Director of the UNOPS Support and Coordination Unit, and Co-Managing Director of the Global GCoM Secretariat

Director of the UNOPS GCoM Support and Coordination Unit, and Co-Managing Director of the Global GCoM Secretariat UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services Brussels National ICS 12 level Speaks English, French Application deadline: April 06, 2026 Closed Apply Summary by Impactpool The Director of the UNOPS GCoM Support and Coordination Unit and Co-Managing Director of the Global GCoM Secretariat will lead a flagship initiative aimed at driving sustainable urban development and climate action globally. This role involves providing strategic leadership, technical guidance, and operational management to ensure effective program implementation and stakeholder engagement. The Director will oversee the development of innovative strategies for climate action and investment mobilization, while fostering partnerships to support local climate solutions. This position is critical for transforming GCoM into a delivery-focused accelerator for urban climate resilience. Candidate Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social sciences, economics, urban planning, finance or related fields 12 years of relevant experience or 10 years with a Master’s degree 12 years of professional experience leading diverse teams 5 years in sustainable urban development or climate action 2 years in strategic cooperation with sub-national entities Fluent in English, French desirable General Information Position Title Director of the UNOPS GCoM Support and Coordination Unit, and Co-Managing Director of the Global GCoM Secretariat Job Category Programme Duty Station(s) Brussels Seniority Level Senior Level ICS Level ICS 12 Contract Type ICA - IICA - Regular Contract Level IICA 4 Posting Start Date 19-Mar-2026 Posting End Date 06-Apr-2026 Duration Ongoing Job Highlight This is a unique opportunity to lead a critical flagship initiative of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), driving sustainable urban development and climate action on a global scale. The position offers significant leadership responsibilities, strategic engagement with key stakeholders, and the chance to make a tangible impact on urban sustainability and climate resilience in line with the global climate agenda, while promoting approaches to climate action that are inclusive, equitable and responsive to the diverse needs of urban populations. About the Region The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS’ strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support. About the Country/Multi-Country Office As part of the Global Portfolios Office, UNOPS Geneva provides comprehensive solutions in secretariat hosting, operational support, and fund management. We manage global programmes, including the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) Portfolio, offering project management, procurement, HR, and financial services. Geneva hosts the secretariats of eight global partnerships focused on health (RBM, Stop TB, ATscale), nutrition (SUN), water/sanitation (SHF), humanitarian leadership (GELI), urban development (Cities Alliance), and disaster displacement (PDD). We also provide fund management for EIF and UN Water, and operational support to Geneva-based partners like the Global Fund and UNHCR. The EU-UNOPS Lives in Dignity (LiD) Grant Facility is also based here. Job Specific Context The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) unites the New York Portfolios, including the Peace and Security team (PSC); the Geneva Office; and the Vienna-based Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) teams, to maximize global impact, foster efficiencies and streamline global programmes. Leveraging our collective expertise and networks, GPO supports UNOPS' strategic priorities and the SDGs across over 130 countries. We deliver project management, fund management, advisory services, project implementation, and HR services, working closely with major global partners. Our thematic focus includes sustainable development, climate action, health, peace & security, and humanitarian action. The Water, Environment, and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna with offices worldwide, is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO). Over the past 15 years, WEC has built strong partnerships and effectively managed a portfolio exceeding 500 million USD, supporting key initiatives through fund management, project implementation, and administrative support. WEC translates partners' agendas into action through global, regional, and country-specific initiatives focused on climate action, environmental protection, and conservation. Partners benefit from WEC’s ability to implement and scale their strategic priorities, including support for key multilateral environmental and climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement, the Cartagena Convention, and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Director leads the UNOPS GCoM Support and Coordination Unit (SCU) based in Brussels, and serves as the Co-Managing Director of the Global GCoM Secretariat. Responsible for transforming GCoM into a delivery-focused accelerator, the Director is driving urban climate action acceleration by bridging implementation gaps, and helping cities and local governments transition to climate-resilient, sustainable energy and low-emission mobility systems with enhanced capacity, finance, and private sector partnerships. Role Purpose The Di