Programme Officer (Climate and Environment), Accra

General

Description of assignment title

Programme Officer (Climate and Environment)

Assignment country

Ghana

Duty stations

Accra

Work location

On UN premises

Expected start date

12/12/2026

Duration

13 months
(with possibility of extension)

Sustainable Development Goal

2. Zero hunger

Host entity

WFP Ghana

Modality

Onsite

Type

International

Volunteer category

Specialist UCoS from Apr2026

Work schedule

Full-time

Number of Assignments

1

Details

Mission and objectives

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.

Context

The incumbent will work directly under the deputy country director and would provide technical assistance to strategic outcomes (SO) managers of 3 pillars of the Ghana Country Strategic Plan (2024 – 2028). The purpose of this assignment will be to provide technical assistance to colleagues and partners in climate related interventions under SO1 (crisis response and emergency preparedness and response), in climate and environmental sustainability as well as energy efficiency matters under the Social Protection and Food systems portfolios (SO2 and SO3). This will include programme development, review of effectiveness of initiatives including activities previously implemented or initiated. The incumbent reviews and analyses would also form the basis of concept note development for resource mobilisation. The position would be based in Accra with travel to the field, providing guidance to different WFP programme outcomes as well as coordinating with relevant external stakeholders if required.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Country Director the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Support programme teams in integrating climate adaptation, environmental sustainability and disaster risk reduction considerations into programme activities.
2. Support the design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of climate resilience, en-vironmental sustainability and clean energy initiatives aligned with WFP programme objectives, climate change policies and international safeguards.
3. Support the development and implementation of clean cooking solutions linked to school feeding programmes, including the promotion of energy-efficient cooking stoves and sustainable fuel alternatives.
4. Assist in the planning and coordination of activities aimed at strengthening climate-smart and sustainable food systems, with a focus on improving food security, nutri-tion, and livelihoods.
5. Support colleagues to engage with government institutions, development partners, the private sector, and local communities on climate, environment, and clean energy ini-tiatives.
6. Contribute to the preparation of concept notes, project proposals, technical reports, presentations, and other programme documentation.
7. Under the agroforestry project funded by the Changing Lives Transformation Fund (CLTF), Support the implementation and coordination of agroforestry activities aligned with Ghana’s environmental policies and climate adaptation priorities, including activi-ties promoting climate-smart and environmentally sustainable livelihood opportunities.
8. Identify opportunities to strengthen agroforestry and regenerative practices to restore ecosystems, enhance resilience to climate shocks.

WORKPLAN

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Eligibility criteria

Age

18 - 80

Required experience

3 years

Donor priorities

This assignment is funded by the Government of Norway and therefore specific criteria apply:

• Applicants must be Norwegian nationals.
• Applicants who already served on a UN Volunteer assignment funded by the Government of Norway are not eligible.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

25 October 2026 (23:59 UTC)

SELECTION

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. The selection will be done by the UN Host Entity at the level of the country of assignment. Interviews will be conducted by UN Host Entities in November.

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Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Additional eligibility criteria

.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience

1 year

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Master's degree in International Affairs, Economics, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences or other field relevant to international development assistance. A bachelor’s degree may be considered in lieu of the standard educational requirement for candidates with three years of relevant experience.

Competencies and values

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Building Trust Client Orientation Commitment and Motivation Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Creativity Empowering Others Ethics and Values Integrity Judgement and Decision-making Knowledge Sharing Leadership Managing Performance Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Self-Management Technological Awareness Vision Working in Teams

Skills and experience

Minimum of one year of relevant experience (three years of relevant experience required for candidates holding a bachelor's degree):

• Experience in programme/project support, coordination, implementation, monitoring or reporting, preferably in international development, climate change, environment, resili-ence, sustainable development or a related field.
• Experience supporting programme/project development and implementation, including preparation of reports, briefs, concept notes, presentations or other programme doc-umentation.
• Experience in stakeholder coordination and engagement with government institutions, development partners, civil society, communities and/or the private sector would be an asset.
• Demonstrated interest, knowledge or experience in climate change, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, sustainable food systems or related areas.
• Experience in a developing country or international development context would be an advantage.
• Exposure to disaster risk reduction, clean energy, climate finance, agroforestry or related climate/environmental initiatives would be an asset.

Skills in:

• Knowledge of or experience in climate adaptation and resilience-building programmes, including community engagement.
• Understanding of programme cycle particularly evidence-based programmes
• Proven ability to write briefs and analytical documents to a high standard, and to present complex technical information/analyses to technical and non-technical audience in simple and easily understandable way.
• Ability to foster cooperation with multiple stakeholders.
• Previous experience in proposal development and fund-raising
• General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures is con-sidered a plus.
• Knowledge of agricultural value chains is considered an advantage

Area(s) of expertise

Climate change, environment, Natural resources management, Community development

Driving license

Other information

Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.

Living conditions and remarks

The UN Volunteer will be based in Accra, Ghana's capital city, with periodic travel to project locations across the country. Accra is generally considered a safe, vibrant, and cosmopolitan city with modern infrastructure and access to a wide range of services. Accommodation options include furnished apartments, guesthouses, and residential compounds suited to different budgets and lifestyles. The city offers supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, healthcare facilities, banks, and recreational amenities. Reliable transportation options are available through services such as Yango, Bolt, and Uber, as well as taxis and public transportation. While living conditions are generally comfortable, the cost of living in Accra is relatively high compared to other parts of the country. Volunteers should be prepared for a tropical climate, occasional traffic congestion, and periodic field travel to rural and remote communities where living conditions may be more basic than in the capital.

Conditions of Service

The Conditions of Service, available here: https://explore.unv.org/cos, outline the policies and rules governing UN Volunteer assignments. Full information on entitlements at the duty station can be accessed here: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

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