NDC Partnership In-Country Facilitator – The Kingdom of Eswatini (Partnerships Specialist)

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

Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on: - Infrastructure - Procurement - Project Management (full service, back on track) - HR and Transactional Services - Grants Management - Technical and Advisory Services - Project Information

WEC Background UNOPS Water, Environment and Energy Cluster (WEC) supports the design and management of multi-stakeholder initiatives by providing services in financial and grant management, procurement, human resources, and project management. The cluster has supported projects in the areas of water resource management, climate change adaptation, mitigation and transparency, energy access and distribution, and environmental conservation under the Paris Agreement. The WEC has also supported operations and financial management services, in Vienna, the rest of the ECR region, and beyond. The main partners include UN agencies, bilateral agreements (with the Nordics, Germany, and Italy), the Green Climate Fund, and several NGOs (such as CIFF and CWF).

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

The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini joined the NDC Partnership in December 2018. In Eswatini, NDC work is spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs (MTEA) and theMinistry of Economic Planning and Development (MEPD). Eswatini received support through Climate Action Enhancement Package (CAEP) between 2019-2021 which was delivered through development partners; UNDP under the Climate Promise fund, UNEP, COMESA, Commonwealth Secretariat, World Resources Institute, IRENA and FAO. Through this support a number of analytical studies and assessments were done which helped Eswatini revise her NDC to a more ambitious and enhanced one which was submitted to UNFCCC in October 2021. On 3rd May 2023 Eswatini launched its NDC Implementation Plan. In support of the Kingdom of Eswatini implementing her climate action through the NDC and NDC Implementation Plan in collaboration with MTEA and MEPD, seeks to engage a qualified NDC Partnership In-Country Facilitator (National Facilitator). The facilitator will work closely with NDC Focal Points in MTEA and MEPD.

The Facilitator will report to the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist and Regional Director closely working and coordinating with the MTEA and MEPD.

Functional Responsibilities

Roles and 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 The Kingdom of Eswatini.

The incumbent will be embedded in the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs (MTEA). He/she will be responsible for strengthening national coordination in terms of resource mobilization and monitoring the implementation of the Partnership Plan. He/she will support the focal point of the Partnership in his daily tasks of implementing the Partnership Plan and other forms of support to the NDC implementation.

The embedded facilitator will implement all tasks under the direct supervision of the NDC Partnership Focal Point and will work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs (MTEA) and the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development (MEPD). He/she will need to use his/her own laptop. This is a retainer national vacancy / position for twelve months, up to a maximum of 220 working days.

The following responsibilities are part of the embedded incumbent role:

Coordination (internal and external)

• Explore and conduct a rapid assessment of coordination mechanisms in Eswatini, which exist at Government, development partner, private sector and non-state actors levels.
• Compile a lessons learnt within the country on coordination, best practices from other countries and make recommendations on what will work in Eswatini
• Support Government to establish the coordination mechanism to support NDC work
• Lead and Facilitate periodic coordination and information exchanges among partners, with the aim of leveraging and mobilizing their respective advantages in support of the NDC Implementation Plan actions including upcoming initiatives
• Facilitate and support MTEA, in NDC coordination and monitoring as well as guide overall implementation of NDC across sectors, working through coordination and governance mechanisms in country
• Build relationships and coordination with the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development (MEPD) and Ministry of Finance. Securing a focal point at Ministry of Finance to coordinate resource mobilization efforts
• Support the coordination and development of Eswatini’s first biennial transparency report through coordination of relevant government departments, agencies and stakeholders to gather data and information necessary for NDC tracking and reporting

Operationalization of NDC Partnership Plan

• Collaborate with the NDC Partnership Support Unit and the Focal Points to manage and update the Plan in the Online Partnership Plan Tool, ensuring information remains up to date and accessible for key stakeholders.
• Identify implementing and development partners, compile their contact details (name of focal point, email address, telephone number) and follow up with them regarding their contribution to the partnership plan guided by NDC Focal Points from MTEA and MEPD.
• Coordinate with all key sectors and development partners to update the Plan and share information regularly for quarterly reporting

Facilitation of NDC Partnership Plan implementation

• Collaborate with the Support Unit to document changes in the operating context and provide support to the government and stakeholders in decision-making processes and new development with respect to the enabling environment.
• Support MTEA to coordinate key stakeholders in articulating and achieving their needs regarding NDC targets within a results-based framework format, and development and implementation of the Costed NDC Implementation Plan;
• Support the alignment and integration of the Costed NDC Implementation Plan, and others existing national plans/strategies, governance mechanisms (including Long Term Low Emissions Development Strategy, National Development Plans etc.) and provide services to strengthen coordination and harmonization, as needed.
• Support MTEA and MEPD in integrating Gender, Youth and Disaster Risk Reduction considerations in the implementation of the NDC.

