations involved in plastic production, waste management, and recycling.
- Facilitate discussions related to the International Legally Binding Instrument (ILBI), which aims to develop a global treaty on plastic pollution.
- Expand and support community-based waste management initiatives, such as the GRADASI (interfaith waste donation movement).
3️⃣ Policy & Strategy Development
- Support the review, evaluation, and revision of Indonesia’s post-2025 marine debris strategy.
- Provide policy recommendations on reducing plastic waste, improving recycling, and transitioning to a circular economy.
- Assist the Indonesian government in developing data-driven strategies to track plastic waste and improve waste collection systems.
- Develop innovative awareness campaigns to encourage behavioral change regarding waste disposal and plastic consumption.
- Work with national and international organizations to adopt best practices in waste management and ocean conservation.
4️⃣ Resource Mobilization & Fundraising
- Develop and implement fundraising strategies to attract financial support from donors and international agencies.
- Collaborate with UNDP’s resource mobilization team to secure funding for marine plastic reduction programs.
- Prepare high-quality grant proposals and funding applications to expand project initiatives.
- Engage with corporate partners and impact investors interested in financing sustainability projects.
- Promote the project through media outreach, stakeholder engagement, and public events to raise awareness and gain support.

📌 Required Qualifications & Experience
To be eligible for this role, candidates must meet the following requirements:
🎓 Educational Qualifications
- A Master’s degree in International Development, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Business Administration, Sustainable Development, Economics, or a related field.
- Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree may also apply, provided they have at least 7 years of relevant work experience.
💼 Work Experience
- 5+ years of experience (with a Master’s) or 7+ years of experience (with a Bachelor’s) in:
- Project management (preferably in waste management, sustainability, or environmental programs).
- Multi-stakeholder coordination, especially between international organizations and governments.
- Experience working with UNDP, UNEP, or similar international development agencies is preferred.
- Strong experience in policy development, waste management systems, and environmental governance.
- Fundraising and donor engagement experience is highly desirable.
🌍 Required Skills
✅ Strong project management and leadership abilities.
✅ Deep knowledge of waste management systems, marine debris policies, and sustainability strategies.
✅ Experience in government relations, stakeholder engagement, and inter-agency coordination.
✅ Excellent data analysis and reporting skills for monitoring and evaluating project success.
✅ Strong financial planning and resource mobilization capabilities.
✅ Fluency in Bahasa Indonesia and English (spoken and written).

📌 Challenges & Opportunities
🚧 Challenges:
- Navigating complex government regulations and bureaucratic procedures.
- Overcoming resistance from industries that rely on plastic production.
- Securing long-term funding for project sustainability.
- Addressing community-level challenges in waste management infrastructure.
- Encouraging behavioral change among businesses and the general public.
🌟 Opportunities:
- Influence national environmental policies and international agreements on plastic pollution.
- Work with high-level government officials, global organizations, and leading experts in sustainability.
- Develop innovative waste management solutions that can be replicated globally.
- Contribute to Indonesia’s commitment to reducing marine plastic pollution by 70% by 2025.
- Expand the project’s impact by securing more partnerships and funding sources.
📌 Career Growth & Future Prospects
This role offers excellent career advancement opportunities in:
✔ Senior environmental policy roles in government agencies or international organizations.
✔ Leadership positions in UNDP, UNEP, or other UN agencies focusing on sustainability.
✔ Project Director or Program Manager roles in NGOs or sustainability-focused corporations.
✔ Consultancy opportunities in environmental governance and marine conservation.
📌 Conclusion: Is This Job Right for You?
If you are passionate about sustainability, waste management, and environmental policy, and have the leadership skills to manage complex projects, then this role is a perfect fit. It is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on Indonesia’s environment and contribute to global efforts to reduce plastic waste.
National Project Manager – UNDP Indonesia: Leadership in Marine Plastic Reduction Efforts
About the Role
The National Project Manager (NPM) at UNDP Indonesia will play a pivotal role in the success of a vital environmental project aimed at reducing marine plastic litter in Indonesia. This position is crucial to supporting the Marine Plastic Litter Reduction Acceleration Secretariat Project in Indonesia, an initiative dedicated to tackling one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time—marine plastic pollution. By working in close collaboration with multiple government ministries, private sector partners, and international organizations, the NPM will contribute to Indonesia’s ambition to reduce marine debris by 70% by 2025, a target set by Presidential Regulation No. 83.
Indonesia is one of the world’s largest contributors to marine plastic pollution, with up to 80% of its marine debris originating from terrestrial waste management failures. In response to this, the Indonesian government has committed to achieving significant reductions in marine plastic pollution by 2025, which will require rigorous action, stakeholder coordination, and the implementation of innovative waste management solutions.
