Technical Senior Officer - Environmental (Retainer)

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-9 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 2 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-9 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

Kenya is experiencing devastating impacts of climate change that are negatively impacting the economy, well-being of the people and causing environmental disruptions. Kenya submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat December 2020, targeting 32% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 compared to BAU scenario (143 MtCO2eq). The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry was created under Executive Order No. 1 of 2023 on the Organization of Government of Kenya. This Ministry is mandated to undertake to protect and conserve natural environment, to control pollution, restore and protect water towers and wetlands and to develop policies in line with forestry development and management and climate change action.

To implement the NDC, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry (MoECCF) has established initiatives under the National Climate Change Action Plan III (NCCAP) 2023-2027 and Long-Term low green-house gases Emissions Strategy (LT-LEDS) to achieve the Paris agreement targets. The department of Environment and Climate Change is spearheading partner and stakeholder coordination for resource mobilization to achieve the Country’s ambitious targets on climate action. The recent inauguration of the Africa Climate Change Summit and the amended Climate Change Act 2023 has proven the Ministry’s commitments towards continued climate action. With much work arising from the various aforementioned programs and initiatives the Ministry is requesting additional support for technical advisory and administrative services in the office of the Principal Secretary, Department of Environment and Climate Change.

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

Functional Responsibilities

The incumbent will provide additional support for technical advisory and administrative services in the office of the Principal Secretary, Department of Environment and Climate Change in order to maintain climate action programs and projects efficiency and to ensure that services are provided in an effective and efficient manner. Additionally, the role will contribute towards enhancement of the Ministry’s coordination mandate to mobilize resources at the Principal Secretary’s level to achieve Kenya’s climate change action. The position will be based in the office of the Principal Secretary, Department of Environment and Climate Change.

The Technical Senior Officer will report to the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist and/or Regional Manager. The incumbent will work closely with the Principal Secretary (PS) and the NDC Partnership Focal Point in MoECCF and the NDC Partnership Support Unit. He/she will need to bring his/her own laptop to the ministry's duty station.

This is a national vacancy/position home based in Nairobi, Kenya for twelve (12) months with possibility of extension depending on performance and on availability of funds.

The following responsibilities are part of the embedded incumbent role:

Technical Support

1. To maintain climate action programs and projects efficiency and to ensure that services such as liaison with other offices on technical issues, preparation of necessary technical documents are provided in an effective and efficient manner in the office of the Principal Secretary, State Department of Environment and Climate Change
2. Develop technical guidance notes on priority topics in the ministry such as climate change adaptation and mitigation, and other cross-cutting themes such as circular economy, sustainable consumption and production to inform strategic positioning of the country through technical advisory to the PS and policy development/review.
3. Advise the PS national and global work on loss and damage, carbon credits, climate risks and impacts, vulnerability, resilience.
4. Enhance the Ministry’s coordination mandate to mobilize resources at the Principal Secretary’s level to achieve Kenya’s climate change action priorities through liaison with the NDC Partnership in-country facilitator to coordinate development partners.
5. Research and provide technical input on global and national policies to inform national and sub-national policy and technical advisory on cutting edge and relevant innovation on circular economy and the broader environmental sector topics.
6. Lead drafting of technical reports of the Principal Secretary’s strategic engagements including field visits and meeting of minutes and following up on key action points of the visits/meetings
7. Support external communication by contributing to drafting of public/media information on projects and programs
8. Maintain records and databases of ongoing and incoming projects and consistently update the progress in coordination with technical staff.
9. Lead the development of high level event/meeting briefs, drafting high level speeches and talking points for the Principal Secretary

Knowledge management, communication, and reporting:

1. Continually foster a positive working relationship between the Office of the Principal Secretary and its partners and stakeholders by exchanging pertinent updates and information and implementing engagement outcomes in coordination with other departments.
2. Coordinating with officers and specialists to prepare responses to inquiries from stakeholders on technical matters directed to the Office of the Principal Secretary.
3. Prepare and edit reports, data, and information for various projects under the Department and oversee technical documentation.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: - A Bachelor’s degree in project management, Development Studies, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or any other related field from a recognized institution. - A master's degree or higher is an added advantage.

Experience: Required

• Wish a Master degree, at least 2 years of experience in environmental and climate change aspects of demand-driven development programmes/projects is required .
• Excellent qualitative and quantitative analytical skills and the ability to rapidly analyse and incorporate diverse information from a range of sources into concise reports.

Asset

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple technical and administrative tasks.
• Proven ability to function as a team player, to work across institutional boundaries, and to collaborate with other entities. Hands-on and action-oriented approach.
• Previous experience working with projects and with a range of stakeholders will be an added advantage.
• Excellent computer literacy
• Excellent communication skills; both verbal and written.
• Must be hardworking, agile, efficient, organized and systematic.
• Must have the capacity to work calmly in an intensive work environment.

Language:

• Proficiency in English is required;
• Language skill in Swahili is an advantage.

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

Competencies

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. 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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local ICA Retainer Contract level: LICA 9 Contract duration: Twelve (12) months 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.