Technology Needs Specialist Consultant

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 was established in 1972 and has since 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 professionals dedicated to promoting sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges on a global scale. The NDC Act & Invest Initiative, which is part of UNEP's efforts, is currently funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and the NDC Partnership’s Partnership Action Fund (PAF) multi-donor trust fund, aimed at helping countries raise their climate ambition and translate their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) into actionable plans.

Job Overview:
The Technology Needs Specialist Consultant will provide specialized technical support for the identification and prioritization of AFOLU (Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use) technology needs in alignment with Paraguay's NDC 3.0 and the UNFCCC Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) approach. This role involves assessing relevant technologies, identifying gaps, barriers, enabling conditions, and capacity needs through analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">technical analysis and stakeholder engagement. The consultant will develop a Technology Action Plan (TAP) that includes priority actions, institutional arrangements, implementation timeframes, financing opportunities, and preliminary concept notes. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development and UNEP’s technical team, to ensure that the TAP is robust, participatory, and aligned with Paraguay’s climate priorities. The consultant's work will ultimately contribute to strengthening Paraguay's capacity to identify, prioritize, and advance technological solutions that have high mitigation and adaptation potential, thereby supporting the effective implementation of national climate commitments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including developing a detailed Work Plan that outlines activity sequencing, timelines, milestones, roles, responsibilities, and risk mitigation strategies. They will conduct a thorough review and diagnostic of the existing Technology Needs Plan, identifying gaps and areas for improvement related to mitigation and adaptation. The consultant will develop a methodological approach for revising and updating the Technology Needs Plan, ensuring it aligns with Paraguay’s NDC 3.0 priorities. They will identify and assess relevant technological solutions with high mitigation and adaptation potential, plan and support consultations and workshops with key stakeholders, and lead the collection and integration of stakeholder inputs into the revised Technology Needs Plan. The consultant will prepare draft, validated, and final versions of the Technology Needs Plan, ensuring technical quality and consistency. They will coordinate closely with other specialists to ensure coherence between identified technology needs and national climate priorities, and will establish effective communication with relevant stakeholders to facilitate the timely development and validation of the Technology Needs Plan.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in environmental management, engineering, environmental sciences, economics, or a related field, along with a postgraduate degree in a similar field. A minimum of seven years of relevant work experience in environmental management is required, with at least four years of experience in planning, implementing, and/or monitoring development initiatives related to climate change in Paraguay. Candidates should demonstrate analytical capacity to develop technical products related to climate change planning and implementation, and possess in-depth knowledge of Paraguay’s climate change regulatory and planning framework. Experience working with public institutions in Paraguay on climate change planning is desirable, as is experience integrating gender considerations into project formulation and implementation. Additionally, candidates should have experience preparing policy and strategy reports for national governments and conducting technical reviews of national reports.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in environmental management, engineering, environmental sciences, economics, or a related field, which is a mandatory requirement. A postgraduate degree in environmental management, engineering, environmental sciences, economics, political science, public administration, or a related field is also required, indicating a strong academic background in relevant disciplines.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant work experience in environmental management, which is essential for understanding the complexities of climate change initiatives. Additionally, candidates should have at least four years of experience specifically related to planning, implementing, and monitoring climate change initiatives in Paraguay, which is considered desirable. This level of experience is crucial for effectively navigating the local context and engaging with stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in Paraguay. Proficiency in English is desired, as it may be necessary for international collaboration and reporting. Knowledge of Guarani is also considered desirable, as it reflects an understanding of local cultures and enhances communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is four months, from September 2026 to January 202

• The consultant will work in a hybrid format, allowing for a combination of remote work and in-person meetings at the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development in Asunción, Paraguay. The position does not require any fees for application or recruitment processes, as the United Nations does not charge fees at any stage of recruitment.