Project Specialist – Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) Project at the United Nations Development (UNDP) in Majuro, Marshall Islands.
This Project Specialist role with UNDP in Majuro, Marshall Islands is focused on climate resilience and water security under the Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) project. The goal is to help communities in the Marshall Islands adapt to the growing impacts of climate change on their water supply. Since the country is made up of small, low-lying islands without rivers or lakes, water security is a major concern.
Key Responsibilities
As a Project Specialist, your primary responsibility is to ensure the project is implemented effectively by coordinating activities, managing budgets, overseeing operations, and ensuring policy alignment with local government and international donors like the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
1. Project Implementation & Managementhttp://UNDP Project Specialist Job – Majuro, Marshall Islands
- Plan and execute annual work plans to ensure the project meets its goals.
- Oversee day-to-day operations, including budgeting, procurement, and hiring.
- Lead meetings with project teams, government stakeholders, and donors.
- Monitor project activities and evaluate progress against targets.
- Identify risks and suggest solutions to overcome challenges.
2. Water Security & Climate Resilience
- Improve rainwater harvesting and storage systems for rural communities.
- Ensure groundwater sources are protected from saltwater contamination.
- Strengthen the capacity of local institutions to manage climate risks effectively.
3. Stakeholder & Partnership Management
- Collaborate with UNDP teams in Fiji and the Federated States of Micronesia.
- Work closely with the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (GoRMI).
- Engage with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local communities.
- Coordinate with international donors to secure funding and support.
4. Reporting & Compliance
- Prepare and submit financial and narrative reports on the project’s progress.
- Ensure compliance with UNDP and donor guidelines.
- Organize and present findings at international forums to share lessons learned.
Required Skills & Qualifications@vacancyspaces.com
To qualify for this position, you need a Master’s degree with 7 years of experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with 9 years of experience in fields like:
- Water Engineering / Civil Engineering
- Natural Resource Management
- Environmental Science / Climate Change Adaptation
- Development Studies
Additionally, you need experience in:
✔ Managing large-scale projects (over $3 million USD)
✔ Working on climate change adaptation projects, especially water security
✔ Stakeholder engagement & policy advising
✔ Budgeting, procurement, and logistics (preferably in the Pacific region)
Who Should Apply?
This role is ideal for someone with strong leadership skills, technical knowledge of water security & climate change, and experience working in developing island nations. Fluency in English and Marshallese is required.
Since UNDP promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, people from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Contract & Benefits
- Job Type: Full-time (1-year contract, renewable)
- Grade: NPSA-11 (National Personnel Service Agreement)
- Location: Majuro, Marshall Islands
- Salary & Benefits: Competitive, aligned with UNDP’s pay scale
Next Steps
- Application Deadline: February 24, 2025
- Application Process: Submit your CV, cover letter, and required documents on the UNDP career portal.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the UNDP Project Specialist position in Majuro, Marshall Islands. This document will cover the role’s purpose, responsibilities, required qualifications, skills, and expected impact in great depth.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Project Specialist (Majuro, Marshall Islands)
Introduction to the Role
The Project Specialist position is an essential role within the Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) project, which aims to enhance water security and climate resilience in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI).
The Marshall Islands is a remote Pacific island nation consisting of 24 inhabited atolls and islands that lie an average of 2 meters above sea level. Due to climate change, these islands face extreme risks, including droughts, rising sea levels, and saltwater contamination of freshwater sources.
This position is responsible for overseeing project implementation, financial management, procurement, stakeholder engagement, and policy advising. The Project Specialist will be based in Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands, with potential travel to other islands and atolls to monitor project activities.
The role requires extensive project management experience, technical expertise in water security, and the ability to coordinate efforts across multiple stakeholders, including the Government of the Marshall Islands (GoRMI), UNDP regional offices, and international donors like the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
Background of the ACWA Project
The ACWA Project was launched in January 2020 to address the growing climate vulnerabilities of the water sector in RMI. Since the Marshall Islands lack rivers, lakes, and large freshwater sources, the country relies heavily on rainwater harvesting and limited groundwater reserves.
The project is co-financed by:
✅ Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (GoRMI)
✅ Green Climate Fund (GCF)
✅ United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
This initiative focuses on three main pillars to strengthen water security:
- Water Security
- Improve rainwater harvesting and storage in 77 rural communities across the outer islands.
- Increase water resilience for approximately 28% of the population, including 7,630 women at risk.
- Ensure equitable access to clean and safe water for all communities.
- Water Resilience
- Protect groundwater resources from contamination caused by rising sea levels, seawater intrusion, and storm surges.
- Implement infrastructure improvements to safeguard freshwater reserves.
- Water Governance
- Build technical capacity within national and local government agencies to integrate climate change risks into water management.
