Expert.e eau

Organizational context: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. UNEP supports member states in integrating climate and environmental issues into their macroeconomic and budgetary planning. The NDC Act & Invest project aims to assist developing countries in developing and implementing ambitious, achievable, and investable Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) aligned with the Paris Agreement.

Job purpose: This role focuses on the water sector in Morocco, aiming to transform NDC 3.0 measures and projects into an operational sectoral investment plan and a portfolio of bankable projects. The objective is to align these with the common NDC 3.0 logical framework and support the Ministry of Equipment and Water (MTEDD) tracking tools. The expert will contribute to making these water sector strategies and programs investable, building upon existing national investment programs and efforts to ensure complementarity with current initiatives. The work is crucial given Morocco's significant exposure to water stress and its commitment to large-scale water management strategies.

Responsibilities:

The Expert.e eau will be responsible for transforming NDC 3.0 measures and projects in the water sector into a sectoral investment plan and a portfolio of bankable projects. This includes conducting multi-criteria analyses, detailing project descriptions, and estimating indicative CAPEX/OPEX based on technical assumptions. The role involves analyzing the regulatory, institutional, and legislative framework, evaluating climate impact and co-benefits, and identifying project proponents and risks. The expert will also identify preliminary financing sources and instruments. Responsibilities include preparing pre-investment sheets for all water sector measures and projects, refining the costing for 2-3 priority projects in coordination with a financial structuring expert, and participating in consultations and workshops. The expert will mobilize institutional stakeholders in the water sector, including the MTEDD, the Water Department, river basin agencies, and ONEE.

Education:

A higher university degree (Master's, engineering, or doctorate) in hydraulics, water engineering, civil engineering, water resources, integrated water resource management (IWRM), water/environmental economics, or a directly related field is required. Additional training in economics, project finance, climate finance, or public policy is an asset. Proficiency in common office software, including Excel, is necessary.

Work

experience:

A minimum of 12 years of confirmed professional experience in the water sector is required, with a substantial portion dedicated to planning, designing, or evaluating hydraulic investments. This includes experience in water resource management, desalination, wastewater reuse, water supply and sanitation, irrigation efficiency, IWRM, basin planning, or water-related climate change adaptation. Significant experience in Morocco is mandatory. Proven experience in preparing water sector investment projects, including pre-feasibility or feasibility studies, concept notes, and project dossiers for climate funds, is essential.

Skills:

Key skills include the ability to conduct multi-criteria analyses and populate structured tools (project sheets, logical framework spreadsheets) using structured nomenclatures. Aptitude for project costing, evaluating climate impact and co-benefits, and assessing bankability. Strong consultation and facilitation skills with institutional, technical, and financial actors. Excellent analytical and writing skills in French, with the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams. Proficiency in common office software (MS Office suite, including Excel).