UNOPS is hiring a Climate Change Adaptation Officer (Home-Based Retainer) in South Africa. The 12-month contract supports climate finance, adaptation planning, stakeholder engagement, and the Climate Investment Platform. Applications close on 4 September 2026.
UNOPS Hiring Climate Change Adaptation Officer for Home-Based Role in South Africa
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is inviting applications for a Climate Change Adaptation Officer (Home-Based Retainer) position in South Africa. This exciting opportunity is aimed at climate professionals, environmental specialists, policy experts, and development practitioners who want to contribute to national and global climate action initiatives while working within the United Nations system.
The position offers a 12-month contract, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. Applications are open until 4 September 2026.
The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting South Africa’s climate adaptation efforts through collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and various climate finance and development partners.
About UNOPS
UNOPS is one of the operational arms of the United Nations, helping governments, international organizations, and development partners implement projects that promote sustainable development worldwide.
Operating in over 130 countries, UNOPS provides project management, infrastructure, procurement, financial management, and operational support services. Its work contributes directly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on climate action, environmental sustainability, poverty reduction, and resilient development.
The Climate Change Adaptation Officer position falls under the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) Portfolio, a global programme that supports environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development initiatives.
Supporting South Africa’s Climate Adaptation Agenda
The successful candidate will support the Climate Change Adaptation Unit within South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
The role focuses on strengthening climate adaptation planning, mobilizing climate finance, supporting monitoring and evaluation systems, and coordinating stakeholder engagement processes related to climate resilience.
The officer will work closely with government institutions, development partners, climate finance organizations, and private-sector stakeholders to help implement South Africa’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
A major responsibility of the role will be supporting the development and implementation of the Climate Investment Platform (CIP) and assisting with Green Climate Fund readiness initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Supporting Green Climate Fund Readiness
One of the primary responsibilities of the Climate Change Adaptation Officer will be assisting with South Africa’s Green Climate Fund (GCF) readiness programme.
This includes:
- Supporting readiness applications
- Developing climate finance proposals
- Assisting with concept note preparation
- Addressing technical feedback from the GCF
- Supporting full funding proposal development
The work will be undertaken alongside the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and other strategic partners.
Developing the Climate Investment Platform
The Climate Investment Platform is intended to strengthen climate investment coordination and accelerate adaptation financing.
The officer will:
- Map climate stakeholders
- Coordinate engagement processes
- Facilitate information sharing
- Organize stakeholder meetings
- Support platform implementation
- Identify funding and technical resources
The platform will help align climate investments with South Africa’s adaptation priorities.
Resource Mobilization and Strategic Partnerships
The successful candidate will support efforts to secure financing for climate adaptation projects.
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting donor engagement
- Coordinating strategic partnerships
- Identifying funding opportunities
- Supporting adaptation project pipelines
- Strengthening collaboration between stakeholders
The role requires strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
Organizing Climate Dialogues
The Climate Change Adaptation Officer will assist in facilitating climate discussions involving:
- Government departments
- Development agencies
- Financial institutions
- NGOs
- Research organizations
- Private-sector partners
The position will also support South Africa’s participation in climate-related conferences, climate weeks, and international climate events.
ALSO READ
- Synthesis Software Technologies Graduate Internship Programme 2027
- MANCOSA Internship Programme 2026
- SMU Public Relations and Communications Internship Programme 2026: Applications Open for Graduates
- Department of Water and Sanitation Administration Clerk Vacancies: x5 Positions Available
- Transnet Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme 2026: Non-Technical Opportunities for TVET College Graduates
Monitoring and Evaluation Support
An important component of the role involves strengthening national climate information systems and adaptation monitoring frameworks.
Key responsibilities include:
- Improving the National Climate Change Information System (NCCIS)
- Updating the National Climate Change Response Database (NCCRD)
- Developing climate adaptation indicators
- Supporting annual climate reporting
- Conducting Indigenous Knowledge System studies
- Supporting Climate Change Adaptation Technical Working Groups
These activities help track climate adaptation progress and inform policy decisions.
Qualifications Required
UNOPS is seeking candidates with strong academic backgrounds and relevant professional experience.
Education
Applicants should possess:
- A Master’s degree or higher in:
- Climate Change
- Environmental Management
- Climate Finance
- Public Policy
- Economics
- Development Studies
- Natural Resource Management
- Related fields
Candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree with additional relevant work experience may also be considered.
Experience Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate:
- At least 2 years of relevant professional experience
- Experience in climate policy or climate governance
- Knowledge of South African climate strategies and frameworks
- Experience coordinating stakeholder engagement processes
Additional advantages include:
- Climate finance experience
- Climate investment planning expertise
- Government engagement experience
- Resource mobilization experience
- Partnership management skills
- International development experience
Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should possess:
- Climate adaptation expertise
- Policy analysis skills
- Project management capabilities
- Stakeholder engagement experience
- Resource mobilization knowledge
- Strong communication skills
- Research and analytical abilities
- Monitoring and evaluation expertise
Because the role is home-based, candidates should also be comfortable working independently and managing multiple priorities.
Contract Details
Position: Climate Change Adaptation Officer (Home-Based Retainer)
Organization: UNOPS
Contract Type: ICA – LICA Specialist Retainer
Level: LICA 9 / ICS 09
Location: Home-Based, South Africa
Duration: 12 Months (with possible extension)
Closing Date: 4 September 2026
Applicants must be South African citizens or hold a valid residence permit in South Africa.
UNOPS has also encouraged female candidates to apply.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This position offers a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of climate policy, climate finance, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
Successful candidates will:
- Contribute to national climate adaptation priorities
- Support climate finance initiatives
- Engage with senior government stakeholders
- Work on Green Climate Fund programmes
- Gain experience within the United Nations system
- Strengthen South Africa’s climate resilience efforts
- Expand their professional network in the climate sector
For professionals passionate about climate action and sustainable development, this role offers both impact and career growth.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official UNOPS careers portal before the closing date of 4 September 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documentation early and ensure that all information is submitted accurately before the deadline.
Final Thoughts
The UNOPS Climate Change Adaptation Officer (Home-Based Retainer) vacancy provides a unique opportunity for climate professionals to support South Africa’s transition toward a more climate-resilient future. Through work on climate finance, adaptation planning, stakeholder coordination, and monitoring systems, the successful candidate will help drive meaningful environmental and development outcomes.
Professionals with expertise in climate policy, environmental management, development planning, and climate finance are encouraged to apply before 4 September 2026 and become part of a global effort to address climate change and strengthen sustainable development.
APPLY VIA THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Get the latest jobs, internships, bursaries, and remote opportunities delivered instantly.
Follow our channels and never miss an update.
Join WhatsApp Channel
