NDC & LTS Specialist Latin America and Africa
Support NDC & LTS implementation in Latin America and Africa
Overview
Support NDC & LTS implementation in Latin America and Africa
You have:
- An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Climate Change/Environmental Studies, International Development, or related studies is required.
- At least three (3) years professional experience with relevance to climate change, sustainable development, or support to environment/development projects.
- Two (2) years of specific professional experience in climate transparency, NDCs and long-term strategies are desirable.
- Fluency in spoken and written English, Spanish and French is required.
- Experience working with climate and development stakeholders from Latin America and Northern Africa/MENA.
- Strong communication skills, ability to listen and analyse carefully, rigorous and autonomous.
- Experience supporting the organization of competitive tenders and monitoring/reporting processes is desirable.
- Proficiency in using MS Office applications.
- Experience working with/for the UN is highly desirable.
Result of Service Objective.
The main objective of the consultancy is to support the NDC Action teams based at the Climate Change Unit in Panama and the Energy & Climate Branch in Paris with the global coordination and country-specific management and implementation of the NDC Action project and its associated activities, which contribute to the three outcomes of the climate action subprogramme of UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy 2022-2025.
The consultant will contribute to different project activities in accordance with the guidance provided by his/her supervisors. He/she is expected to perform the following support, consultative and advisory tasks:
- Supporting project management and implementation in Morocco for the successful delivery of the project’s Long-term Strategy (LTS) development support in cooperation with the 2050 Pathways Platform and the French Development Agency (AFD);
- Facilitating project work and its coordination in Latin American & Caribbean partner countries, e.g., by supporting the Office for Latin America & the Caribbean with the implementation of project activities in Argentina;
- Contributing to/backstopping the elaborating of policy briefs, studies, concept notes and/or technical analyses, where needed, e.g. on Carbon Markets, Long-term Strategies, NDC-LTS alignment, enhanced transparency framework applied in NDCs reporting, etc.;
- Exploring opportunities to attract additional funding for complementary add-on project activities and lending support for developing any relevant new project concept;
- Supporting Donor communication and regular project progress reporting;
- Facilitating the close coordination of the project with the NDC Partnership, the IKI NDC-LTS Network, GIZ, IKI Interface projects and other relevant NDC support initiatives;
- Contribute to the organization of regional workshops and/or webinars to discuss best practices related to the project activities in LAC & Africa/MENA regions, as well as other project events, where needed;
- Catalyse regional projects outcomes and leverage regional vision regarding climate action and Nationally Determinate Contributions- NDCS implementation accordingly with the Forum of Ministers and United Nations Environment Assembly-UNEA Decisions.
- Analyse and document the advances of NDC arrangements of selected Latin American and African countries facing Enhanced Transparency Framework requirements.
- Participate in the organization of regional workshops and/or webinars to discuss best practices related to NDC implementation in Latina America and North Africa (French speaking countries).
- Analyse and document the advances of developing countries in NDC implementation plans according with the updated processes.
- Participate in the preparation of TORs for consultants/interns and in the process of interviewing the candidates;
Deliver upon request other related support tasks necessary for project implementation.
Work Location Initially Home-Based, then at UNEP Paris Office, once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Expected duration 12 months contracts
Duties and Responsibilities Purpose.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the international 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 UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (ROLAC), located in Panama City, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy 2022-2025 and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).
The Economy Division focuses on de-carbonizing, de-coupling, and de-toxifying development pathways. It helps partner countries, through its Global Climate Action Unit (GCAU) among others, to achieve low-carbon and climate-resilient development by facilitating the implementation of increasingly ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) aligned with their Long-Term Strategies (LTS) under the Paris Agreement and the Glasgow Climate Pact.
The “NDC Action” Project – jointly implemented by UNEP and the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP CCC), among others through UNEP’s Paris and Panama Offices – supports ten partner countries to translate their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement into concrete strategies and actions ready for financing and implementation, and fosters accelerated public and private investment in sector specific NDC implementation.
In addition, the project supports Morocco with the development of the country’s Long-term Low Green House gas GHG Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), in cooperation with the 2050 Pathways Platform and the French Development Agency (AFD). It builds on three core principles: country ownership, balanced focus between adaptation and mitigation, and integration with national development and climate change priorities.
This consultant will be supervised first by the UNEP Climate Transparency and Ambition Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean and secondly under the NDC Action Project Manager, Energy and Climate Branch, Economy Division. He/she will work initially from home, then at UNEP Paris Offices once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, from Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week (8 hours a day).
Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Climate Change/Environmental Studies, International Development, or related studies is required.
Experience: - At least three (3) years professional experience -combined paid and unpaid- with relevance to climate change, sustainable development, or support to environment/development projects; - Two (2) years of specific professional experience in climate transparency, NDCs and long-term strategies are desirable. - Proven hands-on knowledge of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) support, climate transparency, and/or any other topic closely related to the implementation of the Paris Agreement; - Experience working with climate and development stakeholders from recipient countries in Latin America and Northern Africa/MENA, and if possible, donor government institutions, national development agencies, international organizations, and/or technical partners; - Experience with supporting the organization of competitive tenders and monitoring/reporting processes is desirable; - Experience working with/for the UN is highly desirable; - Familiarity with project management support, such as organising (virtual) workshops and stakeholder consultations, drafting briefings notes, developing and/or revising project documents and concepts.
Language: - Fluency in spoken and written English, Spanish and French is required, and fluency in spoken and written German would be a plus.
Skills: - Strong communication skills, ability to listen and analyse carefully, rigorous and autonomous; and - High motivation to support developing countries in planning and implementing climate actions. - Mature judgment and absolute commitment to confidentiality; ability to work independently and under pressure; take the initiative to judge priorities and organize work accordingly. Excellent organizational skills, ability to multi-task and attention to detail. - Intermediate knowledge and ability to use the standard suite of applications (MS Office) - Strong interpersonal skills and highly developed cultural sensitivity to communicate with all levels of staff and external clients, both orally and in writing. - Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements. - Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations; Shows leadership capacities. - Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
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.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)? | This helps assess your direct experience with key climate strategies. | Provide specific examples of projects you've worked on related to NDCs. |
| What techniques do you use to analyze climate change data? | We're looking for your analytical skills and familiarity with relevant data sources. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How have you engaged with stakeholders in previous projects? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a challenging project you managed. How did you overcome obstacles? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What approach do you take when organizing virtual workshops? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |