Chief Technical Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. The organization focuses on various areas including climate change, disaster risk reduction, and governance, aiming to empower communities and foster resilience against environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The Chief Technical Specialist (CTS) will play a pivotal role in leading the Nepal GLOF Project, which aims to address the risks associated with Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Nepal. This position requires a strategic leader who will ensure that the project aligns with international best practices and UNDP/GCF standards while addressing national priorities. The CTS will oversee the implementation of an integrated approach to GLOF risk management, which includes lowering water levels in glacial lakes, implementing Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction interventions, establishing early warning systems, and enhancing the technical capacity of Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. The role demands collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities and community organizations, to ensure effective project management and knowledge transfer. The incumbent will also be responsible for guiding the project management unit (PMU) in planning, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring that all activities are executed in accordance with the project document and relevant policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief Technical Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Leading project management, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, ensuring alignment with international best practices and national climate priorities.
• Advising the Project Board and Project Manager on technical and strategic decisions, providing inputs during the development and review of annual workplans and budgets.
• Guiding the PMU to implement projects according to the project document and national implementation manuals.
• Supporting adaptive management by identifying lessons learned and recommending corrective actions.
• Mentoring and training national counterparts and project personnel to promote capacity development and knowledge transfer.
• Providing technical guidance on digital, hydro-meteorological, and engineering solutions, ensuring quality assurance of technical outputs.
• Advising on mainstreaming GLOF risk reduction into national adaptation policies and promoting institutional ownership for scale-up.
• Driving the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) agenda of the program, ensuring that GESI principles are integrated into all project areas.
• Ensuring compliance with UNDP policies and regulations, particularly regarding ethics and integrity. 1
• Performing other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the program.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Disaster Risk Management, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the aforementioned fields combined with an additional two years of relevant experience will be considered. The role requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience with a master’s degree or 9 years with a bachelor’s degree in Climate Adaptation, Engineering, or Disaster Risk Reduction. Proven networking skills with government and community-level audiences, experience in managing multiple tasks, and proficiency in computer applications such as MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are essential. Desired skills include leadership in climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction, experience in gender and social inclusion, and familiarity with Eco-DRR and early warning systems.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master’s degree) in relevant fields such as Disaster Risk Management, Engineering, or Environmental Sciences. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in these fields, combined with additional relevant experience, will also be considered. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience for candidates with a master’s degree or 9 years for those with a bachelor’s degree. This experience should be in areas related to Climate Adaptation, Engineering, or Disaster Risk Reduction, demonstrating a strong understanding of the challenges and strategies involved in managing climate-related risks, particularly in the context of GLOFs and disaster risk management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication and reporting within the international context of the UNDP. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the communities involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kathmandu, Nepal, and is part of a project funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) aimed at reducing the risks associated with GLOFs. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage with various stakeholders, including government entities and local communities. The UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and adheres to strict policies against harassment and discrimination.