Provide strategic leadership on the environmental and water governance components of JOSP. Coordinate effectively with UN agencies, donors, and Somali government partners to align JOSP activities with national and international environmental goals. Ensure project implementation adheres to UNEP’s environmental sustainability and climate resilience standards. Strengthen institutional capacities by developing training programs for Somali government agencies in water governance, environmental management, and climate adaptation. Lead knowledge management, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting related to UNEP’s engagement in JOSP.

Nairobi with frequent travels to Somalia.

6 months

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The Disasters and Conflicts Branch of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) works to minimize environmental risks before, during, and after conflicts and disasters. The branch provides scientific assessments, policy guidance, and capacity-building support to help countries strengthen environmental resilience and integrate sustainable natural resource management into peacebuilding and recovery efforts. Through partnerships with governments, UN agencies, and civil society, UNEP’s Disasters and Conflicts Branch supports initiatives in post-crisis recovery, disaster risk reduction, and climate security to promote long-term environmental sustainability and stability in fragile and conflict-affected regions. UNEP works with national and local authorities, civil society, other UN organizations, research institutions and the private sector to catalyze the efficient use of the region’s natural assets and reduce the degradation of the environment. The Jowhar Off-stream Storage Program (JOSP) is a multi-agency initiative aimed at enhancing water storage, environmental resilience, and climate adaptation in Hirshabelle State, Somalia. The project focuses on rehabilitating critical irrigation infrastructure, integrating ecosystem-based approaches, and strengthening governance frameworks to improve long-term water security and conflict prevention. The JOSP Project Manager will oversee UNEP’s role in JOSP, ensuring alignment with UNEP’s environmental mandate and coordinating with government institutions, UN partners, donors, and implementing agencies.

Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in environmental management, water resources, natural resource governance, climate change, or a related field. Skills & Competencies: • Strong leadership, coordination, and negotiation skills. • Excellent project management and organizational skills. • Ability to develop and implement capacity-building initiatives. • Strong analytical, report-writing, and presentation skills. • Minimum 10 years of experience in environmental project management, water governance, or climate resilience. • Proven experience in coordinating multi-agency projects, particularly in fragile or conflict-affected contexts. • Experience working with UN agencies, government counterparts, and donor institutions. • Strong familiarity with climate adaptation, nature-based solutions, and integrated water resource management.

Fluency in English (written and spoken); working knowledge of Somali is an asset.

Not available.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.