NDC Partnership In-Country Facilitator – Dominica (Partnerships Specialist) - Retainer Homebased

Mid Senior Environment

Overview

Serve as NDC Partnership's interface in Dominica; facilitate climate action

You have:

• Master's degree preferably in public policy (climate/environment), economics, public finance, sustainable development, environmental science or studies.
• 5 years of experience in climate/environment and sustainable development in Dominica.
• Demonstrable experience working in climate change tasks in Dominica, including, but not limited to, mitigation and adaptation action, government policy and legal frameworks.
• Proficiency in English is required.
• Demonstrated skills in managing and aligning diverse groups of stakeholders, including development agencies, non-state actors / civil society, financial institutions, and the private sector.

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-10 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-10 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

WEC Background:

The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna, and with offices based globally is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolio Office. The Portfolio has built strong partnerships and is effectively managing a portfolio of over 500 million USD over the last 15 years to support key initiatives with fund management, project implementation and administrative support.

WEC effectively operationalizes partners' agendas with global approaches, as well as regional and country specific activities focused on climate action, protection and conservation of the environment. Partners profit from WEC’s ability to operationalize and/or scale up their important substantive agendas, including in support of key multilateral environmental and climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, the Cartagena Convention as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.

The NDC Partnership:

The NDC Partnership is a global coalition of countries and institutions collaborating to drive transformational climate action through sustainable development. In 2015, the world endorsed the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Nations signal their commitments to the Paris Agreement through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) - each country’s strategy to cut its own greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience against the negative effects of a changing climate. The Partnership advances the goals of the Paris Agreement by bringing together nearly 200 countries and institutions in new ways to accelerate NDC implementation and enhance ambition over time. The Partnership’s work through 120 partners supporting almost 80 countries produces many examples of impact, lessons learned and ideas for the future. The Partnership is governed by a Steering Committee, co-chaired by two country representatives. The Partnership’s work is facilitated by a Support Unit based at World Resources Institute in Washington DC and the UNFCCC Secretariat in Bonn, Germany. UNOPS supports the NDC Partnership and its Support Unit through the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC).

Country Context

Dominica submitted its updated NDC in July 2022. Dominica’s commitment extends to reducing emissions by 45% below 2014 levels by 2030, harnessing geothermal energy, and promoting alternative energy sources. In terms of adaptation and resilience, the island’s vulnerability to hurricanes, high-intensity rainfall, and storm surges triggered urgent attention. Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused extensive damage, equivalent to 226% of Dominica’s GDP. Amid this devastation, in September 2017, Dominica set itself the goal to become the world’s first climate-resilient nation. Finance resource mobilization and improving the capacity of national human resources are priority areas for climate action in the country.

In this context, during 2024 Dominica expects to develop a Long Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), advance in the implementation of its NDC, prepare for the updating of the current NDC by 2025, align it with the LT-LEDS and operationalize and strengthen the Kalinago Development Fund. In efforts to strengthen stakeholder coordination, the in-country facilitator will play a crucial role to achieve these objectives. The embedded in-country facilitator will support the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernization, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment in engaging, coordinating, facilitating and mobilizing actors and resources for the development of an LT LEDS, the implementation of Dominica’s updated NDC, the alignment of these two strategies and the operationalization and strengthening of the Kalinago Development Fund. The facilitator will also undertake any other activities assigned to her/him related to Dominica’s NDC.

The embedded facilitator will implement all tasks under the direct supervision of the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist for Dominica and will work in close collaboration with the different ministerial offices. He/she will need to use his/her own laptop and software. This is a retainer national vacancy / position for twelve 12 months, maximum of 220 working days.

*** This is a Homebased position, meaning that the incumbent will not work from a UNOPS office but from the government facilities. Therefore, the incumbent will need to use his/her own laptop and software.

** As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of Dominica or have a valid residence permit in the Country.**

Functional Responsibilities

The incumbent will serve as the NDC Partnership’s interface in the country and operate as a liaison between the country and other NDC Partnership members. The role is one of coordination and supportive facilitation. He/she plays a key role in ensuring the smooth implementation of the Country Engagement Process, by supporting ongoing coordination efforts between the Support Unit of the NDC Partnership, the various partners of the Partnership, and the government of Dominica.

The incumbent will support the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment. He/she will be responsible for strengthening national coordination in terms of resource mobilization and monitoring the implementation of the NDC. He/she will support the focal point of the Partnership in his daily tasks of implementing the NDC and other forms of support for the NDC implementation.

The following responsibilities are part of the embedded incumbent role:

• Support the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment in the development of an implementation plan for the updated Nationally Determined Contribution through the consolidation of relevant plans and strategies, including the Green Climate Fund Country Programme, into a singular logical framework, reflecting outcomes, outputs and indicators for the NDC.
• Support with coordination across key stakeholders in order to maximize synergies, avoid duplication, and mobilize support for identified needs and gaps for successful NDC implementation. Through this task the facilitator will leverage the necessary inputs to feed into the NDC implementation plan. Stakeholders may include governmental authorities, private sector and/or civil society organizations, within specific sectors or on a certain topic, and implementing and development partners, as per guidance provided by the Environmental Coordinating Unit.
• Map existing and planned support from partners contributing to NDC and climate action and integrate this information into the NDC implementation plan as relevant. This information will be useful for identifying support gaps for implementation and serve as a basis for the systematic tracking of international support and its impacts on advancing towards the NDC.
• Engage with implementing partners in the country/region to support resource mobilization in accordance with Dominica’s NDC implementation plan and liaising with the NDC Partnership Support Unit to access and/or feed into related global knowledge products. The facilitator will also identify activities from the NDC implementation plan suitable to be financed under international windows of climate finance.
• Upload the NDC implementation plan into an online tool that can be used to track and record NDC implementation activities, support gaps and progress towards achieving NDC outputs and outcomes.
• Once developed, monitor and assess the implementation of Dominica’s NDC implementation plan, its contribution and impacts to NDC implementation and enhancement, and coordinate periodic reporting of partners to the NDC Partnership. Periodic reports should include the quarterly country engagement update report and the investment project tracking list developed by the NDC Partnership Support Unit.
• Support in the drafting of concept notes for international support requests, considering national priorities and the needs for the NDC implementation, as per guidance provided by the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment. The number and timing will depend on the timeframes of international call for proposals.
• Assist the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment in outreach and awareness raising related to NDC implementation.
• Participate in relevant meetings as indicated by the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, including but not limited to those organized within the OECS, UNFCCC, RCC and NDC Partnership.

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 - Master’s degree preferably in public policy (climate/environment), economics, public finance, sustainable development, environmental science or studies or a similar field; - A Bachelor's degree in a related discipline combined with at least two (2) additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

Required

• 5 years of experience in climate/environment and sustainable development in Dominica;
• Demonstrable experience working in climate change tasks in Dominica, including, but not limited to, mitigation and adaptation action, government policy and legal frameworks.

Asset

• Demonstrated skills in managing and aligning diverse groups of stakeholders, including development agencies, non-state actors / civil society, financial institutions, the private sector, and others;
• Demonstrated experience working with MRV, M&E, and results-based management tools and systems;
• Familiarity with UNFCCC processes including Subsidiary Body and Conference of Parties (CoP), NDC and past experience on government climate change process, experience in facilitating the implementation of NDCs is an asset;
• Ability to foster formal and informal networks to strengthen cooperation between agencies, including Government, private sector participants, NGOs and other stakeholders

Language Proficiency in English is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA / ICS 10 retainer Contract level: Local ICA 10 Contract duration: 12 months, 220 days, with possibility of extension depending on performance and on 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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org