Small Grants Programme Coordinator (Eswatini)

About the role

UNDP Eswatini is recruiting a National Coordinator for the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) as it takes over full oversight of the programme in 2026. The SGP channels grants to NGOs and community-based organisations to help them cope with climate change, conserve biodiversity, protect international waters, reduce the impact of persistent organic pollutants and prevent land degradation. The coordinator reports through a matrixed structure to the Deputy Resident Representative and the SGP Regional Programme Specialist, and spends about 50% of their time supporting a locally led initiative on adaptation and resilience, focusing on the grants element.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the SGP Country Programme team, liaise with the Sustainable Development/Environment Programme Assistant on administrative matters and promote teamwork across the country programme, the National Steering Committee and the UNDP country office.
• Prepare and implement the annual work plan and budget proposal, set performance parameters and learning objectives, and assess team performance.
• Keep abreast of national environmental priorities and socio-economic trends, formulate and update the Country Programme Strategy with gender analysis and measurable targets, and manage grant allocations and the country operating budget in line with SGP procedures.
• Monitor project ideas and implementation progress, and organize stakeholder workshops and capacity-building activities in gender-responsive ways.
• Work with CSOs and CBOs on project proposals, authorize project planning grants, and oversee ongoing grants with field monitoring visits and technical support to grantees.
• Assess gender-related results and risks during monitoring, support corrective actions and document lessons learned.
• Plan and act as secretary to the National Steering Committee meetings, coordinating with the Technical Advisory Group on proposal review and selection.