Regional Technical Specialist For Climate Change Adaptation [open For Tier 0,1&2 Applicants]

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development, integrating collective action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Within its Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, the Planet Hub manages a multi-billion dollar portfolio on environment, climate change, and energy. This role sits within the LAC Environment and Energy Team, based in the UNDP Regional Hub in Panama City, supporting country offices across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Job Purpose

The Regional Technical Specialist for Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) provides high-quality technical policy, programming, implementation support, and oversight to UNDP country offices in the Latin America and Caribbean region. The role focuses on national and regional strategies for climate change adaptation, aiming to integrate adaptation into policy, planning, and investments. It supports countries in mobilizing public and private finance for adaptation priorities, aligning with national development goals and the SDGs. The specialist also contributes to knowledge management and capacity development, working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to enhance horizontal collaboration and achieve UNDP's strategic goals in environment and energy.

Responsibilities

The role involves ensuring innovation, strategic leadership, dialogue, and advocacy by establishing partnerships, developing new programming opportunities in climate change adaptation, and contributing to regional and global strategic planning. The specialist will provide technical leadership, keep the team informed of trends, and identify opportunities for collaboration. Responsibilities also include ensuring effective programming and management by supporting project design and implementation, developing policy analysis tools, sourcing technical expertise, and maintaining quality in project management and reporting. Furthermore, the role contributes to programming and resource mobilization by supporting project identification and development, liaising with stakeholders, providing advice on funding sources, and facilitating proposal development. Finally, the specialist promotes development impact by assisting with project inception and startup, supporting country offices in project supervision and adaptive management, and communicating adaptation programming impact.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years (with Master's) or 7 years (with Bachelor's) of relevant experience in climate change, adaptation, resilience, or sustainable development is required. This includes at least 3 years in project development and proven experience in resource mobilization (vertical/bilateral funds). Experience supporting policy development in Latin America and working with governments in the region is desired. Experience with the private sector, finance, international organizations, or UNDP policies is an asset.

Skills

Core Competencies: Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, Enable Diversity and Inclusion. Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies: Systems Thinking, Knowledge Facilitation, Communication, Results-Based Management, Project Management, Portfolio Management, Climate Change Adaptation (Ecosystem-based adaptation and management).

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