Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Specialist, Latin America & Caribbean

Contract

This is a IICA-2 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 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

UN Environment, as the lead of a consortium of 13 partner organizations, has been selected as the host for the operational arm of the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism: the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN). The mission of the CTCN is to stimulate technology cooperation and to enhance the development and transfer of climate technologies to developing countries. The CTCN assists developing country Parties at their request, building or strengthening their capacity to prepare and implement climate technology projects that span the technology transfer continuum. The CTCN supports public and private sector action on mitigation and adaptation, enhancing low-carbon and climate-resilient development in a manner consistent with the capabilities and priorities of recipient countries.

Functional Responsibilities

In this position, the Specialist will provide services for the operationalization of the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), and will work in close coordination with the CTCN Director and the Regional Manager in the LAC region.

In particular, he/she will:

• Provide technical input on mitigation and joint mitigation-adaptation request generation and refinement; and guidance on day-to-day management;
• Facilitate CTCN Response Plan development and review project documents in collaboration with client countries and sector experts;
• Promote and facilitate capacity building, knowledge management, and communication activities on climate change mitigation and adaptation technologies;
• Manage relationships with NDEs and new relationships with regional players in LAC;
• Collaborate closely with Consortium Partners and Network Members engagement for delivery of CTCN technical assistance, including monitoring and evaluation;

The Specialist will contribute to the following deliverables:

• Recommendations on potential mitigation and adaptation requests are prepared;
• Technical review and recommendations on the design of CTCN response plans (project documents) are prepared;
• Review and quality assurance of deliverable reports provided by CTCN implementers is undertaken;
• Drafting of ToR for agreements and tendering documents;
• Evaluation of technical proposals submitted by the network;
• Review and quality assurance of Monitoring & Evaluation and closure reports is undertaken;
• Preparation of Readiness proposals for the Green Climate Fund and other windows of climate financing;

• Materials needed for Regional Forum, trainings, networking events, CTCN National consultative process, and other regional events organized by CTNC to be conducted throughout 2021 are drafted and finalized;

  Monitoring and Progress Controls

The Specialist will report to the LAC Manager, in close cooperation with the CTCN Director and its team.

Objective 1: Ensure sound coordination and high quality of responses delivered by the CTCN in LAC

Outputs:

- Review requests submitted by countries to the CTCN and provide recommendations on request eligibility, prioritisation, refinement and response development;

- Provide support in design, coordination and implementation of the technical assistance response plan to the NDEs, and provide technical input as needed;

- Review the work of the Implementation Team and ensure compliance with work plan timelines and deliverable schedules;

- Review and provide recommendations on the quality of deliverables, including completion reports;

- Prepare monthly activity plans and progress reports

Objective 2: Strengthen capacities of National Designated Entities of the CTCN in LAC and other stakeholders on climate technologies.

Outputs:

- Provide support to the conceptualization of regional CTCN capacity building activities, including the implementation of the same;

- Lead the organization and preparation of CTCN networking activities in LAC, such as the CTNC regional Forum, trainings, networking events, CTCN national consultative processes, and other events and activities planned by CTCN in LAC;

- Build and maintain strong relationships with NDEs and foster new relationships with regional players active in LAC;

- Support the identification of relevant regional events at which CTCN activities could be profiled and represented CTCN in regional and national events and platforms and internal meetings as and when required;

- Provide support to the CTCN Knowledge Management team by creating synergies between exiting regional web-based knowledge sharing platforms and CTCN web based knowledge management systems

Objective 3: Ensure effective implementation of regional collaborative activities and additional partnership opportunities.

Outputs:

- Provide the LAC Manager with local and regional intelligence in support to the development of official assistance requests by reviewing Technology Needs Assessments, Nationally Determined Contributions and relevant national plans in LAC countries;

- Contribute to strengthen the relationship of CTCN with key partners: focal points (NDEs), consortium partners and network members;

- Provide support in development and building of Climate Technology Network through identification and introduction of applications of possible CTC Network service provider members from LAC;

- Draft concept notes on collaboration between the CTCN and other stakeholders (universities, private sector, donors, etc.);

The performance will be measured through analyzing the quality of documents produced, the respect of deadlines and the success of activities supported by the consultant.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD or equivalent) preferably in engineering, technology, environmental science, or related areas is required.

Experience - At least 5 years professional experience in the field of environment, natural resources management or international development is required ; - Within these 5 years, at least 2 years of professional experience in climate change issues and economic development levels of the different countries in Latin america and Caribbean is required; - Experience of preparing concept notes, planning documents and/or other project coordination tools in the area of climate change mitigation and/or adaptation is required. - Experience in design and delivery of technology transfer and/or knowledge sharing is desirable - Experience of working with International Organizations is an asset; - Experience of working with public organizations at national or regional level is an asset; - Understanding and experience with UN Programs, their development and implementation activities is an advantage.

Language

• Fluency in English and Spanish is required.
• Knowledge of another UN Language (French, Arabic, Chinese and Russian) is an asset.

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. 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. 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: Individual Contractor Agreement

Contract level: I-ICA 2

Contract duration: Twelve (12) Months

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 Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.