Work LocationHome Based
Expected duration8 MONTHS
Duties andResponsibilities
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system’s designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. 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, 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). 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 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 a Climate Change Adaptation Specialist to assist the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources and UNEP in the implementation of the Green Climate Fund funded project as set in the funding proposal document. The Consultant will report directly to the Adaptation to Climate Change Programme Office. The main objective of the consultancy is to provide technical support to the National Project Coordinator and the Project Management Unit in the coordination and development of several activities related to science-based adaptation planning within the framework of the project Building capacity to advance National Adaptation Plan Process in the Dominican Republic, including compiling baseline information on the climate change impacts, risks and vulnerabilities in the country and the main actions that are and have been implemented to address them. This includes the revision of primary and secondary data and the identification of information gaps and needs. Similarly, the Climate Change Adaptation Specialist will elaborate of two sets of terms of reference for the execution of the knowledge generation based component of the approved project proposal, provide technical inputs for the different processes to start with the formulation of the National Adaptation Plan and assist the National Project Coordinator and the Project Management Unit in the development and implementation of other project related activities, including attending national, regional and local meetings, as required. The Climate Change Adaptation Specialist will operate under the overall supervision of the UNEP Adaptation Programme Officer at the UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office. Additionally, he/she will work in close collaboration with the UNEP’s Adaptation team, the Directorate of Climate Change of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in the Dominican Republic, other national consultants and government and non-governmental counterparts. Travel within the Dominican Republic might be needed for consultation processes. The incumbent Will work from home.
Qualifications/special skills• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, planning, conservation, environmental sciences, climate change adaptation or a closely related field is required. • Master’s degree in climate change adaptation, natural resources management, development studies, urban planning, social or environmental sciences or a closely related field is required. PROFESSIONAL: • Seven (7) years of relevant experience working with climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction or natural resources management is required. • Demonstrated experience in Land Use and Planning and Monitoring & Evaluation is an advantage. • Demonstrated knowledge and experience working in design and planning of adaptation solutions, preferably in the Caribbean region and/or in the Dominican Republic, at the National, subnational or sectoral level is desired. • Demonstrated experience in the elaboration and preparation of reports and technical documents is requireddesired. • Demonstrated experience working with climate change scenarios in decision making process is desirable. • Demonstrated experience in engaging with government institutions and other stakeholders at national and local levels is desirable. • Previous work experience and knowledge about the Dominican Republic is an asset. • Experience with international organizations will be an advantage, as will be knowledge of UN Environment policies, procedures and practices is an asset. LANGUAGE: • Fluent in Spanish is required. • Fluent in English is required. SKILLS: • Excellent political, advisory and facilitation skills. Ability to facilitate technical discussions and participatory processes with multiple stakeholders in multicultural environments. • Demonstrated understanding of development planning and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations. • Excellent technical leadership and understanding of climate change adaptation concepts, principles and policies. Ability to provide guidance on climate change adaptation, especially as it relates to development planning. • Strategic perspective to guide the development of products to maximize impact and success. 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.
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.