Climate Change Adaptation Officer (Home based Retainer) - Pretoria, South Africa

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) is a significant entity within the United Nations system, established to bring together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impactful results worldwide. With operational hubs located in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding, particularly in challenging environments. The organization operates in over 130 countries, working closely with major global partners, including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies, to provide a wide range of services such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support. UNOPS is recognized for its strategic priorities and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), facilitating the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through quality services and integrated solutions.

Job Overview:
The Climate Change Adaptation Officer will play a crucial role in supporting South Africa's Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in the development of the Green Climate Fund Readiness application and the Climate Investment Platform (CIP). This position is pivotal in providing technical support, coordination, and facilitation for the implementation of adaptation measures outlined in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The officer will engage with various stakeholders, including government entities, development partners, and the private sector, to ensure effective collaboration and resource mobilization for climate adaptation initiatives. The role also involves monitoring and evaluation of adaptation measures, contributing to national climate change information systems, and supporting the overall governance structures associated with the CIP. This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in international development while advancing one's career within a prestigious UN organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Development of the Green Climate Fund Readiness application: Support the development of the GCF readiness application with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), address logframe and theory of change comments from the GCF, and assist in the development of a full funding readiness proposal.
• Provide support in the development of the Climate Investment Platform (CIP): Conduct stakeholder ecosystem mapping, facilitate coordination and information exchange among partners, organize meetings to monitor and coordinate the development of the CIP, and support the implementation of the CIP project plan.
• Support strategic partnerships for resource mobilization: Assist in mobilizing strategic partner financing for adaptation project pipeline implementation and ensure a pipeline of adaptation projects is embedded within the CIP.
• Organize and support multi-stakeholder dialogues: Facilitate national multi-stakeholder dialogues for the CIP, support government preparations for CIP-related events, and organize coordination meetings as needed.
• Support monitoring & evaluation efforts: Improve the National Climate Change Information System (NCCIS), update the National Climate Change Response Database (NCCRD), develop climate change adaptation indicators, and conduct provincial Indigenous Knowledge System studies.
• Participate in technical working groups and national forums related to climate change adaptation.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced degree (master's or higher) in public policy, development, climate change, climate finance, natural resource management, environmental management, economics, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree in a related discipline with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience (4 years total) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of climate change policies and frameworks, particularly within the South African context, and demonstrate experience in stakeholder engagement processes.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced degree (master's or higher) in fields such as public policy, development, climate change, climate finance, natural resource management, environmental management, or economics. A bachelor's degree in a related discipline, combined with relevant work experience, may also be acceptable. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in climate-related issues and policy frameworks.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of experience in multilateral, national, and grassroots governance processes related to climate change and policy development is required. Candidates should have knowledge of South Africa's policy frameworks and strategies related to climate change, as well as experience managing stakeholder engagement processes. Familiarity with government processes, climate financing, and experience in fostering networks among various stakeholders is desired. Direct experience in climate policy, climate finance, and investment planning will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a home-based position, meaning the incumbent will work from government facilities rather than a UNOPS office. The position is a national vacancy, and candidates must be nationals of South Africa or possess a valid residence permit in the country. The contract duration is for 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, and all applications must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date.