Apply Today! UNDP Project Coordination Specialist (NPSA-10).
Apply Today! UNDP Project Coordination Specialist (NPSA-10).
A Comprehensive Guide to UNDP’s Project Coordination Specialist Vacancy in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Adaptation
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), one of the world’s leading development organizations, is inviting qualified professionals to apply for the position of Project Coordination Specialist (NPSA-10) under its Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery Practice Area. This prestigious role represents a unique opportunity for experienced project management professionals to contribute to climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development initiatives in Nepal.
As climate change continues to intensify environmental risks in high-altitude and mountainous regions, UNDP is strengthening its efforts to mitigate disaster impacts, enhance early warning systems, and promote proactive risk reduction strategies. The Project Coordination Specialist will play a central leadership role in implementing a large-scale, donor-funded climate resilience project supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
About the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
The United Nations Development Programme is the UN’s global development network, working in more than 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, strengthen governance, and promote sustainable development.
UNDP supports countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through:
- Climate action and environmental protection
- Disaster risk reduction and recovery
- Inclusive governance and peacebuilding
- Poverty reduction and livelihoods development
- Gender equality and social inclusion
- Institutional capacity strengthening
As a trusted development partner, UNDP works closely with governments, civil society, international organizations, and private sector partners to design and implement innovative, evidence-based development solutions.
UNDP promotes integrity, accountability, professionalism, diversity, and inclusion in all its operations and employment practices.
Why Work with UNDP on Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction Projects?
The Growing Importance of Climate Resilience
Climate change has emerged as one of the greatest global development challenges of the 21st century. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, glacial melting, and extreme weather events are increasing the frequency and severity of disasters worldwide.
In mountainous countries such as Nepal, climate change is accelerating glacial retreat, increasing the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), landslides, and flash floods. These hazards threaten lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, agriculture, energy systems, and tourism industries.
UNDP’s climate and disaster risk reduction programmes aim to:
- Strengthen early warning systems
- Improve disaster preparedness
- Promote anticipatory action
- Enhance institutional capacities
- Protect vulnerable communities
- Support sustainable recovery
Working on such programmes allows professionals to contribute directly to climate adaptation, environmental protection, and human security.
Professional Development and Career Growth
UNDP offers a dynamic, multicultural, and performance-driven work environment. Employees benefit from:
- Exposure to international development practice
- Opportunities for leadership development
- Continuous learning and training
- Collaboration with global experts
- Career mobility within the UN system
A career with UNDP provides long-term professional value and global recognition.
Project Background and Strategic Context
Climate Change and Glacial Lake Risks in Nepal
Nepal is experiencing accelerated climate change impacts, particularly in high-altitude regions. Rising temperatures are causing rapid glacial retreat, leading to the formation and expansion of glacial lakes.
These lakes are increasingly unstable and prone to breaching, resulting in Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). GLOFs can cause:
- Severe flooding
- Landslides and mudflows
- Infrastructure destruction
- Agricultural losses
- Power supply disruptions
- Loss of life and livelihoods
The Thulagi, Lower Barun, Lumding Tsho, and Hongu 2 lakes are considered extremely high-risk due to increasing volumes, weakened moraine structures, and reduced freeboard.
Green Climate Fund–Supported Intervention
To address these risks, a comprehensive climate resilience project has been developed with:
- USD 36 million from the Green Climate Fund
- USD 14 million in co-financing
The project adopts an integrated approach to GLOF risk management by focusing on:
- Lowering water levels of high-risk glacial lakes
- Implementing eco-disaster risk reduction measures
- Establishing early warning systems
- Strengthening institutional capacity
This initiative represents a shift from reactive disaster response to proactive risk prevention.
Project Implementation Modality
The project follows UNDP’s National Implementation Modality (NIM), with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) serving as the Implementing Partner under the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.
A Project Management Unit (PMU) has been established to coordinate implementation. The Project Coordination Specialist serves as the head of this unit.
Role Purpose and Strategic Importance
The Project Coordination Specialist is responsible for leading the PMU and ensuring effective, timely, and accountable project delivery.
The role ensures that:
- Project outputs meet quality standards
- Activities are delivered on schedule
- Financial resources are managed responsibly
- Stakeholder coordination is maintained
- GCF and UNDP requirements are fulfilled
The position is critical to achieving project success and sustainability.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Project Management and Implementation
The Specialist will:
- Develop annual work plans and budgets
- Monitor project progress and performance
- Identify risks and bottlenecks
- Propose corrective measures
- Supervise PMU staff
- Lead operational planning
This function ensures strategic alignment and operational efficiency.
