he Project Specialist position with UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) in Majuro, Marshall Islands, is a key role in managing and overseeing the “Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA)” project. This project focuses on improving water security, water resilience, and water governance to help communities in the Marshall Islands adapt to the effects of climate change, particularly droughts and rising sea levels.

Key Responsibilitieshttp://UNDP Project Specialist – Majuro, Marshall Islands

1. Project Implementation & Coordination
   • Ensure the project is executed effectively according to the project document.
   • Develop and implement annual work plans and budgets.
   • Coordinate with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
   • Manage procurement of goods and services required for the project.
   • Oversee risk assessment and recommend strategies for adaptive management.
2. Operations & Financial Management
   • Monitor and report on project budgets and expenditures.
   • Manage procurement and supply chain activities.
   • Ensure compliance with UNDP policies and financial guidelines.
   • Prepare quarterly and annual progress reports.
3. Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
   • Build partnerships with government agencies, donors, and other stakeholders.
   • Support resource mobilization (fundraising and securing new projects).
   • Represent the project in UN and international climate change discussions.
4. Technical Support & Knowledge Sharing
   • Provide policy advice to the government on water resource management.
   • Develop and promote best practices in climate resilience.
   • Organize capacity-building workshops for government and community partners.
   • Conduct field visits to monitor project impact on local communities.

Who Should Apply?

• Education: A Master’s degree in water engineering, environmental science, natural resources, or a related field is required (or a Bachelor’s degree with 9 years of experience).
• Experience: At least 7-9 years of experience in project management, particularly in climate adaptation, water resource management, or related fields.
• Skills Required:
  • Strong leadership and project management skills.
  • Experience working on large-scale projects ($3 million+).
  • Knowledge of procurement, budgeting, and logistics.
  • Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
• Languages: Fluency in English and Marshallese is required.

Why is this Role Important?@vacancyspaces.com

• The Marshall Islands are extremely vulnerable to climate change due to their low elevation and reliance on rainwater for drinking water.
• This project will increase water security for 77 rural communities and improve groundwater protection from seawater contamination.
• Strengthening governance and building local capacity will help ensure long-term climate resilience in the region.

Would you like help with tailoring a resume or cover letter for this ro

Sure! Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Project Specialist role, covering all aspects, including the background, responsibilities, skills, qualifications, and the significance of the position in the broader context of climate change adaptation and sustainable development.

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Detailed Overview of the Project Specialist Role (UNDP – Marshall Islands)

1. Introduction to the Role

The Project Specialist (PS) position with UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) is a full-time, high-level role aimed at managing and executing the “Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA)” project in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). This project is critical for improving water security, resilience, and governance across 24 atolls and islands that are highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly prolonged droughts and seawater contamination.

As a Project Specialist, you will play a leadership role in overseeing project implementation, working with government institutions, donors, civil society organizations (CSOs), local communities, and other key stakeholders to ensure the project is delivered effectively and sustainably. The role requires strong technical expertise in climate change adaptation, water resource management, project management, procurement, and financial oversight.

This position falls under the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific within UNDP and will be based in Majuro, Marshall Islands, with potential travel to other islands and international conferences.

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2. Background of the ACWA Project

The Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) project was launched in January 2020 to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on water security in the Marshall Islands. The Government of the Republic of Marshall Islands (GoRMI), in partnership with UNDP and funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), designed this initiative to improve water accessibility and resilience in some of the most climate-vulnerable communities in the Pacific.

Key Water-Related Challenges in the Marshall Islands:

1. Limited Freshwater Sources:
   • The islands lack rivers, lakes, and large groundwater reserves.
   • The primary water sources are rainwater harvesting and groundwater lenses.
2. Climate Change Threats:
   • Rising sea levels increase the risk of saltwater intrusion into groundwater.
   • Extreme weather events such as droughts and storm surges impact water availability.
3. Poor Water Infrastructure:
   • Many households lack adequate rainwater harvesting and storage facilities.
   • Aging infrastructure results in water losses and inefficiencies.
4. Governance & Capacity Gaps:
   • Limited technical capacity and financial resources hinder effective water governance.

Key Objectives of the ACWA Project:

• Enhancing Water Security: Strengthening rainwater harvesting systems in 77 rural communities (~28% of the population).
• Improving Water Resilience: Protecting groundwater resources from saltwater contamination.
• Strengthening Water Governance: Building the technical and institutional capacity of government agencies to manage climate risks effectively.

The Project Specialist will ensure these objectives are met by overseeing the project’s implementation, managing resources, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

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3. Core Responsibilities of the Project Specialist

A. Project Implementation & Coordination

• Ensure all project activities align with the approved Project Document and UNDP guidelines.
• Develop and implement Annual Work Plans (AWPs) with clear project targets and milestones.
• Identify key challenges and risks during project execution and recommend adaptive strategies to mitigate them.
• Coordinate with the Government of the Marshall Islands (GoRMI) and other key stakeholders to ensure smooth execution.
• Lead the procurement and logistics process for equipment, water infrastructure materials, and services.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards (ESS) to avoid negative impacts on communities.

