NDC-P - Climate Science Specialist (Home based Retainer) - Panama City, Panama

Job Posting Organization:
The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna, operates globally as part of the UNOPS Global Portfolio Office. Established over 15 years ago, WEC has successfully managed a portfolio exceeding 500 million USD, supporting key initiatives through fund management, project implementation, and administrative support. The organization focuses on climate action, environmental protection, and conservation, effectively operationalizing partners' agendas with both global and localized approaches. WEC plays a crucial role in supporting multilateral environmental agreements, including the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, by providing tailored expertise and resources to developing countries.

Job Overview:
The NDC-P Climate Science Specialist will serve as a vital technical resource, bridging the gap between national policy and the scientific community. This role is essential for ensuring that climate finance mobilization, territorial planning, and environmental diplomacy are supported by robust, evidence-based metrics. The Specialist will work closely with government focal points and the NDC Partnership Support Unit to ensure that Panama's climate governance translates into measurable, localized resilience. The position requires the Specialist to implement tasks under the supervision of the Country Engagement Specialist, collaborating with the Ministry of Environment to integrate scientific insights into policy decisions and support the implementation of Panama's ambitious climate initiatives, including NDC 3.0 and the Nature Pledge.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth assessments on climate and environmental trends, including data analysis on greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and climate vulnerability to inform Panama's NDC targets and climate policies.
• Provide technical recommendations and best practices from scientific literature to ensure alignment with global standards and UNFCCC guidelines.
• Prepare detailed reports and policy briefs translating complex scientific findings into actionable insights for policymakers.
• Support the validation and institutionalization of the National Protocol on Planned Relocations through inter-institutional consultations.
• Facilitate adaptive planning processes in vulnerable communities, focusing on human rights and gender equality.
• Mobilize and monitor climate finance by identifying new project proposals and ensuring technical follow-up on existing projects.
• Maintain strategic alliances with international stakeholders and support Panama's participation in major multilateral negotiations.
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports summarizing progress and challenges based on scientific analyses.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent, PhD preferred) in climate change, environmental management, international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law, sustainable development, international relations, or related fields, along with 5 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in the same fields with 7 years of relevant experience is acceptable. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in international cooperation, climate adaptation, and environmental governance, as well as experience advising senior policymakers in climate policy processes.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in climate change, environmental management, international environmental law, sustainable development, international relations, or related fields is required. A PhD is preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in the same or related fields is acceptable if accompanied by sufficient relevant experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have relevant experience in international cooperation, particularly in formulating and managing cooperation projects. Experience in climate adaptation, territorial resilience, and environmental governance is essential. Candidates should also have experience advising senior policymakers and familiarity with inter-institutional coordination processes, especially with vulnerable communities.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a home-based retainer position for a maximum of 180 working days over 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The incumbent must be a national of Panama or hold a valid residence permit in Panama. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The position requires the use of personal equipment, as the incumbent will not work from a UNOPS office.