Senior Climate Resilient Water Resources Management Advisor (Home based Retainer)

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) is dedicated to delivering impactful results worldwide by leveraging diverse expertise. Established with hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, GPO leads initiatives that promote sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding in challenging environments. With operations in over 130 countries, GPO collaborates with governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies to provide services such as project management, fund management, and HR support, all aimed at advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

Job Overview:
The Senior Climate Resilient Water Resources Management Advisor will play a crucial role in providing strategic and technical support to the Ministry of Agriculture in Ethiopia. This position focuses on mobilizing climate finance, developing investment pipelines, and enhancing institutional capacity to implement agriculture-related climate priorities as outlined in Ethiopia's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The advisor will work closely with government leadership and partners to translate climate resilience priorities into actionable projects, emphasizing capacity building and improved coordination within the water sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Climate Finance Mobilization and Project Development: Identify and prioritize investment opportunities in the water sector, prepare high-quality project proposals for various funding sources, and develop comprehensive project documents.
• Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening: Assess institutional gaps and deliver training to Ministry staff on investment planning and project development.
• Strategic and Technical Support: Provide support for the Climate Resilient Integrated Water Resources Management initiative and other basin programs.
• NDC Implementation Support: Advise on the implementation of water-related NDC priorities and ensure alignment with national climate plans.
• Systems and Reporting Support: Improve sector systems for planning and monitoring climate interventions.
• Other Related Tasks: Conduct field missions and support the preparation of presentations and decision notes for Ministry leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Water Resources Management, Climate Change, or Environmental Science. A Bachelor's degree with additional relevant experience may be accepted. A PhD is desired but not mandatory. Candidates should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in climate-resilient water management and project preparation, with strong technical knowledge of water governance and infrastructure challenges in developing contexts. Proven ability to strengthen public institutions and engage with climate finance mechanisms is essential.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in Water Resources Management, Hydrology, Climate Change, or a related field is required. A Bachelor's degree with additional relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree. A PhD in a relevant field is preferred but not required.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in climate-resilient water resources management, project preparation, and investment planning. Experience in mobilizing finance and preparing project proposals for climate and development finance institutions is highly desirable. Familiarity with Ethiopia's water sector and climate priorities is an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Amharic is required. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a home-based position for a duration of 12 months, with a maximum of 220 working days and the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The position is open to Ethiopian nationals or those with a valid residence permit in Ethiopia. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes and applications must be submitted before the deadline.