Key Responsibilities
The NPM will oversee the day-to-day operations of the project, ensuring that all activities are carried out effectively and in accordance with project goals. As the leader of the Marine Plastic Litter Reduction Acceleration Secretariat, the NPM will ensure the alignment of operations with the National Action Plan for Marine Debris Management (RAN PSL) and coordinate among 18 key ministries and agencies involved in marine debris management. Specific responsibilities include:
- Project Management and Oversight:
The NPM will supervise the project team, ensuring that all objectives are met within the planned timelines and budgets. They will be responsible for managing resources, including staff, consultants, and subcontractors, and ensuring that all project activities align with UNDP standards. The NPM will ensure compliance with government regulations, UNDP policies, and relevant environmental standards, including the Social and Environmental Standards of UNDP. - Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships:
The NPM will work closely with national and international stakeholders, including local governments, NGOs, the private sector, donors, and other UN agencies. Building strategic partnerships will be a key part of the role, ensuring that project objectives are achieved through a collaborative approach. The NPM will leverage these partnerships to mobilize additional resources and support for the project. - Monitoring and Reporting:
The NPM will oversee the monitoring of the project’s progress, ensuring that targets are being met and addressing any deviations. They will prepare regular reports for the project board and UNDP, tracking financial and operational performance. The NPM will also be responsible for preparing bi-annual project assurance reports, financial reports, and project work plans. - Gender Equality and Social Inclusion:
The NPM will ensure that gender equality and social inclusion principles are integrated throughout the project. This includes designing and implementing strategies that promote the active participation of women and marginalized groups in marine plastic reduction efforts. The NPM will also ensure that project activities are aligned with UNDP’s Gender Equality Results-Based Management framework. - Knowledge Management and Capacity Building:
The NPM will be responsible for fostering a learning environment within the project team and facilitating knowledge-sharing across stakeholders. The NPM will organize training sessions for staff, ensuring that all team members are equipped with the necessary skills to successfully implement the project. They will also compile lessons learned and best practices, contributing to broader knowledge networks and promoting continuous improvement.
Key Qualifications and Competencies
To be successful in this role, candidates must have the following qualifications:
- Education: A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as International Development, Sustainable Development, Environmental Management, or Public Policy is required. A Bachelor’s degree in combination with additional relevant experience may also be considered.
- Experience:
- 5 years of experience for candidates with a Master’s degree, or 7 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree, in a relevant field, including project management, international development, or environmental policy.
- Proven experience working in marine debris management, waste management, or behavior change programs is highly desirable.
- Experience in policy formulation, project design, and monitoring and evaluation at the national or international level is essential.
- Familiarity with government regulations and procedures, as well as UN/UNDP project management guidelines, is highly advantageous.
- Experience in partnership management, working with diverse stakeholders, and mobilizing resources for projects.
- Fluency in both English and Bahasa Indonesia is required, as the role requires communication with local and international stakeholders.
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Project Impact
The successful implementation of this project will have a profound and lasting impact on Indonesia’s marine environment and its communities. By reducing marine plastic litter, the project will contribute to the protection of biodiversity, healthier coastal ecosystems, and the promotion of sustainable development in Indonesia. The project will also play a significant role in global efforts to combat plastic pollution, as Indonesia is a key player in international negotiations around plastic pollution and marine debris.
Furthermore, the project aligns with Indonesia’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), which calls for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. The NPM will contribute to advancing global environmental governance by ensuring Indonesia’s active participation in regional and global initiatives aimed at reducing plastic pollution.
UNDP Indonesia’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
UNDP upholds the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, striving to ensure that all personnel can contribute to its mission regardless of their background. The organization emphasizes a ‘leave no one behind’ approach, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, including women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks to ensure compliance with UNDP’s zero tolerance policy towards harassment, exploitation, and abuse.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply for this exciting opportunity by submitting their application through the official UNDP platform. Given the urgent nature of the project and the pressing timeline to meet Indonesia’s ambitious marine plastic reduction goals, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The application period for this position is open until March 8, 2025.
This role offers the unique opportunity to make a significant environmental impact on a national scale while collaborating with diverse stakeholders, shaping national and global strategies to combat marine plastic pollution. If you are passionate about environmental conservation, leadership in project management, and creating lasting solutions for one of the world’s most critical issues, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
For more details and to apply, please visit the UNDP National Project Manager Job Listing.
This detailed description reflects the multifaceted nature of the National Project Manager role and emphasizes the impact that this position will have in shaping Indonesia’s efforts in marine plastic waste management and sustainability.