- Develop sustainable policies to improve water governance for the long term.
The Project Specialist plays a key role in executing and overseeing these initiatives, ensuring successful implementation and impact.
Core Responsibilities
1. Project Implementation & Management
The Project Specialist is responsible for ensuring that the ACWA project meets its objectives through efficient planning, execution, and monitoring.
✅ Annual Work Planning
- Develop and oversee Annual Work Plans (AWPs), setting clear goals and targets.
- Ensure that activities align with the Project Document and donor agreements.
- Identify key areas for support, intervention, and risk mitigation.
✅ Procurement & Budgeting
- Oversee procurement of goods and services in line with UNDP policies.
- Ensure the timely delivery of resources needed for project success.
- Manage the project budget and expenditures, tracking financial performance.
✅ Project Reporting & Monitoring
- Develop and implement a project monitoring system to track progress.
- Prepare quarterly and annual reports for UNDP, GoRMI, and funding agencies.
- Identify and resolve challenges that may delay implementation.
✅ Risk Identification & Adaptive Management
- Conduct regular risk assessments with stakeholders.
- Update the risk log and propose solutions to emerging threats.
- Recommend adaptive strategies, such as rescheduling activities or reallocating resources.
2. Water Security & Climate Resilience Initiatives
A critical part of this role is ensuring that project activities contribute to long-term water security and climate adaptation in RMI.
✅ Rainwater Harvesting & Storage
- Oversee the construction of household and community rainwater collection systems.
- Ensure that storage tanks and filtration systems meet quality standards.
✅ Groundwater Protection
- Implement coastal protection measures to prevent saltwater intrusion.
- Develop early warning systems for drought and flooding risks.
✅ Community Engagement & Awareness
- Work with local communities and NGOs to ensure sustainable water management.
- Organize training sessions on climate resilience strategies.
3. Stakeholder Coordination & Partnership Building
Since the ACWA Project involves multiple national and international partners, the Project Specialist must foster effective collaboration.
✅ Government & Institutional Engagement
- Work closely with GoRMI ministries to align project activities with national climate policies.
- Support the integration of climate risk management into government planning.
✅ International & Donor Relations
- Represent UNDP in meetings with funding agencies, such as GCF.
- Ensure compliance with donor funding guidelines and reporting requirements.
✅ Collaboration with UN Agencies & NGOs
- Partner with other UN agencies working on climate change adaptation in the Pacific.
- Engage with civil society organizations and research institutions.
4. Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing
A sustainable impact requires long-term capacity-building at all levels.
✅ Training & Skills Development
- Conduct workshops and training sessions for government officials and project staff.
- Improve the ability of local institutions to manage water resources effectively.
✅ Documentation & Lessons Learned
- Capture and share best practices for climate adaptation.
- Publish reports and case studies on project successes and challenges.
✅ Participation in Global Conferences
- Represent the ACWA project in regional and international climate summits.
- Advocate for increased funding and support for small island states.
Required Qualifications & Skills
Educational Background
✔ Master’s degree in Water Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or Development Studies (with 7 years of experience).
✔ OR Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 9 years of experience.
Professional Experience
✔ Experience managing large-scale climate adaptation projects (over $3 million USD).
✔ Strong background in water resource management & governance.
✔ Hands-on experience in project design, budgeting, and procurement.
✔ Expertise in stakeholder engagement and policy advising.
Technical & Soft Skills
✔ Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
✔ Ability to work independently and in teams with minimal supervision.
✔ Strong leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
Language Requirements
✔ Fluency in English and Marshallese (both written and spoken).
Conclusion
This Project Specialist role presents a unique opportunity to lead a high-impact climate resilience project in the Marshall Islands. The position requires technical expertise, leadership skills, and a strong commitment to sustainable water management.
📌 Application Deadline: February 24, 2025
📌 Location: Majuro, Marshall Island
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Project Specialist (Majuro, Marshall Islands)
Introduction to the Role
The Project Specialist is a key leadership role in the Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) project, which aims to enhance water security and climate resilience in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI).
As a low-lying Pacific island nation, the Marshall Islands is highly vulnerable to climate change, facing threats such as:
✅ Drought and reduced rainfall affecting water supply.
✅ Rising sea levels leading to saltwater intrusion in freshwater sources.
✅ Severe storms and typhoons that damage critical infrastructure.
✅ Waterborne diseases due to contamination of drinking water.
The Project Specialist will oversee the project’s implementation, financial management, policy advising, procurement, and stakeholder engagement. They will work closely with the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (GoRMI), UNDP, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and local communities to ensure the successful execution of the project.
This role is based in Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands, but may require travel to other islands and atolls. It is an exciting and impactful position, helping to build sustainable water management systems and strengthen climate resilience for vulnerable communities.
