Project Support: Bioprospecting Value Chains Project

Host entity: UNDP

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Administration, Communication, advocacy, public information, Project management, programme development, strategy

Application deadline: 16/09/2026

Mission and objectives

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

Assignment context

The Bioprospecting Value Chains Project, launched in 2018 and originally set to conclude in October 2024, has been awarded an 18-month extension to further support South Africa’s commitment to sustainable development and its obligations under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). This strategic initiative aligns with the Biodiversity Economy Strategy (NBES), aiming to optimize the economic benefits of biodiversity-based industries while ensuring the equitable and sustainable use of genetic resources.Tthe project drives the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and community-based initiatives, prioritizing equitable benefit-sharing across diverse income groups and settlements.

Through targeted capacity building, it equips communities and businesses with the knowledge and tools to comply with ABS requirements, embedding sustainable practices in value chain development. The extension provides a critical opportunity to address challenges, consolidate achievements, and deepen the project’s impact. UNDP South Africa plays a pivotal role in this initiative by offering strategic oversight, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and promoting knowledge transfer. These efforts ensure inclusive decision-making, equitable outcomes, and long-term ecological resilience. As a flagship initiative for biodiversity-based economic transformation, the project advances the NBES vision, mainstreams biodiversity conservation into economic frameworks, creates jobs, and empowers marginalized communities while contributing to national and global sustainable development goals.

The overall project has 7 months remaining of the 18-month project extension, where there are project outputs in implementation and one project yet to be implemented. The UNDP requires Project Support to ensure efficiency and accelerated delivery of results. The needed support is specific where the individual must have in-depth knowledge of the project’s objectives, operational framework, and sector knowledge and corresponding network especially in the Honeybush sector. These attribute of the UNV is critical for maintaining momentum and minimizing the learning curve associated with onboarding new personnel. The complexity of the project, which involves compliance with the Nagoya Protocol, capacity building, and development of biodiversity-based value chains, necessitates the sustained involvement of a skilled individual familiar with the intricacies of ABS requirements, the Biodiversity Economy Strategy (NBES).

It is against this background that UNDP South Africa is looking for a Project Support to provide towards the project.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Project Manager/Director or her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will work within the Project Management Unit

The primary responsibility of the UNV is to provide technical and administrative support for Output 2.3 of the UNDP/GEF 6 Value Chains Project (PIMS5686), i.e. Indigenous Knowledge (IKS) Registration and Honeybush Small Grant. The position requires delivery in the following areas in the implementation of Outputs 31 and 2.3:

Project administration:
• Quality control partnership agreements and provide advisory for contingency.
• Draft implementation reports.
• Draft post project sustainability plans for peer review.

Gender Mainstreaming:
• Coordinate and provide logistical support for gender training sessions for project staff and stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on the integration of gender markers in project outputs and reports.

Communications and Reporting:
• Draft and disseminate project updates, newsletters, and briefs to stakeholders.
• Support the implementation of the communications strategy, ensuring continuous stakeholder engagement.
• Maintain a repository of project results and lessons learned for documentation and sharing.
• Develop articles for publishing on UNDP and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) platforms.

Social and Environmental Risk Management:
• Assist in identifying and tracking social and environmental risks.
• Assist in coordinating SES site visits and assist in drafting SES reports.
• Assist in monitor the implementation of project safeguards and report on compliance with UNDP and GEF standards.

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):
• Support the operationalization of the M&E Plan in alignment with the Project Results Framework.
• Collect and maintain data for quarterly and annual reports Project Implementation Report (PIR) and Annual Performance Report (APR).
• Track and report on gender and safeguard indicators within the M&E framework.
• Support the integration of safeguard indicators into project activities.
• Consolidate data for safeguards and contribute to Quarterly Implementation Reports.

Administrative and Coordination Support:
• Organize project files, training materials, and reports.
• Coordinate meetings, workshops, and consultations with stakeholders.
• Track progress on deliverables and provide regular updates to the manager.

Skills and experience

Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in either Research, Biodiversity and Ecology and Project Management, Environment; Climate change;
• Understanding of ecological principles, biodiversity, and the dynamics of ecosystems;
• Proficiency in practical fieldwork;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Experience in working with local communities;
• Familiarity with environmental laws and regulations relevant to nature conservation is essential for compliance and effective management practices;
• Skills in managing conservation areas, including planning and implementing conservation strategies.

Competencies and values

Professionalism; Integrity, Teamwork and respect for diversity; Commitment to continuous learning; Planning and organizing; Communication; Flexibility; Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement.

Living conditions

Bigger cities in South África can be highly cosmopolitan. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, you will find an abundance of world class gyms, restaurants, bars, recreational classes, galleries, parks etc. The bigger shopping malls host a large selection of international brands. There is a plethora of international cuisine to be sampled, and quirky independent cinemas to be discovered. OR Tambo International Airport is a world class airport, offering highly sophisticated facilities. It is located just outside of Johannesburg, in Kempton Park. It has many international airlines that fly into this airport. Crime rates in South África are ranked on the high end, petty theft and opportunistic crimes are common, and armed robberies, smash & grabs and hijackings are also fairly frequent in certain areas. One needs to remain vigilant especially at night and at road intersections. There are usually sign posts that indicate such hot spots. Periodic security information updates are sent via email providing information at national level, with regards to circumstances such as incidents of civil unrest, transport security, computer and networking safety and trends in criminality. UNDSS sends weekly security updates via email. Updates from wardens are on an ad hoc basis, following security related events in your residential area. Updates from UNDSS are provided weekly.

UN Volunteers receives the below entitlements:
• A Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): R23 820.16 per month,
• A once off entry lumpsum at the start of the assignment,
• Medical insurance; Life cover, and annual leave,
• Access to all learning platforms,
• A once off exit lumpsum at the end of the assignment.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.