Climate Change Policy Research Junior Officer
Contract
This is a UNV International Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Youth contracts.
Panama enhanced its mitigation ambition from the first NDC. It provided specific greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets for the energy and forestry sectors, committing a 24% reduction in total emissions from the country's energy sector by 2050 (and 11.5% by 2030), and the restoration of 50,000 hectares of forest by 2050 nationwide, compared to business as usual. The updated NDC adds specific objectives in several key areas such as management of water-sheds, marine-coastal system, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, livestock and aquaculture, resilient human settlements, public health, sustainable infrastructure and circular economy. It also includes a well-developed adaptation component in the format of an adaptation communication.
Adaptation and resilience areas in the NDC: • Agriculture • Ecosystem • Energy • Health • Infrastructure • Measurement, Reporting and Verification • Water
Climate Change Impact: Climate change significantly affects Panama, facing issues such as prolonged droughts, increased flooding, and rising temperatures. These changes have profound implications for key regions like Bocas del Toro, Ngäbe Buglé, and the Guna Yala region, which are particularly vulnerable to flooding and other climate-related hazards (Third National Communication on Climate Change).
Panama Canal Challenges: The Panama Canal, a critical artery for global trade, is experiencing operational challenges due to climate change. Drought conditions have led to restrictions on the depth at which ships can transit, forcing vessels to carry lighter loads and impacting the canal's revenue and efficiency. The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has implemented various water-saving measures to address these challenges, such as reusing water in lock chambers and optimizing transit schedules. Furthermore, Panama is implementing integrated watershed management to guarantee water and livelihoods. Thus, people who inhabit the watershed improve their quality-of-life conditions while at the same time protecting and creating nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation.
Climate Action and NDCs: Panama is committed to combating climate change through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These commitments include carbon neutrality by 2050, although maintaining carbon-negative conditions based on its forest coverage and blue sinks. Panama is also implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector. As one of the few carbon-negative countries, Panama emphasizes preserving its extensive forest cover and enhancing its natural carbon sinks.
Under the direct supervision of the Nature, Climate Change and Energy National Programme Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
- Assists in Literature Reviews: Gather and review existing research, policy documents, and reports on climate change and environmental policies relevant to Panama.
- Supports data analysis: collect, organize, and analyze data on climate trends, greenhouse gas emissions, and the effectiveness of climate policies relevant to Panama.
- Contributes to preparing reports: Draft reports, policy briefs, and research papers that summarize findings and provide actionable recommendations for Panama.
- Collaborates with detailed records of research activities, data sources, and analytical methods for transparency and future reference.
- Assist Senior Staff: Provide support to senior researchers and policy analysts in complex projects, including managing project timelines and coordinating with other team members.
☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Working in Teams
or demonstrated interest in:
• Multilateral Environmental Agreements
• Public Policies and / or Policy Development
• Researching, analyzing and writing.
• Climate Change
Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.
Living conditions in Panama have seen significant improvements, yet challenges remain, particularly for certain demographic groups. According to the UNDP, Panama ranks very high on the Human Development Index (HDI), reflecting advances in health, education, and income levels. However, inequality persists, especially affecting indigenous peoples, Afro-Panamanians, and rural communities (UNDP Human Development Reports). Key aspects of living conditions in Panama include:
Economic Growth and Inequality: Panama has experienced robust economic growth, with projections of around 6.5% in 2023. Panama’s government is committed to maintaining safety for locals and tourists, with visible police presence in tourist areas and efforts to improve safety standards. Panama's healthcare system is noteworthy, with several hospitals and clinics providing quality care, a crucial consideration for expats and travelers alike. The country’s infrastructure, including transportation and road conditions, generally meets international standards, especially in urban areas, making travel within Panama relatively hassle-free.
Specific UN Volunteer entitlements, including insurance coverage, Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) and Deployment / Repatriation lump sums, among others, are available at:
https://app.unv.org/calculator.
The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at: https://explore.unv.org/cos
Added 16 days ago
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Updated 2 hours ago
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Source:
unv.org
