Coastal Adaptation Expert

Organizational Context

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) is a leading UN agency focused on poverty, inequality, and climate change, assisting nations in building sustainable solutions. In the Pacific, UNDP supports ten countries and provides regional assistance, guided by a sub-regional programme document aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. UNDP prioritizes vulnerable populations, employing inclusive, pro-poor, and human rights-based approaches to address challenges like climate vulnerability and socio-economic exclusion.

Job Purpose

The UN Volunteer will support the Resilience and Climate Change (RCC) Portfolio within the UNDP Fiji Multi-Country Office. This role is crucial for implementing coastal adaptation and climate resilience initiatives across highly vulnerable Pacific Island Countries, including Tuvalu, Tonga, Kiribati, and Vanuatu. These nations face severe climate-related threats such as sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and cyclones. The expert will provide essential technical and coordination support to ensure the effective execution of adaptation projects, enhance stakeholder engagement, facilitate monitoring and reporting, and promote knowledge sharing and capacity development throughout the region.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will coordinate and implement coastal adaptation projects, tracking progress and ensuring timely delivery of outputs. This includes facilitating coordination among project teams and stakeholders, and integrating activities with national and regional climate initiatives. The role involves engaging with government ministries, local authorities, communities, and development partners, supporting the organization of consultations and workshops, and maintaining communication with donors. Responsibilities also include monitoring project indicators, preparing progress reports, and supporting data collection and analysis for evidence-based decision-making. The volunteer will ensure compliance with UNDP operational requirements, monitor environmental and social safeguards, and support risk management and gender-responsive approaches. Furthermore, the role will facilitate knowledge sharing, document best practices, and contribute to capacity-building efforts for government counterparts and local stakeholders.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience is required, preferably with a Master's degree. This experience should be in climate resilience, coastal adaptation, coastal protection, environmental management, climate change programmes, or development project management. Experience working with government agencies, multiple stakeholders, and in monitoring and evaluation is essential. Experience in the Pacific Island Countries and with UN agencies or donor-funded projects is desirable.

Skills

Key competencies include Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Judgement and Decision-Making, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Self-Management, and Creativity. Expertise is sought in Natural and Life Sciences, Community Development, and Energy and Environment. Strong analytical, coordination, organizational, report-writing, and communication skills are essential.

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