Coordinator, Sustainable Rice Platform

UNOPS mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need.

The UN Environment is the United Nations systems designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The overall objective of the UN Environment's Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities (http://www.unep.org/dtie/).

Led by UN Environment in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute, the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) is a global multi-stakeholder initiative comprising representatives from 90 member institutions, including governments, global private sector actors, SMEs, research institutes and civil society organizations. The initiative is dedicated to contributing to a sustainable global rice sector. UN Environment currently hosts the SRP Secretariat and serves as its legal entity.

Having developed and launched the world’s first rice sustainability standard and performance indicators, the SRP is now embarking on its next phase of operation, which entails development of sustainable supply chains, the launch of an assurance model and engagement in the policy arena to drive wide-scale adoption. This will necessitate a significant increase in the Secretariat’s human resource capacity.

SRP seeks an experienced Coordinator with direct experience in building and maintaining a global multi-stakeholder member-based alliance to manage the SRP Secretariat and liaise with its member organizations to implement SRP’s programmes. This includes operationalizing a strategic transition towards a new organizational presence, launching SRP’s assurance programme, resource mobilization and the establishment of national-level SRP programmes in key countries.

The Coordinator will report to the Programme Management Officer for Sustainable Food Systems and Agriculture and will be located in the UN Environment – Asia and the Pacific Office duty station.

1.      Lead development and implementation of the Sustainable Rice Platform strategy and work programme in coordination with the supervising PMO

• Deliver programmatic and coordination to the SRP’s Advisory Committee and Interim Board in implementing outcomes of the Strategic Visioning Exercise, through a comprehensive Transition Plan.
• Finalization and launch of version 2.0 of the SRP Standard and Performance Indicators for Sustainable Rice Cultivation, as well as the SRP Assurance Programme, by coordinating the timely delivery of activities undertaken under the mandate of the SRP’s Working Groups and ICT Task Force.
• Develop a framework to support the establishment of National SRP Chapters in key rice-producing countries.
• Ensure availability and accessibility of technical support as well as updated information, communication and knowledge products for internal and external stakeholders.

2.      Manage the SRP Secretariat

• Manage the Secretariat and its staff (consultants and interns) to provide necessary technical and communication support and other membership services to SRP members, underpinned by an efficient financial administrative structure.
• Oversee implementation of the SRP’s Communication, Resource Mobilization and Member Liaison Strategies, as well as planning and organization of the SRP 8th Annual Plenary and General Assembly 2018.
• Represent the SRP in external dialogues, both bilaterally and in conferences and other public fora.

3.      Contribute to relevant UN Environment project proposals

• Serve as a focal point with the managing PMO for sustainable rice-related initiatives for UN Environment in its outreach activities (including with IRRI and FAO under respective MOUs).
• Liaise with UN Environment teams in collaboration with the managing PMO at regional and global levels in the development of a GEF-7 Global Impact Programme on Inclusive Sustainable Rice Landscapes, as well as a Climate and Clean Air Coalition proposal development for the Green Climate Fund.
• Provide support for the work of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and Economy Division on request.

Impact of Results

Effective management and implementation of SRP communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, a stable trajectory towards a new governance and organizational form for SRP, and wider stakeholder uptake and recognition of the SRP, its key tools and programmes.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

On-time delivery of agreed outputs, including satisfactory acceptance by UN Environment.

a. Education

Advanced university degree (master's) or equivalent in Business, Environment, Agricultural Development or Sciences, Water Management or natural resource management or a relevant first degree with additional two years of post-graduate experience in a relevant sector is required.

b. Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a development organization or in the private sector, including experience of working with international/intergovernmental organizations. Experience in working within the UN system would be an advantage.

c. Language (s)

Fluency in both written and spoken English is required.  Knowledge of Thai would be an advantage. Knowledge of other UN Official Languages is an asset.

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of development issues, together with an understanding of food production and wider supply chains. Knowledge of public-private sustainability initiatives and the rice sector would be an advantage
• Strong analytical and administrative skills with experience of project management
• Ability to exercise mature judgment and build relationships with members, strategic partners and external stakeholders, and to analyze, plan and organize strategies in a multicultural environment.
• Developing country experience, especially in Southeast Asia, would be an advantage
• Experience in resource mobilization with bilateral and multilateral donors and with development partners
• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills, including ability to craft and deliver messages in an articulate manner
• An entrepreneurial spirit with a can-do attitude and an ability to work alone as well as provide effective team leadership.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.