Consultant for Climate Change Enabling Activities

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Consultant for Climate Change Enabling Activities
Location: Home based
Country: Remote
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global 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 has been operational since its establishment in 197

• The organization employs thousands of staff members and operates in over 150 countries, focusing on various environmental issues including climate change, biodiversity, and pollution. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to help countries implement their environmental commitments.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Climate Change Enabling Activities will play a crucial role in supporting the UNEP Task Manager in activities related to the GEF portfolio of Climate Change Enabling Activities. This position is particularly focused on assisting Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Africa, with an emphasis on Francophone countries. The Consultant will be responsible for building the capacity of national teams to prepare National Communications (NCs), Biennial Update Reports (BURs), and Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) in compliance with the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. The role involves guiding teams in establishing sustainable project institutional structures, ensuring high-quality project implementation plans, and facilitating timely submission of reports. The Consultant will also enhance collaboration between project partners and UNEP staff, ensuring effective communication and coordination throughout the project lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be expected to deliver a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: training project management teams in the preparation of financial and technical reports; guiding country teams in the preparation of Terms of References (ToRs) and recruitment processes for project personnel; assisting in the identification of national and international climate change experts for thematic assessments; participating in project meetings to ensure readiness and timely implementation; developing training programs and organizing workshops; reviewing project scopes and implementation arrangements; identifying regional centres of excellence for climate data and analytical tools; monitoring project progress and performance; providing preliminary reviews of draft reports; facilitating communication between country teams and UNEP teams; and preparing monthly reports detailing submitted deliverables. The Consultant will also be responsible for ensuring that high-quality project implementation plans and budgets are prepared, and that sustainable project structures are established to support ongoing national reporting processes under the UNFCCC.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in natural resources management, biological or physical sciences, environmental sciences/studies, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of five years of professional experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation, or a related area is required. Experience in working on National Communications and Greenhouse Gas inventories is essential, as is experience collaborating with national governments in developing countries on project cycles. Knowledge of the UNFCCC negotiation outcomes on transparency under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement is desirable, along with strong communication skills for effective interaction with project stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as natural resources management, environmental sciences, or related disciplines. A first-level degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying experience, demonstrating the candidate's capability to fulfill the role's responsibilities effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in relevant areas such as programme or project administration, technical cooperation, or related fields. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on National Communications and Greenhouse Gas inventories, as well as experience in engaging with national governments in developing countries throughout the project cycle.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and French is mandatory for this consultancy, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders involved in climate change initiatives.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 17 months. There are no additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation provided in the job description. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.