UNOPS Advisor, Portfolio Management – Home-Based Opportunity
UNOPS is seeking an experienced professional for the position of Advisor, Portfolio Management within its Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio. This is a home-based, senior-level consultancy opportunity offered under a retainer contract, with applications closing on 13 November 2026.
The position is designed for a strategic portfolio and programme management professional who can support the growth, delivery and operationalisation of climate and environmental initiatives. The successful candidate will work with the WEC Portfolio Management Team to identify new opportunities, develop partnerships, support proposals and strengthen project delivery.
UNOPS Advisor, Portfolio Management Job Overview
The position is based within the UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) and focuses specifically on the Water, Environment and Climate portfolio. WEC has managed a portfolio exceeding US$500 million over the past 15 years, supporting initiatives through fund management, project implementation and administrative support.
The Advisor will help translate emerging climate action trends and partner priorities into practical operational approaches. The role will also identify opportunities for synergies, replication and new services while ensuring that portfolio growth remains aligned with UNOPS, GPO and WEC strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
The Advisor will work across four main areas: strategic portfolio development and positioning, concept note and proposal development, project set-up and operationalisation, and knowledge management and capacity building.
Responsibilities include analysing global climate finance, policy and programming trends to identify business growth and partnership opportunities. The successful candidate will translate these findings into value propositions, operational approaches and innovative service offerings for partner countries, cities, donors and multilateral funds.
The Advisor will also support the promotion of WEC’s grant management, fund support and implementation services to existing and prospective partners.
Proposal Development
A major component of the position involves identifying high-potential opportunities and leading or supporting the development of high-quality concept notes and proposals.
The successful candidate will ensure that proposals comply with UNOPS policies and standards while maintaining appropriate levels of feasibility, sustainability and operational quality. The role will also involve coordinating technical expertise across WEC and GPO teams during project design.
Project Set-Up and Operationalisation
The Advisor will guide project teams through project initiation in accordance with UNOPS operational policies and procedures. This includes providing advice on governance structures, recruitment strategies and procurement processes.
The position will also support the development of work plans, budgets, risk logs and monitoring and evaluation frameworks, while helping establish effective relationships with donors, governments, partners and other stakeholders.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should hold a master’s degree or equivalent, preferably in International Relations, Political Science, International Development, Public Administration, Environmental Studies or a related field, together with seven years of relevant experience.
Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree may qualify with an additional two years of relevant experience.
Relevant experience in project or programme management, fund management and/or grant support within the international development sector is required. Candidates should also have demonstrated experience managing or advising multi-stakeholder climate or environmental initiatives. Familiarity with UNOPS or UN policies and project management tools is desirable.
Fluent English is required, while intermediate French and Spanish are desirable.
Contract Details
This is a home-based retainer assignment for up to 120 working days over a 12-month period. Work will be assigned according to operational requirements, meaning the retainer does not guarantee a minimum number of working days or hours. Candidates must have the legal right to work in the country from which they will be based.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official UNOPS recruitment process before 13 November 2026. Applications must be received before midnight Copenhagen time on the closing date.
UNOPS does not charge candidates any fees during recruitment and does not accept unsolicited resumes. Only shortlisted candidates will proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.
This opportunity is particularly relevant to senior professionals with experience in climate finance, environmental programmes, portfolio management, strategic partnerships, proposal development and international development operations.
