Policy, Environmental & Social Systems Specialist

Financing Partner: Green Climate Fund (GCF) through UNOPS

Implementing Partners: Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA), Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation (MWDS), Ministry of Green Economy and Environment (MGEE), National Designated Authority (NDA)

Reporting to: Project Manager, Project Management Unit (PMU)

Position Type: Part‑time (14 months)

Duty Station: Lusaka, Zambia

Salary: Deliverable based payment

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Global Water Partnership (GWP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation (MWDS), the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment (MGEE), and the National Designated Authority (NDA), is implementing a Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness project titled “Advancing the National Adaptation Planning (NAP) Process in Zambia’s Water Sector: Towards an Implementation-ready Water Sector NAP.

This initiative, which commenced on 09 February 2026, builds on the previously successful NAP for a Climate Resilient Zambia (NAPCRZ) completed in 2023. The 18‑month project aims to progress Zambia’s water sector from the identification of climate adaptation needs toward implementation of concrete adaptation interventions.

The project seeks to recruit a
Policy Specialist to lead policy analysis, support development of water sector adaptation strategies, strengthen institutional coordination, and contribute to multiple project outputs outlined in the NAP Phase II framework.

KEY DUTIES, OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES

The Policy Specialist will provide technical leadership for policy-related activities under the project, supporting the Project Manager and working closely with GWPSA’s Technical Advisory Team and government focal points.

Output 1 – Development of National, Sub-national, and Sectoral Adaptation Plans

The Policy Specialist will:

• Provide technical input in the development and validation of the Water Sector Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan (SASAP), including an implementation roadmap and financing plan and ensuring alignment to the sector policies and relevant national strategies and plans.
• Develop a Policy Brief on the SASAP

Output 2 – Strengthening Inter- and Intra-institutional Coordination

• Support the establishment of a Water Sector Intersectoral Advisory Group to be housed in MWDS.
• Develop a Policy Brief on the intersectoral advisory group and strengthening intra and inter institutional coordination

Output 3 – Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Development

• Contribute to training needs assessments for water sector institutions (MWDS, WARMA, NWASCO, NDA, civil society, private sector, etc.) and the development of a capacity development programme covering climate rationale, gender-responsive adaptation, environmental and social safeguards, and GCF processes.

Output 4 – Adaptation Impact Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Systems

• • Provide policy advisory support to the identification and refinement of
    impact indicators for monitoring adaptation within the water sector and ensure alignment with relevant national strategic frameworks such as the Zambia Water Investment Plan (ZIP), NAP and sector policies and strategies.
  • Provide support in integrating policy and regulatory requirements into infrastructure or development projects in the water and related sectors such as energy, agriculture, or climate resilience sectors.

Output 5 – Studies on Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation Solutions

• Review national policies to identify
  gaps affecting meteorological, hydrological, and groundwater data management.
• Recommend policy measures to strengthen climate information systems.
• Develop a Policy Brief on policy gaps and improvements required on meteorological data management.
• Draw from project-level data systems and environmental assessments to inform policy recommendations.

Output 6 – Private Sector Engagement in Adaptation

• Conduct a policy review of barriers and opportunities to private sector engagement and recommend policy measures and incentives to promote private sector investment in adaptation actions in the water sector.
• Provide technical input in development of a Private Sector Engagement Strategy for Adaptation in the Water Sector, including market assessments and an action plan.
• Develop a policy briefs on private sector engagement

Output 7 – Private Sector Capacity Building

• Support the Capacity Building Specialist in the development and delivery of training modules and materials for private sector actors.

Output 8 – Development of Concept Notes and Funding Proposals

• Review and provide input in the development of GCF Concept Notes on water and adaptation

Output 9 – Tracking Adaptation Finance

• Provide policy advisory support on the development of a national climate finance tracking framework and tools specific to water sector adaptation flows.
• Develop a Policy Brief on tracking adaptation finance

REPORTING AND COORDINATION

The Policy Specialist will:

• Report directly to the Project Manager within the PMU.
• Work closely with GWPSA technical advisors and the GWPSA Reference Group.
• Engage regularly with MWDS and MGEE through designated focal persons.
• Coordinate with sector institutions, private sector actors, development partners, and stakeholders.

CONTRACT DURATION

• The position is part-time for 14 months, aligned with the project timeline.
• Extension is possible subject to project extension and performance.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum Master’s Degree in Water Resources, Water Engineering, Environmental or Natural Resources Management, Climate Science, Public Policy, or closely related fields.

• At least 10 years of professional experience in water resources, engineering, environmental or natural resource management, preferably within government, international organizations, or reputable NGOs.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in policy and/or strategy development, advisory services, or application of policy frameworks in programme or project implementation, preferably in water, environment, or climate-related sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in integrating policy and regulatory requirements into infrastructure or development projects in the water, energy, agriculture, or climate resilience sectors.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating multi stakeholder processes and engagement of the private sector.

• • Strong understanding of: National climate coordination systems; Climate finance flows and tracking mechanisms; and Zambia’s national frameworks: NPCC, NAP, NDC‑3, NCCRS, ZIP, and related policies
  • Experience with climate finance mechanisms (e.g., GCF, Adaptation Fund, MDBs) or comparable development financing frameworks.
  • Demonstrated understanding of Zambia’s water sector policies, legislation, institutions, and coordination mechanisms.
  • Proven experience in preparing policy briefs and analytical reports.
  • Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
  • Ability to engage diverse stakeholders, including government, private sector, and civil society.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Candidates should submit a cover letter, a detailed CV and a minimum of three references in English through the online application system and not via email.
• Bamboo link: https://gwpsanpc.bamboohr.com/careers/130
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted within 4 weeks after the application deadline.

• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. (GWPSA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion).



• Questions can be directed to [email protected]
• Deadline: 29 May 2026 17:00 GMT