Environment and Climate Change Specialist

Host entity: UNDP BHR

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Project management, programme development, strategy, Climate change, environment, Science

Application deadline: 07/10/2026

Mission and objectives

The UNDP has been a partner and friend of the Kingdom of Bahrain and its people since 1971 when it supported the independence of Bahrain. Since the opening of its offices and the signing of the Basic Agreement Document between the government and UNDP in 1978, UNDP has promoted and implemented sustainable human development strategies and programmes based on national priorities in line with the Kingdom’s reform agenda, the Economic Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy (2015-2018).


The Kingdom of Bahrain is a Net Contributor Country (NCC), and as such bears the cost of UNDP’s presence and work in the country. UNDP recognises that the Government of Bahrain is primarily responsible for the national development agenda. The current Country Programme Document (2017-2020), and Project Documents were designed in partnership with state institutions, responding to deliver on key priority areas.

Bahrain demonstrates a strong commitment to human development and is signatory to a number of UN conventions, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to international norms and UN principles.

Through comprehensive consultations and dialogue with government institutions, development needs are identified and strong partnerships are built to address those needs and meet SDG targets. Whether through developing human capacities at these institutions, or partnering to resolve a challenge, national ownership and leadership in all efforts is a key principle. UNDP also provides individual and institutional capacity development where needed, positioning national institutions to be in the leadership role.

Assignment context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bahrain is supporting national efforts to advance environmental sustainability, climate action, and resilient development in alignment with Bahrain Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This includes ongoing and pipeline initiatives related to environmental governance, climate resilience, and sustainable development planning, in collaboration with national partners such as the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE), government entities, academia, and the private sector.

In light of evolving environmental challenges and emerging priorities, UNDP is supporting efforts related to environmental assessments, resilience planning, and sustainable recovery. This includes the development of an environmental assessment to inform policy and programme responses.

The National UN Volunteer Specialist will contribute to the implementation of these initiatives by providing technical, coordination, and programme support, ensuring effective delivery and alignment with national priorities.

National UN Specialist Volunteers in Bahrain are entitled to:

• Volunteer living allowance BHD 946
• Annual and learning leaves;
• Free Medical and life insurance;
• Free access to different learning platforms.

For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit:
https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service

Task description

Under the supervision of UNDP Programme Analyst the National UNV Specialist will undertake the
following tasks:

Technical Support and Analysis:

a. Support implementation of environment and climate-related initiatives.
b. Assist in the design and implementation of environmental assessments, including data
collection, analysis, and reporting
c. Support preparation of technical inputs, background papers, and policy briefs
d. Contribute to environmental analysis and evidence generation to inform programme
design

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination:

1. Support coordination with national counterparts including SCE and other stakeholders
2. Assist in organizing consultations, workshops, and technical meetings related to
environmental priorities
3. Facilitate communication between UNDP, partners, and consultants
4. Support follow-up on implementation and agreed actions

Programme Implementation Support:

1. Support preparation and tracking of Annual Work Plans (AWPs)
2. Assist in coordination of consultants and technical inputs, particularly for environmental
assessment work
3. Support documentation for internal UNDP processes (e.g. Project Boards, reporting)

Communication and Knowledge Management:

1. Support preparation of briefs, presentations, and communication materials
2. Document lessons learned and good practices
3. Support dissemination of findings from environmental assessments

Monitoring and Reporting:

1. Support tracking of progress, indicators, and risks
2. Assist in preparation of reports
3. Maintain proper documentation and filing systems

Skills and experience

1. At least 3 years of professional experience in environment, climate change, sustainability,
or related fields
2. Experience supporting environmental assessments, research, or policy analysis is an
asset
3. Familiarity with SDGs and environmental/climate frameworks
i. Experience working with international organizations, government entities, or research
institutions is an advantage,
ii. Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;

4. Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively
and collaboratively with a range of partners;
5. Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment;
ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
6. Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications
(Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office
technology equipment;
7. Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight
deadlines;
8. Sound security awareness,

Competencies and values

Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret data and draw evidence-based conclusions.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, and civil society.

Organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

Knowledge of climate change, environmental sustainability, and environmental assessment approaches

Living conditions

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

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