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.

Background

UNDP supports the Government of Kazakhstan in fulfilling its commitments under the Paris Agreement by advancing the transition to a green, low-carbon, and climate-resilient economy. In partnership with national stakeholders and United Nations agencies, UNDP provides technical assistance to translate policy frameworks into implementation, strengthen monitoring systems for climate mitigation and adaptation, and deliver integrated solutions across key sectors, including renewable energy, sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, climate-resilient agriculture, disaster risk reduction, waste and water management.

A key component of UNDP’s approach is the promotion of inclusive, community-driven solutions that complement national policies and accelerate local action. In this regard, the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), implemented by UNDP, serves as an important mechanism for advancing grassroots innovation and participation. Through SGP, civil society organizations and local communities are supported to design and implement small-scale, high-impact initiatives that generate global environmental benefits while strengthening livelihoods, social inclusion, and resilience at the local level.

By integrating top-down policy support with bottom-up community engagement, UNDP through its broader portfolio and the SGP helps catalyze SDG- and Paris Agreement-aligned investments, both public and private. Leveraging its in-country presence, networks, and partnerships, UNDP ensures that development solutions are responsive to national priorities while remaining locally grounded, inclusive, and sustainable, ultimately contributing to equitable development outcomes and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide Policy Advice

  • Provide specialized knowledge and expertise in climate and disaster risk reduction (DRR) policy and its integration into adaptation planning within the context of the project;
  • Analyze existing climate and DRR policies, frameworks, and regulations at various levels to identify opportunities, gaps, and barriers for effective adaptation planning;
  • Assess the regulatory landscape to ensure alignment of adaptation and DRR policies with national and international climate commitments and goals;
  • Support the development of climate change adaptation and DRR policies, strategies, and action plans, considering input from stakeholders and best practices;
  • Establish mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of adaptation policies, providing recommendations for improvements;
  • Analyze financial mechanisms and funding opportunities for climate adaptation and DRR policies and projects, identifying potential sources of support;
  • Advocate for the integration of climate adaptation and DRR considerations into relevant sectoral policies, plans, and programs;
  • Support establishment of the institutional setting and procedures for mainstreaming adaptation and resilience into development planning in Kazakhstan.

Capacity Development and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Collaborate with relevant government, and stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of adaptation policies, practices and strategies;
  • Engage with policymakers, government officials, NGOs, and community leaders to build consensus and support effective DRR and climate adaptation polices;
  • Coordinate between various stakeholders involved in DRR and climate adaptation policies development and implementation to ensure coherence and efficiency;
  • Translate complex policy concepts into accessible language and communicate the importance of DRR and adaptation policies to different audiences;
  • Design and conduct capacity-building activities related to climate and DRR policy, enabling stakeholders to understand and contribute to effective adaptation planning;
  • Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, and communication materials to communicate policy analysis, progress, and recommendations.

Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing and advocacy relevant to the project. 

  • Organize training, workshops, and capacity building activities in a consultative manner, involving technical experts and stakeholders that may include the government, private sector, NGOs, donors, and/or academia. 
  • Identify, synthesize and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from the project and implementing partners. 
  • Participate in and ensure sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice on project related issues. Support establishment of knowledge platforms for the project, facilitate innovative mechanisms for dissemination of knowledge from the project, and develop knowledge resources and products to share with project partners and to support UNDP’s engagement in this area. 
  • Promote advocacy on development trends and opportunities to collaborate in coordination with the project partners, stakeholders, and UNDP communications staff. 

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 Project Analyst reports to the Project Manager and closely cooperates with Project Analyst on Climate science. The job holder will ensure to provide quality advice to Project manager and comply with appropriate UNDP policies and procedures.

Competencies

Core Competencies

  • 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.

Functional/Technical competencies

Business Direction & Strategy

  • Business Acumen and Commercial Thinking
    • Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome.
    • Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks.
    • Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization.
  • Negotiation and Influence
    • Reach a common understanding/agreement, persuade others, resolve points of difference through a dialogue, negotiate mutually acceptable solutions and create ‘win-win’ situations.

Business Development

  • Human-centered Design
    • Ability to develop solutions to problems by involving the human perspective in all steps of the problem-solving process. 
    • Knowledge and understanding of human centered design principles and practices.
  • Knowledge Generation
    • Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. 
    • Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. 
    • Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.
  • Knowledge Facilitation
    • Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. 
    • Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange.
  • Collective Intelligence Design
    • Ability to bring together diverse groups of people, data, information, ideas, and technology to solve problems and design solutions or services. 
    • Knowledge and understanding of Collective Intelligence Design principles, methodology and practices.

2030 Agenda: People 

  • Gender
    • Gender Equality Seal for Development. 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in International Relations, Civil Protection, Legal Studies, Military Sciences, Environmental Policy, Climate Studies, Natural Sciences, Disaster Risk Reduction, Disaster Science, Emergency and Disaster Management, Crisis and Resilience Management, Fire Safety Engineering, Emergency or Disaster Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Safety, Economic Science, or a related field, is required.
  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

  • Applicants with a 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 DRR and international development, analysis, or related roles, preferably within adaptation projects or related fields.

Desired additional skills:

  • Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP.
  • Relevant years of demonstrated experience in DRR policy and capacity building development, analysis, and integration into development planning.
  • Relevant years of proven experience in development of DRR or climate change adaptation strategies, and integration of best practices into policies.
  • Experience in working with legal frameworks, regulations, and international agreements related to DRR, climate change adaptation.
  • Experience in coordinating/developing nationwide and regional policy documents regarding DRR.
  • Experience working in a DRR environment requiring liaison and collaboration with multiple actors, including government representatives, donors, and other stakeholders. 
  • Proven track record in implementing regional Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) projects.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in English and Kazakh and/or Russian is required. 

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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.

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