1 Academic Counselor job in Bahrain

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 University of Bahrain (UOB) aims to strengthen its contribution towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Promoting innovation, strengthening institutional capacities, fostering partnerships, and expanding opportunities for students and faculty are central to UOB’s vision to become a national and regional hub for sustainable development knowledge and practice.

In this context, UNDP and UOB are collaborating through the UOB SDGs Promotion Project to support the establishment and operationalization of the SDGs Hub and Innovation Lab. The initiative aims to support SDG integration within the University, promote innovation and applied solutions linked to sustainable development challenges, facilitate partnerships and knowledge exchange, and strengthen UOB’s contribution to national and global SDG efforts.

UNDP is seeking to recruit an SDGs Hub and Innovation Lab Coordinator under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA) to support the day-to-day coordination, implementation, partnerships, outreach, and operational management of the SDGs Hub and Innovation Lab.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of UNDP and in close coordination with the University of Bahrain, the SDGs Hub and Innovation Lab Coordinator will support the operationalization and management of the SDGs Hub and Innovation Lab and contribute to the implementation of activities aligned with the SDGs and sustainable development priorities.

1.Coordination and Operational Management

• Support the day-to-day coordination and operations of the SDGs Hub and Innovation Lab in line with UOB and UNDP policies and procedures.
• Coordinate the planning and implementation of activities, initiatives, workshops, events, and programmes related to the SDGs Hub and Innovation Lab.
• Support the establishment and operationalization of the SDGs Hub and Innovation Lab, including coordination with relevant stakeholders and partners.
• Monitor implementation progress and support timely delivery of planned activities and outputs.
• Support preparation of annual and quarterly workplans and activity schedules.
• Coordinate meetings, consultations, workshops, and stakeholder engagement sessions related to the Hub and Lab activities.
• Support documentation, filing, and administrative coordination related to the Hub and Innovation Lab.
• Support coordination with consultants, experts, students, volunteers, and implementing partners engaged under the project.
Support basic budget tracking for Hub activities, events, and projects in coordination with UNDP and UOB, ensuring alignment with approved workplans and procedures.

2. Contribute to the SDGs Programming and Innovation

• Support the development and implementation of initiatives, programmes, and projects linked to sustainable development and innovation.
• Support activities related to SDGs integration, awareness raising, innovation, youth engagement, and sustainability initiatives within the University.
• Facilitate collaboration with colleges, students, faculty members, and external partners on SDG-related activities and innovation initiatives.
• Support the identification and development of collaborative projects and initiatives addressing sustainable development challenges.
• Coordinate the identification, development, and follow-up of SDG-related project ideas, ensuring they are translated into implementable activities with clear objectives, timelines, stakeholders, and expected outputs.
• Support activities related to SDG monitoring, reporting, and participation in relevant international and regional initiatives, including THE Impact Rankings submissions.
Support knowledge-sharing activities, research dissemination, and exchange of good practices related to SDGs and innovation.

3. Build Partnerships, Outreach, and Communications

• Support engagement and coordination with national, regional, and international partners relevant to the work of the SDGs Hub and Innovation Lab.
• Support partnership-building and outreach activities with public institutions, private sector entities, civil society organizations, academia, youth groups, and development partners.
• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts by identifying sponsorship opportunities, preparing partnership and sponsorship concepts, and supporting engagement with public and private sector partners to secure financial or in-kind contributions for SDGs Hub activities and projects.
• Assist in organizing outreach campaigns, seminars, workshops, conferences, and public engagement activities.
• Support preparation of communication materials, presentations, briefing notes, success stories, website content, and visibility materials related to the Hub and Lab.
• Coordinate communication and visibility activities in line with UNDP and UOB communication guidelines.
Maintain a pipeline of potential sponsors, partners, and funding opportunities, and support the preparation of sponsorship proposals, concept notes, and follow-up communications.

4. Monitoring, Reporting, and Knowledge Management

• Prepare periodic progress reports and updates on SDGs Hub and Innovation Lab activities.

• Support data collection, tracking of indicators, and documentation of results and achievements.

• Review SDG-related data, evidence, activities, and reporting requirements to identify gaps affecting institutional sustainability rankings and reporting, and coordinate with UOB focal points and relevant stakeholders to develop and follow up on corrective actions.

• Contribute to lessons learned, knowledge products, and documentation of best practices.

• Support preparation of reports, presentations, concept notes, and other programme-related documentation.

• Prepare the University’s Annual Sustainability Report for ranking and reporting purposes

• Perform other related tasks as required for the effective implementation of the project.

• Identify operational risks, implementation bottlenecks, and coordination issues, and propose practical mitigation measures for timely resolution.

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 SDGs Hub and Innovation Lab Coordinator will be based at the University of Bahrain under the UOB SDGs Promotion Project and will support the day-to-day coordination and operations of the SDGs Hub and Innovation Lab in close coordination with the University’s designated focal point(s). The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of UOB and support implementation of activities in line with the project workplan, UOB priorities, and UNDP rules, policies, and procedures. The incumbent will report to the Programme Officer Economic Prosperity and Environmental Sustainability.

“#LI-DNI”

Competencies

Core

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

Thematic Area

Name

Definition

Business Management

Results-based Management

Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results.

Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tool.

Business Management

Working with Evidence and Data

Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making.

Business Management

Project Management

Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.

Business Direction & Strategy

System Thinking

Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated

elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Business Management

Partnerships Management

Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.

Business Management

Risk Management

Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks.

2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness

Effectiveness

Project Quality Assurance.

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Academic Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Sustainable Development, Public Policy, Programme Management, Innovation, Communications, Education, Economics, 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.

Min. years of relevant Work 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 in programme coordination, project management, sustainable development, partnerships, innovation, communications, higher education support, or related fields.

Desired Criteria

• Experience in resource mobilization is an asset.
• Experience related to sustainable development and the SDGs is desirable.
• Previous experience with UN organizations and/or higher education institutions is an asset.

Required Language(s) (at working level)

• Fluency in English required. Working knowledge of Arabic is an asset.

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

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.

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

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.