Consultant for the G20 Climate Sustainability

Result of Service Objective: Support for ESCAP EDD EDPS projects.

Duties and Responsibilities: Conducting research, drafting a publication and developing related products, such as presentations, surveys, and other briefs.

Scope of Work: Support the implementation of the section 23, 2022 project (Capacity building support on critical environment issues to member States of Asia and the Pacific through virtual Executive Training)

Technical specifications: Background in environment-related matters, ocean sciences, water sciences, climate change or related field.

Work Location Home-based

Expected duration 15 April 2022 to 15 August 2022

Duties and Responsibilities The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (Indonesia) has requested the support from ESCAP in the development of a study, on “Promoting Ocean-based Solutions to Climate Change Through Enhanced Cooperation in Science, Research, and Innovation” to facilitate the discussions of the G20 Climate Sustainability Working group in 2022, addressing the priority issue of enhancing land- and sea-based actions to support environment protection and climate objectives.

As the Indonesian Presidency of G20 coincides with the second year of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 which the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO is mandated to coordinate, and as part of ESCAP’s Regional Decade Program to support the regional implementation of the Ocean Decade, ESCAP has partnered with IOC/UNESCO for the joint design and timely delivery of this study.

In line with ESCAP Resolution 76/1 on “Strengthening cooperation to promote the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific,” underscoring the importance of the Ocean for the region, ESCAP developed a section 23 project to reduce the negative impacts of growth on the natural environment and to improve human well-being in urban and rural environments through building the capacity of member States to strengthen climate action and sustainable resource use, realize sustainable urban development and eliminate pollution and waste. Among others, the project will deliver this study to promote ocean science, research and development and policy innovation towards climate resilience and building forward better. This project will further strengthen the capacity of ESCAP member States for the implementation of SDG13 on Climate action and for implementation of SDG 14, life below water.

A consultant is required to lead the drafting of a study on “Promoting ocean-based solutions to climate change” in support of the Climate and Sustainability Working Group established under Indonesia’s G20 Presidency, including the implementation of a survey, the development of technical inputs, as well as conducting research through different methodologies. The appropriate consultant should have (i) sound knowledge, skills and experiences on issues related to the ocean and climate change, including analysis, collection and use of data and integrated analytical approaches; (ii) experience in the development of publications/reports/briefs; and (iii) advanced research and analysis skills, especially in policy-oriented knowledge products.

The draft publication shall be prepared according to the following outline and as further elaborated in the inception report to be provided to the consultant:

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Objectives and scope

1.2 Problem statement and opportunity

1.3 Raising awareness of ocean ecosystem services and the ocean-climate nexus

1.4 The Indonesian presidency of G20 coincides with the second year of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030.

Chapter 2: Promoting ocean-based solutions to climate change

2.1 Introduction of an assessment framework (including sectors, challenges and impacts, criteria for case identification and selection)

2.2 Case studies

2.3 Land-to-sea interlinkages

2.4 Mitigation a) Blue carbon b) Ecosystem restoration leading to enhanced ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, sustainable food sources, etc. c) Understanding the potential role of deep-sea and mesopelagic ecosystems in carbon sequestration and climate services

2.5 Adaptation a) Resilient coastal communities (sea level rise, coastal hazards) b) Climate resilient ecosystems

2.6 Expanding the Global Ocean Observing System

2.7 Indicators to address gaps and opportunities for R&D cooperation

Chapter 3: Creating an environment for generating and promoting ocean-based solutions to climate change

3.1 Technology transfer a) Digital Twin b) Access to data c) Global Ocean Observing System: highlight important role of coordinated global observations, ocean and climate modeling and predictions d) Ecosystem conservation, restoration and rehabilitation techniques

3.2 Capacity development (Gap analysis) a) Early Career Ocean Professionals – Ocean Decade Endorsed Program b) Ocean-Climate Science Literacy web platform Services provided by IOC-UNESCO (Ocean Literacy Portal), Ocean Literacy for All c) Other initiatives

