Climate Resilience Specialist - SC9 at Wfp · Lilongwe

Climate Resilience Specialist - SC9 Location: Lilongwe, Malawi, The Republic Of DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS 24 May 2026-23:59-GMT+02:00 Central Africa Time (Blantyre) WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability. ABOUT WFP The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves. To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok. WHY JOIN WFP? WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment. WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities. A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe. We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement). BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT: Malawi faces increasing climate-related challenges, including erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, floods, and rising temperatures, which significantly threaten food security, livelihoods, and community resilience. These climate shocks exacerbate vulnerabilities among rural households, disrupt agricultural production, and heighten the risk of hunger and malnutrition, undermining progress toward the Zero Hunger initiative (SDG 2). In response, WFP Malawi implements an Integrated Resilience and Livelihoods Programme that directly contributes to the realization of Zero Hunger by addressing the root causes of food insecurity and building sustainable food systems. Leveraging its strong field presence and partnerships, WFP delivers Food Assistance for Assets (FFA), the Integrated Risk Management Programme (IRMP), and Smallholder Agriculture Market Support (SAMS) through a coordinated and mutually reinforcing approach. The programme aligns with Outcome 3 of WFP’s Country Strategic Plan (CSP) and aims to strengthen the adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities through climate‑smart solutions and sustainable livelihoods. ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: The Climate Resilience Specialist will lead WFP Malawi’s efforts to strengthen community resilience and adaptive capacity in the face of increasing climate shocks such as floods, droughts, and erratic rainfall, which threaten food security and progress toward the Zero Hunger initiative (SDG 2). The position will provide technical leadership and oversight for WFP Malawi’s climate adaptation initiatives, particularly projects under climate‑related financing mechanisms, ensuring evidence‑based design, compliant and timely implementation, robust monitoring, and strong partnerships. Through this role, the Climate Resilience Specialist will ensure that climate adaptation interventions effectively protect and strengthen food systems, livelihoods, and nutritional outcomes for vulnerable populations, thereby contributing to sustained reductions in hunger and malnutrition. The position will also ensure that cross‑cutting priorities, including gender equality, protection, accountability to affected populations (AAP), and environmental and social safeguards, are systematically mainstreamed across all climate resilience and adaptation interventions, in line with WFP corporate commitments and the Zero Hunger agenda. A. Strategic Leadership & Portfolio Management Provide technical leadership for climate adaptation and mitigation across adaptation projects, ensuring alignment with WFP Strategic Plan, Country Strategic Plan (CSP), Government policies, and donor requirements. Lead annual and multi-year work planning, budgeting, risk management, and results tracking for climate resilience projects and ZHV model. Coordinate with internal teams (Programme, RAM/M&E, Supply Chain, Finance, Partnerships, Gender & Protection, Safeguards) for integrated delivery. B. Project Design, Implementation & Compliance Oversee day-to-day implementation of Climate Adaptation projects and ZHV, guiding field teams and cooperating partners on climate-smart interventions (e.g., climate services, anticipatory action, climate-resilient livelihoods, watershed management, ecosystem restoration, water security, shock-responsive systems). Ensure compliance with donor policies (e.g., Adaptation Fund, GCF standards), WFP governance, Environmental & Social Safeguards (ESS), risk management, fiduciary requirements, visibility/communications, and audit readiness. Develop/update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical guidance, and operational tools for climate activities. C. Government & Stakeholder Engagement Serve as technical focal point with Government (e.g., DoDMA, Ministry of Natural Resources & Climate Change, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Climate and Meteorological Services), UN agencies, IFIs, NGOs, academia, and private sector. Support policy dialogue, coordination platforms (e.g., climate working groups), and alignment with national frameworks (NDC, NAP, DRM policy, sector strategies). Strengthen capacity of government and community institutions on climate risk management and adaptation. Support the preparation of the Field Level Agreements and/or memoranda of understanding between WFP and NGO-partners and government departments. D. Monitoring, Evaluation, Evidence & Learning Lead development and implementation of results frameworks, M&E plans, baselines, midlines, endlines, and learning agendas for climate projects. Ensure integration of climate risk analytics (e.g., vulnerability mapping, seasonal forecasts, EW data), outcome monitoring, and cost-effectiveness/Value-for-Money assessments. Produce high-quality reports (donor, corporate), knowledge products, case studies, and lessons learned; facilitate adaptive management. E. Integration of Cross-Cutting Priorities Mainstream Gender, Protection/Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), Disability Inclusion, and Youth in design and delivery—ensuring meaningful participation and equitable benefit. Apply Environmental & Social Safeguards (ESS), grievance mechanisms, and safeguards monitoring; ensure do-no-harm and conflict sensitivity. Promote nutrition- and market-sensitive approaches within climate programming; where relevant, link to social protection systems. F. Partnerships, Resource Mobilization & Communications Support proposal development, concept notes, and resource mobilization for climate resilience, including GCF and other climate funds. Manage technical contributions to donor briefings, visibility plans, and communications content (human interest stories, factsheets, social media). Coordinate partner performance management, capacity assessments, and technical backstopping. G. Operations, Budgeting & Procurement Work with Supply Chain and Finance to plan climate-relevant procurements (e.g., tools, seedlings, equipment, services) and track budget utilization. Prepare and review TORs for service providers/consultants, technical specifications, and deliverable-based contracts. Maintain risk registers, mitigation plans, and ensure audit compliance. SUMMARY OF KEY DELIVERABLES: Annual Work Plan & Budget for the climate portfolio (GCF & Adaptation), approved and disseminated. Updated SOPs/technical guidance for key interventions (e.g., climate services, watershed management, anticipatory action). M&E framework and data collection tools operational; quarterly progress reports submitted on time. Donor reports (financial & narrative) of high quality and on schedule. Government and partner capacity-building plan executed; training materials and session reports delivered. ESS instruments (screening, ESMPs, GRM) implemented; incident logs and mitigation actions documented. Knowledge products (at least 2/year) and learning events conducted; lessons integrated into adaptive management. Resource mobilization inputs (at least 2 concept notes/proposals per year) prepared. Timeline & Reporting The Climate Resilience Specialist will be full time from June 2026 to February 2027.  The Climate Resilience Specialist will be under the line management of the Activity Manager for Integrated Resilience Programme. Required Qualifications Advanced university degree in Climate Science, Environmental Management, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Disaster Risk Management, or related field; or first university degree with additional relevant experience. Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in climate adaptation/resilience programming, preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa. Demonstrated experience managing Climate Adaptation Fund/bilateral climate projects, including compliance, M&E, and stakeholder engagement. Technical expertise in at least two of: climate services/EWS, anticipatory action, community-based adaptation, ecosystem/watershed management, water resources, nature-based solutions, social protection linkages, livelihood diversification. Proven track record in government coordination, partner management, and capacity building. Strong analytical, writing, and reporting skills; familiarity with WFP corporate systems is an asset. Fluency in English required; knowledge of Chichewa or other local languages is an advantage. General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures governing administration. Excellent written and spoken English Training and/or experience in word processing, spreadsheet, and project management software as well as other standard WFP software packages and systems. WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission. Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact:  global.inclusion@wfp.org NO FEE DISCLAIMER The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web. REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel. We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application. If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org. Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply. At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process. All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.