National Consultant for NDC Partnership Action Fund

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 at the forefront of environmental governance, working with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental challenges. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and policies worldwide. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental issues at the global level.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant for the NDC Partnership Action Fund (PAF) in Moldova is pivotal in ensuring the effective coordination and implementation of climate change mitigation activities. The consultant will provide on-the-ground support to the UNEP project team, focusing on the Energy, IPPU (Industrial Processes and Product Use), and Waste sectors. This role involves facilitating communication between the Moldovan government and the UNEP project team, ensuring that project activities align with national priorities and are executed efficiently. The consultant will be responsible for organizing workshops, managing logistics, coordinating stakeholders, and contributing to the preparation and delivery of consultation workshops and training sessions. The overarching goal is to enhance national capacity to implement and sustain mitigation initiatives under the NDC framework, thereby strengthening institutional coordination across relevant ministries and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties and responsibilities include:

• Reporting on project advances to the Project Manager at UNEP-CCC.
• Supporting the Project Manager in planning, coordination, and execution of project activities.
• Ensuring alignment of project processes with national needs and close coordination with sectoral institutions.
• Coordinating with local consultants hired for the project.
• Liaising with local stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment of the Government of Moldova, to ensure efficient execution of project activities.
• Supporting the delivery of project outputs, including conducting a Capacity Needs Assessment (CNA), developing tailored training programs, and embedding sectoral advisors within key government agencies.
• Acting as the primary focal point for all sectoral meetings, calls, and workshops.
• Ensuring gender considerations are integrated into all mitigation activities.
• Maintaining close coordination with the UNEP-CCC team and other local consultants.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in development studies, social studies, business, management, administration, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, a minimum of two years of experience in implementing national climate-related programs, preferably with a national learning institution or similar organizations in Moldova, is required. Experience in gathering relevant data and information related to climate change mitigation is desirable, as is experience working with public institutions in Moldova related to climate change planning.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as development studies, social studies, business, management, administration, or a related discipline. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by two years of relevant work experience, demonstrating the candidate's capability to fulfill the role effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in implementing national climate-related programs, ideally within Moldova. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with national learning institutions or similar organizations, showcasing their ability to navigate the complexities of climate change initiatives and institutional frameworks.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and spoken English and Romanian is mandatory for this position. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, preparation of reports, and delivery of training sessions. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is part-time and expected to last for 7 months. The consultant will work under the leadership of a Lead National Coordinator and will closely coordinate with an International Consultant and another National Consultant focused on AFOLU (Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use). The role emphasizes collaboration and effective communication among various stakeholders to achieve project objectives. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.