3.3 Indicators for adequate financing, resource allocation and mobilization

Chapter 4: Ocean science informing climate policy frameworks

4.1 Stocktaking of experience in G20 countries on use of ocean science to inform climate – policy frameworks

4.2 Promoting dialogue platforms such as the UNFCCC/COP27 (towards inclusion of ocean-climate solutions in G20 member NDCs to meet Paris Agreement 1.5-degree targets), UNFCCC Ocean and Climate Change, UN Ocean Decade Global and Regional Conferences and other various international ocean science conferences, Asia-Pacific Day for the Ocean, Asia-Pacific Climate Week, APFSD, UN Ocean Conference.

4.3 Indicators for increased cooperation on using ocean science to inform climate policy framework

Chapter 5: Opportunities for G20 cooperation and policymaking

5.1 Raising ambition for ocean-based climate action

5.2 Enhancing UN Ocean Decade and ocean-climate associated Decade Actions, ocean accounts partnerships, etc.

5.3 Alignment of strategies and enhancing technology and scientific cooperation a) G7 Member Countries working group on Ocean Decade b) High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy

5.4 Financing by member countries and resource mobilization a) Global Ocean Science Report, highlight the low (average b) Role for G20 Member States on the Ocean Decade Alliance c) Engaging philanthropy and private sector resources

5.5 Optimization of resources and priorities for public and private investment

5.6 Use of Ocean Decade as a convening framework (challenges and objectives have been established)

Outputs and deliverables:

1. Conduct research and draft of a study for publication, of an approximate length of 30 pages:

a) Process inputs, index, sort and analyze data, information and case studies submitted by G20 countries via a questionnaire previously circulated; delivery date by 30 April 2022 b) Develop a first draft of the publication based on the inception report provided, incorporating the results form the questionnaire, as well as scientific literature and additional data sourcesdelivery date by 15 May 2022 c) Deliver a revised draft based on the recommendations and feedback from the second workshop in June 2022; delivery date by 30 June 2022 d) Produce the final version of the study, including revision requests and feedback from G20 member countries, and study leads; delivery date by 15 July 2022

2. Promotional materials:

a) Develop two PowerPoint presentations outlining the highlights and findings of the study, including graphics. i. One powerpoint presentation shall be delivered before the second workshop organized in June 2022; delivery date in June 2022 ii. Another powerpoint presentation shall be delivered at the end off the project, including a summary of findings and recommendations; delivery date by 15 August 2022 b) Prepare an executive summary/brochure for promotion of the study. This document will capture the main messages from the study; delivery date by 15 August 2022

3. Participate in the G20 Climate Sustainability Working Group meetings and workshops:

a) Virtual/Remote participation in the G20 Climate Sustainability Working Group meetings and workshops, as well as in preparatory meetings and progress report calls; ongoing b) Travel to meetings and workshops as needed; upon request

The payment schedule for the Consultant (total of USD 20,000) will be upon satisfactory completion of assignments as follows;

15/05/2022: USD10,000 upon satisfactory delivery of output 1.a and 1.b. 15/07/2022: USD5,000upon satisfactory delivery of output 1.c, 1.d and 2.a.i. 15/08/2022: USD5,000 upon satisfactory delivery of output 2.a.ii and 2.b.

Qualifications/special skills Competency: Full IT proficiency.

Skills: Previous history working within the UN system and the prior knowledge of ESCAP projects on SDG14, or IOC/UNESCO’s Ocean Decade is an asset.

Academic Qualifications: Degree(s) (Bachelor and higher) on subjects relating to economics, environment, sustainable development, climate change, chemistry, water sciences, ocean sciences or related field.

Experience: Experience in conducting research, and delivering environmental, climate change and/or ocean-related knowledge products. Experience with G20, G7, Ocean Panel or similar intergovernmental processes is an asset.

Language: Excellent command of English.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.