Specialist in Climate Science for Regional Climate and Vulnerability Risk Assessment

Consultant Environment Finance & Economy

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

The main objective of the consultancy is to formulate the current and future climate models (scenarios and projections) to be integrated into the climate vulnerability and risk assessment and local adaptation plans for 3 regions: Enriquillo, Ozama and Cibao Nordeste. Outcome 3: Government of the Dominican Republic endorses plans and concrete integrated climate change adaptation interventions at sub-national level. Output 3.1: The legal framework and strategic planning at subnational level is strengthened. Deliverables : Product 1: Methodological approach to develop Climate and Vulnerability Risk Assessments in the Enriquillo, Ozama and Cibao Nordeste regions. Product 2. Summary report and database on historical climate observations from surface weather stations, re-analysis data or other data used for filling gaps, homogenization, climate extreme indices and past and present climate vulnerabilities and risks for the Enriquillo, Ozama and Cibao Nordeste regions. Product 3: Report and accompanying database on future climate models (scenarios/projections), and climate risk analytics for Enriquillo region. Product 4: Report and accompanying database on future climate models (scenarios/projections), and climate risk analytics for Ozama region. Product 5: Report and accompanying database on future climate models (scenarios/projections), and climate risk analytics for the Cibao Nordeste region. Product 6: Report summarizing socialization and feedback workshop of the results of the climate models, vulnerability and risk assessment results. The Specialist in Climate Science for Regional Climate and Vulnerability Risk Assessment will contribute to the effective implementation of the project by developing the following tasks: a. Develop a methodological approach to develop Climate and Vulnerability Risk Assessments in the Enriquillo, Ozama and Cibao Nordeste regions. b. Build and maintain the database with the calculations and results of the models for 3 regions: Enriquillo, Ozama, and Cibao Nordeste. The database must contain all information from the models and must be submitted in complete form to the NAP-RD project prior to concluding the consultancy. c. Identify opportunities to improve confidence levels of climate scenarios/projections and improve accordingly where possible. d. Analyse existing climate change scenarios/projections and other available data to identify hazards, impacts (including future impact thresholds, potential frequency and intensity), exposure, sensitivity, adaptive capacity and aggregate risk – and potential frequency and intensity of risks for three (3) regions: Enriquillo, Ozama and Cibao Nordeste. e. Work with the Climate Change Adaptation Specialist and Climate Risk Analyst to ensure that the results of the models are integrated into regional risk maps and climate vulnerability and risk assessments. f. Draft a report containing background information, methodology applied, results of the models and scenarios, and estimations of current and future hazards, exposure, vulnerability, risks and potential impact thresholds for 3 regions: Enriquillo, Ozama and Cibao Nordeste. g. Carry out one (1) socialization and feedback workshop of the results of the climate models, vulnerability and risk estimations.

Work Location

Home based

Expected duration

5 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). In terms of addressing climate change, UNEP aims to support countries in the compliance of the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the priority actions defined in the countries Nationally Determined Contributions. The overall objective of UNEP´s Sub-programme on Climate Change is to strengthen the ability of countries to move towards climate-resilient and low emission strategies for sustainable development and human well-being. The expected accomplishment regarding climate change adaptation is that adaptation approaches, including an ecosystem-based approach, are implemented, and integrated into key sectoral and national development strategies to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience to climate change impacts. Furthermore, the UNEP´s Sub-programme on Climate Change is also committed to ensure that crosscutting issues such as gender equity and women empowerment are effectively undertaken in the development of its tasks to guarantee an equitable development in line with its adaptation objectives. In this context, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MMARN) of the Dominican Republic and UNEP, have agreed on the implementation of the project Building capacity to advance in the National Adaptation Plan Process in the Dominican Republic, framed within the Readiness program of the Green Climate Fund. To fulfill the objectives of the project, the UNEP LACO Office is recruiting a Specialist in Climate Science for Regional Climate and Vulnerability Risk Assessment to collaborate with the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources and UNEP in the implementation of the Green Climate Fund funded project as set in the funding proposal document. The Specialist in Climate Science for Regional Climate and Vulnerability Risk Assessment will operate under the overall supervision of the UNEP Adaptation Programme Management Officer at the UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office. Additionally, he/she will work in close collaboration with the UNEP’s Adaptation team, the Directorate of Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (DAyMCC) of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in the Dominican Republic, other national consultants and government and non-governmental counterparts. Travel within the Dominican Republic might be needed for consultation processes. The Specialist in Climate Science for Regional Climate and Vulnerability Risk Assessment is expected to work 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday, full time basis, and to be home based.

Qualifications/special skills

ACADEMIC: • Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, climate science, physical sciences, natural sciences, environmental engineering, environmental or natural resources management, or a closely related field is required. • Master’s degree in environmental sciences, climate science, climate change, atmospheric science, environmental engineering, natural resources management, disaster risk management, international development/affairs or a closely related field is required. PROFESSIONAL: • At least five (5) years of demonstrated experience in climate science and climate vulnerability and risk assessment or closely related areas. • Experience using global climate projections from the Sixth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6), including review of performance of models compared to historical data, selection of models, , reliability ensemble averaging (among others), constructing future climate projections and Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) and other models used in the IPCC’s AR6, is desirable. • Experience integrating climate scenarios and projections into climate risk assessments is desirable. • Strong analytical climate data analytical and management skills, especially at regional) level is desirable. • Knowledge of reanalysis and quality control of historical climate data (including homogenization) is desirable. • Experience using climate indices such as those used by the World Meteorological Organization and the IPCC’s climate impact drivers is desirable. • Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems for climate analysis is desirable. • Experience with international organizations is an advantage.

Languages

• Fluent in English is desirable. • Fluent in Spanish is required.

Additional Information

SKILLS: • Excellent political, advisory and facilitation skills. Ability to facilitate technical discussions and participatory processes with multiple stakeholders in multicultural environments. • Demonstrated understanding of development planning and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations. • Ability to communicate complex issues in a language and format that is appropriate to specific target audiences. • Familiarity with key communication tools and techniques, such as audience segmentation, behavior change theories, and visual storytelling. • Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to adapt content for different audiences and platforms. • Results-driven and initiative-taking behavior. COMPETENCIES: • Professionalism: Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. He/she shows pride in work and in achievements; 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. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Teamwork: Is able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve organizational goals and to take leadership when appropriate; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; 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. • Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of 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

Added 2 days ago - Updated 2 hours ago - Source: careers.un.org