Development Coordination Officer – Environment and Climate Change

Host entity: UNRCO

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Economics, poverty reduction, livelihoods, Climate change, environment

Application deadline: 25/10/2026

Mission and objectives

The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UN RCO) in Nepal works under the strategic guidance of the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) and supports the UN Country Team (UNCT) in the advancement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The UN RCO fulfills the following five key functions in support of the responsibilities of the RC and the UNCT including:

Strategic planning;
Development economics;
Partnerships and development finance;
Data and results management and reporting; and
Research, communications and advocacy.

The UN RCO and UNCT work closely with the Government of Nepal and other Development Partners to support Nepal in achieving Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. The UN RCO team supports the RC and UNCT in ensuring a more coordinated and coherent approach across the work of the UN and is composed of experts in development and humanitarian coordination, information management, human rights, gender equality, communications and communications.

Assignment context

The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Nepal 2023-2027 (Cooperation Framework) is the overarching strategy bringing together the work of the different UN agencies, funds, and programmes in the UN Country Team (UNCT) to support national development priorities and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Cooperation Framework includes four strategic priorities: Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive Economic Transformation; Inclusive and Transformative Human Development; Environmental Sustainability, Climate and Disaster Resilience; and Governance, Federalism, Participation, and Inclusion.

This position will mainly support work under the third strategic priority, Environmental Sustainability, Climate and Disaster Resilience, which is coordinated through a dedicated Results Group.

The Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO) serves as the secretariat to the Resident Coordinator (RC) and UN Country Team (UNCT), providing organisational, advisory and management support, and facilitating the UN System's joint strategic planning. The RCO draws on the expertise and experience of the entire UN family, promoting and supporting information exchange, cooperation and collaboration amongst UN agencies and facilitating joint initiatives.

Embedded in the RCO, the UN Volunteer "Development Coordination Officer – Environment and Climate Change" is expected to, mainly, support the UNRC and UNCT on climate change and environmental issues.

As a member of the UN family in Nepal, the UN Volunteer is expected to make contributions to the implementation of the Cooperation Framework 2023-2027, advancing the UN development system reform agenda, enhancing synergies and impacts of the UN agencies' support to Nepal in addressing the Triple Planetary Crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, while also supporting Nepal's resilience-building efforts amid its transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. The UN Volunteer will work in partnership with UN colleagues to ensure successful programme coordination and implementation to achieve the UNSDCF results.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Partnerships and Development Finance Officer, UNRCO, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Assist the RCO in coordinating issues relating to climate change, disaster resilience and environment in support of the Government of Nepal and in close partnership with all relevant stakeholders, including development partners (UN and non-UN):
• Advise the RC and the UNCT on critical climate change, disaster resilience and environmental issues and possible areas of action;
• Support the RCO and UNCT annual reporting and work planning processes relating to climate change, disaster resilience and environmental issues;
• Assist the RCO in developing and maintaining relationships with relevant government ministries;
• Support the RCO in maintaining effective working relationships with external stakeholders, in particular development partners, on climate change, disaster resilience and environmental issues;
• Assist in communications and advocacy relating to climate change, disaster resilience and environmental issues through the UN Communications Group of the UN in Nepal;
• Actively participate in the activities of the UN RG on Environmental Sustainability, Climate and Disaster Resilience and other RGs, Thematic Groups and groups, as necessary, to support and advise on the integration of climate change, disaster resilience and environmental considerations;
• Provide inputs to the inter-agency work of the UN in Nepal and promote the integration of climate change, disaster resilience and environmental considerations in joint-UN planning and programming;
• Assist with green knowledge management including creating a digital coordination online platform to monitor national commitments or key policy instruments as Nepal’s Mountain Resilience Strategy or EW4ALL roadmap;
• In coordination with the RCO Economist and the PDA team support in drafting climate change and environment related speeches, briefing notes, advocacy points;
• Maintain close relationship with UNEP at the regional level and ICIMOD and facilitate close collaboration between UNEP, ICIMOD, research institutions and the rest of the UN system in Nepal.

2. Advise the RC and the UNCT on the preparation of the upcoming UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Nepal 2028-2032:
• Support the Country Analysis (CA) preparation and related evidence-generation processes on climate change, disaster resilience and environmental issues to inform the new Cooperation Framework;
• Contribute technical inputs and analysis on environmental sustainability, climate and disaster resilience to the theory of change, strategic priorities, and results framework of the UNSDCF 2028-2032;
• Support consultations and engagement with government counterparts, development partners and other stakeholders on environment, climate change and disaster resilience during the UNSDCF preparation process;
• Assist the RCO in ensuring lessons learned and results from the current Cooperation Framework 2023-2027 inform the design of the new Cooperation Framework.

3. Provides support to and participates in joint partnerships and resource mobilisation for the UNSDCF 2023-2027 and preparation for UNSDCF 2028-2032:
• Provides substantive support to the RC/UNCT to develop and implement locally tailored resource mobilization strategies and initiatives;
• Contributes to the design, formulation, implementation, monitoring and reporting of joint programmes and programming processes for use in joint resource mobilization, as well as the management of the Nepal Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework Fund;
• Supports the preparation of the 2028-2032 UN Nepal Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Strategy and the Multi-Year Funding Framework (MYFF).

WORKPLAN
During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Skills and experience

Minimum of one year of relevant experience in project or programme management related to climate change, biodiversity or pollution at the national or international level (three years of relevant experience required for candidates holding a bachelor's degree).

Experience in the following fields would be an asset:
- Green financing and accompanying government in developing bankable green proposal
-Monitoring and evaluation as well as in a developing country
-Partnerships and re-source mobilization

A bachelor’s degree may be considered in lieu of the standard educational requirement for candidates with three years of relevant experience.

Skills:
Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners at different levels; work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.

Competencies and values

Accountability
Adaptability and Flexibility
Ethics and Values
Planning and Organizing
Respect for Diversity
Working in Teams

Living conditions

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and the country's main administrative, cultural, and economic center. It is generally considered a family duty station and offers a wide range of amenities. The city is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,400 meters (4,600 ft) above sea level. The climate is subtropical highland. Summers (June - September) are warm and coincide with the monsoon season, bringing frequent rainfall. Winters (December - February) are generally cool and dry, with temperatures typically ranging from 2°C to 20°C. Kathmandu has several private hospitals and medical facilities capable of providing a broad range of healthcare services, although some specialized treatments may require referral abroad. Routine vaccinations should be up to date before arrival. No specific vaccination is required solely for residing in Kathmandu, though travelers should consult current health recommendations before deployment. The cost of living remains moderate, although imported goods can be relatively expensive. Kathmandu is generally considered safer than many major metropolitan cities but, as in any large urban area, personal security requires vigilance. Personnel are expected to follow organizational security guidelines, remain aware of their surroundings, and exercise caution when traveling after dark. Public transportation consists mainly of buses, microbuses, and taxis, though service quality and reliability can vary.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.