Senior Climate Resilient Urban Development Advisor – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Home-based Retainer with government facility visits)

Organization: United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Contract Type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA 10) – Retainer

Duration: 12 Months (up to 220 working days, extension possible)

Posting Period: July 23, 2026 – August 06, 2026

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Role Summary

Are you an expert in urban climate resilience, climate finance, and sustainable infrastructure? UNOPS is seeking a Senior Climate Resilient Urban Development Advisor to support Ethiopia’s Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure Development.

In this role, you will lead efforts to translate Ethiopia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) into bankable investment projects, mobilize global climate finance, and strengthen municipal capacity across green infrastructure, smart city planning, and integrated waste management.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Project Development & Climate Finance

• Pipeline Identification: Identify and prioritize bankable opportunities in green infrastructure, non-motorized transport, urban drainage, nature-based flood management, and waste management services.

• Proposal & Concept Note Preparation: Draft high-quality project proposals, concept notes, theories of change, and results frameworks for major multilateral climate funds, development banks, and bilateral donors.

• Resource Mobilization: Formulate targeted climate finance strategies, funding trackers, and donor outreach initiatives to scale smart and resilient urban programs across Ethiopian municipalities.

2. Institutional Capacity Building

• Training & Mentorship: Conduct needs assessments and deliver hands-on training for Ministry staff, regional bureaus, and municipal teams on project preparation, proposal drafting, and donor engagement.

• Local Capability Support: Help municipalities adopt digital urban planning tools and scale successful models like green corridors, public space greening, and low-carbon infrastructure.

• Standard Operating Procedures: Develop standard templates and practical guides to streamline municipal delivery of climate-resilient projects.

3. Strategic Policy Advice & Coordination

• Policy Alignment: Provide strategic recommendations to integrate resilience, smart-city features, and low-emission concepts into national urban planning frameworks.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinate across the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure Development, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Planning and Development, international partners (including Netherlands-supported programs), and private investors.

• Monitoring & Knowledge Sharing: Document best practices, lessons learned, and progress updates to refine national urban policies and strategy execution.

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Candidate Qualifications

Education

• Required: Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Infrastructure Planning, Climate Change, Public Policy, Development Finance, or a related field.

  (A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree).

• Preferred: Ph.D. in Urban Planning, Green Infrastructure, or Integrated Waste/Stormwater Management.

Experience

• Minimum Experience: 5+ years of progressive professional experience in urban climate resilience, climate finance, infrastructure investment, or green urban development.

• Climate Finance Expertise: Proven track record engaging multilateral climate funds, development finance institutions (DFIs), and bilateral partners.

• Capacity Building: Demonstrated success in training public sector or municipal teams in fundraising, project design, and proposal writing.

• Domain Knowledge: Strong technical knowledge of low-carbon infrastructure, municipal service systems, flood and heat mitigation, and smart city implementations in developing contexts.

Languages & Eligibility

• Languages: Fluency in English and Amharic is required.

• Eligibility: Candidates must be Ethiopian nationals or hold a valid Ethiopian residence permit. (Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply).

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Why Join UNOPS?

• Meaningful Impact: Play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable, climate-resilient cities across Ethiopia.

• Global Exposure: Collaborate with international climate funds, UN agencies, and global development partners.

• Professional Growth: Expand your expertise in project preparation, climate finance, and strategic public policy.

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How to Apply

To review the full position details and submit your application online, visit the official: >>> UNOPS Careers Portal.

Application Deadline: August 6, 2026 (midnight Copenhagen time / CET). Applications received after this date will not be considered.