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Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
The Danish Egyptian Dialogue Initiative (DEDI) is a lab for innovation and green transition, and a cross-cultural space for dialogue on climate, peace and security between Denmark and Egypt. A new four-year phase of DEDI started in 2025 financed under the Danish Arab Partnership Programme (DAPP). The new phase is designed to address the challenges and opportunities of climate change, circular economy, green transition and innovation. DEDI implements activities on the following three components: i) Innovation in sustainable design; ii) Green environmental literacy for youth; and iii) Youth dialogue on climate and security. DEDI is hosted by UNDP in Egypt with a range of Danish and Egyptian organizations and experts engaged on dialogue and exchange activities in Egypt and Denmark.
As the host institution for DEDI, UNDP Egypt implements the initiative, ensures alignment with broader development priorities, and provides technical, operational and administrative support. Under the new phase of DEDI (2025-2028), UNDP is responsible for grant management, partnership development, financial oversight, and technical guidance across all three components. UNDP provides to DEDI extensive expertise in sustainable development, youth engagement, and climate action, as well as its established networks with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. Furthermore, UNDP supports capacity-building efforts, monitoring, and reporting in line with its Results-Based Management (RBM) standards, ensuring that DEDI's activities contribute effectively to the Danish Arab Partnership Programme (DAPP) as well as Egypt’s green transition agenda.
To support the effective implementation of the Danish Egyptian Dialogue Initiative (DEDI), UNDP Egypt is recruiting a Project Officer – Innovation in Sustainable Design (NPSA-9) to provide technical support, partnerships and programme coordination to DEDI. In particular, the position will support the implementation of Component 1: Innovation in Sustainable Design, with a focus on youth, innovation, green transition, and entrepreneurship including in design (such as furniture, fashion, textiles). The Project Officer – Innovation in Sustainable Design will contribute to partnership development in Egypt and Denmark, design and delivery of innovation programmes such as ideation and incubation cycles, partnerships with SMEs and ecosystem actors, and the development of youth-led business models and technical solutions, while supporting monitoring, reporting, and knowledge management to inform continuous learning and programme improvement.
Under the direct supervision of the DEDI Project Technical Expert and guidance of the DEDI Project Manager, the Project Officer – Innovation in Sustainable Design will:
Institutional Arrangement The Project Officer will report to the DEDI Project Technical Expert.
- Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management, Sustainable Development, Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field is required. Or
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree
- Minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at national and/or international level in project or programme coordination and implementation, stakeholder engagement, partnerships management, and/or development programming, preferably in areas related to sustainable development, youth, innovation, entrepreneurship or the green transition.
- Demonstrated experience in supporting the design, coordination and/or implementation of development programmes, including planning, implementation support, monitoring and reporting, is required.
- Experience and strong knowledge in sustainable development, innovation, youth, entrepreneurship, green transition or related technical area(s) is required;
- Experience in international stakeholder engagement and partnership development and management is required.
- Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP is required.
- Experience working with regional or international organizations, including UN or multilateral contexts, is desirable.
- Familiarity with youth, innovation, entrepreneurship ecosystems in Egypt or the Arab region is an asset.
- Experience in youth engagement, policy dialogue, or capacity-building initiatives is desirable.
- Experience in innovation, research, or ecosystem development for SMEs or startups is desirable.
- Experience in sustainable development, climate, or green transition programming is desirable.
- Fluency in English and Arabic is required.
- Project/programme management certification is an advantage
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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