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.

1.    Office/Unit/Project Description (max 300 words)

Djibouti is highly vulnerable to a wide range of natural hazards, including droughts, floods, coastal erosion, extreme heatwaves, and seismic activity. Climate change is expected to further increase the frequency and intensity of these events, posing serious threats to lives, livelihoods, ecosystems, and key socio-economic sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, water resources, and infrastructure. These growing risks underline the urgent need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to disaster risk management (DRM) and climate change adaptation (CCA). In this context, the project seeks to strengthen national and local capacities for risk assessment, preparedness, and response; establish and operationalize a multi-hazard Early Warning System (EWS) that is people-centred and inclusive; integrate DRM and CCA considerations into planning frameworks; and enhance coordination and public awareness to improve resilience at all levels.

Over the past decades, the country has faced recurrent disasters, most notably severe droughts that have significantly affected water availability, food security, and economic stability. Climate projections indicate rising temperatures, increasingly variable rainfall patterns, and sea-level rise, all of which will exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and place further strain on public services, natural resources, and community resilience.

In response, the Government of Djibouti has made DRM and CCA central pillars of its national development agenda. These priorities are reflected in Vision Djibouti 2035, the National Strategy for Climate Change (SNCC), the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, and the National Disaster Risk Management Strategy. The latter provides a strategic framework for strengthening institutional capacity, improving preparedness, and enhancing coordination across government sectors and with local communities.Institutional capacity for DRM has been reinforced through the establishment of the Secrétariat exécutif de la gestion des risques et des catastrophes (SGERC), which plays a central role in prevention, preparedness, emergency response, and inter-agency coordination.

This project is funded by the Government of China through the Third Phase of the Triangular Cooperation on Early Warning Systems in Africa (TWIAS III), under the auspices of the Chinese International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA). Djibouti is one of only four African countries selected for this initiative, along with Seychelles, Comoros, and Madagascar. Implemented by UNDP under the Direct Implementation Modality (DIM), the project is delivered in close collaboration with the Government of Djibouti, through the Executive Secretariat for Risk and Disaster Management.

Aligned with the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warning for All (EW4All) Initiative, launched in 2022, for which Djibouti is one of the 11 global priority countries, the project aims to enhance the country’s capacity to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to disasters through robust early warning systems and strengthened institutional mechanisms.

The project’s overarching objectives are to:

  1. Strengthen Djibouti’s national and local capacities for disaster risk assessment, preparedness, and response.
  2. Develop and operationalize a multi-hazard Early Warning System (EWS) that is people-centred, gender-sensitive, and inclusive.
  3. Integrate DRM and CCA considerations into national, sectoral, and local planning and budgeting frameworks.
  4. Enhance coordination and collaboration between government institutions, the private sector, civil society, and development partners in DRM and EWS implementation.
  5. Promote knowledge-sharing, training, and public awareness to improve community-level resilience.

By the end of the project, the following results are expected:

  • Result 1: A fully functional multi-hazard Early Warning System is established and operational within the Executive Secretariat for Risk and Disaster Management, with clear protocols for data collection, analysis, communication, and response.
  • Result 2: Relevant national institutions and local authorities have improved technical and institutional capacity to assess disaster risks and respond effectively.
  • Result 3: DRM and CCA priorities are systematically integrated into key planning and budgeting instruments at the national and local levels.
  • Result 4: Strengthened coordination and information-sharing mechanisms among government agencies, the private sector, and civil society actors involved in DRM.
  • Result 5: Increased public awareness and preparedness through targeted outreach campaigns, training, and community-based drills.

It is within this strategic framework that the Project Analyst is being recruited to provide operational, coordination, and technical support to the implementation of the project, ensuring that activities are delivered on time, to the required quality standards, and in full alignment with national priorities and international commitments.

     2.    Scope of application

The Project Analyst ensures that activities meet the quality standards and timelines agreed with UNDP Djibouti and China, and the national government (Ministry of Environment). The  works under the direct supervision of the UNDP Programme Specialist (Environment and Climate) and in close coordination with UNDP Country Office environment team, the Executive Secretariat for Risk and Disaster Management (ESRD). He will work under the guidance of the UNDP Programme Specialist.

Ensure Project Management and Coordination

  • Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of all project activities, ensuring alignment with approved work plans, budgets, and results frameworks.
  • Supervise project staff, consultants, and service providers, ensuring quality and timely deliverables.
  • Coordinate with government counterparts, UNDP Country Office, and development partners to ensure coherence and synergies.
  • Prepare and present project progress reports, annual work plans, and budget revisions.

