NDC Policy & Planning Alignment Consultant

Consultant Environment

Overview

Support policy alignment and subnational climate action initiatives.

You have:

• Master degree in social sciences, political sciences, environmental science and policy, environmental engineering, international relations, or related fields.
• At least 15 years of demonstrated experience in project management linked to climate plans, NDCs, international relations, urban sustainability, urban planning, and/or sustainable infrastructure management.
• Demonstrated strong and managerial skills and experience in coordinating complex projects in an international setting.
• Ability to work effectively, precisely, and autonomously in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing tasks across teams.
• Fluency in English is required for this position. Working knowledge of French or any other languages will be an asset.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

• Contribute to a policy alignment framework to be created under Workstream 2 of NDC Act & Invest, enhancing alignment across national, sectoral, and subnational climate, biodiversity, land restoration, and development planning frameworks. - Develop a policy alignment tool based on foundational enablers and drivers to unlock climate finance, to be piloted in three NDC Act & Invest focus countries. - Deliver high-impact case studies that illustrate scalable models of policy alignment and subnational climate action. Integrate findings into the NDC Act & Invest Workstream 2 Framework. - Conduct research on existing methodologies of policy alignment and support the work on tools and mechanisms to accelerate subnational climate action through NDCs. Compile the results in a compendium of resources. - Lead coordination and strategic support for integrating subnational governments into priority NDC implementation efforts, ensuring coherence with CHAMP and the NDC Act & Invest initiative. - Identify potential partners, such as UNDP, GIZ, WRI, C40, and the NDC Partnership, to support technical inputs to Workstream 2 and provide case studies. - Contribute, as deemed relevant, to a range of initiatives, including those under the Subnational Climate Action Unit, such as the strategic representation of UNEP’s subnational portfolio within CHAMP, the development of innovative financing approaches to accelerate local-level NDC implementation, and strategic input to UN-Habitat’s Expert Group on the Urban Content of NDCs.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

9 months – 15 May 2026 to 14 February 2027

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the world's foremost authority on environmental issues, providing leadership and fostering partnerships to promote sustainable development. UNEP inspires and empowers nations and communities to enhance their quality of life while safeguarding the needs of future generations. The NDC Act & Invest Initiative is a global programme led by UNEP and currently funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and the NDC Partnership’s Partnership Action Fund (PAF) multi-donor trust fund. It is designed to help countries raise their climate ambition and translate their new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted in 2025 into actionable, investable plans. Building on lessons learned from the NDC Action project implementation and previous NDC cycles, the initiative addresses critical gaps in policy alignment, financing, and implementation. It brings together governments, development partners, and the private sector to develop coherent, science-based, and finance-ready NDC frameworks. Structured around three interconnected workstreams —fostering G20+ ambition and action, piloting policy and planning alignment, and providing deep-dive support to enhance NDC investability— the initiative aims to bridge the gap between climate commitments and tangible implementation. By aligning national strategies, strengthening enabling environments, and working collaboratively with key partners —including the NDC Partnership, GIZ, UNDP’s Climate Promise, UNFCCC, multilateral development banks (MDBs), development finance institutions (DFIs), and private sector actors— NDC Act & Invest seeks to make the most recent and future generations of NDCs both more ambitious and more achievable, accelerating progress toward the 1.5°C goal and enhancing global resilience. UNEP is seeking a consultant to support the integration of multi-level governance and subnational governments within NDC related processes. The consultant will work with and report to UNEP’s NDC Act and Invest. In particular, the Consultant will support the implementation of Workstream 2 of the NDC Act & Invest Initiative to deliver enhanced policy and planning alignment through creation of a new framework methodology, related guidance documents and spearheading its rollout in pilot countries. Objective 1: Strengthen policy alignment and knowledge for NDC implementation - Contribute to the development of a policy alignment framework and accompanying tool under NDC Act & Invest Workstream 2. - Conduct targeted research and compile a compendium of existing policy alignment methodologies and approaches. - Develop high-impact case studies showcasing scalable models of policy alignment and subnational climate action. - Provide technical inputs to help foster an enabling environment for strengthened subnational climate action. Objective 2: Strengthen partnerships and coordination for NDC implementation - Engage strategic partners (e.g., UNDP, GIZ, WRI, C40, NDC Partnership) to provide technical inputs, case studies, and knowledge exchange. - Contribute to UNEP’s engagement in related initiatives (e.g., CHAMP, UN-Habitat inputs), ensuring alignment with NDC Act & Invest. - Facilitate coordination and knowledge sharing among partners to strengthen coherence across NDC implementation efforts.

Qualifications/special skills

Master degree in social sciences, political sciences, environmental science and policy, environmental engineering, international relations, or related fields. - At least 15 years of demonstrated experience in project management linked to climate plans, NDCs, international relations, urban sustainability, urban planning, and/or sustainable infrastructure management. - Demonstrated strong and managerial skills and experience in coordinating complex projects in an international setting. - Ability to work effectively, precisely, and autonomously in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing tasks across teams. - Works harmoniously in international teams, openness and flexibility, and ability to integrate feedback.

Languages

Fluency English is required for this position. Working knowledge of French or any other languages will be an asset.

Additional Information

SPECIAL SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE PROFESSIONALISM * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with technical expertise in event organization, stakeholder coordination, and communications planning. * Strong organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple service providers and tasks simultaneously. * Strong writing skills, including the ability to prepare operational guides or manuals. * Proficiency in digital communication tools, including social media platforms, streaming platforms, and basic content management. * Proactive capacity, responsibility and commitment to achieving objectives and meeting deadlines. * Ability to identify, analyze and participate in resolving issues/problems. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work, and manage conflicting priorities. * High ethical standards prioritizing team success over personal advancement. * Experience working with diverse stakeholders from the public, private, and/or financial sectors in the development of public policies is desirable. TEAMWORK 1. Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. 2. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise. 3. Willing to learn from others and supports final group decisions, even when they may not entirely reflect own position. 4. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING * Develops clear goals consistent with agreed strategies. * Identifies priority activities and assignments, adjusting priorities as required. * Allocates appropriate time and resources for completing work. * Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. * Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. * Uses time efficiently.

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.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 4 months ago - Updated 4 months ago - Source: careers.un.org