Project Analyst [Open to Tier 1 & 2 applicants], Nur-Sultan

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The Energy and Environment Unit of UNDP Kazakhstan supports national efforts to advance a green, low-carbon and climate-resilient economy and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Its portfolio covers climate change mitigation and adaptation, renewable energy, energy efficiency and power system modernization, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture and food systems, sustainable land and water management, waste management, disaster risk reduction and sustainable natural resource use.

Working with government institutions, the private sector, civil society, academia and international partners, the Unit provides policy advice, technical assistance and capacity development. It promotes green and sustainable finance, supports access to international environmental and climate funding, and helps develop investment opportunities and innovative financing instruments aligned with national development priorities. The Unit also strengthens institutional frameworks and supports the application of innovative and digital solutions, while integrating gender equality and inclusive development across its work.

Within this portfolio, the Government of Japan-funded project “The Project for Development of Sustainable Rare Metal and Rare Earth Minerals Value Chains through Environmental Measures” supports the sustainable development of Kazakhstan’s minerals sector. The project combines policy and analytical support, environmental monitoring and capacity development to promote environmentally responsible mineral value chains.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide Policy Advice

• Provide specialized knowledge and expertise in critical minerals, sustainable mineral value chains and natural resource governance within the context of the project;
• Analyze existing policies, frameworks and regulations governing the minerals sector at various levels to identify opportunities, gaps, and barriers for sustainable sector development;
• Assess the regulatory landscape to ensure alignment of mineral sector policies with national development priorities and relevant international environmental and sustainability standards;
• Support the development of policies, strategies and action plans for environmentally responsible mineral sector development, considering input from stakeholders and best practices;
• Establish mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of relevant sectoral policies, providing recommendations for improvements;
• Analyze financial mechanisms and funding opportunities for sustainable mineral value chains and related environmental measures, identifying potential sources of support;
• Advocate for the integration of environmental sustainability, responsible resource management and value chain development into relevant sectoral policies, plans, and programs;
• Support the strengthening of institutional arrangements and procedures for sustainable mineral resource governance in Kazakhstan.

Collaborate with relevant government, industry representatives, research organizations and other stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of sustainable mineral sector policies and practices;

• Engage with policymakers, government officials, the private sector, NGOs, and community leaders to build consensus and support environmentally responsible mineral sector development;
• Coordinate between various stakeholders involved in mineral sector policy development and implementation to ensure coherence and efficiency;
• Translate complex technical and policy concepts into accessible language and communicate the importance of sustainable mineral value chains and environmental responsibility to different audiences;
• Design and conduct capacity-building activities related to critical minerals, sector governance and environmental sustainability, enabling stakeholders to understand and contribute to effective policy development and implementation;
• Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, and communication materials to communicate policy analysis, progress, and recommendations.

Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing and advocacy relevant to the project.

• Organize training, workshops, and capacity building activities in a consultative manner, involving technical experts and stakeholders that may include the government, private sector, NGOs, donors, and/or academia.
• Identify, synthesize and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from the project and implementing partners.
• Participate in and ensure sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice on project related issues. Support establishment of knowledge platforms for the project, facilitate innovative mechanisms for dissemination of knowledge from the project, and develop knowledge resources and products to share with project partners and to support UNDP’s engagement in this area.
• Promote advocacy on development trends and opportunities to collaborate in coordination with the project partners, stakeholders, and UNDP communications staff.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Analyst reports to the Project Manager. The job holder will ensure to provide quality advice to Project manager and comply with appropriate UNDP policies and procedures.

Competencies

Core competencies

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Direction & Strategy

• Business Acumen
  
  • Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome. Ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization.
• Negotiation and Influence
  
  • Reach a common understanding/agreement, persuade others, resolve points of difference through a dialogue, negotiate mutually acceptable solutions and create ‘win-win’ situations.

Business Development

• Human-centered Design
  
  • Ability to develop solutions to problems by involving the human perspective in all steps of the problem-solving process. Knowledge and understanding of human centered design principles and practices.
• Knowledge Generation
  
  • Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.
• Collective Intelligence Design
  
  • Ability to bring together diverse groups of people, data, information, ideas, and technology to solve problems and design solutions or services. Knowledge and understanding of Collective Intelligence Design principles, methodology and practices.
• Development Knowledge Facilitation
  
  • Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange.

2030 Agenda: People

• Gender
  
  • Gender Equality Seal for Development

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Geology, Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing, Metallurgy, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Policy, Natural Sciences, Economics, Public Policy, Law, or a related field, is required or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.
• Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in the minerals sector, natural resource management, sectoral policy development, economic or environmental analysis, or related technical and project coordination roles.

Desired skills:

• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP.
• Relevant years of demonstrated experience in critical minerals or broader mineral sector policy, analysis, governance or value chain development.
• Relevant years of proven experience in development of sectoral strategies, action plans or policy recommendations related to minerals, industrial development or sustainable natural resource management.
• Experience in working with legal frameworks, regulations, and international agreements related to mining, mineral resources, environmental sustainability or responsible value chains.
• Experience in coordinating or developing nationwide and regional policy documents regarding mineral sector development or sustainable natural resource use.
• Experience working in the minerals sector or a related policy environment requiring liaison and collaboration with multiple actors, including government representatives, industry stakeholders, research institutions, donors and other partners.
• Experience in conducting sectoral research, analyzing industry trends, markets or supply chains, and preparing analytical reports, policy briefs and presentations.
• Experience in coordinating or supporting projects and initiatives related to minerals, industrial development or environmental sustainability.
• Experience with environmental risks and sustainability considerations associated with mineral extraction, processing, waste management or recycling.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Kazakh and/or Russian

Equal opportunity

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.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Use of AI by candidates

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