Result of Service
Under the overall guidance of UNEP NDC Action global project coordinator, and UNEP-CCC NDC Action project global technical assistance coordinator: - NDC Action project end of project implementation carefully coordinated with government of Ghana, implementing partners, UNEP and UNEP-CCC team of experts. - The Policy Working Groups for Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems on one hand, and Electric Mobility on the other hand, are established, meet regularly, and are supported in their day-to-day operation and decisions. - Monthly one-page updates on project progress, and quarterly more detailed progress reports, with recommendations for final adjustments in project implementation (where relevant) and for ensuring sustainability of project results beyond end of project implementation. - A concept note for an Insurance - risk mitigation instrument ready for submission to an international climate fund. - Support to the early steps of NDC 3.0 update process led by government of Ghana.
Duties and Responsibilities
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the international 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 'NDC Action' Project - jointly implemented by UNEP and the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Center ("UNEP-CCC") - supports ten partner countries to translate their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement into concrete strategies and actions ready for financing and implementation, and fosters accelerated public and private investment in sector specific NDC implementation. It builds on three core principles: country ownership, balanced focus between adaptation and mitigation, and integration with national development and climate change priorities. In Ghana, "NDC Action" is implemented under the technical and political guidance of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the Lead Project Focal Government entity in Ghana. The EPA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTl); the National Development and Planning Commission (NDPC), and the other line ministries primarily responsible for the two sectors that will be prioritized to receive support under this project, as additional Project Focal Government entities. Further; the project engages organizations and stakeholders considered key for accelerating Ghana NDC implementation and supporting the creation of enabling environment for increasingly ambitious NDCs. To implement the project activities on the ground in Ghana, the NDC Action Project seeks support from a consultant to support in-country coordination with the government and relevant stakeholders. The services of a consultant are needed to respond quickly, flexibly and effectively to immediate, time-bound needs to support the NDC Action Project Team. With his/her advisory capacity and special knowledge, the consultant is expected to deliver specific, measurable, and results-oriented support services. With the above-mentioned background, the NDC Action Project - National Project Coordinator (NPC) will contribute to NDC Action's engagement in Ghana as a close to full time effort (representing about 80% of his/her time-share). More specifically, the NPC will conduct consultations as deemed useful to the good progress of the project, seek guidance from the project government focal persons at EPA Ghana, keep them regular abreast of project progress, prepare regular update reports on NDC implementation in the country, and support the organization of workshops, meetings, overall planning, organization and implementation of the "NDC Action" project activities in close cooperation with UNEP's project team and experts, UNEP-CCC's Ghana focal person, relevant experts, and its National Technical Partners. Specifically, the consultant is required to: 1. Ensure coordination and liaison between the NDC Action Global team and the stakeholders in the partner country for effective NDC Action Project Implementation a. In consultation with EPA Ghana, UNEP, UNEP-CCC and the NTP (s), update the "NDC Action" project work plan -to be validated by the EPA- as changes occur. b. Liaise with the international experts at UNEP-CCC, UNEP and BASE and the National Technical Institutions and experts) and ensure that the technical assistance is aligned with national and sectoral policies and strategies on climate change, Ghana's multisectoral NDC implementation plan, and constitute a solid base for the future revision of Ghana NDC. c. Monitor timely delivery of project activities and ensure the project progress is on track against annual and quarterly work plans. d. Prepare quarterly project progress reports against set targets and indicators, with analysis of evidence of progress towards planned outputs according to schedules and submit to the supervisory team (i.e. EPA, UNEP's regional Climate Change coordinator and NDC Action project manager, and UNEP-CCC's NDC Action Project Manager) in a timely· manner. e. Help identify emerging challenges and critical issues and work with EPA, UNEP-CCC's NDC Action Project Manager and UNEP Regional Climate Change coordinator and/or UNEP Project Manager in addressing these challenges. f. Help with the organization and facilitation of national multi-stakeholder consultation meetings and regional events for "NDC Action" project. g. Organizing, coordinating the regular meetings of, and following up on decisions taken for, both the Electric Mobility PWG and Solar Powered Irrigation Systems PWG. h. Facilitate the country missions of UNEP and UNEP-CCC staff and consultants. i. Facilitate the government’s endorsement on the portfolios of policies and programs and investment plans in close collaboration with the NTI the National Development Planning Commission, relevant line ministries and other government agencies. 