Regional Technical Specialist for Climate Change Adaptation (Open to Tier 2 Applicants)

Regional Technical Specialist for Climate Change Adaptation (Open to Tier 2 Applicants)

Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Employment Type: Full-time
Application Deadline: Not specified
Apply Here: UNDP Online Application Form

About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s leading organization for sustainable development, working to help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP supports governments and partners with policy advice, capacity building, and program implementation across key areas such as climate action, inclusive growth, and governance.

Within UNDP, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) and the Global Policy Network (GPN) provide expert guidance and technical assistance to country offices and governments worldwide.

About the Climate Change Adaptation Programme

UNDP’s Climate Change Adaptation Programme supports countries in addressing the impacts of climate change on livelihoods, food security, water, ecosystems, and infrastructure. The program helps governments strengthen resilience, develop national adaptation plans (NAPs), and mobilize finance for sustainable, climate-resilient development.

Position Summary

The Regional Technical Specialist (RTS) for Climate Change Adaptation will provide technical and policy support to UNDP Country Offices across Africa. The specialist will help countries integrate climate adaptation into policies, programs, and financing frameworks, while strengthening partnerships with governments, donors, and the private sector.
The position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and involves frequent travel across the region.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Policy Advice

• Provide expert technical guidance on climate change adaptation and resilience.
• Support countries in developing national and sub-national climate adaptation strategies.
• Build strategic partnerships with government agencies, donors, NGOs, and private sector actors.
• Promote innovation, gender inclusion, and community-based adaptation practices.

2. Programming & Project Support

• Support UNDP country offices in developing and implementing adaptation projects.
• Provide technical input and quality assurance for project proposals and reports.
• Assist with project inception, contracting, implementation, and evaluation.
• Ensure alignment with UNDP’s Climate Promise and global adaptation frameworks.

3. Resource Mobilization & Partnership Building

• Identify funding opportunities and support proposal development.
• Strengthen collaboration with global climate funds, including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund, and Least Developed Country Fund (LDCF).
• Engage with donors, governments, and other stakeholders to expand financing for climate adaptation.

4. Knowledge Management & Learning

• Capture lessons learned and best practices from ongoing projects.
• Develop knowledge materials, toolkits, and training sessions for UNDP staff and partners.
• Support communities of practice and facilitate knowledge exchange events.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Environmental Management, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, or related field.
• A Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of experience may be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years (Master’s) or 7 years (Bachelor’s) of relevant experience in climate change adaptation, community-based resilience, or sustainable development.
• Proven experience with project design and management.
• Experience working on adaptation projects funded by GCF, LDCF, or the Adaptation Fund is highly desirable.
• Experience working with governments, donors, UN agencies, and NGOs in developing countries is an advantage.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of French, Portuguese, or another UN language is an asset.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and project management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and UNDP’s values of integrity and professionalism.

Equal Opportunity

UNDP is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly women and candidates from developing countries.
UNDP does not charge any application or recruitment fees.

For more information on avoiding recruitment scams, visit www.undp.org/scam-alert.