Mobilization of resources for implementation

• Support the government in following up on and mobilizing domestic and international partner financing to close its support gaps to allow for NDC implementation as per the Partnership Plan in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.
• Update government needs and priorities for NDC implementation in the Partnership Plan.
• Work with the Support Unit to produce an overview of support gaps to make available to partners.
• Engage with partners, including at the local/subnational level, to link needs to services and resources in accordance with the Partnership Plan.
• Assist the government in coordinating with key donors, partners, and funding mechanisms on aligning country programs and projects with the needs and gaps identified in the Partnership Plan including supporting MTEA and MEPD follow up the ongoing project preparation processes targeting GCF and other sources of climate finance.
• Assist and provide guidance to International and Development Partners to align climate projects and programmatic objectives with the Partnership Plan.
• Support MTEA and MEPD, and sectors to develop their capacity through hands on training including accessing the required Technical Assistance to implement cross sector NDC priority actions.

Tracking of Partnership Plan and Investment Plan implementation progress

• Monitor and assess implementation of the Partnership Plan and coordinate periodic reporting of partners to the NDC Partnership.
• Prepare quarterly country update reports summarizing key insights and progress updates, challenges, and recommendations for the way forward.
• Assess progress outcomes of the NDC Partnership in-country engagement and make recommendations for adjustments.

Knowledge management, Communications and Reporting

• Support the Government of Eswatini in tracking the progress of implementation of the NDC, the Costed NDC Implementation Plan, and general in-country engagement and provide periodic progress updates including success stories to the NDC Partnership Steering Committee, through the Support Unit Knowledge and Learning team.
• Support the MTEA and MEPD in facilitating annual “stop and reflect” exercise to assess NDC Implementation progress and identify areas to strengthen implementation of the NDC implementation plan.
• Government effective participation and contribution to Global and Regional platforms on NDC Implementation, in-particular for the Global Stocktake of NDCs.

Organize and support NDC-related meetings as needed

• If requested, facilitate national country specific multi-stakeholder NDC dialogues.
• Support the government in preparing for NDC-related events such as COPs, regional climate weeks, national events, and other convening relevant to showcase NDC progress and generate support for implementation of the NDC.
• Organize coordination meetings between the Support Unit and the government as needed.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - A master’s degree or PhD in natural resource management, environmental policy, climate change, international development, public policy or public finance management or other relevant field of study. - Bachelor’s degree in related discipline in combination with additional 7 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience: Required - At least 5-years relevant experience in environmental public policy fields with practical experience in climate change adaptation/adaptation/mitigation planning and implementation support. - Demonstrated experience in the design and execution of projects related to the field of climate change. - Demonstrated ability to foster multi-stakeholder partnerships and foster cooperation between agencies, including Government, private sector, civil society and development partners. - Good understanding of Eswatini’s environment, policies and strategies and development issues as well as national obligations towards the UNFCCC including the NDC Process and Paris Agreement - Familiarity with low carbon, climate resilient development methodologies and approaches

Asset - Negotiation and conflict resolution; - Familiarity with the Paris Agreement and NDC process is an advantage. - Experience in facilitating the implementation of NDCs is an asset. - Experience in working with governments and national and international organizations in the Kingdom of Eswatini; - Excellent MS Office (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint and others) and internet research skills. - Substantial experience working with the Eswatini Government and in inter-departmental procedures.

Language Requirements: - Fluency in written and spoken English is required. - Knowledge of a local language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: ICSC 10 - LICA 10 Contract duration: Retainer contract (home-based) for up to 12 months (max. 220 working days)

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

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.

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.