Climate Change Specialist

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 has been at the forefront of environmental governance, working with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental issues. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of individuals dedicated to promoting sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices by providing leadership and encouraging partnership in caring for the environment.

Job Overview:
The Climate Change Specialist will undertake a part-time assignment focused on contributing to climate actions in Zambia, particularly in the areas of climate policy development and implementation. This role involves leveraging extensive local networks and knowledge to support the updating of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Implementation Framework and the development of a new NDC Investment Plan. The specialist will engage with local stakeholders, review relevant literature, and gather necessary data to guide the project's deliverables. The position requires close collaboration with the UNEP team and local project coordinators to ensure effective implementation of project activities in alignment with the workplan and UNEP guidance. The specialist will play a crucial role in data collection, stakeholder consultations, and the preparation of structured reports, as well as planning and delivering workshops aimed at capacity building and results dissemination.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Climate Change Specialist will be responsible for several key outputs:

• NDC Implementation Framework revision, which includes evaluating the current plan's progress and challenges, updating goals and targets, and refining strategies based on new technologies and findings.
• Development of the NDC Investment Plan, detailing public and private investment shares, mapping financing sources, and identifying investment requirements.
• Capacity building initiatives, including conducting a capacity needs assessment and facilitating workshops to align Zambia's NDC with national development strategies.
• Organizing stakeholder dissemination and awareness workshops to enhance understanding of the NDC 3.0 implementation framework.
• Supporting resource mobilization efforts through participation in donor conferences and workshops.
• Reviewing existing policies and regulations to ensure alignment with national NDC goals and providing technical inputs to the UNEP team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess either a Master’s Degree with seven years of related work experience or a Bachelor’s degree with nine years of relevant experience in fields such as environmental engineering, finance, economics, development studies, business, management, or administration. Practical experience of over ten years in climate change policy, particularly in vulnerable sectors in Zambia, is essential. Candidates should have experience guiding climate actions in both public and private sectors, a solid understanding of national policies related to development and climate actions, and relevant consulting experience. Experience in organizing stakeholder mappings and consultation events is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree in a relevant field is required, with a minimum of seven years of related work experience. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with nine years of relevant experience is acceptable. The educational background should be in environmental engineering, finance, economics, development studies, business, management, or administration, emphasizing the importance of a strong academic foundation in relation to climate change and environmental policy.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of practical experience in climate change policy, particularly as it pertains to the most vulnerable sectors in Zambia. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on climate change policy topics and guiding the implementation of climate actions with both public and private sectors. Experience in consulting work, particularly in Zambia, is essential, as is familiarity with national policies related to development and climate actions.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
This is a part-time position expected to last for seven months. The role involves working closely with local stakeholders and requires a strong commitment to the successful implementation of climate actions in Zambia. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.