2. Drive energetically components 2 and 3 of the "NDC Action" project -considered the most catalytic in driving project results and fostering their further uptake- by supporting the: a. gathering of empirical data on the ground for effective "NDC Action" coordination which can also feed into the development of portfolios of policies and programmes and investment plans and funding proposals by the NTI. b. data gathering and consultations for inputs from various stakeholder including private sector and civil society. c. Updating the Ghana NDCs with new information and results from the NDC Action project in the two priority sectors of climate smart agriculture and e-mobility. b. development of new investment plans and proposals for funding based on empirical data gathered on the ground or to inform the amendment of already existing investment plans; and · · c. amendment of already existing investment plans as needed to make them more relevant and responsive to practical areas that can work on the ground. 3. Explore and develop synergies between "NDC Action" project and other NDC implementation support activities, and facilitate peer-learning: b. Participate in events and meetings in Ghana -and abroad when requested by UNEP or EPA Ghana- that are relevant to NDC implementation. c. Join media engagement and other awareness creation events to be organized by the NTI. c. Prepare 6-morithly (biannual) short reports on the overall status of NDC support activities and NDC implementation in Ghana. d. Prepare write-ups on project activities and success in Ghana and share with project partners (EPA, NDPC, sectoral line ministries, technical institutions, UNEP, UNEP-CCC) from time to time for communications and dissemination; and e. Coordinate Ghana's contribution (by proposing topics to be highlighted, helping develop content, identifying speakers, etc.) to regional peer-learning yearly events organized by the "NDC Action" project and help organize these events (particularly when hosted by Ghana). f. Identify opportunities for furthering the results of NDC action project for implementation, including GEF and GCF projects. g. Identify opportunities for further areas of cooperation for NDC Action project to support governments effort to meet COP 28 outcomes. 4. Develop a concept note for an Insurance - risk mitigation instrument to be submitted to an international climate fund. The concept should show clear linkages to the ongoing work on SPIS/adaptation for smallholder farmers. Specifically: a. Mitigation of the risks for smallholder farmers, possibly looking at SPIS as the initial focus area. b. Where relevant for Ghana, using the Uganda Insurance approach, in particular to partner with private sector insurance companies and securing the commitment of at least one insurance company for the concept and one FI. c. Secure the groups/cooperative of smallholder farmers – possibly based on a particular commodity/crop - who will be part of the demonstration activity – to be indicated in the concept. Refer to the Uganda insurance model. d. Clear linkages or distinction from any insurance initiative that the Government of Ghana is currently developing. e. Funding application to MasterCard as a follow-up from the COP28 contacts. Mastercard via innovation Village indicated high interest in the provision of funding for such a concept.
Qualifications/special skills
A bachelor’s degree in Climate Change/Environmental Studies, International Development, or related studies. • At least 2-years relevant work experience to climate change, renewable energy, sustainable development, support to environment/development projects, and/or working with/in developing countries is required. • Proven hands-on knowledge of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) support, climate transparency, and/or any other topic closely related to the implementation of the Paris Agreement; • Familiarity with project management support, such as organising (virtual) workshops and stakeholder consultations, drafting briefings notes, developing and/or revising project documents and concepts; • Experience working with the government of Ghana is an asset; • Experience working with climate and development stakeholders from recipient countries and if possible, the donor government institutions, national development agencies, international organizations, and technical partners; • Experience with supporting the organization of competitive tenders and monitoring/reporting processes is highly desirable; • Experience working with/for the UN is highly desirable; • Strong communication skills, ability to listen and analyse carefully, rigorous and autonomous; and • High motivation to support developing countries in planning and implementing climate actions. • 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.
