International Climate and Disaster Risk Management Specialist

KEY INFORMATION 
Job Title: International Project Manager/ Team Leader 
Sector: Agriculture/ Rural Development 
Position Type (full/part time): Part-time 
Duration/Level of Effort (long/short term):Short term, 9 PMs 
Position Location (e.g. city, country, remote): Remote, with minimum 65% time in-country 
 
 
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT 
The Rural Resilience and Livelihood Improvement Sector Project (the Project) in Manatuto Municipality, Timor-Leste, aims to enhance the resilience and livelihoods of approximately 46,000 rural residents. The project is financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development and Community Housing (MRDCH). It adopts a community-driven, inclusive development approach to address climate vulnerability, water scarcity, and limited economic opportunities in agriculture-based communities. 
 
Key Outputs are: 

• Institutional Capacity Building: Strengthening the capabilities of farmer groups, communities, and government institutions through participatory planning, climate adaptation strategies, and geospatial tools. 
• Water Infrastructure Development: Construction and upgrading of water supply systems, flood protection, and erosion control infrastructure to ensure year-round water access and disaster risk reduction. 
• Livelihood Diversification: Promotion of climate-resilient agriculture, agroforestry, and market linkages to support income generation, especially for women and vulnerable groups. 

The primary scope of the Project Management Consultant (PMC) is to provide comprehensive technical, managerial, and capacity-building support to the MRDCH for the effective implementation of the Project. The PMC ensures that the project meets its development goals, adheres to ADB and national standards, and delivers sustainable, community-driven outcomes. 
 
 
SUMMARY OF THE POSITION 
The expert will play a critical role in supporting the integration of climate and disaster resilience into all aspects of the Project. The specialist will focus on enhancing land-use planning and risk reduction strategies, particularly at the municipal and village (suco) levels. This role will involve providing technical guidance, developing methodologies and training materials, and building the capacity of national specialists and project stakeholders. 
 
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Provide technical advice for integrating climate-resilient planning, infrastructure, and livelihood measures into subprojects. 
• Contribute to the development of methodologies, training materials, and delivery strategies to enable national specialists to independently implement community and disaster risk management practices. 
• Conduct formal and on-the-job training sessions during the project preparation phases and at the beginning of each implementation cycle. 
• Offer ongoing technical assistance and support to ensure the effective mainstreaming of climate and disaster risk management across project activities. 

 
 
JOB REQUIREMENTS 
Education: 

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in climate change, disaster management, hydrology, geography, environmental sciences, or a related discipline is required. 
• Preferably with secondary qualifications in a relevant discipline. 

Minimum Requirements: 

• At least 15 years of professional experience, including 5 years in developing countries. 
• Proven experience in land use planning, hazard mapping, flood analysis, and community-based planning. 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Prior experience in donor-financed projects, especially in rural development contexts 
• Previous work experience in Timor-Leste. 

Language Proficiency: 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are essential. 

 
 
APPLICATION PROCESS 
Candidates are encouraged to apply by July 15, 2025/as soon as possible.  
 
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position. 
 
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law. 
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted. 
 
 
ABOUT US 
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017. 
 
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.