Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Specialist, Latin America & Caribbean (LAC)

Senior Environment

Overview

Provide high-quality services for climate technology projects in LAC.

You have:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in science, environment, engineering and technology, natural resource management, law or related discipline is required.
• Minimum of 7 years professional experience in the field of environment, natural resources management and international development is required.
• At least 5 years of professional experience on climate change issues in Latin America and Caribbean is required.
• Fluency in oral and written English and Spanish is required.
• Experience or Knowledge of the UNFCCC process or climate negotiations is desirable.
• Experience of working with national governments and public and private sector institutions is an asset.
• Experience of working with International Organizations is an asset.

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- ECR

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices in the region, providing management and financial/programmatic oversight of Global and Country specific Portfolios, Clusters and Operations Centers including hosting services, fund management, management advisory services, implementing projects, procuring goods and services and managing human resources.

ECR ensures that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between business units and projects across the entire region.

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 Latin America and Caribbean region.

Objectives of the Assignment

Objective 1: Ensure sound coordination and high quality of responses delivered by the CTCN in Latin America and Caribbean Region by .

Outputs:

- Reviewed requests submitted by countries to the CTCN and relevant recommendations - Ensured compliance with work plan timelines and deliverable schedules. - Improved quality of the Recommendations on the quality of deliverables, including completion reports by following the guidance from the M&E framework

Objective 2: Strengthen capacities of National Designated Entities and, Network members and other stakeholders on climate technologies by.

Outputs:

- Drafting concept notes and materials for regional CTCN capacity building activities, including data mining of the implementation of the same.

- Establishing and developing strong relationships with NDEs and new relationships with regional players active in Latin America and Caribbean Region.

- Identifying relevant regional events at which CTCN activities would be profiled and representing CTCN in regional and national events and platforms.

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

Outputs:

- Reviewed Technology Needs Assessments, Nationally Determined Contributions and relevant national plans in Latin America and Caribbean Countries.

- Improved and stronger relationship of CTCN with key partners: focal points (National Designated Entities), consortium partners and network members.

- Developed Climate Technology Network through identification and introduction of applications of possible CTC Network service provider members from Latin America and Caribbean Region.

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

In particular, he/she will:

• Provide inputs on technical assistance request prioritization, refinement and guidance on day-to-day management for delivery of the technical assistance.
• Facilitate CTCN Response Plan development and review project documents for quality assurance and control in collaboration with client countries and sector experts.
• Promote and facilitate capacity building, knowledge management, and communication activities on climate technologies.
• Lead the organization and preparation of CTCN networking activities such as the CTNC regional Forum, trainings, networking events, CTCN national consultative processes, and other events and activities planned by CTCN
• Manage relationships with National Designated Entities and develop new partnerships with regional players in LAC.
• Collaborate closely with Consortium Partners and Network Members engagement for delivery of CTCN technical assistance, including monitoring and evaluation.
• 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
• Prepare monthly activity plans and progress reports

The Specialist will contribute to the following deliverables:

• Liaise with the National Designated Entities and project proponents and provide feedback on potential requests for technical assistance as per the CTCN mandate and strategic interest.
• Technical review and recommendations on the design of CTCN response plans (ToRs) 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 partners.
• 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.
• Preparation of materials needed for Regional Forum, training, networking events, CTCN National consultative process, and other regional events organized by CTNC

The position requires someone living in Latin Caribbean Region (LCR), therefore only applicants living in the region will be considered for the post.

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in science, environment, engineering and technology, natural resource management, law or related discipline is required.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years professional experience in the field of environment, natural resources management and international development is required.
• At least 5 years of professional experience on climate change issues in Latin America and Caribbean is required.
• Experience or Knowledge of the UNFCCC process or climate negotiations is desirable
• Experience of working with national governments and public and private sector institutions is an asset.
• Experience of working with International Organizations is an asset.

Language

• Fluency in oral and written English and Spanish is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: ICS-11 / International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA) 3 Contract duration: 12 months, renewable subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

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 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 (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.
• The position requires someone living in Latin Caribbean Region (LCR), therefore only applicants living in that region will be considered for the post.

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.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 4 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org