Small Grants Programme Coordinator

Job Description

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP Eswatini is initiating Eswatini Country Programme 2026–2030. As part of this programme UNDP will concentrate on two mutually reinforcing priorities: (1) good governance and social cohesion—strengthening accountable, transparent and people-centered institutions, expanding access to justice and human rights, bolstering anti-corruption and oversight, and improving public service delivery (including through digitalization and citizen feedback); and (2) sustainable and resilient economic development—advancing inclusive, green and digital growth by supporting MSME development, entrepreneurship and decent jobs (especially for youth, women and vulnerable groups), while building climate and environmental resilience through nature-positive development, circular economy approaches and a just energy transition, alongside efforts to mobilize innovative financing for implementation. Within the Sustainable and resilient development portfolio, UNDP will be executing the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP).

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) is implemented by UNDP on behalf of the GEF Partnership. UNDP oversees the Small Grants Programme (SGP) through the Vertical Hub and the Nature Hub of Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS). Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Small Grants Programme efficiently channels direct grants to non-governmental and community-based organizations to help them cope with climate change; conserve biodiversity; protect international waters; reduce the impact of Persistent Organic Pollutants; and prevent land degradation. Helping communities with their initiatives for sustainable livelihoods while generating global environmental benefits is the core inspiration of the Small Grants Programme.

Launched in 1992 as a corporate programme of the GEF, the GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) has supported local action for over thirty years to address global environmental concerns. SGP aims to deliver global environmental benefits in the GEF focal areas of biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, protection of international waters, prevention of land degradation, and elimination of persistent organic pollutants through community-based approaches. To date, SGP has funded over 29,000 community-based projects covering more than 120 countries. It has gained considerable experiences at the community level, including adapting to climate change while addressing issues of the GEF focal areas. Further information can be found at: https://sgp.undp.org/.

The SGP Programme in Eswatini has been implemented over the past 2 years under the oversight of UNOPS Regional Office, with 1 UNOPS contracted staff embedded within UNDP. As the Programme transitions to UNDP full oversight in 2026, UNDP Eswatini is recruiting a National Coordinator to coordinate the SGP in Eswatini.

Duties and Responsibilities

The National Coordinator will report through a matrixed structure to both the Deputy Resident Representative and the SGP Regional Programme Specialist. The coordinator will work on a day-to-day basis within the Sustainable Development Portfolio of UNDP under the oversight of the Sustainable Development Specialist to ensure synergies and coordination within the overall environment, climate and nature portfolio of UNDP. The Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the SGP at country level, while dedicating approximately 50% of their time to support implementation other country office locally-led initiative on adaptation and resilience, with particular focus on the grants element, including grant pipeline development, appraisal support, grantee capacity strengthening, milestone-based disbursement follow-up, grant monitoring, reporting and learning.

Ensure effective management of the SGP Country Programme team

• Liaise with the Sustainable Development/Environment Programme Assistant for administrative support in relation to SGP programming;
• Promote and maintain effective teamwork within the SGP Country Programme and wider Environment portfolio team, the National Steering Committee members, and with the UNDP CO team;
• Prepare and implement annual work plan, including strategic and/or innovative initiatives, with set delivery and co-financing targets; draft annual SGP Country Office administrative and project operational budget proposal;
• Set annual performance parameters and learning objectives for the SGP Country Programme team, assess their performance and provide feedback.

Ensure Programme/Portfolio Development and Management

• Keep abreast of national environmental concerns and priorities as well as the socio-economic conditions and trends as they relate to the SGP and assess their impact on SGP’s work and programme.
• Ensure formulation and implementation of the Country Programme Strategy (CPS), and its periodic review and update.
• Ensure the Country Programme Strategy (CPS) and annual workplans integrate gender analysis, clear gender equality actions, and measurable targets (including for women-led/women-benefiting initiatives), aligned to UNDP and national gender priorities.
• Manage the SGP grant allocations and country operating budget, maintain the financial integrity of the programme by ensuring adherence to SGP Standard Operating Procedures as well as UNDP rules and regulations, and ensure timely and effective use of SGP resources.
• Exercise quality control over the development of a portfolio of project ideas and concepts and closely monitor the programme implementation progress and results.
• Organize periodic stakeholder workshops and project development sessions for civil society organizations (CSOs) and local communities, and potential applicants and other stakeholders to inform about SGP and its Strategic Initiatives.
• Design and deliver capacity development and communications in gender-responsive ways (e.g., convenient timing/locations, accessible formats/languages, safe spaces), to enable meaningful participation of women and marginalized groups.
• Work closely with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community-based Organizations (CBOs) in preparation of project concepts and proposals to ensure that projects fit with the SGP Strategic Initiatives, Country Programme Strategy, and technical guidance notes;
• Authorize and manage project planning grants as required.
• Oversee ongoing SGP grant projects and conduct periodic project monitoring field visits and provide technical and operational support and guidance to SGP grantees as required.
• During monitoring visits, assess gender-related results and risks, support corrective actions, and document lessons on what works to advance gender equality in community-based environmental action.
• Plan and serve as secretary to the National Steering Committee meetings. Support and closely coordinate with the National Steering Committee and Technical Advisory Group where relevant, in the process of project proposal review, selection and approval, especially the initial appr