2 Job Positions at United Nations Development Programme -Rwanda: (Deadline 1 July 2025)

2 Job Positions at United Nations Development Programme -Rwanda: (Deadline 1 July 2025)

Programme Specialist at United Nations Development Programme -Rwanda: (Deadline 1 July 2025)

II. Background and Organizational Context

UNDP Rwanda is embarking on a new strategic phase with the rollout of its Country Programme Document (CPD 2025-2029), which is fully aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and designed to support Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050. The CPD is structured around two transformative pillars: (i) Environment and Economic Transformation, focusing on nature-positive solutions, and (ii) Transformational Governance.

Rwanda, a landlocked low-income country in East Africa, has set ambitious targets through its Vision 2050 to become a middle-income carbon-neutral economy by 2035 and transition to a high-income carbon-neutral economy by 2050. The country faces significant environmental and climate challenges that threaten its development trajectory.

Rwanda’s development is heavily dependent on its natural resources, presenting significant environmental challenges. According to the National Census 2022, on average 76% of households rely on firewood for cooking, with an even higher dependency in rural areas where 93.4% of households use charcoal and firewood. This heavy reliance on biomass energy puts substantial pressure on the country’s forest resources, which currently cover 30.4% of the land area.

The agricultural sector remains a crucial component of Rwanda’s economy, with over 70% of the workforce engaged in subsistence agriculture. However, this sector faces significant challenges due to the country’s topography, with 49% of Rwanda’s terrain classified as high-slope mountainous areas and 38.2% of the country at high risk of soil erosion. These geographical conditions make agricultural activities particularly challenging and increase vulnerability to climate-related risks.

Climate change impacts are becoming increasingly evident in Rwanda.  Even though the country contributes less to global warming, the average annual temperature has increased by 1.4°C since 1970, and rainfall patterns show increasing variability with more frequent extreme events (drougts, landslides and floodings). These changes pose significant risks to environment, agricultural productivity and overall social-economic stability.

Despite these challenges, Rwanda has shown remarkable economic resilience. After experiencing a 3.4% contraction in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy rebounded strongly with a growth rate of 10.9% in 2021 and 8.2% in 2022. The country’s GDP reached $13.8 billion in 2022, with a GDP per capita of approximately $1,000. This economic recovery has been driven by the service sector, manufacturing, and construction activities, although the agricultural sector remains fundamental to the economy’s structure.

The Government of Rwanda demonstrates strong commitment to addressing these challenges through Vision 2050, National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), the revised Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy (GGCRS), National Environment and Climate Policy (2019), and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

It is against that background that UNDP Rwanda Country Office is looking for a seasoned experts for the role of Programme Specialist to head Sustainable Energy, Environment and Climate Change (SEEDCC) Unit and lead the implementation of its new CPD, focusing on nature, environment, energy, and climate change initiatives.

 III. Position Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative (DRR) and the overall guidance of the Resident Representative (RR), the Programme Specialist leads the country office team in designing, developing and executing the. Sustainable Energy, Environment and Climate Change portfolio.

The Programme Specialist and Head of Sustainable Energy, Environment and Climate Change (SEEDCC) Unit will play a crucial role in implementing the Environment and Economic Transformation pillar of the Country Programme Document (CPD) 2025-2029. The position entails leadership in carbon markets, climate and nature finance, clean energy solutions, and disaster risk reduction. The Specialist will strengthen partnerships, engage the private sector, and lead resource mobilization efforts. They will also manage a multidisciplinary team and ensure synergies with other programmatic pillars. This role combines strategic thinking, technical depth, and programmatic delivery in support of Rwanda’s just energy transition and climate-resilient development pathway.

A key focus of this role will be the overall management of the team of experts, deloping a robust portifolio on nature and climate, building strategic partnerships and mobilizing resources from existing and emerging climate finance mechanisms, including the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund, Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), and Loss and Damage Fund. The position holder will also be responsible for engaging the private sector and harnessing opportunities offered by carbon markets to support Rwanda’s sustainable development goals.

The Programme Specialist and Head of Sustainable Energy, Environment and Climate Change (SEEDCC Unit works in close collaboration with heads of other units such as the Transformative Governance Unit (TGU), the Inclusive Growth Unit, Programme Management Support Unit (MSU), Communication Unit, Accelerator Labs, and Operations Teams to drive strategic development and implementation of initiatives under the Environment and Economic Transformation pillar. The incumbent provides expert guidance to senior management while fostering synergies and cross-collaboration on innovative approaches in thematic initiatives and emerging priorities.

Following UNDP’s portfolio approach, the programme Specialist and head of SEEDCC Unit will manage programmes across units, functions, and teams to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages between interventions.

Through multidisciplinary collaboration, they ensure effective program cycle management from design to implementation, while maintaining compliance with UNDP policies and UN regulations.

