WEC Background
The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna, and with offices based globally is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolio Office. The Portfolio has built strong partnerships and is effectively managing a portfolio of over 500 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
In April 2020, Chile presented its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Update, which was built through a process that involved stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia and civil society, both at the national and subnational levels. The NDC incorporates several goals for 2030 in terms of GHG mitigation and short-lived climate pollutants, adaptation and resilience, highlighting water security, oceans, circular economy, forests, peatlands and ecosystems; all this to move towards an integrated and synergistic vision in the design and implementation of Chile's climate action. The diversity of commitments assumed by Chile in its NDC corresponds to intermediate goals towards the goal of carbon neutrality and resilience to be achieved by 2050 at the latest, according to what has already been defined by the country based on science.
With the purpose of moving as a country towards that goal, the NDC incorporated an unprecedented social pillar on just transition and sustainable development, which establishes as a priority to maximize synergies between climate commitments with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which, through its 17 goals and 169 targets, seeks to achieve a balanced and integrated development in the economic, social and environmental dimensions.
On the other hand, the Long-Term Climate Strategy (LTS), presented by Chile at COP26 in order to comply with the provisions of Article 19 of the Paris Agreement, is the instrument that defines the general long-term guidelines that the country will follow in a cross-cutting and integrated manner, considering a 30-year horizon, to face the challenges posed by climate change. The objective is to move towards a low greenhouse gas emissions development, until reaching and maintaining the neutrality of greenhouse gas emissions; to reduce vulnerability and increase resilience to the adverse effects of climate change; and to comply with the international commitments assumed by the State of Chile in this matter. Among its most relevant contents are the definition of a national greenhouse gas emissions budget for the years 2030 and 2050, sectoral mitigation goals (emission budgets for each sector) and adaptation indicators and goals. Additionally, it contains guidelines on adaptation to climate change, as well as risk assessment, considering the vulnerability of each specific sector.
* This is a Homebased position, meaning that the incumbent will not work from a UNOPS office but from the government facilities. Therefore, the incumbent will need to use his/her own laptop and software. The incumbent is expected to work in person at the offices of the Ministry of Environment, with the possibility of hybrid work upon agreement with the Ministry focal point.
** As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent must be a national of Chile or have a valid residence permit in the Country.
*** FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
In turn, the facilitator, in addition to his/her role of identifying needs, is expected to support the strengthening of the link between climate change management instruments, highlighting spaces for the development of initiatives and projects that can support the implementation of these and the fulfillment of climate commitments. The incumbent is expected to support government implementers in the formulation of projects that align with the needs of the country and the requirements of the NDC Partnership.
The embedded facilitator will implement all tasks under the direct supervision of the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist for Chile and will work in close collaboration with the different ministerial offices. This is a retainer national vacancy / position for twelve 12 months, maximum of 220 working days, with the possibility of an extension for another year based on performance and the availability of funds to fulfill the government’s full request of facilitation support for 24 months.
The following responsibilities are part of the embedded incumbent role:
General Objective
Provide technical assistance to the Climate Change Division of the Ministry of Environment to develop a strategy for coordinating commitments related to the management and implementation of NDC Partnership initiatives. The main purpose is to generate synergies in the implementation of Chile's requests for support to the NDC Partnership, identify sources of new resources to support commitments, coordinate and collect information from stakeholders/target groups, track progress in implementation, organize meetings related to the NDC Partnership, identify lessons learned, promote capacity building in financing and projects.
Specific objectives
Methodology and execution arrangements
The work methodology requires identifying potential implementing partners, collaborating in the documentation and diagnosis of institutional capacities, supporting the identification of funding sources, coordinating the preparation of reports, gathering information from dialogue processes, strengthening capacity building and collaborating in the review of reports, among others. As a result of these activities, progress reports should be prepared with diagnoses, evaluations, progress reports and documents that include the systematization of relevant information for the project.
The development of the activities and products considered in this consultancy shall be carried out in close collaboration and coordination with the professionals of the Climate Change Division of the Ministry of the Environment.
The provision of the service considers the execution of, at least, the following activities by the consultant:
Support the country in tracking and mobilizing partner resources for its needs and priorities, along with a process for coordinating the country's engagement in the NDC Partnership.
Facilitate the preparation of Chile's requests for support to the NDC Partnership, under the different options provided by the NDC Partnership.
Advise on the selection of the most appropriate implementing partners for each project and identify the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder.
Coordinate the implementation process of donor partner support, maintaining communication between the parties, monitoring the implementation process and raising possible challenges in the process.
Follow up on the progress of the implementation of Chile's Requests for Support to the NDC Partnership.
Periodically update the country's needs in accordance with government guidelines and updates to its climate change management instruments and Climate Change Framework Law, providing periodic information on progress to the NDC Partnership Support Unit.
Evaluate the results of the country's progress in participating in the NDC Partnership and make recommendations for adjustments.
Facilitate the alignment and integration of the implementation of NDC activities with the Climate Change Management Instruments recognized in the Country's Framework Law on Climate Change. To this end, it should keep track of the intersectoral articulation spaces, with civil society and other relevant stakeholders. Attend meetings convened by the NDC Partnership through its Support Unit or other NDC Partnership entity.
Report regularly on the content and progress of these meetings to relevant national counterparts and the official country focal point.
Ensure that relevant communications with the NDC Partnership are shared with relevant national and international stakeholders.
Preparation and timely delivery of quarterly reports required by the NDC Partnership Support Unit. The content shall be aligned with that requested by the Support Unit and the national focal point.
Collaborate with the Climate Change Division and the NDC Partnership Support Unit to document changes in the operational context and support government and stakeholders in decision making processes.
Assist the Support Unit in identifying and disseminating information on best practices and lessons learned from the implementation of climate projects from international funding.
Undertake ongoing capacity building (i.e., technical assistance and formal and informal on-the-job training) of the government in preparation for fully assuming the role of facilitator.
Facilitate dialogues around NDC commitments, with multiple stakeholders, supporting objectives such as (i) implementation of the Climate Change Framework Law and its integration into the country's development policies, (ii) maximizing synergies, avoiding duplication, and mobilizing support for identified needs and gaps for successful NDC implementation; (iii) Undertake engagement strategies with the private sector and/or civil society organizations; and (iv) Address cross-cutting NDC issues, such as those related to Measurement, Reporting and Verification [MRV], gender equality, carbon pricing instruments, carbon offsetting instruments, carbon markets, socio-ecological just transition, Nature-Based Solutions, Adaptation Indicators, green jobs, among others.
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. |
Required
5 years of relevant experience with national and/or international cooperation agencies and project formulation and budgeting.
Experience and knowledge of Chile’s environmental institutions and climate change legal framework, complemented by knowledge of economic and financial instruments, in particular related to climate finance.
Asset
Experience working with stakeholders in Chile’s public sector, private sector and civil society.
Demonstrated experience working with MRV, M&E, and results-based management tools and systems.
Familiarity with UNFCCC processes including Subsidiary Body and Conference of Parties (CoP), NDC and past experience on government climate change process.
Experience in facilitating the implementation of NDCs is an asset.
Proficiency in Spanish is required.
Fluency in English language is an advantage.
Proficiency in Spanish is required.
Fluency in English language is an advantage.
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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.