Result of Service

Objective

The Consultant will support the Climate Ambition and Transparency (CA&T) Team to achieve these main goals:
¿ Technical advice and guidance is provided to the CA&T team on issues related to carbon markets and Article 6, and during the execution of Projects related to these issues.
¿ Countries of the LAC region know the type of projects, programs and certified carbon units that are generated in the LAC region, and are aware of the social, environmental, and economic risks and benefits of carbon markets, and the safeguards to be respected to ensure the environmental and social integrity of the carbon units generated.
¿ In the long term, enabling conditions for the implementation of frameworks for future operationalization of carbon market mechanisms and Article 6 in the LAC region are created.

Responsibilities and Activities
Under the direct of UNEP’s Programme Manager Officer of Energy Efficiency of the Climate Change Unit for Latin America and the Caribbean Office, the consultant shall perform the following activities:
Detailed activities:
¿ Timely deliver Deliverables 1.1 and 1.2
¿ Provide technical input to the implementation of the CA&T team activities related to carbon markets.
¿ Ensure coordination with relevant national institutions and government ministries to ensure that activities are distinct and fully complementary to other national initiatives.
¿ Liaison with national stakeholders
¿ Engagement with local climate change involved entities.
¿ Provide Technical support with the preparation of TORs for national and international consultants and provide inputs in selection and hiring processes of NDC Action and CBIT Projects.
¿ Support the CA&T Team to prepare for the execution of the Capacity Building in Carbon Markets and Article 6 Regional Readiness Project.
¿ Support the CA&T Team during the implementation of a Small-Scale Funding Agreement (SSFA) with the Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP).
¿ Support the CA&T Team in the coordination with relevant national institutions and government ministries to ensure that the Capacity Building in Carbon Markets and Article 6 Regional Readiness Project activities are distinct and fully complementary to other national initiatives.

Outputs

Output 1: Enabling conditions for the implementation of frameworks for future operationalization of carbon market mechanisms and Article 6 in the LAC region are created.

Product No. 1.1: One report on identified needs and priorities of the 8 participating countries (Argentina, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Honduras, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica) of the Carbon Markets and Article 6 Readiness Project (GCF) for the implementation of project activities. This report will be produced based on bilateral meetings with the eight countries and will serve as input to the Project's team of consultants, so that they can develop high-quality technical products based on the national priorities.

Product No. 1.2: One technical report of the virtual meetings held between the Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP) and the team of consultants of the Carbon Markets and Art. 6 Readiness Project (GCF). This report will include a summary of the event, a list of participants, main findings and lessons learned and recommendations for the implementation of the activities of the Carbon Markets Readiness Project and Art. 6.

Work Location

HOME-BASED

Expected duration

3 MONTHS

Duties and Responsibilities

Purpose

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.

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).

One of the most relevant challenges the implementation of the Paris Agreement poses to countries is to count with strong Transparency Frameworks and with the necessary capacities to comply with the climate change commitments assumed at the international level. Carbon markets play a crucial role so that governments and the private sector can fulfill zero emissions or carbon neutrality commitments by 2050, as proposed by the IPCC. Net-zero targets adopted to date cover around 70% of global GHG emissions, but many are not yet supported by the near-term policies and regulations that are necessary to achieve them. Carbon markets can be part of the measures and mechanisms that can contribute to achieve the needed mitigation to achieve these targets.

However, one of the biggest areas of concern related to carbon markets and Article 6 is how to ensure environmental integrity and respect for social and environmental safeguards in the use of carbon markets. Therefore, the Climate Ambition and Transparency Team is looking for a Carbon Markets, Article 6 and Climate Change Specialist Consultant to support the Team in creating the enabling conditions for the implementation of frameworks for future operationalization of carbon market mechanisms and Article 6 in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region.

The incumbent will be supervised by UNEP’s Programme Manager Officer of Energy Efficiency of the Climate Change Unit for Latin America and the Caribbean Office, Roberto Borjabad, and will work home-based.

Qualifications/special skills

Qualifications Required

ACADEMIC:
¿ University degree (Bachelor’s) in environmental sciences, economics, finance, administration, political science, international relations, or related studies.(required)

PROFESSIONAL:
¿ General Experience: At least three (3) years of experience in public policy, climate change, environmental sciences, environmental economics, fiscal policy, climate policy, economic research, or related fields is required.
¿ Specific Experience: At least one (1) year of specific work experience in NDC implementation, carbon markets, Article 6, climate change policies implementation is required (which can be part of the general experience).

LANGUAGE:
¿ Fluent in Spanish is required.
¿ Fluent in English is required .

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

PROFESSIONALISM:
¿ Excellent understanding of global and national climate change issues in particular related to transparency and carbon markets
¿ Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to climate change mitigation and adaptation planning, and intergovernmental climate change negotiations. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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 difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations.

TEAMWORK:
¿ Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; 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 Fee

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.