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 is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in its Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in UNDP’s Strategic Plan. 

Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. BPPS staff provides technical advice to Country Offices, advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represents UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora, including public-private, government and civil society dialogues; and engages in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas. 

BPPS’s Planet Hub, with the support of the Vertical Fund Programme Support, Oversight and Compliance Hub, work with governments, civil society, and private sector partners to integrate planetary concerns into national and sector planning and inclusive growth policies, support country obligations under Multilateral Environmental Agreements, and oversee the implementation of the UN’s largest portfolio of in-country programming nature, climate change, energy and waste. This multi-billion-dollar portfolio encompasses: 

• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services including forests; 

• Sustainable Land Management and Desertification including food and commodity systems; 

• Water and Ocean Governance including SIDS; 

• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation; 

• Sustainable Energy; 

• Extractive Industries; 

• Chemicals and Waste Management; 

• Environmental Governance and Green/Circular Economy and SCP approaches. 

This work advances crosscutting themes on innovative finance, digital transformation, capacity development, human rights, gender equality, health, technology, and South-South exchange and learning. 

In line with its Strategic Plan, UNDP`s offer on Environment and Energy is designed to enhance the full potential of the nexus between nature, climate, energy and pollution with resilient human development. All of UNDPs environmental initiatives are therefore aiming to support governments achieve national development priorities including the reduction of poverty, inequalities and exclusion. This is achieved through various inter-related areas of work including: (i) sustainable management of ecosystem goods and services; (ii) climate change adaptation and mitigation; (iii) sustainable, affordable and accessible energy services; (iv) sustainable management of chemicals and waste; (v) improved water and ocean governance. These areas of work are fully aligned with the four strategic objectives of the new Strategic Plan 2026-2029 (Healthy planet, Effective governance, Crisis resilience, Prosperity for all) and are financed through various sources including the Global Environment Facility, Green Climate Fund, and other bilateral/multilateral donors. 

UNDP’s Planet Hub  works with governments, civil society, and private sector partners to integrate natural capital, environment and climate concerns into national and sector planning and inclusive growth policies; support country obligations under Multilateral Environmental Agreements; and implement the UN’s largest portfolio of in-country programming on environment, climate change, and energy. This multi-billion-dollar portfolio encompasses: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services including forests; Sustainable Land Management and Desertification including food and commodity systems; Water and Ocean Governance including SIDS; Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation; Renewable and Modern Energy; Extractive Industries; Chemicals and Waste Management; Environmental Governance and Green/Circular Economy and SCP approaches. This work advances crosscutting themes on innovative finance, digital transformation, capacity development, human rights, gender equality, health, technology, and South-South learning. UNDP's Climate portfolio practice spans 137 countries, with a portfolio directly benefiting 86 million people. Our support to Governments focusses on enabling an inclusive, resilient, green recovery by: building competency to accelerate access to sustainable energy and climate and nature-positive policies and finance; scaling capacity to ensure No One is Left Behind; catalyzing SDG and Paris-aligned investments (public and private); delivering client-focused solutions that respond to countries' immediate, mid- and long-term recovery and socio-economic development priorities; and leveraging our on-the-ground presence and networks to unlock bottom-up solutions that deliver lasting impacts at country level.

In addition to UNDP’s bilateral partnerships on nature climate and energy, UNDP is an accredited multilateral implementing agency of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Multilateral Fund (MLF), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) which includes the Global Environment Facility Trust Fund (GEF Trust Fund); the Nagoya Protocol Implementation Fund (NPIF); the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF); and the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF). As part of UNDP’s partnership with these vertical funds, UNDP provides countries specialized integrated technical services for eligibility assessment, programme formulation, capacity development, policy advice, technical assistance, training and technology transfer, mobilization of co-financing, implementation oversight, results management and evaluation, performance-based payments and knowledge management services.  The Climate Hub focuses on managing the oversight of climate and environmental financial resources from global trust funds to catalyze and unlock other types of public and private financing for sustainable development. This includes oversight of the design as well as implementation phase of projects (together with Country Offices and Regional Bureaus), as well as portfolio level oversight and management. 

Staff are organized into thematic teams of technical specialists led by  Principal or Senior Technical Advisors (PTAs/STAs).  Each team leader supports, guides, and provides secondary supervision to a team of Region-based Technical Advisors (RTAs).  RTAs work in close collaboration with other technical specialists at both global and regional levels. While RTAs  have global responsibilities in their area of specialized technical expertise, they are deployed from Regional Hubs, normally close to the countries to which they provide most support, and have a principle line of reporting to the Regional Team Leaders on the region they support. Regional Team Leaders ensure that RTAs and RTSs are able to provide support to the region they serve in an integrated and strategic manner, particularly as it relates to Regional Corporate Strategies. 

