Drought Resilience Specialist

Office/Unit/Project Description

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Saudi Arabia operates in a region where water scarcity, land degradation, and desertification pose significant environmental and socio-economic challenges. As one of the most arid countries in the world, Saudi Arabia faces recurrent droughts, which impact ecosystems, agricultural productivity, and water security. Addressing these challenges is central to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes environmental sustainability, water resource management, and land restoration to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure long-term resilience.

In collaboration with key national partners, including the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), and the Ministry of Energy (MOE), UNDP Saudi Arabia is supporting the development and implementation of strategies to enhance drought resilience, promote sustainable land and water management, and strengthen early warning systems. These efforts align with Saudi Arabia’s commitments under the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI), and international frameworks such as the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

As the host of COP16, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its leadership in environmental sustainability by launching the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, securing over $12 billion in funding to support drought preparedness, land restoration, and water conservation worldwide. The government is also investing in afforestation programs, climate-smart agriculture, and data-driven monitoring systems to mitigate desertification and improve water security.

The Drought Resilience Specialist will play a key role in supporting these national efforts by developing policies, implementing innovative drought mitigation strategies, and enhancing risk management frameworks. Working closely with NCVC, MEWA, MOE, and other key stakeholders, the Specialist will contribute to: Strengthening drought monitoring and early warning systems, integrating climate data and remote sensing tools. Developing sustainable land and water management strategies, incorporating nature-based solutions and climate adaptation approaches. Enhancing institutional capacities through technical guidance, research, and policy support for national partners. Promoting cross-sectoral collaboration between government agencies, academic institutions, and international organizations to advance drought resilience initiatives.

By integrating science-based solutions, policy innovation, and strategic partnerships, the Specialist will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s long-term goal of building resilience against drought and ensuring sustainable environmental management for future generations.

Scope of Work 

Provide strategic technical direction and leadership

• Emphasize UNDP's role as a leader in promoting sustainable development practices that mitigate the impact of drought. 
• Highlight initiatives aimed at enhancing drought resilience and environmental governance through capacity building and adaptive strategies. This include strengthening  institutional and technical capacities of NCVC, MEWA, MOE, and other partners.
• Frame UNDP's work within the broader context of climate change adaptation and sustainable development goals (SDGs). Stress the importance of integrating drought management strategies into national and local development plans to ensure long-term resilience.

Provide technical oversight and quality assurance for project implementation. 

• Advise and support sustainable land and water management initiatives through policy recommendations, technical guidance, and capacity-building for key stakeholders. 
• Position UNDP as an essential player in pushing for necessary reforms at local, national, and international levels.
• Develop and implement drought risk reduction strategies aligned with national policies, Vision 2030, and global frameworks such as the UNCCD.

Build strategic partnerships and support resource mobilization. 

• Provide strategic guidance on partnership building and regularly liaise and engage in policy dialogue with UN entities, government institutions, civil society, businesses, technical experts, think tanks, donors, and other national and international stakeholders in the thematic area of the project, to strengthen collaboration and maximize the impact of the project. 
• Develop and convene networks of collaborators both conventional and novel who are willing to participate in the dialogue, are attracted to the thematic issues of the project, and can advance the work and profile of UNDP. Encourage a dialogue of divergent viewpoints and ensure the voices of all are heard by UNDP. 
• Support resource mobilization, which includes identifying funding opportunities and supporting the preparation of funding proposals and donor briefings. Work with CO to define roles and incentives for private sector participation and develop relevant mechanisms for private sector engagement.

Lead knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy 

• Facilitate knowledge exchange and partnerships with government agencies, research institutions, and international organizations to advance drought resilience initiatives.
• Promote nature-based solutions and climate adaptation measures to mitigate desertification and enhance ecosystem restoration efforts.
• Enhance drought monitoring and early warning systems by integrating climate data, remote sensing, and predictive modeling tools.
• Stress UNDP's commitment to involving local communities in drought risk management. Showcase successful case studies where community-led initiatives have led to effective drought resilience practices.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization. 

Institutional Arrangement

Under the overall guidance of the UNDP KSA Resident Representative (RR), and with the supervison of the UNDP KSA Deputy Resident Representative (DRR) and  the daily guidance of Assistant Resident Representative (ARR),  the Drought Resilience Specialist will provide expert technical support and strategic advice to UNDP senior management and Progamme Team. The Specialist will ensure strong linkages between UNDP’s environmental initiatives and national priorities, support the Government’s efforts in drought resilience, land restoration, and water resource management, and build strategic partnerships with key national institutions, research organizations, and international stakeholders to advance Saudi Arabia’s commitments under Vision 2030 and global sustainability frameworks.

Competencies

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Recovery Solutions Human

Mobility

Reach a common understanding/agreement,

persuade others, resolve points of difference

through a dialogue, negotiate mutually acceptable

solutions and create ‘win-win’ situations

Build and maintain partnerships with wide

networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil

society and private sector partners, experts and

others in line with UNDP strategy and policies

Communicate in a clear, concise and

unambiguous manner both through written and

verbal communication; to tailor messages and

choose communication methods depending on the

audience. Ability manage communications

internally and externally, through media, social

media and other appropriate channels

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful IPSA

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent ) in Environmental Science, Climate Change, Hydrology, Water Resource Management, Natural Resource Management, or a related field is required. Or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above,  in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree
• A PhD in above mentioned field is an advantage.

• Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of professional experience in drought resilience, water resource management, climate adaptation, or land restoration.

• Proven track recordof strong expertise in drought risk reduction, climate adaptation strategies, and sustainable land and water management.
• Proven ability to analyze climate data, use remote sensing tools, and develop early warning systems for drought monitoring.
• Experience in policy development, technical advisory services, and capacity-building initiatives related to environmental sustainability.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with multiple stakeholders, including government institutions, UN agencies, research centers, and local communities.
• Proven track record of strong report writing, research, and analytical skills with a track record of producing high-quality policy recommendations and technical reports.

• Experience in nature-based solutions, afforestation programs, or ecosystem restoration initiatives.
• Familiarity with international environmental agreements such as the UNCCD, UNFCCC, and SDG frameworks.
• Experience and knowledge of climate financing mechanisms and resource mobilization for drought resilience projects.
• Experience in using GIS, climate modeling, and hydrological assessment tools.
• Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or research institutions on drought resilience or climate adaptation 

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.
• Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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