The Programme Specialist and head of Unit demonstrates managerial innovation, strong client orientation, and initiative in developing and implementing strategies for private sector engagement, climate finance mobilization, and carbon market opportunities. They facilitate knowledge sharing, promote innovative solutions, and advance UNDP’s strategic positioning in sustainable development within Rwanda.

Working horizontally across the organization, they contribute to organizational learning and enhance cross-practice collaboration while maintaining strong partnerships with government institutions, development partners, and stakeholders. The programme Specialist and head of Unit may be required to undertake emerging tasks and additional duties as requested by senior management.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

IV. Key Duties and Accountabilities

Ensure Strategic Programme Development and Implementation:

• Lead the strategic design, formulation, and implementation of the Sustainable Energy, Environment and Climate Change portfolio, ensuring alignment with the Country Programme Document (CPD), United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and national priorities.
• Conduct political, economic, social, and environmental analysis to inform programming and contribute to corporate planning exercises, including the Common Country Assessment (CCA), CPD, Annual Work Plan (AWP), and reporting through the United Nations Info Platform (UNINFO) and Results Oriented Annual Reporting (ROAR).
• Identify and prioritize strategic areas for United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) engagement in sustainable energy, environment, climate change, nature-based solutions, disaster risk reduction, and early warning systems.
• Design new programmes and initiatives that translate strategic priorities into effective interventions, in close collaboration with national and international partners.
• Lead the operationalization of CPD outputs, ensuring results are delivered in coordination with implementing partners, UN agencies, and stakeholders.
• Guide and support a multidisciplinary team to ensure quality delivery, innovation, and results-based management across the portfolio.
• Support integration of global and regional policy guidance, initiatives, and knowledge products into country programming through collaboration with UNDP’s Regional Hub and Headquarters (HQ).
• Review and provide technical input to national policies and strategies on green economy, energy transition, and climate resilience to ensure coherence with global frameworks and inclusive development.
• Represent UNDP in high-level policy discussions and coordination forums with government, development partners, and regional actors to advance strategic positioning.
• Produce and review analytical reports, policy briefs, and strategic documents for internal and external use, including regular reporting on portfolio performance and impact.

Establish Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with government institutions, UN agencies, bilateral and multilateral donors, IFIs, private sector actors, and civil society to support programme growth and sustainability.
• Identify and pursue strategic opportunities for joint initiatives, particularly with the UN Country Team, and contribute to the design and implementation of joint programmes.
• Proactively explore new partnerships and develop concepts that align UNDP’s strategic objectives with Rwanda’s national priorities and donor interests.
• Mobilize financial and technical resources from a wide range of partners, including public and private sector donors, to expand and sustain the Sustainable Growth portfolio.
• Establish programmatic linkages across sectors to enable integrated approaches to climate action, energy, and environmental governance.
• Provide technical input to partnership and donor engagement strategies, including the identification of service provision partners for monitoring, training, and technical support.
• Lead the preparation and submission of high-quality donor reports, ensuring compliance with partner expectations and visibility requirements.
• Represent UNDP in technical and high-level forums to position the organization as a partner of choice in sustainable energy, environment, and climate resilience.

Team Leadership and Cross-Unit Collaboration: Ensuring Effective Portfolio Management in compliance with UNDP policies, UN rules and regulations:

• Lead and manage the Sustainable Growth Unit, including staff supervision, team development, and performance oversight.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and monitoring of all sustainable growth programmes and projects, ensuring alignment with evolving priorities and strategic outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with UNDP rules and regulations across the full programming cycle — from planning and budgeting to implementation and reporting. Serve as Manager Level 2 in Quantum for project transaction approvals.
• Coordinate with senior colleagues, the Regional Centre, and HQ on technical guidance and strategic alignment, ensuring coherence and innovation in programme delivery.
• Use portfolio management tools to flexibly allocate resources and adapt to shifts in the development landscape.
• Promote cross-team collaboration and knowledge sharing, encouraging adaptive thinking and peer learning within the unit and across the office.
• Provide practical guidance on integrating UNDP’s dynamic portfolio approach, including engagement with non-traditional partners and leveraging fee-based services and investment platforms.
• Liaise with government counterparts, donors, and partners to ensure smooth implementation, strategic alignment, and high-quality delivery of results.
• Lead the preparation of programmatic and policy documents, reports, presentations, and other outputs to support decision-making, visibility, and donor accountability.
• Conduct regular project, grant, and budget reviews to ensure effective use of resources and fulfilment of donor and corporate reporting requirements.
• Carry out other tasks as required to ensure the effective functioning of the portfolio.