2. Procurement and Financial Management
Responsibilities include:
- Managing procurement processes
- Drafting TORs and specifications
- Overseeing recruitment of consultants
- Maintaining financial records
- Supporting audits
- Ensuring donor compliance
Strong financial stewardship is essential to donor confidence.
3. Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement
The Specialist will:
- Serve as central coordination focal point
- Liaise with government counterparts
- Engage UN agencies and partners
- Facilitate technical advisory groups
- Coordinate responsible parties
Effective partnerships are essential for multi-sectoral project delivery.
4. Communications and Knowledge Management
Key functions include:
- Supporting project visibility
- Promoting stakeholder communication
- Managing feedback mechanisms
- Documenting lessons learned
- Sharing best practices
- Supporting regional knowledge exchange
Knowledge management strengthens institutional learning.
5. Capacity Development and Sustainability
The Specialist will:
- Design capacity-building programmes
- Promote on-the-job training
- Support institutionalization of tools
- Strengthen government systems
- Enhance long-term sustainability
Capacity development ensures lasting project impact.
6. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI)
Mainstreaming GESI is a core responsibility, including:
- Integrating gender-responsive approaches
- Promoting inclusive participation
- Implementing GESI Action Plans
- Monitoring disaggregated data
- Addressing social risks
- Supporting marginalized groups
Inclusive development is central to UNDP’s mandate.
Competency Framework
Core Competencies
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Results orientation
- Innovative thinking
- Continuous learning
- Adaptive leadership
- Determination
- Partnership building
- Inclusion advocacy
These competencies support effective leadership.
Cross-Functional and Technical Competencies
Key areas include:
- Disaster risk governance
- Early warning systems
- Climate adaptation
- Strategic sourcing
- Project management
- Partnership management
- Risk management
- System thinking
- Gender innovation
Required Qualifications and Experience
Educational Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- Master’s degree in relevant fields
OR - Bachelor’s degree with additional experience
Relevant disciplines include:
- Environmental Management
- Development Studies
- Project Management
- Public Administration
- International Relations
- Political Science
Professional Experience
Candidates should have:
- Minimum 5 years’ experience (with Master’s)
- Minimum 7 years’ experience (with Bachelor’s)
- Strong project management background
- Experience in donor-funded projects
- Exposure to government coordination
Technical and Professional Skills
Required skills include:
- Advanced MS Office proficiency
- Strong organizational abilities
- Analytical and reporting skills
- Time management
- Interpersonal communication
- Professional writing
Desired Additional Experience
Highly desirable qualifications include:
- Early warning systems experience
- Disaster risk management expertise
- Climate adaptation projects
- Large-budget project leadership
- Multi-cultural team management
- UNDP experience
Language Requirements
- Good command of English
- Good command of Nepali
Effective bilingual communication is essential.
Compensation and Benefits
UNDP offers a competitive remuneration package aligned with NPSA standards, including:
Financial Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Contractual allowances
- Performance-based renewals
Professional Development
- Training programmes
- Leadership development
- Technical workshops
- Global learning platforms
Work Environment
- Inclusive workplace
- Diversity-focused policies
- Professional support systems
Diversity, Inclusion, and Safeguarding
UNDP promotes:
- Equal opportunity employment
- Gender balance
- Disability inclusion
- Cultural diversity
- Anti-discrimination policies
The organization maintains zero tolerance for harassment, exploitation, and abuse.
Application Process and Guidelines
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through UNDP’s official recruitment platform.
Applicants must provide:
- Updated CV
- Completed online profile
- Supporting documents (if requested)
- APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE.
YOU CAN CHECK OPPORTUNITIES HERE!
Important Reminders
- Ensure profile accuracy
- Complete all sections
- Verify qualifications
- Submit before deadline
- Monitor application status
Fraud Prevention Notice
UNDP does not charge recruitment fees. Applicants should remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes.
Career Prospects with UNDP
A career with UNDP offers:
- International exposure
- Policy influence
- Leadership opportunities
- Professional credibility
- Long-term growth
- Global networks
Employees contribute to sustainable development worldwide.
Conclusion
The Project Coordination Specialist (NPSA-10) position with UNDP represents a high-impact career opportunity in climate resilience and disaster risk reduction.
This role is ideal for professionals seeking:
- UNDP jobs in climate change
- Disaster risk management careers
- Project coordination vacancies
- Development sector leadership roles
- International NGO employment
By joining UNDP, successful candidates will contribute directly to safeguarding vulnerable communities, strengthening national capacities, and advancing climate adaptation strategies.
Qualified professionals are strongly encouraged to apply before the deadline and become part of UNDP’s global mission to create resilient, inclusive, and sustainable societies.
