Title: Senior Expert in Climate Innovation & Adaptation - Roster

​​Requisition ID: 5734
Grade: P5 (Senior Specialist)
Country: Home Based
Duty Station: Home Based
Category: International Consultant
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-When Act. Employed
Contract Duration: 1-12 months
Application Deadline: 20-June-2025, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

The Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), headed by a Managing Director, ensures the Organization's application of strategies and interventions for sustainable industrial development related to environment, energy, Micro, Small and Medium-Enterprises (MSMEs), and digitalization. The Directorate also oversees the Organization's normative contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through industrial policy advice and capacity development. Through coordination in-house and with Member States and industry stakeholders, it ensures that the services provided in these areas contribute to effective and appropriate technical, business and policy solutions and are focused on results, scaling up and positioning UNIDO as a leading platform for industrial development in developing countries and global fora. The Directorate is responsible for the Division of Industrial Policy Advice and Capacity Development (TCS/IPC), and technical Divisions of Circular Economy and Green Industry (TCS/CEG), Energy and Climate Action (TCS/ECA), Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol (TCS/CMP); MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation (TCS/SME); and Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (TCS/DAI). Leveraging the diverse skill sets of UNIDO personnel and the services provided by the two TC directorates, TCS collaborates closely with IET to develop and implement programmes and projects, aiming at enhancing synergy and complementarity and maximizing UNIDO corporate performance and impacts on the ground. The Directorate also ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions as well as with relevant entities in all Directorates across the Organization.

The position is located under Climate Technology Innovation Unit (TCS/CMP/CTI). The Climate Technology Innovation Unit is responsible for supporting Member States in fostering innovation across technologies, finance, policy and regulation to promote the emergence, deployment and large-scale up-take of low-carbon and climate adaptation solutions and business practices. In addition, the Unit is responsible, in close collaboration with other relevant entities in the Organization, for facilitating the transfer of and establishing markets for low-carbon and climate adaptation solutions, ensuring wide use by industry and local communities, thereby contributing to climate mitigation, adaptation and building resilience in recipient countries. The Unit positions UNIDO strategically in the global discourse on climate technology innovation support and acts as the focal point in UNIDO for partnership with the technology mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

PROJECT CONTEXT

The aim of this call for expression of interest is to establish a two-year roster of qualified senior experts to support the strategic expansion, design, and implementation of technical cooperation projects within the CTI portfolio. Selected candidates will contribute technical and strategic expertise to the ideation and development of proposals that advance the mandate of UNIDO Climate Technology Innovation Unit.

The Climate Technology Innovation Unit (CTI) of UNIDO is dedicated to advancing innovation in technologies, finance, policy, and regulation to facilitate the emergence, deployment, and widespread adoption of low-carbon and climate-resilient solutions. To support this mission, we are seeking to engage experts who can provide specialized support for our numerous upcoming projects. UNIDO’s activities are implemented through a comprehensive approach designed to achieve effective outcomes and impacts. The CTI Unit plays a pivotal role in supporting Member States in fostering innovation across various domains. It facilitates the transfer and establishment of markets for low-carbon and climate-resilient technologies, ensuring their widespread use by industry and local communities. This contributes significantly to climate mitigation and resilience. The CTI Unit is actively developing and securing funding for technical cooperation projects aimed at supporting Member States with innovative climate solutions and building climate-resilient livelihoods. The demand for UNIDO’s support in climate innovation, mitigation, adaptation, and resilience is expected to increase rapidly.

To meet this demand, UNIDO seeks highly qualified experts who can contribute to the growth of the CTI adaptation portfolio through project development, knowledge generation, and implementation.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Head of CTI or Project Manager, lead the development of strategies to support the growth of the CTI’s portfolio in line with emerging multilateral and bilateral donor’s priorities as well as Member States priorities. Under the supervision of the Head of CTI or Project Manager lead Project Design and Development, Strategic Portfolio Development and Thought Leadership. The incumbent is required to undertake adjusting and presenting project proposals, identifying problems and utilizing information as an input to corrective actions to promote effective project management, develops and administers technical cooperation projects.

The incumbent shall strategically support the CTI Unit in the strategic growth and positioning of its global portfolio by identifying new project opportunities and producing targeted knowledge outputs. Including but not limited to:

• Scoping and ideation of new project concepts aligned with emerging climate priorities, donor trends, and country needs.

