Job Highlight
The position will support a global initiative focused on climate action and sustainable urban development. Through this role, the successful candidate will actively contribute to innovation in partnership development, knowledge management and coalition building, working with a diverse range of stakeholders to empower cities and local governments in their transition to climate‑resilient systems.
About The Group
The Water, Environment, and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna with offices worldwide, is part of the UNOPS Geneva Office. Over the past 15 years, WEC has built strong partnerships and effectively managed a portfolio exceeding 500 million USD, supporting key initiatives through fund management, project implementation, and administrative support.
WEC translates partners' agendas into action through global, regional, and country‑specific initiatives focused on climate action, environmental protection, and conservation. Partners benefit from WEC's ability to implement and scale their strategic priorities, including support for key multilateral environmental and climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement, the Cartagena Convention, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Role Purpose
Working under the guidance and leadership of the Director of the UNOPS GCoM Support and Coordination Unit, the Partnership and Network Adviser identifies and manages strategic partnerships for the development of a global pool of expertise covering all relevant areas of urban development, technical support and climate finance. In line with cities' priorities for climate and energy, they design and implement the knowledge management and sharing approach and framework, in close consultation with the team and key stakeholders, driving end‑to‑end climate implementation coalition building.
Functions / Key Results Expected
Strategic Partnerships Development and Positioning
Support the Director of the UNOPS GCoM Support and Coordination Unit and lead the development and implementation of a partnerships strategy aligned with the objectives of the GCoM. This includes analysing the development landscape and the urban agenda in particular, identifying strategic partners, and positioning within relevant operational niches
Identify and engage strategic partners including international financial institutions, donors, foundations, NGOs, academia and private sector actors to expand the network supporting GCoM and climate action initiatives
Advise senior management on partnership priorities, including identifying priority partners, countries, sectors and service areas
Research donor priorities and political contexts to identify funding opportunities aligned with GCoM’s objectives
Develop and maintain a pipeline of partnership opportunities and projects that contributes to a diversified portfolio of climate and urban development initiatives
Stakeholder Engagement
Participate in key partnership meetings and negotiations with donors and partners, ensuring mutually beneficial agreements and systematic follow‑up
Facilitate high‑level engagement between GCoM’s senior management and partners, including during major events and strategic fora
Support partners in identifying effective implementation approaches that advance climate action while promoting national ownership
Showcase GCoM’s capabilities, leading the development of strategic communication materials, knowledge products and success stories
Knowledge Management and Technical Expertise Network
Establish and maintain a global pool of technical expertise covering urban development, climate action and climate finance
Facilitate platforms and mechanisms for knowledge exchange, collaboration and capacity building among cities and partners
Promote the dissemination of best practices, tools and technical resources supporting the development and implementation of Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs)
Develop PPP frameworks and blended finance mechanisms to support climate and public investment initiatives
Climate Implementation Coalition Building
Support the development of climate implementation coalitions bringing together cities, financial institutions, private sector actors and development partners
Identify barriers to climate action and facilitate partnerships and solutions that support implementation and financing
Organize and facilitate workshops, conferences and collaboration platforms that promote knowledge exchange and strengthen partnerships
Support coordination with UN partners and contribute to inter‑agency collaboration processes, including those linked to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF)
Partnerships and Programme Development Support
Represent the initiative in relevant city networks and multi‑stakeholder forums, positioning the GCoM as a key enabler of technically grounded, financed climate action at city level
Support project identification, concept development and proposal preparation in collaboration with partnerships officers and project managers
Undertake tasks in support of the initiative, in line with expertise, as directed by the Director of the UNOPS GCoM Support and Coordination Unit, to respond to emerging needs and priorities.
Education Requirements
Required
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Climate Change, or a related field or related fields with 9 years of relevant experience
Master’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in any of the above or related fields with 7 years of relevant experience
Experience Requirements
Relevant experience in partnership development and knowledge management, and/or climate action or related areas
Experience in building and managing relationships with diverse stakeholders, including private sector entities, international financial institutions, and research organizations
Proven track record of driving successful coalition building and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders
Desired
Experience working with cities and local governments on climate-related initiatives
Experience in developing and implementing knowledge management strategies and frameworks
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