Climate Change Adaptation Programme

Climate change could drive an additional 100 million people into poverty by 2030. Countries have increasingly included adaptation priorities in their NDCs pointing to issues of water and food security, safeguarding economic assets from extreme climate events and disasters, and protection and regeneration of natural capital. Building on the experiences and lessons from a portfolio of initiatives in over 137 countries, UNDP advances a ‘whole-of-society' approach to accelerate adaptation and continues to support countries to mobilize public and private finance to implement their adaption priorities. UNDP assists government partners to scale up the integration of climate change adaptation into policy, planning, and investments at both national and local levels through the support to the National Adaptation Planning (NAP) process and the NDCs. UNDP supports climate change adaptation action in the context of agriculture and food security, water resources, coastal zone management, ecosystems protection, public health, resilient infrastructure, urban resilience, livelihoods, and climate information/early warnings.

The RTS for Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) works under the secondary supervision of the PTA on Climate Change Adaptation. The RTA will be part of the LAC Environment and Energy Team located in UNDP’s Regional Hub in Panama City, Panama supporting country offices in the Latin America and Caribbean region and is expected to travel frequently.  UNDP staff may be periodically redeployed, in accordance with capability, consent, and due process, to a different duty station as needed.

Position Purpose

The Regional Technical Specialist for Climate Change Adaptation is primarily responsible for providing high quality technical policy, programming, implementation support and oversight, and knowledge and capacity development services, to UNDP country offices in the region through national and regional strategies.  Secondary clients might include other UN agencies, governments and inter-governmental organizations, NGO’s, donors, and the like. 

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure Innovation, Strategic Leadership, Dialogue and Advocacy

  • Establish and maintain a strategic understanding of, and engagement with, the substantive technical issues, institutions, and processes within the region, including establishing contact with and developing strategic partnerships with other agencies, donors, NGO’s, the private sector, scientific institutions and the like; 
  • Participate in the development of new strategic programming opportunities and partnerships in the area of climate change adaptation, climate resilient development as well as in new emerging topics such as adaptation finance and loss and damage;
  • Contribute in the shaping and development of regional and global retreats, regional strategic planning, pipeline management exercises, etc.; 
  • Providing strategic guidance by identifying opportunities and participating in cross-substantive area technical dialogue, common strategic visioning, mainstreaming, programming, and other collaboration within the regional and global team around emerging topics such as nature based solution, loss and damage and finance; 
  • Provide technical leadership in keeping the Regional Team informed of trends and issues with respect to the substantive technical area as well as identifying opportunities for cross team convergence and partnerships in alignment with trends and issues.
  • Identify opportunities to lead and contribute in knowledge management based on lessons learned on adaptation in the region that may guide global programming and thought leadership. 
  • Represent UNDP in regional and global events as may be required. 

Ensure  Effective  Programming and Management 

  • Supporting the development of strategic policy and guidance for strengthening UNDP Country Offices with climate change adaptation project design and implementation including alignment with national priorities; 
  • Assisting the development of and advocacy for specific policy analysis and development tools and guidance in support of programming and finance for climate change adaptation;
  • Supporting the establishment of a trusted leadership role for UNDP within the region;  
  • Sourcing of technical expertise and support including assisting with the preparation of TORs, identification and evaluation of experts and reviewing reports;
  • Contributing to regional and global retreats, focal area retreats, regional strategic planning, pipeline management exercises, etc.;
  • Promoting gender equity/empowerment in programming opportunities;
  • Helping to ensure that strategies and projects are aligned to country outcomes and UNDP corporate environment results in internal UNDP project tracking systems (e.g. ERBM);
  • Maintaining quality/accuracy in data and project management (UNDP EF systems like PIMS), management of Quantum Risks logs, and portfolio delivery rates;
  • Monitoring to ensure expected quality standards are maintained in project implementation reviews; 
  • Shape the regional adaptation portfolio taking into account regional and national priorities as well as potential opportunities to access diverse sources of finance to help countries and the region implement portfolio approaches throughout their climate programming. 
  • Ensure that results from the regional adaptation programming are reflected within regional strategies and reports, including ROARs. 
  • Develop and advocate for specific policy analysis and development tools and guidance in support of programming and finance for climate change adaptation, including from both public and private sources;
  • Assist in the maintenance of programme/project and portfolio information and corporate information systems. 

