UNDP: Technical Officer – Climate Change Adaption, Lattakia – Damascus

Office/Unit/Project Description  (max 300 words)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports country-led efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Syria, UNDP delivers its mandate through principled, context-specific support to crisis-affected communities. The Syria Country Office adopts a do-no-harm approach, grounded in thorough context analysis and effective safeguarding measures. This includes addressing challenges in economic development, social protection, service delivery, local governance, and climate change. The Technical Officer will support immediate Climate Change Adaptation interventions in Syria, ensuring coordination, effective implementation, and alignment with broader strategic frameworks.

Scope of Work (5 to 7 items only)

• Lead, manage, coordinate, and develop effective activity planning, implementation and monitoring.
• Act as a technical and project lead for Climate Change Adaptation activities in the field office, focusing on water resources, agriculture, and biodiversity.
• Collect and analyze technical, environmental data to support identification of priorities and delivery of project outcomes.
• Develop project documents and concept notes related to Climate Change Adaptation.
• Monitor progress and report challenges in a timely manner.
• Oversee project finance, accounting, and administrative processes.
• Ensure procurement needs are met per UNDP rules and regulations.
• Support climate change-gender integration efforts.
• Manage local risks and maintain proper documentation.
• Engage with UNDP-led Early Recovery Sector and local stakeholders for joint programming and coordination.
• Identify funding opportunities and support resource mobilization efforts.
• Implement activities aligned with Area Office Strategy, Country Office Strategy, and (Country Programme Document) CPD.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

Under the direct supervision of the area manager and technical guidance of the relevant Programme Manager(s) for Climate Change Adaptation

Competencies

Core
Achieve Results:	LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:	LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously:	LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility:	LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination:	LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner:	LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:	LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies)  Thematic Area Name Definition Business Direction & Strategy System Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system Business Management Monitoring & Evaluation Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client”s upcoming needs and concerns. Business Development Knowledge Generation Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations. Business Management Communication Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. ‡Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels Business Management Partnership Management Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies Finance Budget Management Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets Adminstration & Operations Events management (including retreats, trainings and meetings) Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc.

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

 

Min. Education requirements	Advanced University Degree (Master’s degreeor equivalent) in agricultural engineering or environmental engineering or a relevant related field is required Or A first level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the fields mentioned above with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree
Min. years of relevant work experience	Applicants with Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in the design, supervision and implementation of Climate Change Adaptation projects or relevant related field is required
Required  skills	Experience in the design, supervision and implementation of projects. Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section	Experience in community and stakeholder engagement -especially women- will be an asset. Experience in the preparation of donors´ or other technical and financial reports will be an asset. Experience and knowledge of project management processes is desirable. Experience and knowledge of monitoring and evaluation tools is desirable. Experience with the UN system / INGO’s / NGO’s will be an asset. Good knowledge of the duty station is highly desirable
Required Language(s)	Fluency in written and spoken English  and Arabic  is required.
Professional Certificates	N/A

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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