Climate Transparency Officer

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

The UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC) was established in early 2022. UNEP-CCC is programmatically guided by UN Environment (UNEP) and operationally supported by UNOPS. UNEP-CCC was established to ensure the preservation and continuation of the experience and capacity established through a 30-year working relationship between UNEP, DTU, and the MFA, known as the UNEP DTU Partnership (UDP).

UNEP-CCC is a leading international advisory institution on energy, climate and sustainable development. Its work focuses on assisting developing countries and emerging economies to transition towards more low-carbon development paths and supports the integration of climate resilience in national development. UNEP-CCC is actively engaged in implementing UN Environment’s Climate Change Strategy and Energy Programme by delivering technical assistance and analytical work to emerging markets and developing countries in context of the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.

The Mitigation Analysis and Data Management Section (MA&DM) is one of five sections at UNEP-CCC. MA&DM works on supporting countries in identifying and implementing cost-effective mitigation policies and actions in different sectors, as well as strengthening countries´ capacities to use tools and establish national transparency frameworks to assess climate actions in the context of their NDCs and report on their progress. In addition, MA&DM promotes sharing experiences and raising awareness globally on climate change mitigation through the compilation of key GHG data and the development of global mitigation assessments such as the UNEP Emissions Gap report.

MA&DM section is involved in several projects that support the Centre strategy in the areas of policy planning and transparency. MA&DM seeks to recruit a Climate Transparency Officer. The successful candidate will primarily be part of the team implementing projects related to the Enhanced transparency framework, such as the Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency and - the Global Support Programme (CBIT-GSP). This is a Global Environmental Facility’s (GEF) funded project, implemented by UNEP and executed by UNEP-CCC. The successful candidate would also be part of the wider transparency team in UNEP-CCC, developing and implementing other transparency projects such as under the umbrella of the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT), other GEF projects, etc. The candidate will strengthen the visibility of the section’s mitigation work in international fora and contribute to analytical work and publications.

Functional Responsibilities

The main responsibility of the candidate will be to provide science-based advice on the assessment of needs and implementation of climate transparency systems primarily at a national level with global and sub-national elements. The successful candidate is expected to work on a varied portfolio of activities, including project management and coordination, partnership development, data generation, quantitative and qualitative analysis, as well as contributing to fundraising, and proposal development in collaboration with other staff as well as other relevant colleagues across UNEP.

Specific areas of work for the Climate Transparency Officer will include:

• Contribute to the work and strategic discussion of the MA&DM Section by providing scientific advice and technical inputs to the climate transparency and accountability area.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the strategy of the UNEP-CCC in particular in the area of climate transparency and accountability.
• Support the provision of guidance and technical advice on the design and establishment of Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification frameworks for mitigation under UNEP-CCC projects to support the implementation of the Enhanced Transparency Framework of the Paris Agreement, ensuring coordination across relevant sections and with UNEP relevant units.
• Ensure the development of knowledge products for Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification frameworks for mitigation under the Enhanced Transparency Framework, ensuring coordination among projects and with other activities in the strategy area of climate transparency.
• Contribute to the organization, development, and delivery of workshops, training, e-learning, webinars, and other events, including agendas, presentations, and learning material organized by UNEP-CCC under climate transparency-related projects.
• Coordinate the development and maintenance of an online knowledge-sharing platform, generating and updating content including activities, project progress, and results to facilitate coordination and information sharing among users.

The process will be based on performance evaluation including the following:

• Successful completion of project management tasks that will be assigned to the staff, including timely submission of corresponding deliverables, in particular under the UNEP-CCC’s transparency-related projects and initiatives.
• Successful and timely maintenance of the online knowledge-sharing platform, the CBIT-GSP Platform
• Level of contribution to the strategic discussions as part of the MA&DM section

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

a. Education

The candidate should possess a master's degree in Engineering / Economics, Climate Change, and/or Political Science with a thesis related to climate change. A first level university degree (bachelor or equivalent) with two (2) additional years of professional experience will be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.

b. Work Experience

• The Individual Contractor should have at least 5 years of experience in the climate change area, with proven experience in climate transparency. Experience in mitigation is a must, experience in adaptation will be a strong asset.
• Sensible multicultural awareness and ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment is an asset.
• Experience working with emerging and developing countries is an asset.

c. Languages

The working language at UNEP-CCC is English. Therefore, fluency in English is required, with an emphasis on both speaking and writing skills. Fluency in either Spanish and/or French is highly desired. Additional fluency in any other UN language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: IICA 2 / ICS 10 Contract duration: One year (12 months) initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds

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.

Background information- ECR

Based in Geneva, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices throughout the region through: management, financial and programmatic oversight of global and country-specific portfolios, clusters and operations centres, including hosting services; fund and management advisory services; project implementation; 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.

ECR strategy is to:

• Strengthen UNOPS role in operationalizing the Sustainable Development Goals with particular emphasis on health, environment and economic development.
• Position UNOPS in the Balkan sub-region, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
• Strengthen the implementation of ECR global and regional programmes, with revitalized partnerships in infrastructure, procurement and project management.

ECR operates global portfolios from offices in Geneva, Brussels and New York, and country-specific programmes from its operations and project centres located in Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries.