Professionals working at the intersection of climate policy, climate finance, sustainable development and stakeholder coordination have a new opportunity to contribute to South Africa’s climate action agenda through the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
UNOPS is recruiting a Climate Change Adaptation Officer (Home-Based Retainer) to support South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and the NDC Partnership. The position will contribute to the development of climate finance initiatives, national adaptation systems and the Climate Investment Platform (CIP).
The position opened on 21 August 2026, with applications closing on 4 September 2026.
UNOPS Climate Change Adaptation Officer 2026: Key Details
- Position: Climate Change Adaptation Officer (Home-Based Retainer)
- Organization: United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
- Location: Pretoria, South Africa
- Duty Station: Home based
- Contract: ICA – LICA – Specialist – Retainer
- Contract Level: LICA 9 / ICS 09
- Duration: 12 months, with possible extension
- Application Deadline: 4 September 2026
- Language: English
- Eligibility: South African nationals or candidates with a valid South African residence permit
The role is classified as a mid-level position and provides an opportunity to work within a major international development and climate action framework.
Climate Change Adaptation Officer to Support South Africa’s Climate Agenda
The successful candidate will serve as a Climate Change Adaptation Advisor within DFFE’s Climate Change Adaptation Unit. The role will provide technical assistance, coordination and facilitation across several important national climate initiatives.
A central responsibility will be supporting the development of a Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness application. The officer will work with relevant partners, including the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), to strengthen the application, address feedback, develop concept notes and support preparation of a full funding readiness proposal.
The officer will also contribute to the development of South Africa’s Climate Investment Platform, which is intended to improve coordination between government, financial institutions, development partners and other stakeholders involved in climate investment.
Climate Investment Platform and Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder coordination will form a significant part of the position.
The selected professional will help map the stakeholder ecosystem surrounding the Climate Investment Platform and facilitate information exchange between government departments, development partners, financial institutions, private-sector organizations and other relevant actors.
The role will also involve organizing coordination meetings and supporting national multi-stakeholder dialogues. These engagements may extend to major international and regional climate events, including COPs, regional climate weeks and national climate-related convenings.
This makes stakeholder engagement, partnership development and communication particularly important for candidates seeking to compete successfully for the position.
Climate Finance and Adaptation Project Development
Another important responsibility will be supporting the mobilization of financing for climate adaptation projects.
The officer will contribute to strategic partnerships and help develop a pipeline of adaptation projects and investments that can be incorporated into the Climate Investment Platform.
Experience in climate finance, investment planning, resource mobilization or development finance would therefore provide a strong advantage.
The position is designed for someone capable of connecting policy priorities with practical implementation, financing opportunities and institutional partnerships.
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibilities
The UNOPS role also has a substantial monitoring and evaluation component.
The selected candidate will support improvements to South Africa’s National Climate Change Information System (NCCIS) and National Climate Change Response Database (NCCRD). The officer will also contribute to developing climate change adaptation indicators and the Annual Climate Change Report.
Additional responsibilities include supporting Indigenous Knowledge System studies, Climate Change Adaptation Technical Working Group sessions and National Disaster Management Forums.
Candidates with experience in data systems, research, monitoring and evaluation, policy analysis or climate indicators may therefore find the position particularly relevant.
Who Is Eligible for the UNOPS Climate Change Job?
Applicants are required to have an advanced university degree, preferably in public policy, development, climate change, climate finance, natural resource management, environmental management, economics and development, or another relevant discipline.
A bachelor’s degree in a related field may be accepted when combined with an additional two years of relevant professional experience.
Candidates must have at least two years of experience in multilateral, national or grassroots governance processes related to climate change, policy and/or national systems.
Applicants are also expected to understand South Africa’s climate policy frameworks, national plans and strategies and demonstrate experience managing national stakeholder engagement processes.
Experience with government processes, climate financing, bilateral cooperation, climate policy and investment planning is considered desirable.
Skills UNOPS Is Looking For
The vacancy emphasizes several technical and professional capabilities, including:
- Climate and climate policy analysis
- Project management
- Resource management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Resource mobilization
- Effective communication
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Partnership development
- Policy coordination
UNOPS also places emphasis on respect, collaboration, partnerships, excellence, adaptability, decision-making and communication.
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Why This UNOPS Opportunity Matters
The Climate Change Adaptation Officer position offers more than a conventional climate-sector role. It places the successful candidate within a national and international network working on climate investment, adaptation planning, policy implementation and the Paris Agreement.
The officer will interact with government institutions, development partners, financial institutions and other stakeholders while supporting initiatives intended to translate climate priorities into investment and implementation opportunities.
For experienced climate and development professionals, the role could provide valuable exposure to UN operations, national climate governance, climate finance and multi-stakeholder coordination.
How to Apply for the UNOPS Position
Interested candidates should review the official vacancy requirements and submit their applications through the UNOPS Careers Marketplace before the deadline.
APPLY HERE
Applications must be received before midnight Copenhagen time on 4 September 2026. UNOPS does not request payment at any stage of its recruitment process.
SEO Meta Description
UNOPS is hiring a Climate Change Adaptation Officer in South Africa to support climate finance, adaptation policy, the Climate Investment Platform and monitoring and evaluation. Apply by 4 September 2026.
