Background Information – Job-specific

Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO)

The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:

•  Infrastructure
•  Procurement
•  Project Management (full service, back on track)
•  HR and Transactional Services
•  Grants Management
•  Technical and Advisory Services
•  Project Information

WEC Background:

The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio under the UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office has built strong partnerships and has effectively been managing a portfolio of 490 million USD over the last 15 years to support key initiatives with fund management, project implementation and administrative support.

WEC effectively operationalizes partners’ agendas with global approaches, as well as regional and country specific activities focused on climate action, protection and conservation of the environment. Partners profit from WEC’s ability to operationalize and/or scale up their important substantive agendas, including in support of key multilateral environmental and climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, the Cartagena Convention as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.

The NDC Partnership:

The NDC Partnership is a global coalition of countries and institutions collaborating to drive transformational climate action through sustainable development. In 2015, the world endorsed the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Nations signal their commitments to the Paris Agreement through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – each country’s strategy to cut its own greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience against the negative effects of a changing climate. The Partnership advances the goals of the Paris Agreement by bringing together nearly 200 countries and institutions in new ways to accelerate NDC implementation and enhance ambition over time. The Partnership’s work through 120 partners supporting almost 80 countries produces many examples of impact, lessons learned and ideas for the future. The Partnership is governed by a Steering Committee, co-chaired by two country representatives. The Partnership’s work is facilitated by a Support Unit based at World Resources Institute in Washington DC and the UNFCCC Secretariat in Bonn, Germany. UNOPS supports the NDC Partnership and its Support Unit through the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC).

Country Context

The Marshall Islands’ Government approved its NDC Partnership Plan in November 2018 and has been working on its implementation by significantly strengthening the internal coordination structure for climate and resilience activities in a whole-of-government approach. With Partnership support, the government of the Marshall Islands has convened multiple climate change dialogues to ensure engagement and empowerment of all its citizens, including youth, in implementing climate actions. The Partnership Plan highlights key actions in mitigation and adaptation, led by the National Energy Office and the Climate Change Department, and includes four additional outcome areas focusing on key cross-cutting issues that will strengthen and accelerate implementation.

Functional Responsibilities

The National NDC Coordinator will serve as the NDC Partnership’s interface in the country and operate as a liaison between the country and other NDC Partnership members. The role is one of coordination and supportive facilitation. He/she plays a key role in ensuring the smooth implementation of the Country Engagement Process, by supporting ongoing coordination efforts between the Support Unit of the NDC Partnership, the various partners of the Partnership, and the government of the Marshall Islands.

The National NDC Coordinator will work closely with the Climate Change Directorate (CCD). He/she will be responsible for strengthening national coordination in terms of resource mobilization and monitoring the implementation of the Partnership Plan. He/she will support the focal point of the Partnership in his daily tasks of implementing the Partnership Plan and other forms of support to the NDC implementation.

The National NDC Coordinator will implement all tasks under the direct supervision of the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist.

He/she will need to bring his/her own laptop to the ministry’s duty station. This is a home-based full-time national vacancy / position based in Majuro, Marshall Islands for 12 months with possibility of extension depending on performance and on availability of funds.

The following responsibilities are part of the embedded incumbent role: Coordination and communication with key stakeholders

•  Ensure that communications relevant to NDC Partnership engagement are shared with relevant national, international, and local level stakeholders.
•  Facilitate periodic coordination and information exchange among partners in the country, with the aim of leveraging and mobilizing their respective advantages in support of the Partnership Plan.
•  Organize meetings to monitor and coordinate the implementation of the Partnership Plan with stakeholders.

Update, validation, and circulation of NDC Partnership Plan

•  Finalize the updating and government validation of the NDC Partnership Plan 2022-2025 and prepare its circulation to NDC Partnership members with a cover request for support letter highlighting immediate priorities for 2023 and sharing progress since the first iteration of the NDC Partnership Plan.
•  Convene a stop-and-reflect session to finalize/validate the updating as needed, following government guidance.
•  Identify an approach for the updating of the NDC of RMI by 2025 and propose a roadmap for the enhancement process in the coming years, including the Global Stock-take in 2023.

