NDC Partnership In-Country Facilitator – Panama (Partnerships Specialist) Homebased, Retainer – Panama City (1 Position)
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Location:
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Salary:negotiable / YEAR
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Job type:FULL_TIME
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Posted:4 hours ago
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Category:Partnership and Resource Mobilization
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Deadline:17/11/2024
JOB DESCRIPTION
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
The Government of Panama became a member of the NDC Partnership on December 22, 2016 and takes pride in being a net carbon sink country. Panama submitted its First NDC September 2016, its updated NDC on December 2020, and its second update on June 2024. Currently, the Ministry of Environment, under the leadership of the Directorate of Climate Change is in the process of updating and implementing its NDC2 and “National Socioeconomic Strategy low in emissions and resilient to climate change by 2050” (LT-LEDS) and the NDC Partnership Plan.
Moreover, Panama is looking into increasing its ambition on adaptation priorities while preserving its commitment to carbon negativity, which is crucial to ensure comprehensive climate action. To achieve this, enhanced coordination support is key. Panama has had continued support from a facilitator for the past two years, this request seeks to extend this support for the upcoming year. As inter-ministerial and international cooperation coordination become more pressing to deliver on Panama’s commitments.
The embedded facilitator 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. They play 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 Panama.
The embedded facilitator will support the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the National Secretariat of Energy of Panama, National Secretary of Science and Technology, local governments, private sector and other related governmental and non-governmental institutions in the implementation of the NDC Partnership Plan, NDC 3.0 and LT-LEDS. The incumbent will be responsible for strengthening national coordination in terms of resource mobilization and monitoring the implementation of the NDC.
The embedded facilitator will implement all tasks under the direct supervision of the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist for Panama 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 up to 24 months.
* 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.
** As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of Panama or have a valid residence permit in the country.
*** Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
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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, maintaining and updated partner contact list for this purpose.
- 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, request for support letters or equivalent instrument. To this end, usage of existing government coordination mechanisms shall be prioritized.
- Organize meetings to monitor and coordinate the implementation of the Partnership Plan, or equivalent instrument, with stakeholders.
- Create Annual Work Plan to organize the year’s work, including a methodological description, schedule, activities and expected results.
- Coordination meetings facilitated periodically with partners supporting NDC Partnership Plan, RSLs, thematic call requests, and PAF, including inception, technical, validation and approval of workshops.
Operationalization of NDC Partnership Plan
- Collaborate with the NDC Partnership Support Unit and the Focal Points to manage and update the Plan in the Online Partnership Plan Tool, ensuring information remains up to date and accessible for key stakeholders. When an Online Partnership Plan does not exist yet, support the transition to the online tool.
- Identify implementing and development partners, compile and periodically update their contact details (name of focal point, email address, telephone number) and follow up with them regarding their contribution to the partnership plan or equivalent instrument.
- When applicable, contribute to the development of the Partnership Plan Narrative and its validation by the government.
Facilitation of NDC Partnership Plan implementation
- 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 developments with respect to the Partnership Plan, equivalent instrument and its 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 or an equivalent instrument.
- Update government needs and priorities for NDC implementation. When Partnership Plans are available, these should be regularly updated.
- 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, other planning / coordination instruments, as applicable, and requests for support.
- Assist and provide guidance to International and Development Partners to align climate projects and programmatic objectives with the Partnership Plan or other support planning / coordination instruments as applicable.
Tracking of Partnership Plan and Investment Plan implementation progress
- Monitor and assess implementation of the Partnership Plan and coordinate periodic reporting of 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.
Organize and support NDC-related meetings as needed
- If requested, 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 convenings 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.
| 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. |
Education
- A master’s degree preferably in public policy, development, climate change, natural resource management, environmental management, engineering and any other relevant field of study.
- Bachelor’s degree in related discipline in combination with additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Experience
Required
- At least 5 years of relevant work experience in public, private, UN Agencies or third sector institutions with a special focus on coordination and articulation of different actors and project management in climate change, environmental or natural resource management, development cooperation or related fields;
Asset
- Experience working on climate change with a national government technical or policy department is an asset.
- Participation in the development of National Communications, Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), or the implementation of NDCs NAMA.
- Specialized technical understanding of climate services, climate change adaptation and climate science.
- Proven ability to write briefs, analytical and guidance documents to a high standard, and to present complex technical information/ analyses to technical and non-technical in simple and easily understandable way.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and piloting climate adaptation or risk management methodologies.
Language
- Proficiency in Spanish and English is required.
- Proficiency in other UN languages is an asset.
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