NDC Partnership In-Country Facilitator – (Partnerships Specialist) – Mongolia (Retainer – Homebased)
JOB DETAIL
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
Mongolia’s NDC, approved by the Government Decree No. 407 of November 2019, included provisions that enhanced its mitigation efforts with policies and measures to be implemented in key economic and natural resource management sectors by 2030. The mitigation target of Mongolia’s NDC will be a 22.7% reduction in total national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, compared to the projected emissions under a business-as-usual scenario for 2010. In addition, if conditional mitigation measures such as carbon capture and storage and waste-to-energy technology are implemented, then Mongolia could achieve a 27.2% reduction in total national GHG emissions. Along with that, actions, and measures to remove GHG emissions by forestry measures are determined, which set the total mitigation target of Mongolia as 44.9% of GHG emission reduction by 2030.
Mongolia became a member of the NDCP on 16 January 2017, and its Focal Points include the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET), the Ministry of Economy and Development (MED) . The Partnership Plan of Mongolia was developed and approved by the Minister of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia on 6 September 2018 and has been subsumed under the NDC Action Plan of Mongolia, which was approved on 6 July 2021. The Action Plan is a basis for planning, coordination, resource mobilization, and transparency on NDC implementation between the Government and partners to work together to help Mongolia achieve its climate and development goals. Mongolia’s Action Plan focuses on its NDC priorities, including improving climate change policies, institutional frameworks, and governance; improving access to climate finance; transparency of climate monitoring and reporting; and building national and local capacities for NDC implementation linkages to relevant development plans. Using the Action Plan to frame coordination helps to support the efficient and effective implementation of Mongolia’s NDC and support the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia in mainstreaming climate change policies into sustainable development and national development plans and policies.
** As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of Mongolia or have a valid residence permit in the Country.
The incumbent 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. He/she plays 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 Mongolia.
The incumbent will support in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET). He/she will be responsible for strengthening national coordination in terms of resource mobilization and monitoring the implementation of the NDC. He/she will support the focal point of the Partnership in his daily tasks of implementing the NDC and other forms of support for the NDC implementation.
The embedded facilitator will implement all tasks under the direct supervision of the Partnership Development Specialist and will work in close collaboration with the different ministerial offices. He/she will need to use his/her own laptop and software. This is a retainer national vacancy / position for twelve 12 months, maximum of 220 working days.
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.
- 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.
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. |
| 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 in public policy, development, climate change, natural resource management, environmental management, or other relevant field of study is required.
- Bachelor’s degree in related discipline in combination with an additional 7 years of relevant work experience may be accepted.
Experience
Required
- With a Master Degree, at least 5 years’ experience in public and/or private sector with a focus on climate change, project management, stakeholder and donor engagement or preparation of cross-cutting workplan/proposal development;
- Experience in multilateral, national and grassroot governance and processes related to climate change, policy, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) is required.
- Knowledge of the country’s context of policy frameworks, national plans and strategies related to climate change is required.
Asset
- Experience in facilitating the implementation of NDCs is an asset
- Demonstrated experience in fostering networks with senior leaders and high-level audiences
- Experience of other national contexts that indirectly contribute to climate change is desirable
- Ability to foster formal and informal networks to strengthen cooperation between agencies, including Government, private sector participants, NGOs and other stakeholders
- Strong inter-personal skills and ability to work with minimal supervision
- Excellent communication (Written and Oral) Skills
- Excellent MS Office (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint and others) and internet research skills.
- Familiarity with UNFCCC processes including Subsidiary Body and Conference of Parties (CoP), NDC and past experience on government climate change process
Language
- Proficiency in Mongolian language is required.
- Proficiency in English is required.
Contract type: ICA / ICS 10 retainer
Contract level: Local ICA 10
Contract duration: 12 months, 220 days, with possibility of extension depending on performance and on availability of funds
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
- 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. 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.
