Municipal Technical Officer Vacancy at UN-Habitat Nepal | Kathmandu, Nepal 2026

Job Overview:

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Nepal is seeking three qualified professionals for the position of Municipal Technical Officer under the Urban Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Climate-resilient Development in the Kathmandu Valley (Urban-EbA) project. This is a full-time, onsite UNV national specialist assignment based in Kathmandu, with each officer stationed within a designated municipality in the Kathmandu Valley. The selected candidates will work under the supervision of the Habitat Programme Manager and in close coordination with the Project Coordinator and project team. The assignment is for a duration of five months with the possibility of extension, with an expected start date of March 30, 2026. Applications must be submitted online before March 5, 2026.

About the Organization:

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the United Nations agency mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable cities and human settlements, with the overarching goal of providing adequate shelter for all. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, UN-Habitat is active in over 90 countries including Nepal, and serves as the lead UN agency for coordinating activities in human settlement development. It works in close collaboration with local and regional governments and their networks to advance sustainable urban development globally.

Job Highlights:

Key Responsibilities:

Municipal Planning & EbA Mainstreaming:

• Assess existing municipal policies, strategic plans, by-laws, and development budgets to identify entry points for urban Ecosystem-based Adaptation and Nature-based Solutions (EbA/NbS)
• Engage private sector actors and multi-stakeholders to align requirements and validate assessment findings
• Conduct consultative meetings and workshops with municipalities, wards, and communities to identify available resources and gaps related to urban EbA/NbS
• Support the municipality in mainstreaming EbA interventions into municipal engineering and environment divisions and annual planning processes
• Undertake training roll-out reviews and support the development of training content materials for targeted audiences

Technical Support & Design:

• Support the project team in conducting Climate Risk Vulnerability Assessments (CRVA) at municipal and site levels
• Assist municipalities in developing locally adoptable technical designs for rainwater harvesting for household use and groundwater recharge at public and private properties
• Support the drafting of EbA/NbS implementation standards and procedures for rainwater harvesting
• Design and develop projects suitable for funding through municipal budgeting systems and blended financing mechanisms
• Support the preparation of a methodology and framework for municipal ecosystem inventory development and lead the urban ecosystem inventory process for the assigned municipality

Research, Documentation & Reporting:

• Collate information on recurring climate hazards, their impacts, and future risks on ecosystems and communities, and develop issue briefs to advocate for climate action with municipal leadership
• Contribute to impact documentation by preparing impact stories related to Urban EbA project investments in the assigned municipality
• Prepare event reports, meeting minutes, progress reports, and presentations in coordination with the UN-Habitat project team and relevant experts
• Support and contribute to any other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor

UNV Engagement & Volunteerism:

• Strengthen knowledge of volunteerism concepts and actively participate in UNV activities including events marking International Volunteer Day
• Contribute articles and write-ups on field experiences for UNV publications, newsletters, and websites
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers
• Support and promote online volunteering among local individuals and organisations where technically feasible

Required Qualifications & Experience:

Education:

• A Master's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resource Management, Climate Change Adaptation, Urban Environmental Planning, or a related technical field is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required. Candidates must demonstrate interest and/or practical experience working with municipalities, nature-based solutions, municipal planning, or ecosystem-based projects. Prior experience as a volunteer or in an international or cross-cultural context will be highly regarded. Candidates must be nationals of, legal residents in, or hold refugee status in Nepal.

Required Skills & Knowledge:

• Demonstrated interest and experience in urban ecosystem-based adaptation, nature-based solutions, or climate resilience initiatives
• Good knowledge and practical experience with GIS applications is preferred
• Proficiency in computer applications including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and social media tools
• Fluency in both Nepali and English — spoken and written — is required
• Good interpersonal, networking, and communication skills
• Strong planning, organisational, and problem-solving abilities with the capacity to manage a high volume of work efficiently
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and conduct presentations to diverse audiences
• Willingness to work as part of a team and openness to learning and new experiences
• Respect for diversity and adaptability to different cultures, environments, and working conditions
• Genuine commitment to the principles of voluntary engagement including solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance

Salary & Benefits:

• Salary will be provided as per the organization's rules.

How to Apply:

If you meet the qualifications and requirements outlined above, kindly click the "Apply for Job" button below to proceed with your application before March 5, 2026.

Note: Applications must be submitted online through the UNV HR Management System by opening the vacancy announcement and clicking the Apply button. The United Nations does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you receive any request for payment, please disregard it entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How many Municipal Technical Officers will be recruited and where will they be based? 

A: Three Municipal Technical Officers will be recruited, each stationed within a different municipality in the Kathmandu Valley. All duty stations are within Kathmandu.

Q: What is the duration of this UNV assignment with UN-Habitat Nepal? 

A: The assignment is for a duration of five months, with an expected start date of March 30, 2026. There is a possibility of extension depending on project needs and performance.

Q: Is GIS experience required for this Municipal Technical Officer position? 

A: GIS experience is not listed as a strict requirement, but good knowledge and practical experience in working with GIS applications is specifically mentioned as preferred, and will therefore strengthen a candidate's application.