International Consultant to mainstream adaptation and synergy of climate change adaptation into development planning

Result of Service Strengthening institutional, technical and financial capacities for climate change adaptation in Iraq.

Work Location Home-based (with possible mission to Baghdad, Iraq)

Expected duration 12 months

Duties and Responsibilities 1. Organizational Setting, Purpose and Objective: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) delivers advisory services and capacity building support to countries to achieve environment and sustainable development objectives. The Republic of Iraq is considered one of the most vulnerable countries in the Arab region to the impacts of climate change. A higher frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as drought, sand and dust storms have been experienced in recent years. These events are leading to rising environmental degradation throughout the country, threatening Iraq’s progress towards sustainable development. The Iraqi government considers adaptation to be a priority for the country, particularly in addressing the impacts of climate change on poor and vulnerable communities and has made some progress towards managing the impacts of climate change. However, despite short-term and ad hoc adaptation interventions, Iraq’s ability to initiate a plan for medium- and long-term adaptation to unfolding and emerging climate change impacts is facing significant challenges, such as limited institutional capacity to integrate adaptation into policies and plan and insufficient and irregular collection, analysis and dissemination of data and information. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Readiness project seeks to address these barriers by strengthening institutional, technical and financial capacities to ensure that medium to long-term adaptation needs are integrated into national development planning in Iraq. (a) To reduce vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, by building adaptive capacity and resilience; (b) To facilitate the integration of climate change adaptation, in a coherent manner, into relevant new and existing policies, programmes and activities, in particular development planning processes and strategies, within all relevant sectors and at different levels, as appropriate (decision 5/CP.17, paragraph 1).The UNFCCC’s Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG) on adaptation released Guidelines for National Adaptation Plans (December 2012) and a number of Supplementary Guidelines. NAPs are focused on medium and long-term adaptation planning. Planning for adaptation at the national level is a continuous, progressive and iterative process, and should be based on and guided by the best available science, as stated in the NAP technical guidelines (UNFCCC, 2012). Furthermore, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) has issued guidance on its support to national adaptation planning processes. Development plans such as The National Development Strategy 2018-2022 and Iraq Vision for Sustainable Development 2030 recognize climate change implications for Iraq as a serious threat that are likely to become progressively more significant in the years and decades to come that need local adaptive capacity determined by local conditions. Yet, such important development plans and policies have missed considering or suggesting adaption options to climate change as major tools by relevant sectors to reduce its impacts on the population and local communities. Mainstreaming climate change adaptation into development policies at national and sectoral levels through relevant measures while assessing climate risks and opportunities will enable the government to effectively improve its general directions and priorities in dealing with the impacts of climate change. While mainstreaming and prioritizing climate change adaptation into relevant sectors is recognized as an effective way to respond to climate change, synergy in the preparation and implementation of adaptation plans should be also sensitized and motivated at the subnational level and with other multilateral environment agreements (MEAs). At the subnational level, synergy and alignment can take place in various phases of the NAP: during the preparation stage; as part of the strategies for the implementation of NAP; and as eventual measures undertaken during the implementation. Therefore, current coordination at the local level should be strengthened. With other MEAs, it is ongoing process and involves identification of the key prerequisites for synergy and developing mechanisms for exchange of information with other conventions so opportunities and entry points for synergy are strengthened in planning and implementation of the NAP process. 2. Objectives: The objectives of this international consultancy are: - To address the gaps identified in national policies and sectoral development plans (outcome 2 of the NAP proposal) and align them with the NAP processes; - Promote coherence and synergy at the sub-national level. This work will be carried out at both the national and local levels of government. It will be supported through (a) developing a Protocol for integrating climate change adaptation into development planning at national, sectoral and local levels, (b) elaborating a Strategy for the periodic review of policies, strategies and plans and formulating an implementation plan for the strategy and (c) enhancing synergies at the subnational levels. The International Consultant will work closely with a National Consultant (NC) and will report to the Regional Climate Change Coordinator at UNEP West Asia Office. He/she will also work in close collaboration and coordination with UNEP National Officer in Iraq and the NAP Coordinator of the Iraqi Ministry of Environment.

