CCAC Senior Programme Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is an international partnership convened by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It was established to address the urgent need for integrated climate and clean air solutions, focusing on reducing emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) such as methane, black carbon, HFCs, and tropospheric ozone. The CCAC collaborates with governments, intergovernmental organizations, the private sector, and civil society to promote fast action on these pollutants, which contribute significantly to climate change and air quality issues. The coalition operates globally, engaging with various stakeholders to implement effective strategies and initiatives aimed at improving air quality and mitigating climate change. As of October 2023, the CCAC team also provides secretariat services to the Global Methane Pledge, further enhancing its role in international climate action.

Job Overview:
The CCAC Senior Programme Specialist will play a crucial role in the design and management of CCAC programmes, ensuring they are strategically aligned with broader CCAC priorities. This position requires the selected candidate to provide high-level specialist support, including authoritative advice and strategic direction for complex partnerships and stakeholder engagement. The specialist will be responsible for guiding cross-functional delivery, identifying emerging opportunities and risks, and ensuring that the programmes are effectively delivered. The role involves developing proposals with clear priorities and success measures, advising on government engagement, and supporting major projects and grants. The specialist will also be expected to present CCAC initiatives in senior forums and advance agreed priorities through these engagements, making it essential for the candidate to have a deep understanding of SLCPs and their implications for climate and air quality.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the CCAC Senior Programme Specialist include:

• Providing strategic, programmatic, or technical advice for assigned CCAC portfolios or initiatives.
• Developing proposals that outline priorities, delivery strategies, workplans, and partnership arrangements aligned with CCAC objectives.
• Advising on complex engagement with governments, partner organizations, funders, and senior stakeholders.
• Supporting major projects and ensuring effective management of scope, resources, timelines, risks, and quality.
• Providing quality assurance and advice on high-level strategies, proposals, and technical outputs.
• Presenting CCAC initiatives in senior policy and partnership forums.
• Identifying strategic opportunities and risks, providing recommendations for action.
• Mobilizing expertise across Secretariat functions to deliver integrated outcomes.
• Advising on strengthening institutional systems and promoting consistent standards. 1
• Providing ad hoc strategic support as part of the CCAC Secretariat team. Performance indicators include the quality of strategic advice, effectiveness of partnerships, timeliness of outputs, and the advancement of CCAC priorities.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in fields such as environmental science, engineering, international relations, public policy, or project management. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas such as climate change, air pollution, sustainable development, or international cooperation. In-depth knowledge of short-lived climate pollutants and experience leading complex multi-stakeholder partnerships are essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience advising senior government officials and providing strategic direction for complex deliverables.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental science, engineering, international relations, public policy, development studies, or project management. A first-level university degree may be accepted if combined with additional qualifying experience. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate change and air pollution issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in relevant fields. Candidates should have extensive experience in programme or portfolio leadership, particularly in climate change and air pollution. Experience in engaging with senior government officials and managing complex multi-stakeholder partnerships is also necessary. The candidate should have a proven track record of providing strategic direction and quality assurance for complex projects and deliverables, as well as experience working in international and developing-country contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and oral, is required for this position. Knowledge of additional UN official languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to international collaboration.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 12 months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the recruitment is conducted fairly and transparently. The role is full-time and may involve international collaboration, reflecting the global nature of the CCAC's work.