UNDP Readiness Coordinator – Job Opportunity in International Development
📌 Key Role Highlights
• 📍 Position: UNDP Readiness Coordinator
• 🏢 Organisation: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• 📌 Duty Station: As specified in vacancy
• 💼 Level: Professional (P-level, mid-career)
• 💰 Compensation: Competitive UN remuneration package
• 📅 Deadline: As per official posting
• 📚 Functional Field: Disaster readiness, resilience planning, development coordination
• 🤝 Reporting To: Senior Programme/Unit Head
The UNDP Readiness Coordinator is a professional position within the United Nations Development Programme focused on building and enhancing country, regional, and global readiness to respond to development, climate, and disaster risks. This role is designed for a candidate with strong analytical, coordination, and project development skills who can catalyse multi-stakeholder efforts, strengthen institutional mechanisms, and support UNDP’s strategic objectives in resilience and sustainable development.
UNDP’s mission is to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and promote sustainable development. Within this broader mandate, the UNDP Readiness Coordinator plays a critical role in preparing systems and actors including governments, civil society, and partners to face emerging risks and shocks. This includes working on disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate adaptation planning, and readiness frameworks that contribute to inclusive, resilient societies.
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About the Role
The UNDP Readiness Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and implementing readiness initiatives that enhance resilience across development and risk management domains. By supporting programme design, capacity building, multi-stakeholder engagement, and integrated planning, the coordinator ensures that countries and communities are better prepared to mitigate, anticipate, and respond to crises.
This position requires a candidate who is not only experienced in project coordination but also able to convene stakeholders, foster partnerships, and contribute to strategic readiness outcomes that align with global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key Responsibilities
The UNDP Readiness Coordinator will undertake the following duties:
Strategy Development and Coordination
• Support development and implementation of national and regional readiness strategies and action plans.
• Coordinate with government counterparts, UN agencies, and development partners to align readiness actions with national priorities.
• Facilitate strategic dialogues and technical working groups focused on resilience, risk assessment, and capacity enhancement.
Programme Design and Implementation
• Lead preparation of project documents, concept notes, and funding proposals related to readiness and resilience.
• Oversee implementation of readiness activities, including capacity building, risk assessment, and preparedness planning.
• Monitor progress of interventions and recommend adjustments to optimize outcomes.
Institutional Strengthening
• Provide technical guidance to strengthen institutional frameworks for disaster risk management and climate resilience.
• Assist in developing standard operating procedures, guidelines, and readiness tools for local and national entities.
• Support integration of readiness priorities into national development plans.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
• Build and nurture partnerships with government agencies, non-government organisations, academic institutions, and private sector stakeholders.
• Facilitate cross-sectoral collaboration and knowledge exchange to enhance readiness impact.
• Represent UNDP in multi-agency forums focused on resilience and risk reduction.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Management
• Design and deliver training workshops, webinars, and technical sessions to enhance stakeholder capacities.
• Document lessons learned, best practices, and case studies from readiness initiatives.
• Support development of research and knowledge products that inform policy and practice.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
• Track deliverables, outcomes, and indicators related to readiness programmes.
• Prepare periodic reports, briefings, and presentations for senior management and partners.
• Contribute to evaluation processes that strengthen future readiness planning.
In all deliverables, the UNDP Readiness Coordinator will uphold principles of transparency, accountability, and evidence-based programming.
Required Qualifications
To be considered for the UNDP Readiness Coordinator position, applicants should possess the following:
Education
• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international development, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, public policy, social sciences, or related fields.
Experience
• A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in development planning, risk management, climate resilience, or related programme coordination functions.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives, developing strategic frameworks, and supporting implementation of resilience programmes.
• Familiarity with UN development systems, international frameworks (e.g., Sendai, SDGs), and donor engagement is highly desirable.
Technical Skills
• Strong capacity in project design, proposal preparation, and logical frameworks.
• Excellent analytical and research skills.
• Proficiency in data interpretation, monitoring frameworks, and reporting.
• Ability to use standard office software and databases for programme tracking.
Languages
• Fluency in English (oral and written) is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official language (e.g., French, Spanish) is an asset.
Competencies and Attributes
The UNDP Readiness Coordinator is expected to demonstrate the following competencies:
- Professionalism: In-depth understanding of readiness, risk reduction, and development processes. Shows commitment to excellence and ethical standards.
- Planning and Organising: Ability to set priorities, follow through on commitments, and deliver results in a timely manner.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting, stakeholder engagement, and representation.
- Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams across different cultures and sectors.
- Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and adheres to organisational policies and donor requirements.
- Innovation: Identifies ways to improve programme quality, effectiveness, and impact.
These competencies ensure the UNDP Readiness Coordinator contributes positively to programme objectives and supports UNDP’s mission of sustainable development and resilience.
What You Will Gain
The UNDP Readiness Coordinator position offers significant professional and personal rewards, including:
- Leadership experience in international development programming.
- Exposure to multi-agency coordination and global resilience planning networks.
- Opportunity to influence national, regional, and global readiness frameworks.
- Professional growth through mentorship, collaboration, and strategic responsibilities.
- Competitive UN compensation and benefits in line with professional category.
- A platform for contributing to systemic change in disaster and climate risk management.
This role enhances career pathways for professionals committed to resilience, development planning, and institutional strengthening.
Why Join UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme is the development arm of the United Nations, working in nearly 170 countries to reduce poverty, strengthen governance, build resilient institutions, and promote sustainable solutions for development challenges. The UNDP Readiness Coordinator plays a pivotal part in enabling communities and governments to anticipate and prepare for shocks, thereby fostering inclusive and sustained development outcomes.
Joining UNDP means working in a collaborative, diverse, and mission-driven environment. UNDP’s values of integrity, respect, professionalism, and commitment to human rights guide all its programmes and partnerships.
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Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official UNDP careers portal, ensuring that all requested documents and information are provided. Applications typically require a comprehensive CV, cover letter, academic certificates, and proof of relevant experience.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for assessment, which may include technical interviews and competency-based evaluations. Candidates are advised to tailor their applications to highlight how their background aligns with the UNDP Readiness Coordinator functions and responsibilities.
The selection process prioritises merit, diversity, and alignment with UNDP’s core values.
Final Thoughts
The UNDP Readiness Coordinator role represents an exceptional opportunity for experienced professionals to support global resilience efforts, shape strategic readiness planning, and contribute to sustainable development objectives. It is a role that combines thought leadership, coordination skills, and operational execution – ideal for individuals who are passionate about building climate-smart, disaster-prepared societies.
Qualified candidates with proven experience in readiness, risk reduction, and development planning are encouraged to apply and embark on a meaningful career journey with UNDP, where their contributions will have lasting impact.
Head of Business Development, Alula Animation. With 10 years in advertising and sustained involvement in startups and entrepreneurship since graduating from business school and the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Beloved researches and writes practical business analysis and verified job-market insights for The Business Pulse Africa.
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