Team Lead for Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the international 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 operates in multiple countries and has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, providing leadership and encouraging partnership in caring for the environment. The organization has been instrumental in various global environmental initiatives and collaborates with governments, NGOs, and the private sector to address pressing environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The Team Lead position is focused on delivering a fully developed, consulted, validated, and implementation-ready Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) for Namibia, aimed at achieving climate goals by 205

• The role involves overseeing the preparation of a comprehensive LT-LEDS document that outlines long-term mitigation and adaptation pathways, strategic objectives, priority actions, and an implementation framework. The Team Lead will also be responsible for conducting a cost-benefit analysis, assessing the impacts of LT-LEDS options, and ensuring gender and social inclusion are integrated into the strategy. This position requires strong leadership to guide a multidisciplinary team, coordinate outputs, and engage stakeholders to ensure the strategy aligns with national priorities and secures necessary support for implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Team Lead will oversee the entire process of developing Namibia's LT-LEDS, which includes several key responsibilities:

• Conduct foundational analyses for the LT-LEDS, including strategic guidance for cost-benefit analysis and integrating gender and inclusion dimensions into the analyses.
• Lead the drafting of the LT-LEDS document, ensuring it aligns with national development goals and incorporates technical feedback from stakeholders.
• Develop a detailed implementation work plan that addresses governance, capacity building, financing, and data needs.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations and lead a national validation workshop to refine and endorse the LT-LEDS.
• Prepare communication and knowledge materials to disseminate the LT-LEDS findings and engage high-level stakeholders to mobilize support for implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s level or higher) in environmental policy, climate change, sustainable development, or a closely related field. They should have at least 15 years of progressive experience in climate change policy and low-emission development planning, with a proven track record in designing and guiding LT-LEDS or NDCs in developing country contexts. Experience in leading high-level policy dialogues with government ministries and ensuring alignment of climate strategies with national development plans is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate strong analytical and writing abilities, proficiency in energy and climate modelling tools, and effective communication skills for engaging stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s level or higher) in environmental policy, green technologies, climate change, economics, sustainable development, or a closely related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate change mitigation and adaptation planning, as well as for developing actionable strategies that align with national and international climate goals.

Experience:
The position requires at least 15 years of progressive experience in climate change policy and low-emission development planning and modelling. Candidates should have a proven track record in designing and guiding LT-LEDS, NDCs, or Net Zero sectoral strategies, particularly in developing country contexts, preferably in Southern African countries. Experience in leading high-level policy and technical dialogues with government ministries is also required, along with the ability to synthesize complex technical assessments into actionable plans.

Languages:
A strong command of written and spoken English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory. The ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials and local communities, is essential for the success of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 8 months and will involve close collaboration with various ministries and development partners in Namibia. The consultant will report to Jérôme Malavelle, Global Coordinator of NDC Act & Invest, Global Climate Action Unit, Mitigation Branch. The role requires a commitment to the national and global goals of climate change as per the Paris Agreement, and the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.