Technical Advisor on NDCs & Transversal Facilitator

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 numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various environmental issues and initiatives. The organization is committed to fostering sustainable development through sound environmental practices and policies, and it plays a crucial role in addressing global environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor on NDCs & Transversal Facilitator will provide strategic technical and political guidance for the implementation of the project aimed at enhancing Paraguay's climate action efforts. This role involves ensuring effective inter-institutional coordination and alignment with the objectives of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MADES). The consultant will work closely with MADES to ensure that technical advice and project implementation align with national priorities. The position requires the consultant to oversee the activities and deliverables of hired consultants, review technical products, and support the preparation of technical progress reports. Additionally, the consultant will facilitate communication and coordination among national stakeholders, hired consultants, and UNEP’s technical team, contributing to the development and implementation of communication and outreach strategies related to climate change in Paraguay. The consultant will also support the generation of technical and strategic inputs that enhance the dissemination and understanding of climate-related initiatives and project outcomes at the national level.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive Work Plan that includes activity sequencing, timelines, milestones, roles, responsibilities, and risk mitigation strategies. They will provide strategic technical advice to the project, supporting MADES in the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of project activities while ensuring consistency with national climate policies and priorities. The consultant will also provide strategic technical and political guidance to the project in accordance with the objectives of the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development. They will support the development, review, and implementation of communication, outreach, and dissemination strategies regarding NDC 3.0 and climate change priorities to ensure effective stakeholder engagement and transparency. Furthermore, the consultant will facilitate transversal coordination and systematic dialogue among diverse sectors, including public institutions, local authorities, academia, the private sector, civil society, and Indigenous Peoples, ensuring an inclusive approach. Establishing coordination arrangements, working methodologies, communication protocols, and quality assurance mechanisms for the technical team will also be part of their responsibilities. The consultant will track implementation across all components, assess progress against the Work Plan, ensure timely delivery of outputs, and maintain methodological coherence. They will diagnose bottlenecks, operational or technical issues, and propose corrective measures, updating schedules and realigning team priorities as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience in environmental management since obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in planning, implementing, and/or monitoring development initiatives, policies, and programs related to climate change in Paraguay and/or actions for NDC is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate analytical capacity to contribute to developing technical products related to climate change planning and implementation. In-depth knowledge of Paraguay’s climate change regulatory and planning framework, including processes and initiatives at the national and local levels, is also desirable. Experience working with public institutions in Paraguay related to climate change planning is preferred. Relevant experience integrating gender considerations into formulating, planning, and implementing projects or public policies will be considered an advantage, including designing gender-sensitive methodologies to collect and evaluate baseline data, evaluate products, and monitor project results where appropriate. Candidates should also have demonstrated experience in preparing policy and strategy reports for national governments and in the technical review of national reports and relevant international documents.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental management, climate change, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees in these areas will be considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant work experience in environmental management, with at least five years specifically focused on climate change initiatives and policies in Paraguay. Candidates should have a proven track record of planning, implementing, and monitoring development initiatives related to climate change, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex environmental challenges and contribute effectively to climate action efforts.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is required for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. Proficiency in English and Guarani is desired, as these languages may facilitate broader communication and engagement with diverse stakeholders in the climate change sector.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the contract is 4.5 months, starting from September 14, 2026, to January 31, 202

• The position will operate in a hybrid format, allowing the consultant to work from home while participating in in-person activities such as meetings and stakeholder engagements as required at the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development located in Asuncion, Paraguay. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and it does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.