Blue Economy Expert

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.

The UNDP Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Samoa, which covers Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau, implements the UNDP Subregional Programme Document for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (2018-22), which is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and country priorities as reflected in national development plans. In close partnership with the four Governments, UNDP works in collaboration with donors, the private sector, civil society organizations and local communities, academia, media and regional organizations to provide global knowledge and integrated development solutions to development challenges. UNDP promotes a whole-of-society approach to deliver on the ambition of the 2030 Agenda, with greater involvement of civil society actors, emphasis on empowering women, youth and vulnerable groups, and centered on the principle of leaving no one behind.

Under the UNDP Multi Country Programme Document (MCPD) for the Pacific Islands and Territories 2023-2027, the UNDP Samoa Multi-Country Office (MCO) is working to achieve the outcome that “By 2027, people, communities and institutions are more empowered and resilient to face diverse shocks and stresses, especially related to climate variability impacts; and ecosystems and biodiversity are better protected, managed, and restored”. By this commitment and leveraging the SIDS Offer on Blue Economy, the UNDP Ocean Pledge and UNDP Nature Pledge, the UNDP Samoa MCO supports the Governments of the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau in developing and implementing blue economy strategies and plans that not only focus on marine resource and ocean management, but also catalyse livelihoods generation for vulnerable communities, effect interventions that are inclusive and empowering of youth, women and marginalized communities, and strengthen social and financial systems so to build community resilience.

The current Blue Economy pipeline of the Samoa MCO includes the design of a multi-country/regional project focused on transforming markets for reef investment solutions to sustain coral reef ecosystems and promote Blue Economy development. This includes implementing a Project Preparation Grant (PPG) phase and managing the full project design and approval cycle with targeted donors and partners. Other initiatives aim to catalyse inclusive, smart and climate-resilient economic growth through innovative finance solutions in the blue and green economy sectors.

The UNV Blue Economy Expert will be embedded within the Environment and Climate Change (ECC) Unit and collaborate with national partners across the four SIDS. The role will focus on supporting the development and implementation of the Blue Economy portfolio under three core pillars:
i. Ocean Management and Conservation: This pillar strengthens the environmental foundation of the blue economy by promoting the sustainable use and protection of marine ecosystems, reducing climate and disaster risks, and ensuring that communi-ties—especially those dependent on marine resources—can continue to derive se-cure and resilient livelihoods from a healthy ocean.
ii. Innovative Finance for Socio-Economic Development: This pillar advances the economic and social dimensions of the blue economy by unlocking inclusive and sustainable financing to support sustainable development of the countries while en-hance livelihood security, enterprise development, and local investment, particularly for women, youth, and marginalised groups, while ensuring that growth contributes to ocean conservation and climate resilience.
iii. Maritime Infrastructure and Green Transport: This pillar supports economic de-velopment and social inclusion by enabling climate resilient maritime infrastructure and green transport systems that connect communities, reduce vulnerability, and open access to markets and services, creating direct and indirect livelihood opportu-nities across sectors such as fisheries, tourism, trade, and renewable energy.

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Resident Representative of the ECC Unit, the UNV Blue Economy Expert will perform the following tasks:

3.1. Technical Advisory Support on Blue Economy Initiatives
• Provide technical advisory support to transition existing Blue Economy pipeline pro-jects into implementation, including the Blue Green Island Integrated Programme for Samoa, and the Polynesia Moana.
• Contribute to the design of Blue Economy project concepts and project documents for the four SIDS under the Samoa MCO.
• Support Blue Economy pipeline development by conducting research and identifying practical, country-specific applications aligned with the priorities of the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau.

3.2. Partnerships
• Contribute to strengthening strategic engagement of the Samoa MCO in regional Blue Economy initiatives, structured around the three thematic pillars: Ocean Man-agement and Conservation, Innovative Finance for Socio-Economic Development, and Maritime Infrastructure and Green Transport.
• Contribute to stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies, identifying opportuni-ties for collaboration with other UN agencies, regional organisations (e.g. SPREP) and donors, and vertical funds (e.g. GEF, GCF) relevant to the Blue Economy.
• Support outreach and proposal development to mobilise resources for Blue Econo-my programming across the four SIDS.

3.3. Development of the Maritime and Coastal Infrastructure Pillar
• Assess key priorities of the four SIDS for sustainable and climate-resilient maritime infrastructure, including Nature-based and hybrid solutions for coastal protection; Green port infrastructure and blue shipping; Maritime renewable energy (e.g. off-shore solar, tidal, wind).
• Contribute to concept notes, technical assessments, and partnership building related to infrastructure development that supports Blue Economy objectives.