Adaptation Specialist and NAP Technical Lead

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 to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP keeps the global environment under review and brings emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama, works closely with the 33 countries of the region, integrating its activities into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). UNEP aims to support countries in complying with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the priority actions defined in the countries' Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The overall objective of UNEP's Sub-programme on Climate Change Action is to strengthen the ability of countries to move towards climate-resilient and low-emission strategies for sustainable development and human well-being. UNEP is committed to ensuring that crosscutting issues such as gender equity and women's empowerment are effectively undertaken in the development of its tasks to guarantee equitable development in line with its adaptation objectives.

Job Overview:
The Adaptation Specialist and NAP Technical Lead will provide technical guidance for the effective implementation of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) project in Panama and El Salvador. This role involves contributing to the broader NAP portfolio in the Latin America and the Caribbean region through technical knowledge sharing and lessons learned from the NAP process. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Regional Subprogramme Coordinator for the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO and will collaborate closely with national consultants and government and non-governmental counterparts. The position requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week at the UNEP Regional Office in Panama City, with potential travel for consultation processes. The consultant will be responsible for steering arrangements and coordination platforms, tracking adaptation progress, promoting private sector investments in adaptation, and strengthening the capacities of the private sector to respond to climate vulnerability and risks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will perform a variety of tasks, including: 1) Providing technical expertise to the NAP portfolio, particularly in strengthening adaptation planning and inter-organizational engagement for the implementation of adaptation strategies. 2) Participating in technical guidance for the management of approved projects within the NAP Portfolio. 3) Analyzing opportunities for inter-institutional coordination to bolster the development of climate change adaptation strategies at the regional level. 4) Establishing mechanisms to track adaptation progress and evaluate outcomes for future revisions of NDC adaptation themes. 5) Engaging with government officials and stakeholders, including private sector representatives, to support the development and evaluation of climate adaptation strategies. 6) Providing technical guidance for the engagement of the private sector and developing a climate change adaptation financing strategy. 7) Reviewing and making technical proposals for relevant NAP portfolio documentation and collaborating in the development of documents for engagement with environmental authorities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, environmental sciences, climate change, social sciences, development, international relations, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in natural resource management, environment, climate change, development, business administration, or a closely related field is also required. Additionally, candidates should have two years of relevant work experience in environment, conservation, private sector engagement, or climate change-related activities. Experience in project management or resource mobilization is desirable, as is experience coordinating and providing technical advice for national policies or strategies. Familiarity with the climate finance landscape and procedures for adaptation is also preferred, along with experience engaging with government institutions and stakeholders in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as finance, business administration, environmental sciences, climate change, social sciences, development, or international relations. A Master’s degree in a closely related field is also necessary to ensure the candidate has the advanced knowledge required for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in the fields of environment, conservation, private sector engagement, or climate change-related activities. Candidates should demonstrate experience in project management or resource mobilization, as well as experience in coordinating and providing technical advice for national policies, action plans, or strategies. Familiarity with engaging government institutions and stakeholders at various levels in Latin America and the Caribbean is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English is required for this position. These language skills are essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the successful execution of the consultant's responsibilities.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 12 months and is full-time, requiring 40 hours of work per week. The consultant will be based in Panama City, Panama, and may need to travel for consultation processes. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information.