Climate Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the international environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and operates in multiple countries, focusing on various environmental issues and sustainable development goals. The organization is dedicated to providing leadership and encouraging partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UNEP has a diverse workforce and collaborates with numerous stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to achieve its mission. It has been operational since 1972 and has grown to encompass a wide range of environmental initiatives and programs.

Job Overview:
The Climate Consultant position is integral to the successful implementation of the NDC Act & Invest and the NDC Partnership Action Fund (PAF) activities across multiple countries. The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the day-to-day operations of these projects, ensuring that work plans and documentation are delivered on schedule. This role involves coordinating with various partners, facilitating stakeholder events, and providing monthly progress and risk updates in line with UNEP and NDC Partnership requirements. The consultant will assist in the revision of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to align with project timelines and quality standards, thereby contributing to the overarching goal of enhancing climate action and investment in sustainable development. The position requires a proactive approach to managing project documentation, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring progress to ensure effective collaboration among UNEP, national focal points, and other implementing partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: 1) Supporting the day-to-day substantive and administrative implementation of NDC Act & Invest and UNEP-PAF activities for all projects in the pipeline. This includes preparing a master portfolio workplan and country-level action trackers, continuously updating them, and liaising with country focal points and implementation partners to gather progress updates. 2) Delivering timely, high-quality project documentation related to the concerned countries, including drafting and consolidating key documents such as NDC stocktake reports, terms of reference, and project reports. 3) Supporting effective coordination with in-country experts, governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, and project teams by organizing regular coordination meetings, developing meeting agendas, and documenting outcomes. 4) Providing logistical and administrative support for consultations, workshops, and validation meetings, ensuring all materials are prepared and sessions are facilitated effectively. 5) Ongoing monitoring and risk management, including compiling weekly and monthly progress briefs, maintaining a central risks mitigation register, and proposing corrective measures as necessary. 6) Assisting in the drafting of communications and reports aligned with project outcomes and strategic objectives, and flagging risks to maintain progress and ensure timely delivery.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in climate finance, economic analysis, international development, or a related field. A Master’s degree or equivalent is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should possess at least 4-5 years of combined full-time and part-time professional experience relevant to climate finance, sustainable development, and support for environment/development projects, particularly in developing countries. Experience working with international organizations is considered an asset, highlighting the importance of familiarity with global environmental governance and collaboration.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a university degree in a relevant field such as climate finance, economic analysis, or international development. A Master’s degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex environmental and developmental issues. This educational background is essential for effectively engaging with the technical aspects of climate finance and sustainable development initiatives.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 4-5 years of professional experience, which can be a combination of full-time and part-time roles, including both paid and unpaid positions. This experience should be directly relevant to climate finance, sustainable development, and support for environmental or development projects. Experience working in developing countries is particularly important, as it provides insight into the unique challenges and opportunities faced in these contexts. Familiarity with international organizations and their operational frameworks is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and French is required for this position, as these languages are essential for effective communication with stakeholders and partners. Fluency in Arabic is considered optional but would be advantageous, particularly in regions where Arabic is commonly spoken, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with local stakeholders and experts.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and expected to last for 126 working days. The consultant will be based in Rabat, Morocco, or can work regionally, indicating flexibility in the work location. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible and equitable for all candidates. The organization is committed to transparency and integrity in its hiring practices.