Ensure Technical Leadership in DRM

  • Provide expert guidance on DRM policies, strategies, and best practices, tailored to the Djiboutian context.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of national and local disaster risk assessments.
  • Support the integration of DRM into development planning, investment decisions, and infrastructure design.
  • Advise on the design and operationalization of early warning systems and emergency response protocols.

Ensure Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Organize and facilitate training sessions, workshops, and simulations for government institutions, civil society, and local communities.
  • Establish and strengthen multi-stakeholder coordination platforms, including government agencies, private sector, NGOs, and academia.
  • Promote gender-responsive and socially inclusive approaches in all DRM activities.

Facilitate Knowledge Management and Communication

  • Document and disseminate lessons learned, success stories, and good practices at national and regional levels.
  • Contribute knowledge products, policy briefs, and technical guidelines.
  • Oversee the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of project activities, ensuring alignment with project objectives, national priorities, and the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warning for All (EW4All) Initiative;
  • Support project visibility through targeted communication activities.

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

3.     Institutional arrangement

Based at the Executive Secretariat for Disaster and Risk Management (ESRD), the Project Manager / DRM Expert will work under the direct supervision of the UNDP Programme Specialist (Environment & Climate), in close coordination with the Exécutif Secretaire. The incumbent will collaborate regularly with relevant sectoral ministries, regional administrations, and the UNDP Country Office.

In line with the project’s structure under the Direct Implementation Modality (DIM), UNDP will retain fiduciary, administrative, and operational responsibility for the project. Accordingly, all activities will be implemented under the leadership of the UNDP Programme Specialist (Environment and Climate), who will ensure overall project guidance and coordination in close collaboration with the Government of Djibouti and UNDP’s regional and global teams.

At the national level, the project will operate through the Executive Secretariat for Risk and Disaster Management, hosted within the ESRD in Djibouti, while maintaining strong institutional linkages with the UNDP Country Office.

The dedicated project PMU will include:

  • A full-time IT Specialist (6 months) – responsible for developing, configuring, and supporting the project’s digital tools and platforms, including data management systems for disaster risk information, early warning systems, and other ICT-based solutions. The specialist will also train national counterparts to ensure long-term sustainability of these systems.
  • A half time Administrative and Finance Associate – responsible for all administrative, logistical, and financial aspects of the project, based at the UNDP Country Office in Djibouti.

At the global level, this framework programme will be supported by a Project Management and Technical Support Unit (GPMTSU), ensuring technical backstopping, quality assurance, and alignment with best practices. The project will also work closely with UNDP colleagues in China to leverage their expertise, exchange knowledge, and promote South-South cooperation.

4. 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 
People Management N/A

5--Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Direction and Strategy  Systems 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  Project Management  Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
Business Management  Partnership 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  Monitoring and Evaluation  Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results.
Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming.
Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns
Partnership Management  Relationship Management  Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding

6- Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Minimum training requirements Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change, Environmental Science, Civil Protection, Public Administration, Development Studies, or a related field is required; 
 Or
A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the area stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree
Minimum years of relevant professional experience Applicants with 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 at the national or international level in climate change adaptation, public administration and policies, project management .
Required skills N/A
Desired skills Proven experience and strong knowledge of Djibouti's institutional framework, policy, budget, and planning processes
Proven experience in managing multi-stakeholders and project management.
Proficiency in MS Office tools
Prior work within Djibouti’s national institution or UNDP
Work experience with the United Nations
Experience in resource mobilization 
Proven track record of good knowledge of The National Adaptation Plan (NAP), (SNCC) National Strategy on Climate Change, or (NDC )Nationally Determined Contribution processes of Djibouti 
Required language(s) Fluency in French and any of the local language local language( french,arabic, Somali) is required.
Knowledge of English is desired. 
Professional Certificates N/A

6. Travel

All work will be carried out at the SGERC in Djibouti City, Djibouti. In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel expenses, including tickets, lodging, and terminal costs, must be agreed upon between the respective UNDP business unit and the Project Analyst prior to travel and will be reimbursed in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations for personnel under the NPSA modality.

7. The following documents are required from applicants:

Personal CV or P11, indicating all previous positions held and their main underlying functions, their duration (months/years), qualifications, as well as contact details (email and telephone number) of the candidate, and at least three (3) most recent professional references from previous supervisors. References may also include peers.

A cover letter (1 page maximum) indicating why the candidate believes he or she is suitable for the position.

Managers may request (on an ad hoc basis) any other documents useful for the pre-assessment of the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other documents.

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

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

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.