Climate Adaptation Technology Lead

Job Posting Organization:
The Adaptation Fund (AF) was established by the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change to finance concrete adaptation projects and programs in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. The Fund began serving the Paris Agreement as of January 1, 201

• The AFCIA programme, initiated in 2020, aligns with the Adaptation Fund's Strategic Pillar 2 on Innovation, which aims to support the rollout and scaling of successful innovations, encourage new adaptation practices, tools, and technologies, and generate evidence on the conditions that lead to successful innovation. The AFCIA phase I programme, implemented by UNEP and executed by CTCN, provided 25 technical assistances in 23 countries between 2020 and 2025, reaching close to 99.5 million people. A second phase of the AFCIA programme (AFCIA II) commenced with a new UNEP/CTCN project endorsed by the Adaptation Fund and launched in 2025, with a budget of USD 10 million. The project aims to coordinate and provide key support services to various Implementing Entities managing AFCIA funding, including UNEP/CTCN, UNDP, UNIDO, WFP, SPREP, and SPC, among others. The Coordination Services aim to enhance coherence, performance, and visibility of the AFCIA programme through coordinated management, monitoring, learning, and knowledge-sharing services, including the development of a joint M&E framework and knowledge products to feature impact. UNEP CTCN is looking for a Climate Adaptation Technology Lead to provide strategic guidance and thought leadership for the implementation of the global USD 40 million AFCIA programme.

Job Overview:
The Climate Adaptation Technology Lead will play a pivotal role in shaping the vision of the AFCIA programme, ensuring its coherence, innovation, and impact across all implementing entities. The consultant will work under the supervision of the UNEP Head of Adaptation and closely collaborate with UNEP and CTCN Programme Managers. The primary objective is to strengthen the programme's strategic positioning, partnerships, and knowledge base to accelerate the development, diffusion, and scaling of transformative adaptation technologies. The consultant will provide high-level strategic and technical guidance to enhance the AFCIA programme’s impact on climate adaptation technology innovation, investment, and scaling through strengthened partnerships, improved programme design, and knowledge-driven coordination across implementing entities and regional hubs. The expected duration of the assignment is 12 months, with actual work time of 6 months on a part-time basis, starting from February 1, 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Guidance and Programme Strengthening: Provide high-level guidance, strategic advice, and technical inputs to the Project Steering Committee (PSC) to enhance programme coherence, impact, and sustainability. Review shortlisted AFCIA grantee proposals upon request from Implementing Entities and provide recommendations to strengthen their design, innovation potential, and pathways to impact.
• Partnership Building and Investment Mobilization: Identify and cultivate partnerships with key actors, including research institutions, technology accelerators, regional centres supporting adaptation and innovation in the global south, and private sector investors. Advise on the agenda, organization, and participation of the AFCIA regional technology hubs to ensure meaningful engagement of innovators, investors, and policymakers. Strengthen and coordinate partnership and investment-related initiatives across AFCIA Implementing Entities to ensure coherence and a coordinated approach to private-sector engagement. Advise on strategies to leverage additional finance and investment opportunities for AFCIA technologies. Contribute to enhanced coordination and capacity among IEs and promote cooperation among sectoral ministries while securing greater involvement of subnational authorities and private sector engagement in knowledge and data-sharing. Represent AFCIA in selected global or regional forums, including climate weeks and COPs, contributing to dialogue on innovation, technology transfer, and private sector engagement for adaptation.
• Knowledge and Learning Leadership: Contribute to joint strategic analytical, communication, and knowledge studies commissioned under the AFCIA programme by providing technical insights and recommendations. Provide technical inputs to the design and implementation of the AFCIA Community of Practice (CoP) to enhance cross-learning and knowledge exchange among implementing entities and grantees. Lead the development and presentation of learning modules on specific subjects prioritized by the IEs through the CoP and facilitate CoP learning sessions.

Required Qualifications:
Advanced university degree in climate change adaptation, innovation, partnership building, learning management, or related fields. A minimum of 7 years’ experience in climate change adaptation, innovation, or related fields. A minimum of 3 years' experience in learning management and partnership building. Experience in coordinating cross-sectoral, cross-agency complex climate-related programmes. Experience working with UN agencies on international climate finance mechanisms or programmes (e.g., adaptation fund, GCF, GEF) is an added advantage. Previous engagement with the private sector or investment facilitation for climate or technology solutions is a strong asset. Experience in facilitating communities of practice and designing and facilitating learning modules/trainings/webinars (in person or online) is appreciated.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fields related to climate change adaptation, innovation, partnership building, or learning management. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the complexities involved in climate adaptation and technology innovation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of experience in climate change adaptation, innovation, or related fields. Additionally, candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in learning management and partnership building. Experience in coordinating complex climate-related programmes across different sectors and agencies is crucial, as is familiarity with UN agencies and international climate finance mechanisms. Previous engagement with the private sector or investment facilitation for climate or technology solutions is considered a strong asset.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. This language requirement ensures effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders involved in the AFCIA programme and related initiatives.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the assignment is 12 months, with actual work time of 6 months on a part-time basis. The expected start date is February 1, 202

• Travel is applicable, including a trip to Vienna, Austria, on February 16-17, 2026, and another trip to Africa in Q4 2026 for the AFCIA HUB. UNEP will arrange and cover the travel expenses. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.