Contribute to the  Programming and Resource Mobilization

  • Support programme and project identification and development, including on integrated approaches and multifocal area projects;
  • Liaise with the relevant experts in Government, NGOs, CSOs, Private Sector, Development Partners to obtain critical input, including expert advice, information from relevant documents that can feed into the preparation of a feasibility assessment, concept design and proposal development;
  • Organize, lead, participate and collate information based on a series of consultations with stakeholders;
  • Synthesize key information from existing documents of relevance, given the scope of the intended project, that can then be used as input to the development of a feasibility assessment, concept design and proposal development;
  • Provide timely and quality information and technical advice on sources of funds, policies, priorities and activities – including the Global Environment Facility funds, the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund and other multilateral donors, bilateral donors and foundations;
  • Identify and suggest to the PTA priorities and entry-points for UNDP assistance including but not limited to entry points with private and financial sector;
  • Support UNDP staff (at Regional and national level) to conduct and capture discussions from community level consultations to both inform and validate the design of the project;
  • Facilitate the process of preparation, design, submission and approval of programme/project concepts and full-fledged proposals for financing for both grants and non grant instruments;
  • Support the project formulation technical expert to conduct technical analysis to flesh out project components and all technical sections, and project log frame with well-defined indicators, targets, inputs and outputs and long term financial sustainability strategies;
  • Support the project formulation technical expert with acquiring sufficient data and facilitating necessary consultations with relevant government agencies, stakeholders, and experts to produce a draft feasibility report for the project concept based on the consultations, research and analysis conducted;
  • Support the project formulation technical expert on outlining of financial structure of the project (with input from UNDP staff) and all main cost categories at the input level corresponding to all outcomes and outputs;
  • Facilitate liaisons with potential financing agencies and institutions including private sector and financial institutions.
  • Assisting the provision of timely quality information and technical advice on source of funds policies, priorities and activities;
  • Supporting the coordination of design, preparation, submission and approval of project proposals and requests for project development financing;
  • Support the liaison with potential (co)financing agencies and institutions, including national and regional financial institutions. 
  • Identify key partnerships and opportunities in support of resource mobilization, including private sector and bilateral donors and global programming opportunities particularly around emerging topics such as adaptation finance, loss and damage and climate security.

Promote Development Impact

  • Assisting with inception, contracting and startup of projects including establishment of indicators, benchmarks, work plans and financial and institutional sustainability strategies;
  • Supporting UNDP country offices in the supervision, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, troubleshooting and adaptive management of approved projects, including preparing and reviewing annual reports and work plans;
  • Developing guidance and tools for country offices to utilize in operationalizing projects inception, contracting and startup of projects including establishment of indicators, benchmarks and work plans including entry points for financial innovation; 
  • Functioning as surge capacity to COs, supporting Environment Focal Points with urgent, pressing, complex and /or specific tasks in the context of climate change adaptation.
  • Support COs in communicating the impact of adaptation and resilience programming to donors, internal UNDP leadership as well as to a general audience. 
  • Support the RTL to guide a narrative inclusive of the role of adaptation within the region that can be communicated to multiple audiences, including donors, financial institutions and outside partners as well as senior UNDP leadership
  • Participate in global integrated tasks teams, including on areas around the climate and nature nexus, climate information and early warning systems, climate security, finance amongst others. 
  • Support in the mainstreaming of adaption in regional and national policies, including through documents such as NDCs and NBSAPs as well as providing technical support in the delivery of nature and climate targets as they may relate to resilience building. 
  • Support in advancing the role of adaptation finance as a means for sustainable development by working with partners such as private sector, incubators, and think tanks linked to financial innovation and the mobilization of domestic and international sources of finance for adaptation.    

Facilitate Learning, Knowledge Management and Self Development 

  • Evaluating, capturing, codifying, synthesizing lessons and stimulating the uptake of best practices and knowledge, including the development of resource kits and other knowledge materials;
  • Peer reviewing, commenting on, and seeking to improve, the technical quality of projects, policies, practices, guidelines, advisory notes, publications and the like; 
  • Assisting with preparation of regional Community of Practice meetings; 
  • Preparing and delivering training courses, as needed;
  • Developing knowledge products of relevance to UNDP support to countries on low emission climate resilient development in the area of climate change adaptation;
  • Developing and carrying out a personal learning plan

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

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Oversees the Regional Programme Associate (s)

Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results - LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 
Think Innovatively - LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems 
Learn Continuously - LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility - LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands 
Act with Determination - LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner - LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion - LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity


People Management

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

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 Development - Knowledge Facilitation : Ability to animate individuals and groups, internallyand 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.
Business Management - Communication: Communicate in a clear, concise andunambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
Business Management - Results Based Management:  Ability to manage the implementation of strategies,
programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
Business Management - Project Management : Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
Business Management - Portfolio Management:  Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment 
Policy and Programme - Climate:  Climate Change Adaptation: Ecosystem-based adaptation and management

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environment, Environment Economics, Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, International Development, Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, or other related field is required. Or 
  • A first‑level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in one of the above fields  in combinaison with two (2) additional years of qualifying relevant experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years(with Master’s degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience on climate change, climate change adaptation, climate resilience climate finance, and/or sustainable development is required.
  • At least 3 years of experience linked to project development is required;
  • Proven experience in resource mobilization including but not limited to vertical and/or bilateral funds is required
  • Experience in supporting policy development processes preferably in the Latin American region and/or Latin American countries is desired; 
  • Experience working with governments in the Latin American region is desired
  • Experience working with the private sector      and/or finance is an asset
  • Knowledge and or experience in support of Climate Change International Frameworks (UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, NAPS, NDCs, BTRs, GGA, etc) is a strong asset 
  • Working experience in an international organization is an advantage as is knowledge of UNDP policies, procedures and practices is desired.

Language:

  • Fluency in English and Spanish are required;
  • Working knowledge of French and/or Portuguese is an asset.

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. 

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

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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