¿ Duties and Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the Regional Coordinator for Climate Change at UNEP, and in consultation with the UNEP National Officer in Iraq, the NAP Coordinator at the Ministry of Environment, and NAP project stakeholders, and overseeing one national consultant, the International Consultant will carry-out, inter alia, the following duties and responsibilities: Task 1: Lead the development of a Protocol for integrating climate change adaptation into development planning (Activity 3.2.2). The outline of the Protocol will be agreed in advance with UNEP. ¿ Review existing national plans and sectoral policies for entry points of integrating climate change adaptation across different levels. ¿ Provide a draft report and a set of recommendations on how and where to integrate climate change adaptation in development planning at both national, and governorate and sectoral levels and finalise report based on feedback received. ¿ Engage with key stakeholders as required through virtual meetings to facilitate discussions on the Protocol and incorporate comments as required ¿ Develop a Protocol to integrate climate change adaptation into development planning for all relevant stakeholders across sectors. ¿ Hold a virtual session with the National Consultant to present and validate the Protocol by relevant stakeholders (local officials, civil society organizations…) Deliverables: ¿ A note summarizing key findings and recommendations on integrating climate change opportunities. ¿ Draft and final Protocol. Task 2: Develop and implement a Strategy for the periodic review of policies, strategies and plans, including the integration, in an iterative manner, of: i) updated climate information; ii) lessons learned from prior integration of climate change into these strategies and plans; and iii) lessons learned from the prior implementation of these policies, strategies and plans (Activity 3.2.3). ¿ Prepare a framework strategy for the periodic review of policies. ¿ Guiding the planning and content development of in-country consultations with relevant stakeholders, particularly national ministries on the strategy and receive inputs and provide guidance to the national consultant in incorporating the consultation outcomes ¿ Develop a strategy for periodic review of policies, strategies and plans integrating ¿ i) updated climate information. ¿ ii) lessons learned from prior integration of climate change into these strategies and plans; and ¿ iii) lessons learned from the prior implementation of these policies, strategies and plans ¿ Develop an implementation plan for the periodic review including review cycles and a clear timeline and actions. ¿ Lead an inter-ministerial workshop to confirm and validate lessons learned from the Strategy. Deliverables: ¿ A report detailing the strategy developed for periodic review of policies, strategies and plans with recommendations on how to implement it. Task 3: Enhance synergies at the sub-national level (Activity 1.2.1) ¿ Review current institutional arrangements, programmes or initiatives in the planning and implementation of adaptation, with a view to maximizing benefits at the sub-national level ¿ Develop and guide capacity building programme at the sub-regional level to support pathways for coherence, promote joint efforts and avoid duplication in the planning and implementation of adaptions plans. ¿ Recommend cooperation between Ministry of Environment, sub-national bodies and partner institutions for a workplan to further scope joint initiatives. ¿ Identify barriers that can hinder efforts for sub-national synergy.

Qualifications/special skills Master’s degree in public policy, environmental sciences, economics or a closely related field is required. At least 10 years previous work experience in climate and environment policy making and planning related to adaptation and cross-sectorial policy and planning processes with national and sub-national government institutions and their partners (e.g. civil society, technical partners, private sector) is required. At least two similar assignments of supporting Government institutions to integrate climate change adaptation and/or environmental issue into national development plans, and /or sector policies, plans and budgets is required. Previous work experience in the Middle East desirable, preferably in Iraq is desirable. Excellent communication skills, with analytic capacity and ability to synthesize documents and relevant findings for the preparation of quality project reports and documents is desirable. Ability to work independently is desirable. Maturity and confidence in dealing with senior and high-ranking members of international, regional and national institutions is desirable.

Languages Excellent English writing, reading and verbal communication skills, knowledge of Arabic would be an advantage

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.