Facilitation of NDC Partnership Plan implementation

•  Collaborate with the NDC Partnership Support Unit and the Focal Points to upload and update the Plan in the Online Partnership Plan Tool, ensuring information remains up to date and accessible for key stakeholders.
•  Identify implementing and development partners, compile their contact details (name of focal point, email address, telephone number) and follow up with them regarding their contributions to the Partnership Plan.
•  Collaborate with the Support Unit to document changes in the operating context and provide support to the government and stakeholders in decision-making processes and new development with respect to the enabling environment.

Mobilization of resources for implementation

•  Support the government in following up on and mobilizing partner financing to close its support gaps to allow for NDC implementation as per the Partnership Plan, building on the work done on climate finance so far by the finance working group, partners such as GGGI and ADB, the Climate Finance Action Plan, and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.
•  Identify potential sources of financing and follow up proactively with partners on (potential) support for implementation of the NDC Partnership Plan activities. Follow up with the partners from the original Partnership Plan circulation to identify upcoming opportunities to align funding, country programming, new projects, etc. Seek out opportunities for funding such as funds, grants, calls for proposals, etc.
•  Update government needs and priorities for NDC implementation in the Partnership Plan continuously.
•  Work with the Support Unit to produce an overview of support gaps to make available to partners.
•  Engage with partners, including at the local/subnational level, to link needs to services and resources in accordance with the Partnership Plan.
•  Assist the government in coordinating with key donors, partners, and funding mechanisms on aligning country programs and projects with the needs and gaps identified in the Partnership Plan.
•  Assist and provide guidance to International and Development Partners to align climate projects and programmatic objectives with the Partnership Plan.

Tracking of Partnership Plan implementation progress

•  Monitor and assess implementation of the Partnership Plan and coordinate periodic progress tracking by partners to the NDC Partnership.
•  Prepare quarterly country update reports summarizing key insights and progress updates, challenges, and recommendations for the way forward.
•  Assess progress outcomes of the NDC Partnership in-country engagement and make recommendations for adjustments where needed.

Organize and support NDC-related meetings as needed

•  Following government guidance, support the organization of quarterly calls / in-person convenings with partners to discuss priorities and challenges related to NDC implementation.
•  If requested, support organization of and facilitate national country specific multi-stakeholder NDC dialogues.
•  Support the government in preparing for NDC-related events such as COPs, regional climate weeks, national events, and other convening relevant to showcase NDC progress and generate support for implementation of the NDC.
•  Organize coordination meetings between the Support Unit and the government as needed.

Capacity building support to government

•  Identify gaps in capacity related to NDCs and NDC implementation across government ministries and key stakeholders in-country. Propose a capacity-building plan in close collaboration with related efforts (e.g., capacity assessment).
•  Implement the capacity building by organizing training based on identified needs.

Identifying lessons learned and results

•  Support meetings of the NDC Partnership working groups, including by record keeping and note taking, and other logistical support as needed.
•  Attend relevant NDC-related meetings of other working groups to make linkages with crosscutting areas of work and to be able to include progress updates in the Partnership Plan and quarterly facilitator reports.
•  Liaise with the Support Unit to access and/or feed into global knowledge products.
•  Assist the Support Unit in the identification and dissemination of information on best practices and lessons learned from in-country engagement.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

•  Master degree in public policy (with respect to climate/environment), economics, public finance, sustainable development, or relevant fields;
•  Bachelor’s degree in related discipline in combination with additional 4 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

ExperienceRequired

•  At least 2 years of experience in climate change, environmental and natural resource management, development cooperation and related fields;
•  Knowledge about the UNFCCC, the Paris Agreement, NDCs and SDGs;
•  Demonstrated knowledge of environmental issues in the Marshall Islands.

Asset

•  Experience in facilitating the implementation of NDCs is an asset.
•  Experience in the design and implementation of climate change related projects;
•  Experience in working with governments and national and international organizations in the Marshall Islands and/or Pacific Island region;
•  Excellent MS Office (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint and others) and internet research skills.

Language Requirements:

•  Fluent proficiency in written and spoken English is required.
•  Knowledge of Marshallese is desirable.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: ICSC-09, LICA-9 Contract duration: 12 months with possibility of extension depending on performance and on availability of funds.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspxAdditional Information

•  Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
•  Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
•  Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
•  UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
•  Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
•  We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

•  For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
•  For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
•  All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
•  It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

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