About the opportunity
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in São Tomé and Príncipe supports the Government in advancing sustainable development pathways that address poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), São Tomé and Príncipe faces structural vulnerabilities linked to climate change and environmental degradation while hosting rich terrestrial and marine biodiversity. Within this context, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) channels direct grants to non-governmental and community-based organizations to help them cope with climate change, conserve biodiversity, protect international waters, prevent land degradation, and eliminate persistent organic pollutants. The National Coordinator will report through a matrixed structure to the Resident Representative (or Deputy Resident Representative) and the SGP Regional Programme Specialist, overseeing the implementation of the SGP at the country level, directly supervising the SGP Programme Associate/Assistant, and coordinating the National Steering Committee.
Salary and benefits
- National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-9 grade level) with a 1-year contract duration.
- Comprehensive professional engagement in international development and environmental management with the United Nations.
- Access to relevant office infrastructure, workstation, and reliable internet connection at the UNDP São Tomé and Príncipe country office.
Who can apply?
- Open to Tier 1 and Tier 2 applicants (other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent and fixed-term appointments, temporary appointments, regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers).
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental domains, natural resource management, engineering, economy, public policy, law, environmental economics, management, business administration, or a related field, combined with a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in managing environment or natural resource management projects at national or local levels; OR a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the same fields combined with a minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with government counterparts, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and development stakeholders.
- Fluency in English and Portuguese of the duty station.
Required documents
- Updated curriculum vitae
- Completed application form via the Oracle Recruiting Cloud platform
When to apply
- Date posted: October 22, 2026
- Application deadline: October 30, 2026 at 03:59:00 UTC
How to apply
- Review the vacancy announcement and verify eligibility under the Tier 1 and Tier 2 application guidelines.
- Access the official UNDP Oracle Recruiting Cloud portal.
- Submit your application and required profile information before the explicit closing date.
Additional information
- This position is classified as a National Personnel Service Agreement at grade NPSA-9 under a 1-year contract duration.
- UNDP does not charge any application or processing fees at any stage of recruitment.
- Selected candidates are subject to background checks and must adhere to UN workplace standards and data privacy policies.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Professionals with a master's or bachelor's degree in environmental science, natural resource management, public policy, or business administration who possess direct project management experience in national or local environmental initiatives.
- Internal UNDP, UNCDF, or UNV personnel meeting the Tier 1 or Tier 2 eligibility criteria who are seeking a substantive leadership role in climate and nature portfolios.
- Candidates who combine fluency in both English and Portuguese with a strong track record of collaborating with civil society organizations, community groups, and government stakeholders.
What should you think carefully about?
- Eligibility is restricted to candidates meeting the explicit Tier 1 and Tier 2 staff or personnel requirements specified in the vacancy notice.
- The contract duration is fixed for 1 year, requiring navigation of project-based employment terms within the UN system.
- Fluency in both English and Portuguese is strictly required for the duty station.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role provides an exceptional opportunity for mid-career development professionals and environmental specialists to lead a prominent GEF Small Grants Programme portfolio in a Small Island Developing State. It directly supports career growth in international cooperation, climate governance, and portfolio management within the United Nations system.
Our take
Eligible internal candidates and personnel with strong environmental project management experience and bilingual proficiency in English and Portuguese should carefully review the tier requirements and submit their applications before the October 30, 2026 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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