The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for the Small Grants Programme (SGP) Assistant position based in Banjul, The Gambia. This full-time opportunity supports community-led environmental and climate initiatives funded through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme, helping local organizations tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and pollution while promoting sustainable livelihoods.
This is an excellent opportunity for professionals interested in environmental management, climate resilience, project administration, and international development to contribute to impactful community-based initiatives.
Position Details
- Position: Small Grants Programme Assistant
- Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Duty Station: Banjul, The Gambia
- Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-5)
- Contract Duration: One year, with the possibility of extension
- Practice Area: Management
- Bureau: Regional Bureau for Africa
- Work Schedule: Full-time
About the Programme
The position supports the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP), implemented by UNDP. The programme provides direct grants to community-based organizations and non-governmental organizations working on:
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation
- Biodiversity conservation
- Sustainable land management
- Protection of international waters
- Pollution reduction
- Community resilience
- Sustainable livelihoods
The programme emphasizes innovation, inclusive governance, local partnerships, and environmental sustainability while empowering women and youth.
Key Responsibilities
The Small Grants Programme Assistant will support programme implementation through administrative, operational, financial, and technical assistance.
Programme Support
Responsibilities include:
- Assist with day-to-day programme implementation
- Screen grant proposals and project concepts
- Support development of grant application materials
- Guide prospective grantees through the application process
- Support project monitoring and field visits
- Organize National Steering Committee meetings
- Prepare meeting minutes and reports
- Maintain relationships with government agencies, NGOs, donors, and community organizations
- Support monitoring, evaluation, and reporting requirements
- Maintain programme databases and stakeholder records
Financial Management
The successful candidate will:
- Review financial reports submitted by grantees
- Process grant payment requests
- Monitor programme budgets
- Track grant disbursements
- Manage petty cash records
- Prepare financial reports
- Support travel and administrative payments
Administrative Support
Duties include:
- Manage office operations
- Maintain filing systems
- Organize procurement of office supplies
- Coordinate meetings and workshops
- Support logistics for missions and events
- Maintain project documentation
- Manage inventory records
- Assist with project audits
Knowledge Management
The assistant will also:
- Support communication and visibility activities
- Organize workshops and stakeholder events
- Assist in preparing publications and articles
- Update programme websites and databases
- Promote knowledge sharing among partners
Education Requirements
Applicants should possess either:
- Secondary school education with relevant experience, or
- Bachelor’s degree in:
- Business Administration
- Public Administration
- Environmental Science
- Social Science
- Or a related field
A certificate in Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance is considered an advantage.
Experience Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Five years of relevant experience with secondary education, or
- Two years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree
Relevant experience includes:
- Administrative support
- Programme coordination
- Project management
- Community development
- Environmental programmes
- Grant management
Experience supporting rural or community-level projects, monitoring and evaluation, programme financial management, and event coordination is considered an asset.
Required Skills
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent organizational abilities
- Project management skills
- Document management experience
- Ability to prepare meeting reports
- Financial administration skills
- Relationship management
- Knowledge generation and reporting
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
- Experience using databases and web-based management systems
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Fluency in English
- Fluency in one local language of The Gambia
Knowledge of additional UN languages is considered an advantage.
Eligibility
In accordance with the Small Grants Programme Operational Guidelines, applicants must be nationals of The Gambia for this position.
Why Join UNDP?
Working with UNDP offers the opportunity to:
- Support grassroots environmental and climate initiatives
- Contribute to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience
- Build experience with one of the world’s leading international development organizations
- Work with government institutions, civil society organizations, and local communities
- Strengthen programme management and grant administration skills
- Advance sustainable development and environmental protection
Application Deadline
8 July 2026
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official UNDP Careers portal before the application deadline. Ensure that all required documents are uploaded and that your application highlights relevant administrative, programme management, and environmental experience.
Early applications are encouraged, as UNDP may begin reviewing applications before the closing date.
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