Project Background – The ACWA Initiative
What is the ACWA Project?
The Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) Project was launched to address water security challenges in RMI, where freshwater is scarce and climate change poses an existential threat.
This project is jointly funded by:
✔ The Green Climate Fund (GCF) – A global fund supporting climate resilience projects.
✔ The Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (GoRMI) – Providing national oversight and policy direction.
✔ United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Managing project execution and implementation.
The goal of the ACWA project is to improve rainwater harvesting, groundwater protection, and climate adaptation policies across the Marshall Islands. The project will benefit 77 rural communities across 24 atolls and islands, directly impacting over 7,600 people.
Key Focus Areas of the ACWA Project
🔹 Water Security – Expanding rainwater harvesting and storage systems.
🔹 Water Resilience – Protecting groundwater sources from climate-related threats.
🔹 Water Governance – Strengthening government policies to improve long-term water management.
Core Responsibilities of the Project Specialist
The Project Specialist is responsible for leading, coordinating, and overseeing the ACWA project to ensure its successful execution. The key duties are divided into several categories:
1. Project Management & Implementation
The Project Specialist will be responsible for:
✅ Developing Project Work Plans
- Prepare Annual Work Plans (AWPs) in line with project goals.
- Establish performance indicators and timelines for project deliverables.
- Ensure compliance with UNDP and GCF guidelines.
✅ Budget & Financial Oversight
- Monitor and track project expenditures to ensure funds are used effectively.
- Prepare financial reports and budget forecasts.
- Coordinate with UNDP financial officers to ensure fund disbursement.
✅ Procurement & Logistics
- Oversee the procurement of equipment, materials, and services for the project.
- Ensure that all procurement activities comply with UNDP and GCF standards.
- Manage contracts with vendors, suppliers, and service providers.
✅ Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
- Develop a robust M&E framework to track project progress.
- Conduct field visits to project sites for real-time assessment.
- Identify potential risks and implement corrective measures.
2. Water Security & Climate Resilience Initiatives
Since the ACWA project focuses on improving water security, the Project Specialist will:
✔ Oversee the installation of rainwater harvesting systems in communities.
✔ Implement infrastructure improvements to enhance water storage and quality.
✔ Introduce water conservation techniques to reduce dependence on groundwater.
✔ Work with engineers to design climate-resilient water management systems.
The goal is to ensure that vulnerable communities have access to safe, clean, and sustainable water sources.
3. Stakeholder Engagement & Policy Development
The Project Specialist will liaise with key partners, including:
🔹 Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (GoRMI) – Ensuring project activities align with national policies.
🔹 Green Climate Fund (GCF) – Providing regular project updates and impact reports.
🔹 Local NGOs & Civil Society Organizations – Strengthening community engagement.
🔹 Regional and International Partners – Seeking further funding and technical support.
Key responsibilities include:
✅ Advising government officials on sustainable water policies.
✅ Ensuring effective coordination between all project stakeholders.
✅ Advocating for climate-resilient water governance policies.
4. Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing
Sustainability is key to this project. The Project Specialist will:
✔ Conduct training sessions for local water management authorities.
✔ Develop educational materials on climate adaptation.
✔ Document lessons learned and share best practices at international forums.
Key Qualifications & Experience Required
Educational Background
✔ Master’s Degree in Water Resource Management, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Climate Change, or a related field (with 7 years of experience).
✔ OR Bachelor’s Degree (with 9 years of experience).
Professional Experience
✔ At least 7-9 years of experience in managing large-scale climate adaptation or water security projects.
✔ Proven experience in project management, budgeting, procurement, and stakeholder coordination.
✔ Familiarity with UNDP, Green Climate Fund (GCF), or similar donor-funded projects.
Technical & Soft Skills
✔ Strong knowledge of climate resilience, water security, and sustainable development.
✔ Ability to manage multi-million-dollar budgets and complex work plans.
✔ Experience working in remote, climate-vulnerable areas.
✔ Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
Challenges & Opportunities in This Role
Challenges:
❌ Working in remote island communities with limited infrastructure.
❌ Managing logistics and supply chain issues for project implementation.
❌ Navigating complex government and donor regulations.
❌ Addressing climate uncertainty and environmental challenges.
Opportunities:
✅ Making a tangible impact in climate adaptation.
✅ Engaging with global climate resilience initiatives.
✅ Building strong partnerships with UN agencies, governments, and NGOs.
✅ Career growth within UNDP and international development organizations.
Final Thoughts
The Project Specialist role in Majuro, Marshall Islands is a high-impact position aimed at improving water security and climate resilience in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions. It offers an exciting opportunity to apply technical expertise, leadership, and strategic planning skills to drive meaningful environmental change.
📌 Application Deadline: February 24, 2025
📌 Location: Majuro, Marshall Islands
