The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for a Project Officer position in Nairobi, Kenya, supporting work on plastic pollution, circular economy development and environmental sustainability. The position is part of UNDP Kenya’s Nature, Climate and Energy practice area and will support the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Secretariat, which is hosted by UNDP Kenya in partnership with the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP). The Project Officer will coordinate strategic and operational activities aimed at reducing plastic pollution and accelerating Kenya’s transition towards a circular plastics economy. Job Overview Position: Project OfficerOrganisation: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)Location: Nairobi, KenyaContract: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA)Grade: NPSA-8Contract duration: 1 yearWork arrangement: Office-basedPractice area: Nature, Climate and EnergyRequired languages: English and SwahiliEducation: Master’s degree or equivalent, or Bachelor’s degree with qualifying experienceDeadline: 12 October 2026 at 5:59 a.m. UNDP’s careers platform lists the position as open to internal and external applicants. About the Project The National Plastic Action Partnership is a nationally led, multi-stakeholder platform designed to address plastic pollution and accelerate the development of a circular plastics economy in Kenya. The partnership brings together government institutions, the private sector, civil society, development partners, academia and other stakeholders. Its work includes developing a data-driven National Plastic Action Roadmap, promoting innovation, mobilising investment and coordinating solutions aimed at reducing plastic leakage. The Project Officer will play a central role in coordinating this work and supporting the growth of UNDP Kenya’s activities in waste management and the circular economy. Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Project Manager, Climate Change, with overall guidance from the Team Leader for Environment and Resilience and coordination with the GPAP Secretariat. Key responsibilities include: Coordinating the strategic and operational delivery of the NPAP Secretariat. Working with government ministries, GPAP and NPAP leadership to maintain strategic alignment. Supervising Secretariat staff, consultants and support personnel. Leading the development and implementation of the NPAP National Action Roadmap. Coordinating technical partners involved in analysis, modelling and metrics. Building relationships with investment and financing partners. Identifying opportunities to mobilise resources for priority circular economy initiatives. Supporting the identification and engagement of Leadership Board members, Task Force participants and expert advisers. Organising and facilitating stakeholder meetings, workshops and policy dialogues. Coordinating communications, outreach and knowledge-sharing activities. Preparing reports, issue briefs, case studies and other knowledge products. Supporting monitoring, reporting and quality assurance. Ensuring gender equality, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and safeguarding considerations are incorporated into programme activities. Eligibility and Qualifications Applicants should have an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environment, public policy, environmental engineering, international development, management, social sciences or another relevant discipline. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field may also be considered if they have at least two years of qualifying professional experience. For candidates holding a relevant Master’s degree, the vacancy states that professional work experience is not required. Relevant experience in programme or project management is highly valuable, particularly in areas such as: Sustainable development Waste management Environmental policy Circular economy Public-private partnerships Climate and environmental programmes Desired Experience and Skills UNDP is particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate experience coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives involving government, private-sector and civil-society partners. Additional desirable experience includes working with international development organisations, understanding plastic pollution and circular economy issues, managing teams and consultants, organising high-level policy dialogues, and monitoring and reporting on complex projects. Candidates should also demonstrate strong strategic thinking, facilitation, communication, partnership-building and problem-solving skills. Experience translating research and technical findings into practical policy recommendations is also desirable. Language Requirements Fluency in English and Swahili is required for the position. The role is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and the vacancy specifies that no mobility is required. Salary and Benefits The position is classified at NPSA-8 under a one-year National Personnel Service Agreement. The supplied vacancy announcement does not state a specific salary figure. Applicants should therefore consult the official UNDP vacancy page for the applicable remuneration and contractual conditions rather than relying on unofficial salary estimates. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit their application through the official UNDP Careers recruitment platform before the deadline. The application deadline is 12 October 2026 at 5:59 a.m. Applicants should allow sufficient time to complete the online application and upload all required information. Candidates should tailor their applications to the position by demonstrating relevant experience in project management, environmental sustainability, circular economy, stakeholder engagement and policy development. How to Strengthen Your Application Applicants should clearly connect their professional experience to the responsibilities of the NPAP Secretariat. Particular attention should be given to evidence of coordinating partnerships between government, private sector, civil society and development partners. Candidates with experience in environmental policy, waste management, plastic pollution, circular economy initiatives or sustainable development should make these areas prominent in their applications. Strong examples of managing projects, delivering results under tight deadlines, organising stakeholder consultations and turning technical evidence into actionable recommendations can also strengthen an application. Why This UNDP Opportunity Is Valuable This role offers an opportunity to contribute directly to efforts addressing plastic pollution and circular economy development in Kenya while working within the UNDP Kenya Country Office. The successful candidate will engage with government institutions, international partners, businesses, civil society and technical experts, providing valuable exposure to environmental policy, sustainable development and multi-stakeholder programme management. Important Disclaimer Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the employer and is not involved in UNDP’s recruitment or selection process. Applicants should not send applications or CVs to GSO. All candidates should verify the vacancy details, eligibility requirements, deadline and application instructions through the official UNDP recruitment platform. UNDP also states that it does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. Applicants should be alert to fraudulent recruitment messages. 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