Result of ServiceThe technical advisor in climate change and project development is responsible for supporting the achievement of the results of the NDC Act & Invest project, which is the ultimate result of his/her services. This will include supporting the implementation of PAF, and other climate change projects in the LAC Region through regular update reports on overall planning, organization, and implementation of the current projects, with close cooperation with the corresponding national technical institution. Work LocationHomebased, Panama City Expected duration16.5 MONTHS Duties and ResponsibilitiesIn 2015, the world endorsed the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These historic accords presented countries with an unprecedented opportunity to align climate plans and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to our economic growth and improve the livelihoods of all people. To signal their commitments to the Paris Agreement, nations submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)— each country's strategy to cut its greenhouse gas emissions and build resiliency against the adverse effects of a changing climate — on a cycle every five years. Furthermore, in 2016 at COP22 in Marrakesh, the NDC Partnership was founded on the idea that technical assistance, expertise, and financing for climate action to facilitate collaboration between country governments, international institutions, non-state actors, and other partners to provide timely support for accelerated climate action. While the NDC Partnership’s model of collective action catalyzes immediate support, there are instances when countries’ requests for climate action go unanswered. The need for a flexible and fast mechanism to deploy support is evident. To meet this need, the NDC Partnership launched the Partnership Action Fund (PAF) at COP26. PAF supports developing Country Members in fast-tracking the implementation of their NDCs by bridging gaps in support. UNEP is seeking to leverage these resources through the NDC Act & Invest project wich supports countries in advancing the implementation of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement by strengthening technical capacities, fostering cross-sectoral coordination, and facilitating investment-ready climate actions. Through tailored support, NDC Act & Invest helps translate national climate goals into concrete policies, programs, and bankable projects, while promoting alignment with long-term strategies and low-emission development pathways. Based on the above, the purpose of this consultancy is to support the Climate Change Division in delivering the mission of implementing climate change projects where UNEP is contributing, as well as to provide technical support to the Latin American and Caribbean countries in developing capacities to incorporate climate change into public and private national agendas to increase their ambition and resilience, in line with the Paris Agreement (PA) and the Long-Term Strategies (LTS). In this sense, UNEP’s Climate Change Division is recruiting a technical consultant on climate change and project development to mainstream these topics in the Global Climate Action Unit’s work, projects, and initiatives, assist in the implementation of the NDC Act & Invest, support the implementation of PAF, and other climate change projects from the Climate Change Division in UNEP. The incumbent will be supervised by the NDC Act & Invest Global Coordinator and will work home-based. The consultant is expected to have relevant knowledge about climate change processes, projects, public policy, and experience with multilateral climate funds, multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral teams so that he or she can support the Global Climate Action Unit’s team to offer advice to the relevant national authorities and can fully lead the development of the expected deliverables. Specific tasks and responsibilities The technical consultant support will promote climate transparency in Latin American and Caribbean countries through the following activities: a. Support the implementation of NDC Act & Invest initiative in the LAC Region, identifying support needs in the region and opportunities for new project formulation. b. Support the articulation of the NDC Act & Invest project with the technical and administrative teams of the other UNEP divisions and cooperation agencies. c. Collaborate with the formulation of technical and financial proposals for Euroclima+, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the NDC Partnership, the IKI Fund and others, to support countries in the development of capacities related to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and Long-Term Strategies (LTS) implementation, climate financing, information systems, data management, innovative digital solutions, market-based instruments, and transparency. d. Work closely with the Regional Project Coordinator and the national technical institutions (NTIs) to ensure project outcomes, outputs and activities are performed according to commitments made with the donor. Elaborate and coordinate with them, the TORs for consultants and assist in the selection processes according to the work plan. e. Ensure day-to-day the implementation of PAF projects in the LAC Region through regular update reports on overall planning, organization, and implementation of the current projects, with close cooperation with the UNEP team, the corresponding national technical institution and the NDC Partnership. f. Generate peer-to-peer exchanges and cooperation activities, including the preparation and launching of virtual, or in-person workshops aimed at strengthening capacities related to the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and other national climate change goal and commitments. g. Enhance the engagement of stakeholders with the project, including regional governments, local environmental, authorities. h. Upon request and on an ad-hoc basis, support any other complementary tasks required for the successful project implementation at national and regional levels. Qualifications/special skillsACADEMIC • Bachelor´s degree in environmental sciences, engineering, political sciences, public policy, natural sciences, or areas related to climate change is required. • Master’s degree in ecosystem sciences, public policy, engineering, political sciences, natural sciences, or areas related to climate change is required. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • At least six (6) years of experience in environment and/or climate change is required. • At least three (3) years of specific work experience in developing climate change projects is required. • Experience in the development and/or implementation of climate change projects with relation to national governments in the LAC Region is required. • Experience working in NDCs, MRV systems, and carbon markets is highly desirable. • Experience working in multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral teams, including collaboration with government institutions, civil society, and the private sector is highly desirable. SPECIAL SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE PROFESSIONALISM • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability. • Excellent understanding of global and national climate change commitments and goals. • Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, and approaches relevant to climate change mitigation and adaptation planning. • Ability to identify, analyse, and participate in resolving issues/problems. • Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work, and manage conflicting priorities. • Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. • Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. • Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. • Shows persistence when faced with complex problems or challenges. • Remains calm in stressful situations. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to diverse audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, and community members. • Experience in data analysis and visualization tools to support evidence-based decision-making in climate policy and planning. TEAMWORK • Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. • Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise. • Willing to learn from others and supports final group decisions, even when they may not entirely reflect own position. • Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. • Builds positive relationships within and across teams, fostering a culture of trust, inclusion, and mutual respect. • Actively contributes to a supportive and productive team environment by offering help, encouragement, and constructive feedback, while also identifying opportunities to improve processes and suggesting practical solutions to enhance efficiency. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING • Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. • Identifies priority activities and assignments. • Adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate time and resources for completing work. • Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. • Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Languages● Fluency in Spanish (Required) ● Fluency in English (Required) Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.