Technical Advisor for Climate Change Adaptation

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority on the environment. Established in 1972, UNEP sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and advocates for the global environment. Its mandate includes coordinating the development of consensus on environmental policies by monitoring the global environment and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of staff worldwide, working collaboratively with various partners to address pressing environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor for Climate Change Adaptation will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective and timely realization of all outcomes and outputs of the project within the available budget. This position involves providing technical guidance, enhancing implementation capacities, and ensuring quality assurance through a competent and motivated project management unit. The advisor will work closely with local authorities and stakeholders to implement ecosystem-based adaptation strategies in Djibouti, particularly in the vulnerable regions of Dikhil and Tadjourah. The project aims to address the high vulnerability of communities to climate change impacts by combining green solutions with gray infrastructure, promoting climate-resilient activities, and restoring degraded ecosystems. The advisor will also be responsible for generating new knowledge on adaptation strategies and ensuring that local adaptation planning is climate-resilient.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Advisor will have a wide range of responsibilities, including providing strategic and operational advice to ensure that the technical components of the project are implemented according to international best practices and EbA methodologies. This includes reviewing, drafting, and ensuring the quality of all terms of reference and technical deliverables produced by consultants and partners. The advisor will also support the integration of gender considerations and environmental and social safeguards into project interventions. Additionally, the advisor will contribute to the development of annual and semi-annual work plans, procurement plans, and budgets, ensuring alignment with the project’s results framework. The advisor will maintain a monthly register of issues and risks, identifying emerging obstacles to implementation and recommending mitigation measures. Furthermore, the advisor will provide capacity building and technical support to national stakeholders and ensure effective coordination and representation of the project at relevant events.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a higher university degree (master's or doctorate) in environmental sciences, natural resource management, dryland management, agriculture, water resource management, climate change adaptation, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of professional experience is required, including at least 5 years in the implementation of climate change adaptation projects. Proven experience in technical coordination and institutional capacity building is essential, along with experience in project planning, monitoring, and reporting. Experience with GEF-funded projects or ecosystem-based adaptation approaches is an asset, as is experience in arid and semi-arid ecosystems, particularly in the Horn of Africa. Familiarity with gender-sensitive programming and environmental/social safeguard measures is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
A higher university degree (master's or doctorate) in relevant fields such as environmental sciences, natural resource management, dryland management, agriculture, water resource management, or climate change adaptation is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate change impacts and the necessary adaptation strategies.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of professional experience, with a minimum of 5 years specifically focused on climate change adaptation project implementation. Candidates should have a strong background in technical coordination and institutional capacity building, as well as experience in project planning, monitoring, and reporting. Previous involvement in GEF-funded projects or ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives is highly desirable, along with experience working in arid and semi-arid ecosystems, particularly in the Horn of Africa region.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English (written and spoken) is required for this position. This bilingual proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders and partners involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 24 months, and while specific details regarding contract duration and compensation are not provided, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. The recruitment is open to both national and international candidates, and the role is full-time, focusing on the implementation of climate adaptation strategies in Djibouti.