Provision of Advisory Services, Knowledge Building, and Policy Influence: focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Provide high-quality policy advice on climate change, environment, and sustainable energy, aligned with Rwanda’s development priorities and global frameworks.
• Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned that inform national policies and UNDP programming.
• Integrate policy and institutional development into project design in collaboration with government and other strategic partners.
• Support the establishment and strengthening of advocacy networks at national and global levels to amplify the impact of sustainable development initiatives.
• Lead or contribute to high-impact advocacy campaigns with key stakeholders to influence policy and mobilize support for transformative solutions.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Supervise Programme Analysts, Associates and Project Management personnel

V. Requirements:

Education

• An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, Energy Policy, or related field is required. Or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree is required.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in in managing programmes in environment, energy, or climate change within international development contexts is required.
• Proven experience in resource mobilization and preparing proposals for climate finance (GEF, GCF, etc.) is required.
• Experience with carbon markets, nature-based solutions, or green economy frameworks is a distinct advantage.
• Proven experience and strong background in policy advisory and stakeholder engagement is an asset.
• Proven experience in leading and supervising teams is desired.
• Experience at the national level in providing management advisory services, hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects is desired.
• Experience in ensuring programme / project quality assurance and results-based management is desired.
• Experience in leading the preparation of programmatic and policy documents, reports, presentations, and other outputs to support decision-making, visibility, and donor accountability. is desired.
• Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda and/or Kiswahili is required

Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Core

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

Think Innovatively:  LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

 Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner:  LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and   Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management

 UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

 Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies)

VI. Keywords 

• Nature, Climate and Energy (NCE)
• Partnership Development
• Programme Management
• Team Leader NCE

Application Link: Programme Specialist – (Head of Sustainable Energy, Environment and Climate Change (SEEDCC) – (Nationals Only) – UNDP Careers

Deadline: 01st of July 2025, 23:59 pm (Midnight New York, USA)- Rwanda Nationals only

Hiring Manager       

Nana Chinbuah

Signature

Deputy Resident Representative/ UNDP Rwanda

Approved by                                  

Fatmata Lovetta Sesay

Signature

Resident Representative

Experience/en/sites/CX_1/job/27065

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Programme Finance Associate at United Nations Development Programme -Rwanda: (Deadline 1 July 2025)

II. Background and Organizational Context

UNDP in Rwanda operates through its Country Programme 2025-2029. The Country Programme is derived from the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and guided by the country’s Vision 2050, NST2, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Programme priorities integrate all six signature solutions from the UNDP Strategic Plan (2022-2025) while leveraging strategic innovation, digitalization, and development financing enablers. The Country Programme is structured around two key outcomes that are designed in the UNSDCF with focus on a) reducing poverty and b) promote transformational governance mechanisms. Under the first pillar UNDP focuses on support sustainable environment and climate change efforts as well contribute to disaster risk reduction and sustainable energy. These areas are integrated in a wider focus on inclusive growth and youth and women employment. The second area is focused on transformative governance where support is focused on enhancing accountability, transparency, participation and the overall rule of law. Through its portfolio, the Country Office (CO) has tailored localized integral solutions to specific sustainable development issues and is crafting methodologies and toolboxes to deploy and escalate them across the country.  At the same time, UNDP is committed to support the broader UN development System’s Reform (UNDS), where UNDP in Rwanda is committed to enhancing efficiency, coherence, and impact across the UN Programming, partnerships and operations. UNDP at the area of operations continue to be the backbone for the UN System.

UNDP Country Office (CO) is structured around two units to deliver on the Country Programme and provide the Operations support. The Programme Management Support Unit (PMSU) is the key unit that bridges between Programme Team and Operations Team. This unit also provides the necessary guidance and quality assurance for successful implementation of the Country Programme and its associated Portfolios and Projects. The PMSU is managed by the Head of PMSU who reports to the Deputy Resident Representative for Programme and Operations (DRR P&O).

Programme Finance provides cost effective and timely partnering services to the UNDP Country Office (CO) to maintain the sound financial management of and responsible resource allocation for its development programme and projects. Programme Finance provides support to development project teams to ensure appropriate and adequate budgeting for projects, monitoring of budgets to identify gaps against allocations, and financial reporting to CO management to promote transparency and informed decision making

III. Position Purpose

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Head of PMSU and in close collaboration and guidance of the DRR (P&O), the Programme Finance Associate provides support in execution of programme finance services, while ensuring effective and transparent utilization of financial resources and integrity of financial services for all Programmes and Projects.

The Programme Finance Associate may supervise support and clerical staff on the Programme Finance team. The Programme Finance Associate works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, and project staff in the CO and staff in UNDP HQ, Regional Hub and GSSC to exchange information and resolve finance-related issues.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

IV. Key Duties and Accountabilities

In this section lists up to five primary functions/accountabilities of the position (Typically one sentence each) and examples of duties that must be performed to successfully accomplish key responsibilities.

