The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for the position of Project Officer in Nairobi, Kenya. The successful candidate will support the implementation of the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), a multi-stakeholder initiative working to reduce plastic pollution and accelerate Kenya’s transition towards a circular plastics economy. The position is based within the UNDP Kenya Country Office and offers an opportunity to contribute to environmental sustainability, climate action, waste management and sustainable development. Applications are open to internal and external candidates who meet the eligibility requirements. UNDP Project Officer Job Overview Organisation: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Job title: Project Officer Job reference: 36352 Grade: NPSA-8 Location: Nairobi, Kenya Contract type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA) Contract duration: One year Job schedule: Full-time Practice area: Nature, Climate and Energy Required languages: English and Swahili Application deadline: 12 October 2026 at 5:59 a.m. as displayed in the vacancy listing Salary: Not specified in the supplied announcement Official application route: UNDP Careers recruitment portal About the National Plastic Action Partnership UNDP Kenya is hosting the National Plastic Action Partnership Secretariat through an agreement with the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP). The initiative brings together government institutions, private companies, civil society organisations, development partners and academic institutions to address plastic pollution. The partnership aims to develop a data-driven National Plastic Action Roadmap, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, generate evidence and mobilise investment for practical solutions. It also supports broader efforts to improve waste management and advance the circular economy in Kenya. The Project Officer will coordinate the partnership’s strategic and operational activities, helping ensure that planned interventions are delivered effectively and contribute to measurable environmental outcomes. Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Project Manager, Climate Change, with guidance from the Team Leader for Environment and Resilience and coordination with the GPAP Secretariat. Key responsibilities include: 1. Coordinate the NPAP Secretariat The Project Officer will oversee day-to-day coordination, support implementation of strategic priorities and ensure that activities meet agreed timelines. The role also involves working with government ministries, the GPAP Secretariat, the NPAP Leadership Board and other partners. 2. Lead the National Action Roadmap The officer will coordinate the development and implementation of Kenya’s National Plastic Action Roadmap. This includes managing technical partners, coordinating analysis and modelling work, reviewing deliverables and identifying opportunities to mobilise funding for priority initiatives. 3. Strengthen stakeholder engagement The role involves supporting the appointment and engagement of Leadership Board members, Task Force participants and expert advisers. The officer will organise meetings, workshops, policy dialogues and stakeholder consultations, while monitoring agreed actions and maintaining effective communication. 4. Manage communications and knowledge sharing The successful applicant will coordinate outreach activities, support the partnership’s digital collaboration platform and prepare reports, policy briefs, case studies and other knowledge products related to plastic pollution and the circular economy. 5. Monitor progress and ensure quality The officer will prepare quarterly progress reports and document achievements, challenges, lessons learned and impact. Gender equality, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and safeguarding must also be integrated into programme planning and implementation. Eligibility Requirements Applicants should have an advanced university degree, such as a master’s degree or equivalent, in environmental studies, public policy, environmental engineering, international development, management, social sciences or another relevant discipline. Applicants holding a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field may also be considered if they have at least two years of relevant professional experience. Candidates with a master’s degree are not required to have professional work experience under the stated minimum eligibility criteria. However, relevant experience is desirable and may strengthen an application. The vacancy particularly values candidates with experience in: Project or programme management, preferably in sustainable development, waste management, environmental policy or public-private partnerships. Coordinating initiatives involving government, businesses and civil society. Leading teams, managing consultants and delivering complex projects. Organising policy dialogues, workshops and multi-stakeholder events. Project planning, monitoring, reporting and results-based management. Circular economy initiatives and plastic pollution in Kenya or comparable contexts. Turning research findings into clear policy recommendations. Applicants must demonstrate strong communication, facilitation, strategic thinking, problem-solving, partnership-building and organisational skills. Fluency in both English and Swahili 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 specify the exact salary or a detailed benefits package. Applicants should consult the official recruitment page for any additional contractual information. The role offers professional exposure to environmental policy, national coordination, circular economy programming and partnerships involving public institutions, private-sector organisations and development partners. How to Apply for the UNDP Project Officer Job Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official UNDP Careers recruitment portal. Applicants should review the complete vacancy announcement and confirm that they meet the education, experience, language and other eligibility requirements. Candidates should prepare an accurate application that demonstrates relevant project management experience, stakeholder coordination, environmental knowledge and the ability to deliver measurable results. Applicants should also review UNDP’s guidance on the responsible use of artificial intelligence during recruitment. All statements and examples must be truthful and based on their own qualifications and experience. Application deadline: 12 October 2026 at 5:59 a.m., as displayed on the vacancy page. Applicants should confirm the deadline and time zone on the official portal before submitting. How to Strengthen Your Application Applicants can improve their competitiveness by highlighting examples of successfully coordinated projects, partnerships or environmental programmes. Where possible, they should demonstrate measurable achievements, such as delivering activities on schedule, coordinating diverse stakeholders, preparing technical reports or contributing to policy development. Candidates with experience in waste management, plastics policy, circular economy initiatives or environmental sustainability should explain how that experience relates to the responsibilities of the NPAP Secretariat. A clear, well-organised application that directly addresses the vacancy’s competencies and required experience can help demonstrate suitability for the role. VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.