Posted by The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a Sustainable Commodity Value Chain Specialist for an international, full-time assignment based in Accra, Ghana. The position will be carried out onsite at UN premises and is expected to begin on November 1, 2026, for an initial 12-month period with the possibility of extension.
The assignment focuses on sustainable agricultural commodity value chains, natural resource management, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and inclusive rural development. The successful candidate will support UNDP Ghana’s Environment and Climate portfolio, with particular attention to cocoa, shea, soybean and emerging opportunities in the cashew sector.
This article covers the assignment details, responsibilities, eligibility requirements, qualifications, experience and other information provided in the vacancy.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Sustainable Commodity Value Chain Specialist
- Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Assignment Country: Ghana
- Duty Station: Accra
- Work Location: On UN premises
- Modality: Onsite
- Assignment Type: International
- Work Schedule: Full-time
- Duration: 12 months, with possibility of extension
- Expected Start Date: November 1, 2026
- Number of Assignments: 1
- Required Experience: At least 3 years
- Education: Master’s degree in a relevant field
- Required Language: Fluent English
- Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 15 – Life on Land
- Volunteer Category: Specialist UCoS from April 2026
- Application Deadline: September 6, 2026
About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations’ lead agency for international development. UNDP works across 170 countries and territories to address poverty, inequality and development challenges.
Its work includes supporting countries with policy development, leadership, partnerships and institutional capacity while helping them build resilience and advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
For this assignment, the Specialist will be integrated into UNDP Ghana’s Environment and Climate portfolio and work alongside technical specialists, programme teams and national counterparts.
About the Assignment
UNDP Ghana is implementing programmes focused on sustainable agricultural commodity value chains, natural resource management, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and inclusive rural development.
Current work includes commodities such as cocoa, shea and soybean, while the organization is also exploring opportunities to expand its work in the cashew sector.
The Sustainable Commodity Value Chain Specialist will contribute to programme design and implementation while helping identify investment, partnership and programme development opportunities. The role will also support initiatives addressing challenges such as deforestation, land degradation, biodiversity loss and climate vulnerability.
The Specialist will work with a range of stakeholders, including the Forestry Commission, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ghana Cocoa Board and other national partners.
Key Responsibilities
Sustainable Commodity Programme Support
The Specialist will support the implementation and monitoring of programmes involving sustainable commodity value chains and natural resource management.
Key duties include:
- Providing technical and coordination support for cocoa, shea and soybean value chain projects.
- Supporting climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, forest landscape restoration and sustainable land management activities.
- Supporting community resource management and resilient livelihood initiatives.
- Contributing to stronger community governance systems for sustainable management of forests, woodlands and other natural resources.
- Assisting with annual workplans, activity schedules and project delivery targets.
- Participating in field visits to support project implementation, monitoring and stakeholder engagement.
Sustainable Cashew Programme Development
A major part of the assignment involves exploring opportunities to develop a sustainable cashew value chain in Ghana.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting cashew value chain analysis and mapping.
- Assessing production systems, market opportunities, environmental challenges, policy issues and investment gaps.
- Identifying opportunities in sustainable production, processing, value addition and market development.
- Supporting consultations with government agencies, private companies, farmer organizations, development partners and financial institutions.
- Contributing to concept notes, project documents and partnership proposals.
- Supporting resource mobilization activities for future cashew programmes.
- Exploring connections between cashew development, agroforestry, landscape restoration, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
Value Chain Development and Sustainable Finance
The role will also involve supporting private-sector engagement and sustainable financing initiatives.
This includes:
- Working with the Innovative Finance and Inclusive Growth Cluster to identify public-private partnership opportunities.
- Supporting assessments of financing requirements and investment opportunities.
- Promoting sustainable production, market access and innovative financing approaches.
- Engaging private-sector organizations, producer groups, aggregators, processors and commodity buyers.
- Supporting initiatives that improve economic opportunities for women, youth and producer groups.
Monitoring, Reporting and Knowledge Management
The Specialist will help UNDP track programme results and share knowledge from its commodity-related work.
Responsibilities include:
- Collecting, compiling and analysing project data, results and lessons learned.
- Supporting technical and donor reporting.
- Preparing briefs, presentations and communication materials.
- Developing case studies and success stories.
- Documenting good practices and innovations in sustainable commodity development and natural resource management.
- Supporting workshops, stakeholder dialogues, field missions and knowledge-sharing activities.
Qualifications and Requirements
Candidates must meet the stated eligibility and professional requirements for this international assignment.
Education
A Master’s degree is required in one of the following or a related natural resource or climate and environmental discipline:
- Forestry
- Natural Resource Management
- Agroforestry
- Agriculture
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Related environmental or climate disciplines
The assignment also has additional education and nationality criteria because it is funded by the Government of the Russian Federation.
Professional Experience
Candidates need at least three years of relevant professional experience in areas such as:
- Sustainable agriculture
- Natural resource management
- Forestry
- Environmental management
- Climate action
- Rural development
- Agribusiness
- Related fields
Relevant experience should include supporting the development, implementation or monitoring of projects involving landscape management or agricultural commodity value chains.
Experience in areas such as agroforestry, forest and landscape restoration, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and community-based resource management is also relevant.
Candidates should also have experience with research, value chain analysis, stakeholder consultations and technical assessments.
Additional Skills
The position requires the ability to:
- Conduct research and analyse problems.
- Prepare technical reports and other professional documents.
- Support project design, planning, implementation and monitoring.
- Analyse data and use Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Communicate effectively in written and spoken English.
- Organize multiple tasks and priorities.
- Apply gender analysis, equality, social inclusion and sustainable development principles.
Experience with multi-stakeholder partnerships, policy dialogue and sustainable development initiatives is highly desirable.
Eligibility Requirements
The assignment has specific eligibility conditions.
Candidates must be nationals of a country other than the country of assignment. However, because this assignment is funded by the Government of the Russian Federation, applicants must meet additional criteria.
The listing states that applicants must:
- Be Russian nationals with permanent residency in the Russian Federation.
- Not hold dual nationality.
- Have completed at least one Master’s degree or equivalent at a higher state educational institution in the Russian Federation.
- Provide three professional references, including at least one reference from a Russian resident.
Applicants may apply for a maximum of three assignments and are expected to indicate their preference order in the relevant application field.
Competencies and Values
The assignment identifies a broad range of professional competencies and values, including:
- Accountability
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Building trust
- Commitment and motivation
- Continuous learning
- Communication
- Ethics and values
- Integrity
- Knowledge sharing
- Planning and organizing
- Professionalism
- Respect for diversity
- Self-management
- Technological awareness
- Teamwork
Salary and Benefits
The listing states that the 12-month assignment includes long-term benefits and allowances. However, it does not provide a specific salary amount.
The assignment has a full-time schedule and
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience criteria should submit their application.
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