B. Operations & Financial Management

• Monitor project budgets, expenditures, and resource allocation.
• Ensure that procurement processes follow UNDP’s policies and international best practices.
• Work closely with the Finance & Administration team to prepare financial reports.
• Conduct financial risk assessments and recommend solutions to address budgetary challenges.
• Lead the preparation of quarterly and annual project reports to donors and UNDP headquarters.

C. Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

• Foster relationships with government agencies, CSOs, private sector partners, and multilateral donors.
• Represent the ACWA project in national and international forums on water security and climate resilience.
• Support resource mobilization efforts by identifying funding opportunities and developing project proposals.
• Lead public awareness and advocacy campaigns on water conservation and climate adaptation strategies.

D. Technical Support & Knowledge Management

• Provide expert guidance on water resource management, climate adaptation, and sustainable infrastructure development.
• Organize and facilitate training workshops for government officials and community leaders.
• Identify and share best practices and lessons learned to improve project outcomes.
• Develop technical reports, policy briefs, and research papers to contribute to regional and global climate adaptation knowledge.

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4. Qualifications & Skills Required

A. Education Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Water Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in the above fields must have 9 years of relevant experience.

B. Work Experience:

• Minimum 7 years (with Master’s) or 9 years (with Bachelor’s) of progressive experience in:
  • Project management in water security, climate adaptation, or natural resource management.
  • Institutional capacity-building and governance in water or environmental sectors.
  • Procurement, budgeting, and financial management of large-scale projects (over $3 million USD).

C. Key Competencies & Skills:

1. Project Management: Ability to plan, execute, and evaluate complex projects.
2. Risk Management: Identify and mitigate project-related risks effectively.
3. Stakeholder Coordination: Strong diplomatic skills to work with government officials, donors, and communities.
4. Financial Oversight: Proficiency in budgeting, procurement, and financial reporting.
5. Technical Knowledge:
   • Expertise in water governance, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater management.
   • Understanding of climate change adaptation strategies and environmental sustainability.
6. Strong Communication Skills: Ability to write reports, deliver presentations, and facilitate stakeholder discussions.
7. Team Leadership: Ability to manage teams across multiple locations.
8. Language Proficiency: Fluency in English and Marshallese is required.

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5. Why This Role is Important

A. Global Climate Change Context:

The Marshall Islands are one of the most climate-vulnerable nations due to their low-lying geography and dependence on rainwater for drinking water. Rising sea levels and increasing droughts threaten their very existence. This project is a critical step in building long-term resilience and securing the future of the islands.

B. Impact of the ACWA Project:

• Improves water access and security for thousands of people.
• Protects groundwater resources from saltwater contamination.
• Strengthens local capacity and governance for sustainable water management.
• Aligns with global climate goals (e.g., Paris Agreement, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)).

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6. Conclusion

The Project Specialist role is an exciting opportunity to lead a transformative climate adaptation project in the Marshall Islands. If you have a passion for water security, environmental sustainability, and project leadership, this position allows you to make a real impact in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions.

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Comprehensive Overview of the Project Specialist Role (UNDP – Marshall Islands)

1. Introduction to the Role

The Project Specialist (PS) position with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a key leadership role designed to support and implement the “Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA)” project in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI).

This position is vital in enhancing water security, infrastructure, and governance in one of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world. The Marshall Islands consist of low-lying atolls and islands, which are highly susceptible to climate change impacts, such as:

• Prolonged droughts
• Sea-level rise
• Saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources

As the Project Specialist, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the successful implementation of climate adaptation strategies to strengthen water infrastructure, community resilience, and institutional capacity. You will work closely with the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (GoRMI), donors (e.g., Green Climate Fund – GCF), civil society organizations (CSOs), and local communities to achieve the project’s goals.

The role falls under the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific within UNDP and is based in Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands. You may also be required to travel to outer islands or participate in international climate and water security conferences.

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2. Understanding the ACWA Project and Its Impact

The Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) project was launched in January 2020 to tackle the water security crisis in the Marshall Islands.

Why This Project Is Needed:

1. Water Insecurity Due to Limited Freshwater Sources:
   • The Marshall Islands lack major rivers or lakes and depend primarily on rainwater harvesting and groundwater lenses (shallow freshwater floating above seawater).
   • Climate change is increasing the frequency of droughts, which severely reduce available drinking water.
2. Threat of Saltwater Intrusion:
   • Rising sea levels and storm surges threaten to contaminate the already limited groundwater supply.
   • Saltwater intrusion is destroying crops and making agriculture difficult, worsening food security.
3. Aging and Inadequate Water Infrastructure:
   • Many rainwater catchment systems are outdated, inefficient, or poorly maintained.
   • Leakage and contamination lead to high levels of water loss and poor water quality.
4. Limited Governance and Institutional Capacity:
   • Government agencies and local authorities often lack the technical expertise, financial resources, and policy frameworks to manage water resources effectively.

