ICAT Team Leader

ICAT Team Leader

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

January 14, 2026January 30, 2026ParisFrance
Job Description
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. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since been instrumental in coordinating responses to environmental challenges at a global level. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it works closely with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The ICAT Team Leader will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT) in Zambia. This position requires close collaboration with the national ICAT technical expert and involves overseeing the execution of activities outlined in the project workplan. The Team Leader will ensure that all deliverables are met in accordance with the timelines set forth by the Project Coordinator at UNEP CCC. The role includes engaging with national authorities and stakeholders, providing advisory support to technical experts, and ensuring effective communication and coordination among all parties involved. The Team Leader will also be responsible for the quality of outputs produced by the technical experts and will oversee the drafting and editing of reports related to the project. This position is part-time and expected to last for 9 months, focusing on enhancing Zambia's capacity for greenhouse gas emissions tracking and reporting in line with its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ICAT Team Leader will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:
  • Leading the inception phase of the project, which involves stocktaking for data collection processes and arrangements for GHG emissions projections.
  • Identifying and training on the most appropriate modelling tools for emissions projections.
  • Developing baseline projections of GHG emissions for selected sectors.
  • Coordinating stakeholder consultations to identify and analyze selected policies and measures (PAMs) under key NDC sectors.
  • Establishing a framework for tracking NDC implementation progress, including the identification of appropriate quantitative indicators.
  • Ensuring the timely submission of deliverables and adherence to the project workplan.
  • Conducting validation workshops and preparing reports on the outcomes of these workshops.
  • Collaborating with technical experts to ensure high-quality outputs and effective project implementation.
  • Engaging with national authorities and stakeholders to facilitate the project's objectives and ensure alignment with national priorities. 1
  • Preparing communication materials and socializing project outcomes to promote replicability and lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the ICAT Team Leader position should possess the following qualifications:
  • An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in natural or social sciences, or a Bachelor’s degree with a relevant combination of four years of additional experience.
  • A minimum of 5 years of proven working experience in climate/environment protection.
  • At least 10 years of project/team management experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in collaborating with public sector and governmental agencies, particularly in relation to NDC development and Climate Transparency.
  • Experience working with international development projects and engaging national and local stakeholders related to climate mitigation.
  • Proven ability to prepare national climate reporting documents, such as national communications and biennial update reports, with a good understanding of the Enhanced Transparency Framework's procedures and guidelines.
  • Excellent knowledge of climate change policy and processes.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as environmental science, climate policy, or social sciences. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree combined with significant relevant experience may be accepted. The educational background should provide a strong foundation in environmental issues, climate change, and project management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of proven working experience in climate/environment protection, with at least 10 years of project or team management experience. Candidates should have a strong background in engaging with public sector entities and governmental agencies, particularly in the context of NDC development and Climate Transparency. Experience in international development projects and stakeholder engagement related to climate mitigation is also essential, along with demonstrated experience in preparing national climate reporting documents.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This is a part-time consultancy position expected to last for 9 months. The consultant will work closely with the Project Coordinator at UNEP CCC, who will supervise the technical aspects of the role and ensure compliance with deliverables. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be aware that the organization does not request information regarding bank accounts.
Similar Jobs