Mitigation Specialist

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 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 transition towards more low carbon development paths and supports 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 frameworks to assess climate actions in the context of their NDCs and report on their progress. In addition, MA&DM promotes sharing experience and raising awareness globally on climate change mitigation through the compilation of key GHG data and through the development of global mitigation assessments such as the UNEP Emissions Gap report.

Information about the Unit

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 Mitigation Specialist in Climate Change mitigation and modelling. The successful candidate will be part of the team supporting Net Zero Strategies in countries, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and Pledge Pipeline, Article 6 pipeline, Climate initiatives platform and development of the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Cost Model (GACMO). 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 identification and analysis of mitigation policies and actions at global, national and sub-national levels. S/he is expected to work independently on a varied portfolio of activities, including project management and coordination, partnership development, quantitative and qualitative analysis and modelling, as well as contributing to proposal development in collaboration with other staff as well as other relevant colleagues across UNEP.

Specific areas of work for the Mitigation Specialist will include:

• Being part of a team of experts working on the analysis for Net Zero Strategies in emerging markets and developing countries;
• Provide input to the work of the section on GHG data management and analysis, including the management of databases such as the Climate Initiative Platform, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and Pledge Pipeline, and the Article 6 pipeline.
• Enhancement and development of the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Cost Model (GACMO).

As part of the above work also be responsible for project management and coordination tasks, allocation of budget resources within the assigned project; and for regularly monitoring and assessing performance against KPIs and project milestones. In addition, it is expected that the Mitigation Specialist represents UNEP CCC at international fora. S/he will significantly contribute to analytical work, resulting in both peer-reviewed publications and reports, perspectives and policy briefings.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Successful pick up of the GACMO tool, through its application to country cases under different projects (such as ICAT)
• Successful development and timely maintenance of an Article 6 pipeline
• Successful and timely maintenance of the Pledge pipeline and of any other pipeline assigned to the staff
• Timely submission of the deliverables which will fall under the responsibility of the staff, such as emissions pattern analysis and development of emissions scenarios, in relation with projects focusing on Net Zero.
• Successful completion of project management tasks which will be assigned to the staff, including timely submission of corresponding deliverables, among other under the ICAT project
• Contribute 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

Education

• A Master’s degree in preferably in Engineering / Economics is required. A Bachelor's degree in similar fields and additional years of experience may be considered in lieu.

• A PhD degree in Engineering / Economics with a thesis related to the climate change mitigation is preferred

  Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in the climate change mitigation area is required.

• Knowledge of low carbon transition pathways, in particular for energy system transition scenarios is required.

• Experience in one or more of the following is required:

• Energy system modelling (e.g., LEAP, TIMES, MARKAL, etc)

• GHG data management and IPCC inventory guidelines

• CDM methodologies

• Experience of working with emerging markets and developing countries is an asset.

• Experience of working in areas such as energy is a distinct advantage.

Language

• Fluency in English, in both speaking and writing is required.
• Fluency in Spanish and/or French is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

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

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.
• Copenhagen, Denmark is an UN Family Duty Station

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 peace and 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 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labour force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage the recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.