Background

Yemen’s southern coastline (spanning Shabwah, Hadramaut, Lahj, and Taiz governorates) is of immense global and regional ecological importance. This coastal zone lies at the confluence of the Red Sea and the western Indian Ocean, forming part of a globally significant marine ecosystem renowned for its rich mosaic of habitats, high species diversity, and many endemic species . Its waters sustain vibrant coral reefs, extensive seagrass beds, and scattered mangrove forests, which collectively harbor extraordinary biodiversity. More than 300 species of reef-building corals and 1,300+ species of fish inhabit the Red Sea–Gulf of Aden region, alongside ~170 bird species, 20 species of marine mammals, and countless invertebrates . Yemen’s shores provide critical nesting and feeding grounds for endangered five sea turtle species as well as vital stopover sites for seabirds and habitat for charismatic species like dolphins and reef sharks. Such natural wealth underpins the global conservation value of Yemen’s southern coast, marking it as an ecological hotspot that contributes significantly to the planet’s marine and coastal biodiversity heritage .

Equally important is the role of these coastal and marine ecosystems in bolstering climate resilience and sustainable development for the region. Fringing coral reefs and mangrove-lined bays serve as natural storm barriers, protecting coastal communities from erosion and extreme weather by dissipating wave energy. In addition, healthy wetlands and coral reefs stabilize coastal line and sustain water quality, while extensive seagrass beds and coral nurseries support fisheries that are the lifeblood of local livelihoods. Indeed, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) along this coastline have for generations depended on artisanal fisheries (supporting ~1.7 million people and employing 20% of coastal population) and mangrove wood harvesting for their sustenance and economic well-being. Many coastal villages derive their primary income and food security from the sea, meaning that intact ecosystems are directly tied to community resilience and cultural heritage . Moreover, community-led ecotourism initiatives are increasingly offering alternative livelihood opportunities that both generate income and reinforce economic importance of coastal and marine ecosystems.

Yemen’s coastal ecosystems, despite their high conservation, economic and adaptation value, face escalating threats requiring urgent, targeted interventions. Habitat loss and degradation are already severe: e.g., mangrove cover in parts of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden has plummeted from approximately 40 km² in the late 1900s to around 19 km² by 2019, driven by logging, coastal construction, and unsustainable development . Overexploitation of marine resources continues unabated, depleting fish, invertebrate, and shark populations, and undermining marine ecosystem health: e.g., fish catches in Yemen have dramatically dropped—from approximately 400,000 tons in 1993 to just 50,000 tons in 2023 . Pollution further intensifies these pressures, including oil spills from tankers and plastic and solid waste accumulation on beaches, in mangroves, and lagoons. Meanwhile, climate change compounds these threats. Warming seas are fueling unprecedented coral bleaching affecting approximately 35% of the coral reefs in the Yemen waters . Additionally, rising sea levels are projected to inundate Yemen’s coastal landscapes, with up to 0.2 m of rise by 2050 and 0.67 m by 2100 in key areas like Aden, threatening mangroves, wetlands, infrastructure, and freshwater supplies . 

Yemen’s ability to address coastal biodiversity threats is severely hindered by prolonged conflict, economic collapse, and weak governance, which have eroded enforcement capacity and drained resources for environmental management. Fragmented institutions, limited technical expertise, and insufficient scientific data further constrain effective planning and monitoring. High community dependence on natural resources for livelihoods, combined with security challenges in some areas, exacerbates habitat degradation, while low public awareness limits grassroots engagement in conservation. There are no Protected Areas established and no ongoing conservation initiatives in the Yemen’s southern coastline spanning Shabwah, Hadramaut, Lahj, and Taiz governorates.

Without swift action, the region could suffer irreversible loss of species and the collapse of services that buffer communities from climate extremes. This critical situation justifies urgent GBFF investment to safeguard and restore Yemen’s coastal ecosystems. The proposed initiative is designed as a timely response that aligns with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) Targets: it will promote integrated spatial planning (Target 1) to curb biodiversity loss, drive coastal ecosystem restoration of degraded mangroves, and lagoons (Target 2), expand conserved areas and ecological connectivity along the coast (Target 3) and  ensures that conservation is coupled with the sustainable use of biodiversity by IPLCs (Target 5).

The GBFF project Objective and Strategies

The suggested project Objective is to enhance biodiversity conservation in Yemen’s coastal governorates (Shabwah, Hadramaut, Lahj, and Taiz) by establishing protected area network, restoring critical coastal ecosystems, and empowering local communities. The Objective is going to be achieved through implementation of four project strategies (Components):

• Component 1: Strengthening coastal and marine ecosystem conservation in Yemen through the establishment of new Protected Areas; 
• Component 2: Restoration of coastal ecosystem having high biodiversity conservation, economic, and adaptation value;
• Component 3: Blue and green livelihoods for coastal IPLCs contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration; and
• Component 4: Awareness campaign, knowledge management, and lessons learning. 

UNDP seeks to recruit an Admin and Finance Associate to support the implementation of the project described above. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Admin & Finance Associate will provide support and services ensuring high quality, accuracy, and consistency of work. He/She will work in close collaboration with the project staff, operations, and programme as required to exchange information and support project delivery. She/he will provide administrative, financial, and programmatic support as guided by the Project Manager.

Summary of Key Functions:

1.           Financial Management and Implementation of Operational Strategies.

2.           Provide administrative, travel and logistical support.

3.           Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge.

4.           Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.

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

Institutional Arrangements 

The Admin & Finance Associate will be based in UNDP’s sub-office in Aden.

Competencies

Required Skills and Experience

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.

Scam alert

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