The consultant will be part of the Climate Change Unit of the UN Environment Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean. Under direct supervision of the Adaptation Officer, the consultant will:
1. Support the adaptation team to supervise the implementation of approved projects, including:
- Support to the preparation and coordination of project launch.
- Monitor implementation of the annual work plans and timetables.
- Follow up on contracts and payments.
- Monitor project results, track results framework indicators and monitor risks. This includes the utilization of sex-disaggregated indicators and gender-based monitoring frameworks to assess project outcomes (if applicable).
- Support the preparation of annual performance reports and the project completion report.
- Participate in field missions when necessary to meet government officials and other stakeholders, including the private sector, prior consent of his/her Supervisor and in accordance with UN Environment rules and procedures.
- Support technical and high level political meetings of different stakeholders.
- Manage the deliverables from project team members and partners.
- Support taking corrective management actions (and documenting them) to re-direct the project towards desired results.
- Development of reports, meetings and presentations on climate change adaptation.
2. Perform other related duties as requested.
Panama
12 MONTHS
The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) 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.
UN Environment seeks to support countries in Latin America to implement the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the new Paris Agreement and the priority actions defined in the INDCs of Latin American countries.
The Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, located in Panama City, works closely with the 33 countries of the region - including 16 small island developing States - with a population of about 588 million people. The office works to serve the needs of the region and its activities are integrated into the work programs approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly of UN Environment (UNEA).
The overall objective of UN Environment’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 UN Environment´s Sub-programme on Climate Change is also committed to ensure that crosscutting issues such as gender equity and women empowerment is effectively undertaken in the development of the its tasks to guarantee an equitable development in line with its adaptation objectives.
In this framework, the Climate Change Unit of UN Environment Office for Latin America and the Caribbean is currently supporting countries in the region to develop proposals to access climate change funds and thus promote resilience for both men and women, in particular to those most vulnerable to climate change. In addition, UN Environment, as delivery partner, is charge of the implementation of adaptation projects recently approved.
Academic Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in natural resource management, conservation, environment, economics, development, or a closely related field.
Experience:
• Demonstrated knowledge of climate change adaptation and development.
• At least 4 years of relevant experience in climate change adaptation. Additional experience is an asset.
• Experience in climate change adaptation project development, implementation and management is an asset.
• Relevant expertise in integrating gender considerations into project formulation, planning and implementation. This includes the design of gender sensitive methodologies to collect and assess baseline data, evaluate outputs, and monitor project outcomes where applicable is an asset
• Previous work experience in Andean countries (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia, Argentina or Chile) is required.
• Experience in organization and preparation of technical documents, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies is an asset.
• Experience in collaboration with government officers.
• Experience providing substantive backstopping to consultative meetings and conferences, including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations is an asset;
Language:
• Excellent written and communication skills in English and Spanish.
Competency:
• Professionalism: Ability to perform a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., human resources, budget/work programme, database management, etc. Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. 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: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; 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.
Skills:
• Ability to pick up new terminology and concepts easily and to turn information from various sources into a coherent project document.
• Full competence in Microsoft office.
THE 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.