Technical Lead for NDC 3.0 Development

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental sustainability. The Climate Change Division is a key component of UNEP, focusing on climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts globally, working with member states and partners to enhance implementation capacity, access to finance and technology, and build resilience against climate impacts.

Job Overview:
The Technical Lead will be responsible for the comprehensive development of the NDC 3.0 document for The Gambia, ensuring that it is robust, data-driven, and nationally validated before submission to the UNFCCC Secretariat. This role involves leading the technical and analytical work necessary for the development of greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and climate change adaptation scenarios. The Technical Lead will design and implement a modelling framework, develop sectoral and economy-wide emissions pathways, and identify feasible mitigation and adaptation options. The position requires close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNAR), national stakeholders, and UNEP to ensure that the NDC aligns with national priorities and meets the required ambition levels for climate action.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Lead will oversee the preparation of the NDC 3.0 document, which includes conducting a stocktake of the current NDC, leading stakeholder consultations, and developing a coherent scenario for the NDC 3.0 that aligns with the Long-Term Strategy (LTS). Responsibilities include:

• Developing an inception report that outlines the modelling methodology, data requirements, and stakeholder engagement plan.
• Leading the stocktake workshop to assess the implementation status of the current NDC.
• Developing and validating the NDC 3.0 document, including mitigation and adaptation measures, and ensuring stakeholder feedback is incorporated.
• Running models to develop baseline and mitigation scenarios, calculating emissions, and assessing data gaps.
• Preparing analytical inputs for government review and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensuring knowledge transfer to relevant government staff throughout the assignment.
• Finalizing the NDC 3.0 document for submission to the UNFCCC, ensuring it reflects a consensus among stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in environmental management, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Political Science, or a related field. A postgraduate degree (Master’s) in Climate Change, Environmental Planning, Public Administration, Political Science, or a related field is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of nine years of relevant work experience in climate change, climate change modelling, or GHG emissions inventory with a Bachelor’s degree, or seven years with a Master’s degree. Experience in modelling GHG mitigation measures with software such as LEAP or GACMO is required, along with demonstrated skills in preparing policy and strategy reports for national governments.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s degree in Climate Change or related disciplines. The educational background should provide a strong foundation in environmental management and policy, as well as technical skills in climate modelling and analysis.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least nine years of relevant experience in climate change-related fields, including GHG emissions inventory and modelling, with a Bachelor’s degree, or seven years with a Master’s degree. A minimum of six years of experience specifically in modelling GHG mitigation measures is required, along with a proven track record in developing national climate strategies and targets.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage, particularly if relevant to the stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time, expected to last for 73 working days. The consultant will report to Clarine Ovando, Climate Advisor at UNEP, and will work closely with the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.