Small Grants Programme National Coordinator

About the role

The Small Grants Programme (SGP) National Coordinator will lead the implementation of the GEF‑funded Small Grants Programme in Papua New Guinea. Reporting to the SGP focal point, the coordinator will oversee grant‑making, partnership development and programme monitoring to support community‑based projects that address biodiversity, climate change, land degradation and other GEF focal areas.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the full grant cycle – from call for proposals, selection, disbursement to close‑out reporting.
• Provide technical guidance and capacity‑building support to NGOs and community organisations applying for SGP funding.
• Coordinate with UNDP, UNCDF, UNV and other UN partners to ensure alignment with national environmental strategies.
• Monitor project performance, compile progress reports and ensure compliance with GEF and UNDP reporting requirements.
• Develop and maintain a database of grantees, track financial allocations and assist in budget preparation.
• Represent the SGP in stakeholder meetings, workshops and national forums on climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in environmental science, natural resources management, development studies or a related field.
• Minimum five years of experience in grant management, community‑based project coordination or environmental programme implementation.
• Demonstrated experience working with NGOs, government agencies and UN entities in a developing‑country context.
• Strong understanding of GEF focal areas and the challenges facing Papua New Guinea’s ecosystems.

Required skills

• Grant administration and financial tracking.
• Project monitoring and evaluation.
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership building.
• Report writing and data management.

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence environmental outcomes at a national scale.
• Collaboration with UN agencies and international donors.
• Professional development within the UNDP system.