Climate Advisor (Consultant)

Contract

This is a IICA-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - PLG

PLG drives the development and expansion of new and existing partnerships, in collaboration with UNOPS headquarter groups, regions and country offices. PLG consists of a network of liaison offices spread globally, and a cross cutting partnerships development team based at HQ in Copenhagen.

PLG’s Liaison Offices support the management of relations and development of partnerships with UNOPS key global partners. With offices in Amman, Brussels, Geneva, London, Tokyo, Washington DC, and Nairobi, Liaison Offices provide support to partners such as the World Bank, the European Union, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, the United Nations Environment Programme, the Global Fund, USAID, national governments and others.

The Partnerships Development team based in Copenhagen provides a range of cross cutting partnerships development support to the organisation including partner intelligence, partner resources, global events management and visibility. PLG is now looking to engage a consultant to conduct an assessment in order to advance its work with partners on climate action.

Functional Responsibilities

The selected candidate will be responsible for conducting extensive consultations with key internal stakeholders in all UNOPS regions, and in key country offices and business units. The consultations will be focused on:

Activity 1: Map UNOPS existing and potential future services for climate action

• The expert will be expected to identify and map UNOPS services and the specific value propositions in relation to supporting partners to advance climate action as a substantive area, as well as mainstreaming in project implementation. The expert should particularly identify and capture; i) which aspect of climate action the service / project targets; ii) which SDGs the service / project contributes to; ii) strengths and weaknesses in implementation; and iii) any lessons learned for scaling and replication.
• The expert should subsequently categorize the services in terms of maturity, where UNOPS has: i) a strong track record in implementing; ii) has limited track record but potential to scale; iii) no track record but should explore in building capabilities, as related to UNOPS mandate and strategy whilst taking into account the needs of beneficiaries and other agencies’ mandates.

Activity 2: Develop toolbox for partnership developers on climate action

• Following this mapping the expert should visually represent UNOPS various service offerings across climate action in an overall value proposition. The visual should clearly represent the outcomes of the findings of the mapping with the intention to explain the overall value proposition both internally and externally.
• The expert should complement the visual representation with a toolbox targeted for partnerships personnel, linking to relevant partner-facing resources, project examples and lessons learned in climate-related project development and implementation.

Activity 3: Conduct gap analysis and provide strategic recommendations

• Based on the insights gained throughout the mapping stage and insights of the external environment, the expert is expected to conduct a gap analysis to inform future investment, identifying a prioritized action plan based on criticality for strengthening the UNOPS value proposition in climate action.
• The recommended action plan should be presented in a final project report including the mapping and incorporating all input, comments and revisions from UNOPS. The expert should also integrate the needs and perspectives of the country offices, regions, HQ units in regards to how best to strengthen future positioning of UNOPS in the context of climate action. The final report should be in a PowerPoint/Google Slides format.
• The consultant may be asked to present the results, as appropriate, to the UNOPS leadership team.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Advanced Degree (Master’s Degree) preferably in Climate/Environmental science or policy.
• A First University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in combination with 2 additional years of experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: - A minimum of 7 years experience in climate policy and/or supporting the implementation of climate projects, preferably in a developing context is required. - Proven experience working with climate finance, as well as a good understanding of development partner perspectives including government, donor, UN, multilateral organizations is preferred. - Familiarity in working in/for a multilateral setting, and knowledge of and experiences with the UNFCCC system/framework and negotiation processes is an asset. - Knowledge and insight into infrastructure, procurement, fund management, project management and HR services and their role in relation to climate action is an asset.

Languages:

• Fluency in written and oral English is a requirement
• Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is an advantage

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: IICA 3 (ISC11) Contract duration: 100 days

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions:

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.