Adaptation Specialist and NAP technical lead

The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical guidance to the teams of NAP Panama and NAP El Salvador while contributing to the technical follow up, knowledge sharing and lessons learned of the broader NAP portfolio projects in Latin America and the Caribbean region by executing the tasks outlined in the Terms of Reference. The Adaptation Specialist and NAP technical lead consultant will contribute to the effective implementation of the project by performing the following tasks: Output 1 NAP Process steering arrangements and coordination platform launched and institutionalized. (Outcome 3.1) Activity 1.1: Provide technical expertise to the NAP portfolio, especially for strengthening adaptation planning in countries and inter-organizational engagement for the implementation of adaptation strategies. Activity 1.2: Participate with the adaptation team on the technical guidance for the management of approved projects, in support of different outcomes of the projects in NAP Portfolio. Activity 1.3: Provide technical expertise to the Implementing Parties responsible for the execution of the project activities and accompany them in the development of climate change adaptation measures and strategies in the countries or at the regional level. Responsibility: The consultant, in collaboration with the Regional Subprogramme Coordinator for the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO, will analyze opportunities for inter-institutional coordination and linkages to bolster the development of climate change adaptation strategies at the regional level. The consultant will be expected to liaise with NAP lead entities and stakeholders (which may include executing entities, civil society organizations and the private sector) in the countries involved. Output 2: A mechanism established to track adaptation progress, report advances and evaluate outcomes for future revision for the NDC adaptation themes. (Outcome 3.1) Activity 2.1: Provide technical advice for project results, track results framework indicators. This includes the utilization of sex- disaggregated indicators and gender-based monitoring frameworks to assess project outcomes (if applicable). Activity 2.2: Evaluate, capturing and synthesizing lessons and uptake of best practices and knowledge. Introduce innovation and best practices to enhance project performance of the NAP Portfolio. Responsibility: The consultant, in collaboration with the Regional Subprogramme Coordinator for the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO, will provide expertise to the NAP Portfolio projects, especially in regard to NDC updating process and UNFCCC Adaptation Communications as mechanisms to track adaptation progress. The consultant is expected to be the local NAP focal point at the regional office and will evaluate performance and advancement of expected results, as well as the technical management of the projects and teams to advance the achievement of the proposed objectives. Output 3: Private sector investments in adaptation promoted through engagement and programming processes. (Outcome 3.3) Activity 3.1: Participate in field missions as needed to meet with government officials and other stakeholders, including private sector representatives, to support the development, implementation and evaluation of climate adaptation strategies, policies and initiatives. Prior consent of his/her supervisor and in accordance with UN Environment rules and procedures, in line with the outcomes from the NAP Portfolio. Activity 3.2: Provide team members and partners with technical advice on climate change adaptation substantial matters including strategies to guarantee that issues such as gender equality, disaster risk reduction, private sector engagement and synergies with other adaptation and mitigation measures are undertaken, in line with the outcomes 3.3 from both NAP Panamá and NAP El Salvador, and in support of other outcomes from the projects in NAP Portfolio. Responsibility: The consultant will liaise with the relevant national actors from the private sector, to create/strengthen the national strategies to involve private companies. The consultant is expected to provide technical guidance for the documentation needed for the successful engagement of the private sector in climate adaptation. The consultant is expected to bolster the inter-sectoral activities to engage regionally with the other members of the NAP Portfolio. Output 4: Capacities of the private sector strengthened to understand and respond to climate vulnerability and risks. (Outcome 3.3) Activity 4.1: Provide technical guidance to the NAP portfolio for the engagement of the Private Sector, to strengthen companies’ understanding and response for climate vulnerability and risk management. Activity 4.2: Provide technical expertise to develop a climate change adaptation financing strategy to effectively mobilize public and private sector financing for adaptation measures. Responsibility: The consultant will provide technical expertise for private sector capacity building in the countries, or capacity building of staff associated with the NAP portfolio on private sector engagement strategies for vulnerability and risk response. The consultant will be expected to review and make technical proposals for relevant NAP portfolio documentation, as well as collaborate in the development of relevant documents for engagement with environmental authorities.

Panama City, Panama

12 Months

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global 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. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium- Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). To implement the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement and the priority actions defined in countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). In terms of addressing climate change, UNEP aims to support countries in the compliance of the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the priority actions defined in the countries Nationally Determined Contributions. The overall objective of UNEP´s Sub-programme on Climate Change Action is to strengthen the ability of countries to move towards climate-resilient and low emission strategies for sustainable development and human well-being. The expected accomplishment regarding climate change adaptation is that adaptation approaches, including an ecosystem-based approach, are implemented, and integrated into key sectoral and national development strategies to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience to climate change impacts. Furthermore, the UNEP´s Sub-programme on Climate Change is also committed to ensure that crosscutting issues such as gender equity and women empowerment are effectively undertaken in the development of its tasks to guarantee an equitable development in line with its adaptation objectives. To fulfill the objectives of the project, the UNEP LACO Office is recruiting an Adaptation Specialist and NAP technical lead to collaborate with UNEP in the implementation of the Green Climate Fund funded project as set in the funding proposal document. The main objective of the Adaptation Specialist and NAP technical lead consultancy is to lead and provide technical guidance for the effective implementation of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) project in Panama and El Salvador, while contributing to the broader NAP portfolio in the Latin America and the Caribbean region through technical knowledge sharing and lessons learned from the NAP process. The Adaptation Specialist and NAP technical lead consultant will operate under the overall supervision of the Regional Subprogramme Coordinator for the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO and will work closely with other national consultants and government and non-governmental counterparts. The Adaptation Specialist and NAP technical lead consultant is expected to work at the UNEP Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean in Panama City, Panama, 40 hours per week on a full-time basis. Travel might be needed for the execution of the consultation processes.

ACADEMIC: • Bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, environmental sciences, climate change, social sciences, development, international relations, or a closely related field is required. • Master’s degree in natural resource management, environment, climate change, development, business administration or a closely related field is required. PROFESSIONAL: • Two (2) years of relevant work experience in the field of environment, conservation, private sector and stakeholder’s engagement or climate change-related activities is required. • Demonstrated experience in project management or resource mobilization is desirable. • Demonstrated experience related to coordinating and providing technical advice for national policies, action plans or strategies is desirable. • Demonstrated experience in engaging with government institutions and other stakeholders at the national and subnational levels in Latin America and the Caribbean is desirable. • Proven understanding of the climate Finance landscape and procedures for adaptation, multilateral and bilateral funds, and other climate finance channels/modalities is desirable. • Recent knowledge of the institutional and policy environment regarding the private sector engagement in environmental/climate change issues in the Latin America and the Caribbean region is desirable. • Proven experience in project coordination or technical assistance for the National Adaptation Plan in Latin America and the Caribbean region is desirable. • Experience with international organizations, as well as knowledge of UN policies, procedures and practices is desirable. • Previous work experience in Latin America and the Caribbean is desirable. LANGUAGE: • Fluency in Spanish is required. • Fluency in English is required. SKILLS: • Excellent political, advisory and facilitation skills are desirable. • The ability to facilitate technical discussions and participatory processes with multiple stakeholders in multicultural environments is desirable. • Demonstrated understanding of development planning and the ability to apply it to strategic and/or practical situations is desirable. • Excellent technical leadership and understanding of climate change adaptation concepts, principles and policies. The ability to provide guidance on climate change adaptation, especially as it relates to development planning is desirable. • Strategic perspective to guide the development of products to maximize impact and success is desirable. COMPETENCIES: • Professionalism: Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. He/she shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Teamwork: Is able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve organizational goals and to take leadership when appropriate; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. • Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

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