1. Ensures administration and implementation of operational strategies, adapts processes and procedures.
2. Provide effective support to management of the CO programme, administration of budgets, and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system.
3. Provides support to implementation of the resources mobilization strategy focusing on achievement of the following results:
4. Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO.

Ensures administration and implementation of operational strategies, adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Ensure full compliance with UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) on financial recording and reporting system.
• Provide information for the audit of projects. Implement and follow-up on audit recommendations.
• Provide input for implementation of cost-saving and reduction strategies in consultation with the office management.
• Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for development and management projects. This includes review of status of delivery and supporting the PMSU in developing its monitoring dashboard.
• Elaboration of proposals and implementation of cost-saving and reduction strategies in consultations with the programme team.
• Routinely monitors financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, and investigates anomalies.

Provide effective support to management of the CO programme, administration of budgets, and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system

• Present information for formulation of country programme work plans, budgets, and proposals on implementation arrangements and execution modalities. Enter data on new grants into ERP in the form of Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and monitor their status.
• Oversee ERP matching, implement effective internal controls, and ensure proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resource management system. Implement control mechanism for development projects by monitoring budget preparation and modifications, and budgetary status versus ASL. Follow up with HQ on ASL for development projects
• Implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system. Identification of operational and financial problems, proposal of solutions.
• Ensure proper creation of projects in Quantum.
• Monitoring of timely Operational and Financial Closure of projects, reimbursement of remaining balances to donors, and liaising with UNDP HQ on donor reimbursements.
• Prepare reports and verify accuracy of Combined Delivery Reports.
• Provide guidance to the executing agencies on routine implementation of projects and track use of financial resources.
• Assist in the preparation of cost-recovery bills in ERP for the services provided; elaborate and implement the revenue tracking system; and follow up on cost recovery.
• Support year-end closing procedures related to development projects’ budgets.
• Support in monitoring relevant corporate key performance and dashboard indicators in programme and project financial management and ensure full compliance and high performance.
• Review and quality assurance of donor reports as required by the financing agreements and facilitate the timely donor reporting submission.
• Monitoring of cost-sharing contributions, revenue management, including all new agreements, installments, and amendments, and maintenance of the Revenue Service Request System.
• Monitoring timely receipt of contributions in accordance with the revenue plan and revenue-related dashboard indicators.

Provides support to implementation of the resources mobilization strategy focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Maintain Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and follow-up with partners on contributions.
• Monitor financial contributions, prepare AR pending items, and maintain contributions and receivables documentation.
• Review financing and trust fund agreements, obtain clearances from HQ if necessary, and follow up on contributions within the CO resource mobilization efforts
• Monitor financial contributions, prepare AR pending items, and maintain contributions and receivables documentation.
• Develop capacities of implementing partners in programme financial management particularly in ensuring proper record keeping and accountability of funds.
• Advice to Project staff on UNDP administrative and NEX reporting on budgetary issues.

Track and report on mobilized resources by performing the following tasks:

• Enter financing agreement information into Contracts Module and attach a copy of the signed agreement in ERP.
• Submit information based on financing agreements to GSSU including amendments

Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO.

• Assist in organizing training for the operations/ projects staff/IPs/RPs on finance, audit, and compliance matters.
• Support to Programme team on technical matters and strengthening of team performance through knowledge sharing.
• Participation in all relevant UNDP and external training.
• Drawing together synthesis reports of lessons learnt and best practices; and
• Contribution to UNDP knowledge networks and communities of practice.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: NO

V. Requirements:

Education:

• Secondary Education is required, or
• University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Finance, accountability and relevant related field will be given due consideration but not a requirement
• Fully Qualified Accountant, from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy or Full Completion of the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP). No UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) required.
• Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications but with degrees that major in accountancy and/or finance must complete UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited. However, UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) is not required
• Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications but with relevant experience must successfully undertake UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (AFT) before shortlisting, and must complete the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• Minimum 6 years (with high school diploma) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience at the national or international level is required.
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheets and web-based management systems such as ERP financials and database packages is required.
• Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS is an asset.
• Experience in preparation of financial reports and overviews is desired
• Knowledge of programme management processes is desired
• Knowledge of procedures of national / international organizations is desired
• Ability to manage and analyze large amounts of project data is an asset.

Language requirements

• Fluency in English and national language of the duty station is required for local staff (Kinyarwanda and/or Kiswahili) is required.

Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Core

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

 Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies)

Deadline till 16^th of June 2025, 23:59 pm (Midnight New York, USA)- Rwanda Nationals only.

Application Link: Programme Finance Associate – PMSU – UNDP Careers

VI. Keywords

List 3-5 most important skills from competencies required for the position – limited to 1-3-word descriptions – that will help   inform workforce planning of critical skill supply and demand.

• Project finance
• Budgeting
• Internal controls
• Financial and donor reporting
• Partnerships for resources mobilization
• Result based management

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