PROGRAMME SPECIALIST

Programme Specialist (Environment) - (Open to Rwanda Nationals Only)

Job Identification:23494Posting Date:01/16/2025, 09:56 PMApply Before:02/07/2025, 06:59 AMJob Schedule:Full timeLocations:Kigali, RwandaAgency:UNDPGrade:NOCVacancy:TypeFixed TermPractice Area:Nature, Climate and EnergyBureauRegional:Bureau for AfricaContract:Duration1 Year with Possibility for extensionEducation & Work Experience:Master's Degree - 5 year(s) experience OR Bachelor's Degree - 7 year(s) experienceRequired Languages:English, Kinyarwanda and/or KiswahiliVacancy Timeline:3 WeeksMobility required:no mobility required

Job Description

BackgroundDiversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

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 (droughts, landslides and flooding's). 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 & Head of the Sustainable Growth Unit to lead the implementation of its new CPD, focusing on nature, environment, energy, and climate change initiatives.

Position Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative (DRR) and the overall guidance of the Resident Representative (RR), the Programme Specialist lea…