National Plastic Action Partnership Manager (NPAP Manager)

Volunteering Environment

Overview

Support coordination and delivery of the NPAP's mission and strategic activities.

You have:

• Experience in project or programme management, preferably in the fields of sustainable development, waste management, environmental policy, or public-private partnerships.
• Proven track record of coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives, especially involving government, private sector, and civil society actors.
• Experience working with or within international development organizations, preferably the UN system.
• Strong familiarity with circular economy and plastic pollution issues in Tanzania or similar country contexts.
• Demonstrated experience in leading teams, managing consultants, and delivering complex projects within tight timelines.
• Experience in organizing high-level policy dialogues, workshops, and multi-stakeholder events is a strong asset.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills, including the ability to engage with senior government officials and industry leaders.
• Solid skills in project planning, monitoring, and reporting, including familiarity with results-based management.
• Proficiency in using digital collaboration tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and project management software.
• Ability to synthesize research and technical findings into clear and actionable policy recommendations.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

Contract

This is a UNV National Expert contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Expert contracts.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations' global development network, advocating for sustainable human development and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. In Tanzania, UNDP supports national development priorities by fostering inclusive economic growth, strengthening democratic governance, promoting climate and environmental sustainability, and advancing innovation and digital transformation. As part of its commitment to addressing plastic pollution and advancing the circular economy, UNDP Tanzania has entered into an agreement with the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) to host the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Secretariat. The NPAP is a nationally-led, multi-stakeholder platform that aims to tackle plastic pollution and accelerate the transition toward a circular plastics economy in Tanzania. Guided by three strategic pillars—convening communities and curating conversations, generating new knowledge and national action roadmaps, and catalyzing strategic investment for high-potential solutions—the NPAP brings together key stakeholders across government, private sector, civil society, and academia. The platform will lead the co-creation of a data-driven National Plastic Action Roadmap, promote innovation and inclusive participation, and coordinate the implementation of solutions to reduce plastic leakage and foster sustainable growth in Tanzania. This position will be embedded within the UNDP Tanzania Country Office and support the effective coordination and delivery of the NPAP’s mission and strategic activities.

Under the guidance of the NPAP Leadership Board, and in close coordination with the GPAP Secretariat and the UNDP Country Office, the NPAP Manager will: • Coordinate the overall operations and strategic delivery of the NPAP Secretariat hosted at UNDP Tanzania. • Work closely with the GPAP Secretariat, NPAP Chair, and relevant government ministries to ensure alignment and strategic direction. • Support the identification, engagement, and onboarding of Steering Board members, task force participants, and expert advisors. • Lead the development and implementation of the NPAP National Action Roadmap in collaboration with government and key stakeholders. • Manage relationships with strategic investment partners and identify funding and investment opportunities to scale plastic action. • Collaborate with partners including the National Analysis Modelling (NAM) tool provider and Metrics Consultants to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables. • Serve as the primary point of contact for NPAP members and coordinate their participation in Leadership Board meetings and other activities. • Organize and moderate Leadership Board and Task Force meetings, including agenda-setting, logistics, and stakeholder engagement. • Oversee the planning and execution of workshops and multi-stakeholder convenings to share best practices and catalyze scalable solutions. • Coordinate communication efforts, including national and global outreach in partnership with the GPAP Secretariat and communications team. • Manage the NPAP presence on the GPAP Digital Collaboration Platform (TopLink), ensuring regular content updates and stakeholder engagement. • Contribute to GPAP events, including the design and execution of national sessions during annual global meetings. • Support research, learning, and knowledge sharing by developing reports, issue briefs, and synthesizing insights on plastic waste and circular economy. • Supervise and provide strategic guidance to Secretariat staff, consultants, and support personnel. • Ensure timely submission of quarterly reports and updates to the GPAP Secretariat, capturing progress, lessons learned, and impact stories. • Ensure gender equality, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability are integrated throughout NPAP initiatives.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity & Innovation • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Proactiveness • Self-driven & Self-management

Experience in project or programme management, preferably in the fields of sustainable development, waste management, environmental policy, or public-private partnerships. • Proven track record of coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives, especially involving government, private sector, and civil society actors. • Experience working with or within international development organizations, preferably the UN system. • Strong familiarity with circular economy and plastic pollution issues in Tanzania or similar country contexts. • Demonstrated experience in leading teams, managing consultants, and delivering complex projects within tight timelines. • Experience in organizing high-level policy dialogues, workshops, and multi-stakeholder events is a strong asset. Skills: • Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments. • Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills, including the ability to engage with senior government officials and industry leaders. • Solid skills in project planning, monitoring, and reporting, including familiarity with results-based management. • Proficiency in using digital collaboration tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and project management software. • Ability to synthesize research and technical findings into clear and actionable policy recommendations. • High degree of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

Tanzania is a unique country and is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org