Professionals with experience in innovation, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, youth engagement, and programme management may be interested in the latest UNDP Project Officer Job 2026. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is recruiting a Project Officer – Innovation in Sustainable Design to support the Danish Egyptian Dialogue Initiative (DEDI), a flagship programme promoting green transition, innovation, climate action, and youth empowerment. This one-year opportunity allows professionals to contribute to the design and implementation of innovative programmes that help young entrepreneurs develop sustainable business solutions while strengthening climate resilience and environmental innovation.
The position is ideal for candidates passionate about sustainable development, innovation ecosystems, entrepreneurship, and international cooperation who wish to work with one of the world’s leading development organizations.
Background & Job Description
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ global development agency, working in more than 170 countries and territories to reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, promote sustainable development, and support countries in addressing climate change and inequality.
This position supports the Danish Egyptian Dialogue Initiative (DEDI), an innovative partnership that promotes dialogue, sustainable design, climate action, peace, and green transition. Under its current multi-year phase, DEDI focuses on three strategic pillars: innovation in sustainable design led by youth, environmental literacy for young people, and youth dialogue on climate and security.
Hosted by UNDP, the initiative brings together government institutions, universities, innovation hubs, entrepreneurs, civil society organizations, and private-sector partners to create opportunities for young innovators to develop environmentally sustainable business models and practical solutions that contribute to climate resilience and economic development.
As Project Officer – Innovation in Sustainable Design, the successful candidate will provide technical and programme coordination support for activities related to youth innovation, entrepreneurship, incubation programmes, partnerships, monitoring and evaluation, and knowledge management. Working closely with technical experts and programme managers, the Project Officer will help ensure that programme activities are delivered effectively while supporting long-term learning and sustainable impact.
Please note that this article is published solely for informational purposes. We are not affiliated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and do not participate in its recruitment process. Interested applicants should always submit their applications through the official UNDP Careers portal.
Tasks
The Project Officer will support the successful implementation of innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives that empower young people and strengthen sustainable development programmes.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Coordinating innovation, entrepreneurship, and green transition activities.
- Designing and supporting bootcamps, innovation challenges, incubation programmes, mentoring activities, and showcase events.
- Developing calls for proposals and coordinating participant selection processes.
- Supporting the development of youth-led business models and innovative solutions.
- Identifying programme risks and recommending mitigation strategies.
- Supervising programme support personnel where required.
- Building partnerships with universities, innovation hubs, SMEs, entrepreneurship support organizations, and development partners.
- Supporting procurement processes, financial tracking, and contractual agreements.
- Coordinating collaboration between youth innovators and industry stakeholders.
- Monitoring programme performance using established monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks.
- Preparing technical reports, progress updates, and programme documentation.
- Supporting knowledge management, communication campaigns, and visibility activities.
- Documenting lessons learned and identifying opportunities for continuous programme improvement.
- Integrating emerging research, innovation practices, and sustainability trends into programme activities.
The role also involves close collaboration with diverse stakeholders to strengthen youth innovation ecosystems and promote green entrepreneurship.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Applicants are expected to possess strong academic qualifications in innovation, development, or related disciplines.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
- Entrepreneurship.
- Innovation Management.
- Sustainable Development.
- Economics.
- Development Studies.
- Social Sciences.
- Related disciplines.
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field combined with additional qualifying professional experience may also be considered.
Professional certifications that may strengthen an application include:
- Project Management Professional (PMP).
- PRINCE2.
- Programme Management.
- Innovation Management.
- Entrepreneurship Development.
- Sustainable Development.
- Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).
- Agile Project Management.
Project or programme management certification is considered an advantage.
Experience
UNDP is seeking professionals with practical experience in programme implementation and partnership development.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Minimum of two years of relevant experience with a Master’s degree or four years with a Bachelor’s degree.
- Experience designing or implementing innovation programmes.
- Experience supporting entrepreneurship initiatives such as incubation or acceleration programmes.
- Experience working with youth-focused development initiatives.
- Demonstrated stakeholder engagement and partnership-building experience.
- Strong programme coordination, planning, monitoring, and reporting skills.
- Experience using Microsoft Office and web-based management systems.
- Knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
- Experience working with regional, international, or United Nations organizations is considered an asset.
- Familiarity with entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, or startup ecosystems is advantageous.
- Experience in climate action, green transition, or sustainable development programming is desirable.
Fluency in both English and Arabic is required for this role.
Additional Information
This is a full-time one-year contract under the National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-9) framework. The Project Officer will work under the supervision of the DEDI Project Technical Expert while collaborating with programme teams, technical specialists, government institutions, universities, innovation ecosystems, and international development partners.
Applicants are encouraged to tailor their CV and cover letter to highlight measurable achievements in programme coordination, innovation management, youth engagement, stakeholder collaboration, entrepreneurship support, and sustainable development. Demonstrating experience managing multi-stakeholder projects, supporting green innovation, and contributing to monitoring and evaluation activities can significantly strengthen an application.
UNDP promotes diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity throughout its recruitment process. The organization welcomes applications from qualified professionals regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, or other personal characteristics. Candidates should also familiarize themselves with UNDP’s guidance on the responsible use of artificial intelligence during recruitment and selection processes.
For professionals seeking a meaningful career that combines innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment, the UNDP Project Officer – Innovation in Sustainable Design position offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to transformative development initiatives while supporting the next generation of climate innovators and green entrepreneurs.
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