Project Goals and Objectives:

The ACWA project aims to address these challenges by:

• Improving Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Upgrading and expanding rainwater collection infrastructure in 77 rural communities (~28% of the population).
• Strengthening Groundwater Protection Measures: Implementing safeguards to prevent saltwater intrusion into groundwater sources.
• Building Institutional Capacity: Enhancing the technical expertise and governance structures within local government agencies.
• Implementing Sustainable Water Management Practices: Promoting water conservation, community education, and climate adaptation strategies.

Impact on the Community:

By implementing these strategies, the ACWA project aims to:

• Provide sustainable access to safe drinking water for thousands of people.
• Reduce health risks associated with contaminated water.
• Increase community resilience to climate change-related water shortages.
• Create stronger local governance frameworks for water resource management.

The Project Specialist plays a key role in ensuring these objectives are met on time and within budget.

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3. Core Responsibilities of the Project Specialist

A. Project Implementation & Coordination

• Ensure that all project activities align with the Project Document and UNDP’s climate adaptation guidelines.
• Develop and execute Annual Work Plans (AWPs) with measurable targets, deliverables, and performance indicators.
• Identify key challenges, obstacles, and risks that may impact project success and propose mitigation strategies.
• Work with national and international partners to ensure smooth project execution.
• Oversee the procurement process for equipment, infrastructure materials, and technical services.
• Ensure compliance with Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) to minimize negative impacts on communities.

B. Operations & Financial Management

• Manage project budgets, expenditures, and funding allocations to ensure efficient resource utilization.
• Work with finance and procurement teams to ensure that all financial transactions comply with UNDP regulations.
• Conduct financial risk assessments and propose corrective measures when needed.
• Prepare financial reports for UNDP, GCF, and other donors.

C. Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

• Build relationships with government agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), donors, and international partners.
• Represent the ACWA project in national and international water security forums.
• Support fundraising and resource mobilization efforts by identifying funding opportunities and preparing grant proposals.
• Lead public education campaigns to promote water conservation and climate resilience.

D. Technical Support & Knowledge Management

• Provide technical guidance on climate adaptation, water security, and infrastructure development.
• Conduct capacity-building workshops for government staff and community leaders.
• Develop technical reports, case studies, and best practice guides to enhance knowledge-sharing.
• Ensure that lessons learned from project implementation are documented and used to improve future projects.

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4. Required Qualifications & Skills

A. Education Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Water Resource Management, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Climate Adaptation, or a related field.
• A Bachelor’s degree in the same fields is acceptable if the candidate has 9 years of experience.

B. Work Experience:

• 7 years (with a Master’s) or 9 years (with a Bachelor’s) in:
  • Managing large-scale development projects related to water security or climate adaptation.
  • Institutional capacity-building and governance improvement in the water sector.
  • Procurement, budgeting, and financial management of projects exceeding $3 million USD.

C. Key Competencies & Skills:

1. Project Management: Ability to plan, execute, and monitor complex projects.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: Strong diplomacy skills for working with government officials, donors, and communities.
3. Technical Knowledge:
   • Expertise in water governance, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater management.
   • Understanding of climate resilience and sustainable development.
4. Financial & Procurement Management: Proficiency in budgeting, procurement, and financial oversight.
5. Team Leadership & Communication: Strong writing, presentation, and team management skills.
6. Risk Management: Ability to identify and mitigate project risks effectively.
7. Language Proficiency: Fluency in English and Marshallese is required.

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5. Why This Role Matters

A. Climate Change and the Pacific Region

The Marshall Islands are on the frontlines of climate change. With rising sea levels, prolonged droughts, and increasing storms, the country’s very existence is at risk.

B. Impact of the ACWA Project

This project provides a lifeline for thousands of people by ensuring:

• Sustainable access to safe drinking water.
• Protection of vital freshwater resources.
• Increased community resilience against climate disasters.

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6. Conclusion

The Project Specialist position is a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact on climate adaptation and water security in one of the world’s most vulnerable nations. This role requires a combination of technical expertise, project leadership, and strong stakeholder engagement skills.

Project Specialist (UNDP – Marshall Islands) – Summary

The Project Specialist will lead the implementation of the “Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA)” project in the Marshall Islands, focusing on water security, climate resilience, and infrastructure improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

✅ Oversee project implementation, ensuring goals are met on time and within budget.
✅ Strengthen rainwater harvesting systems and groundwater protection measures.
✅ Work with government agencies, civil society, and donors to build capacity.
✅ Manage project budgets, procurement, and financial reporting.
✅ Conduct stakeholder engagement, training, and policy development to improve water governance.
✅ Ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards.

Requirements:

🎓 Master’s degree (or Bachelor’s with additional experience) in Water Resource Management, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, or related fields.
📌 7+ years of experience in project management, climate adaptation, or water security.
📊 Strong skills in financial management, stakeholder engagement, and risk assessment.
🌍 Knowledge of climate resilience, sustainable water management, and Pacific island challenges.
💬 Fluency in English and Marshallese preferred.

Why This Role Matters:

The Marshall Islands face severe climate threats like droughts, saltwater intrusion, and rising sea levels. This project ensures sustainable access to clean water and strengthens climate resilience for local communities.