Coastal Adaptation Expert

Volunteering Environment

Overview

Support coastal adaptation initiatives in Pacific Island Countries.

You have:

• 7 years with Master's degree of progressively responsible professional experience in climate resilience, coastal adaptation, environmental management, and development project management.
• Demonstrated experience in climate resilience, coastal adaptation, or related sectors.
• Experience managing development projects and programmes.
• Strong analytical, coordination, and organizational skills.
• Excellent report-writing and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and web-based management systems.
• Experience working in Pacific Island Countries.
• Ability and willingness to travel within the Pacific region.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

The UN Volunteer will support the Resilience and Climate Change (RCC) Portfolio of UNDP Fiji Multi-Country Office. The assignment contributes to the implementation of coastal adaptation and climate resilience initiatives across Pacific Island Countries, including Tuvalu, Tonga, Kiribati, and Vanuatu.

These countries are among the world's most climate-vulnerable nations, facing challenges such as sea-level rise, coastal erosion, flooding, tropical cyclones, and saltwater intrusion. UNDP is supporting governments and communities through a range of coastal adaptation, resilience-building, and sustainable development programmes.

The Coastal Adaptation Specialist will provide technical and coordination support to ensure effective implementation of coastal adaptation projects, strengthen stakeholder engagement, support monitoring and reporting, and promote knowledge sharing and capacity development across the Pacific region.

Under the direct supervision of the Resilience and Climate Change Team Leader, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Project Coordination and Implementation • Support planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of coastal adaptation projects. • Track project progress and ensure timely delivery of outputs and milestones. • Facilitate coordination among project teams and relevant stakeholders. • Support integration of project activities with national and regional climate adaptation initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships • Liaise with government ministries, local authorities, communities, and development partners. • Support organization of meetings, consultations, workshops, and technical discussions. • Maintain effective communication and collaboration with donors and regional organizations.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting • Assist in monitoring project indicators, targets, and work plans. • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports. • Support data collection, analysis, and documentation of project results and lessons learned. • Contribute to evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management.

Compliance and Risk Management • Support compliance with UNDP operational, financial, procurement, and reporting requirements. • Monitor adherence to environmental and social safeguards. • Support implementation of risk management measures and gender-responsive approaches.

Knowledge Management and Capacity Development • Facilitate knowledge sharing among project teams and stakeholders. • Document best practices, lessons learned, and success stories. • Support development of communication materials, case studies, and policy briefs. • Contribute to capacity-building initiatives for government counterparts and local stakeholders.

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Judgement and Decision-Making • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Self-Management • Creativity

7 years with Master's degree of progressively responsible professional experience in: • Climate resilience • Coastal adaptation • Coastal protection • Environmental management • Climate change programmes • Development project management • Demonstrated experience in climate resilience, coastal adaptation, or related sectors. • Experience managing development projects and programmes. • Experience in monitoring and evaluation of projects. • Strong analytical, coordination, and organizational skills. • Experience working with government agencies and multiple stakeholders. • Excellent report-writing and communication skills. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and web-based management systems. • Experience working in Pacific Island Countries. • Experience with UNDP, UN agencies, or donor-funded projects. • Experience in policy analysis and strategic planning. • Knowledge of climate adaptation financing mechanisms. • Experience working with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. • Ability and willingness to travel within the Pacific region.

Suva is Fiji's capital city and serves as the regional hub for many international organizations operating in the Pacific. It offers relatively good living conditions, reliable communications infrastructure, healthcare facilities, banking services, accommodation options, and international transport connections.

The assignment may require travel to remote Pacific Island countries and communities where living conditions may be more challenging. Flexibility, cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and willingness to work in diverse environments are essential.

Fiji and the wider Pacific region provide a unique and rewarding opportunity to contribute directly to climate resilience and sustainable development in some of the world's most vulnerable coastal communities.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 14 days ago - Updated 6 hours ago - Source: unv.org