  • Development of strategic growth pathways and recommendation for new strategic partnerships to expand and diversify the CTI project portfolio across emerging priority thematic areas and regions.

    • Authoring of high-quality thought leadership pieces, including policy briefs, insight reports, and strategic communications materials to raise the visibility and profile of CTI within the global climate innovation ecosystem.

      • Lead horizon scanning and donor intelligence efforts to identify entry points for engagement and partnership.

        • Recommendations on positioning CTI within broader international frameworks and initiatives related to climate innovation, resilience, and industrial development.

          • Strategically contribute to the implementation of selected projects under the CTI Unit's portfolio, including initiatives such as the Climate Adaptation Innovation and Learning (CAIL) programme, which supports the development of regional innovation ecosystems for climate adaptation, and the Programme for Climate Adaptation and Resilience Building Solutions (PARS), which assists countries in scaling up integrated adaptation responses through technology, policy, and capacity-building interventions.

            📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

            ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

            • Independently lead on the implementation of core components of projects which require novel thinking, tools and strategies, including activities of stakeholder engagement, preparation of technical documentation, analysis of climate-related and policy data to support evidence-based project development and strategic decision-making

              • Lead development of adaptation strategies, concept notes, and proposals, including the integration of AI-enabled tools, digital innovations, and private sector engagement to advance low-carbon and climate-resilient industrial solutions.

                MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

                Education: Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in environment, engineering, sciences, economics, business administration, international relations or other relevant discipline with specialization written in functional responsibility, is required.

                Technical and Functional Experience:

                • A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the design, leadership, and management of complex technical cooperation programmes or portfolios, including substantial exposure at the international level, is required.
                • Demonstrated ability to lead high-impact analytical work, align initiatives with institutional priorities, and deliver innovative, evidence-based solutions is essential.
                • Proven track record in resource mobilization and strategic partnership development, including with multilateral funds, governments, and the private sector, is required.
                • Strong drafting and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts with clarity and strategic relevance, are essential.
                • A demonstrated capacity to lead and collaborate effectively in multicultural, multidisciplinary environments is expected.

                  Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

                  Fluency and/or working knowledge of another official UN language, is desirable.

                  In addition to the above mentioned Technical and Functional Experience, the following Adaptation Foresight and Innovation Expertise are desirable:

                  • Climate Adaptation Finance Innovation: Design of novel financing instruments such as adaptation bonds, resilience credits, and outcome-based finance mechanisms aligned with private and public sector bankability standards.

                    • Systemic Resilience Modelling for Industrial Value Chains: Development of analytical frameworks to assess cascading climate risks across regional or transboundary value chains, with recommendations to enhance industrial climate resilience.

                      • Adaptation Metrics, Taxonomies, and Investability Indices: Development and application of classification tools and performance frameworks to assess and improve the bankability, impact potential, and tracking of adaptation investments.

                        • Private Sector Adaptation Innovation Scaling: Technical support to scale climate adaptation solutions developed by startups, SMEs, and private innovators, including risk de-risking strategies and commercialization pathways.

                          • Locally-Led Innovation Ecosystems for Adaptation: Support to establish adaptation incubators, accelerators, and challenge mechanisms rooted in national and subnational systems and tailored to local innovation ecosystems.

                            • Anticipatory Action and Risk Layering for Livelihood Resilience: Integration of early warning systems with adaptive safety nets, insurance tools, and social protection mechanisms to protect vulnerable communities from climate shocks.

                              • Artificial Intelligence for Adaptation Planning and Decision Support: Application of AI tools for predictive analytics, climate risk modelling, and optimization of adaptation strategies, enabling data-driven decision-making and enhanced targeting of industrial resilience interventions.

                                • Adaptation and Nature Tech Convergence: Technical design of projects that combine nature-based solutions with digital tools such as remote sensing, IoT, or blockchain to enhance climate monitoring and resilience outcomes.

                                  • Governance and Institutional Innovation for Adaptation: Development of adaptive governance frameworks, innovation-friendly regulations, and inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms for systemic adaptation response.

                                    • Urban Climate Risk Foresight and Planning: Design of integrated foresight and scenario tools for cities and peri-urban areas facing climate-driven risks, with a focus on informal settlements and vulnerable infrastructure.