Partnerships Officer Job at UNOPS-United Nations Office for Project Services, Male, Maldives
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
Recognizing the importance of having an organization with deep local knowledge to serve as NDC Partnership’s national-level interface and facilitate coordination of the NDC implementation in the country, the Republic of Maldives joined the NDC Partnership in February 2016.
On 28 December 2020, Maldives approved and submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC Secretariat. Maldives commits to reduce emissions by 26% (conditional) by 2030 compared to BAU and strives to achieve net-zero by 2030, with ambitious plans to increase its share of renewable energy in the energy mix through various initiatives. The submission also has an adaptation component with key sectors including agriculture, transport and coastal management. It is expected that the NDC will be revised in 2025, for the 2026-2030 period.
An update work to National Adaptation Plan (NAP) has been in progress since September 2022, with support from GCF and UNEP as the implementation partner. This readiness support focuses on enabling national government and non-state actors/stakeholders to advance the NAP process through strengthened institutional arrangements and improved technical capacity. The work also aims at identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing climate change impact and adaptation information to inform adaptation planning in the Maldives. Additionally, it includes developing a funding strategy for the implementation of national adaptation. Moreover, the work also encompasses enhancing the capacity to monitor, report on, and learn from the NAP process in the Maldives.
In 2019, GCF Country Program was developed for Maldives under “Climate Finance Strategy to Mobilize International Climate Finance 2019-2024”. Some of the key projects under this strategy are expected to be implemented in the coming years.
In November 2020, Maldives prepared a 10-year, scenario-based comprehensive energy road map – Road Map for the Energy Sector 2020-2030 with support from ADB. There are ongoing projects to this effect that has direct link to existing NDC goals.
Additionally, from August 2021, the Ministry of Climate Change Environment and Energy (MCCEE) has been working with the UNEP-DTU on preparing a Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) under the UNFCCC. The TNA project will assist participant developing country Parties identify and analyze priority technology needs, which can form the basis for a portfolio of environmentally sound technology (EST) projects and programs. The government also envisions an increased advocacy and information sharing need for NDCs.
** As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of Maldives or have a valid residence permit in the Country.
As part of the Maldives’s effort to implement its NDC, NAP and TNA the government has requested for a Junior In-country Facilitator to work closely with the NDC Partnership In-country Facilitator and support the Climate Change Department of MCCEE for the duration of 3 years working with the Country Focal Point on:
Coordinating, tracking, and monitoring the support provided by development partners on NDC related activities/program.
- Providing operational support to activities around project development and preparation for potential funding by donors.
- Organizing training, workshops, convenings and other events necessary to promoted strengthened climate action coordination and implementation among government agencies and development partners.
- Supporting day-to-day activities related to NDC Implementation Plan.
- Supporting the resource mobilization work being undertaken including carrying out required communication with relevant institutions/agencies.
- Carrying out the advocacy and knowledge sharing work based on the NDC Implementation Plan.
- (vii) Assisting in the preparation and dissemination of relevant internal and external communications related to NDC implementation work.
The Junior In-country Facilitator serves as a close counterpart of the NDC Partnership working with MCCEE on strengthening the NDC Partnership’s interface in the country and operating as a liaison between the country and other NDC Partnership members. The role is purely one of coordination and supportive facilitation. The Junior In-country Facilitator ensures that the Country Focal Point has adequate technical and operational backing by collaborating with In-country Facilitator in supporting ongoing coordination efforts between the Support Unit of NDC Partnership, the various partners in the NDC Partnership and the MCCEE. The Junior In-country Facilitator will support the smooth implementation of the Country Engagement Process.
This involves providing technical, operational and research support to the Country Focal Point in working closely with relevant local stakeholders and international entities relating to NDC implementation process. The Junior In-country Facilitator is expected to carry out communication and coordinating services at the country level. The Junior In-country Facilitator shall also liaise with the NDC Partnership Support Unit for vertical information-sharing, including contributing to and accessing knowledge products. This is a 1-year retainer position, equivalent to 220 working days, with the possibility of an extension.
The following responsibilities are part of the Junior Facilitator role in the Maldives:
Summary of functions:
1. Support the work carried out in relation to NDC implementation.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration through organizing workshops, meetings, and communication channels to foster collaboration on NDC implementation among stakeholders.
- Provide administrative and operational support by handling logistics for travel, meetings, and events related to NDC Partnership and implementation activities.
- Maintain records and documentation by keeping up-to-date files and records of NDC implementation work.
- Facilitate stakeholder engagement: Organize and participate in stakeholder meetings, ensuring communication between all parties.
- Perform additional tasks to fulfill any NDC-related duties assigned by the Country Focal Point.
- Support the organizing and logistical preparation of various missions, meetings, and events.
- Provide support in the drafting of reports (country engagement, quarterly update, annual reports etc) and carrying out other reporting tasks for MCCEE and NDC Partnership.
2. Support the resource mobilization and collaborations carried out with relevant institutions/agencies and the NDC Partnership.
- Provide support for the identification of funders, research opportunities, and networking in relation to NDC implementation work being carried out.
- Assist in developing compelling applications aligned with donor priorities.
- Ensure compliance with reporting requirements of MCCEE and the NDC Partnership.
- Support the Maldives and the NDC Partnership Support Unit in continuing NDC Partnership in-country engagement.
- Support the Country Focal point to coordinate, track, and monitor the support provided by development partners on the NDC Implementation Plan.
- Assist in keeping Country Focal Point informed on various support pathways, programs offered by NDC Partnership and supporting partners.
3. Carry out advocacy, knowledge sharing combined with relevant internal and external communications related to NDC implementation work.
- Support in preparation of relevant reports, presentations, and targeted materials to keep MCCEE and assigned partners informed and engaged.
- Act as point of contact to communicate directly with all assigned partners/agencies under the Country Focal Point’s direction.
- Assist in developing NDC communication, awareness, and progress materials for public and media outreach, following MCCEE and NDC Partnership procedures.
- Utilize various channels to organize events, manage social media platforms, and engage media outlets to amplify NDC messaging.
- Assist in tracking impact of NDC implementation by monitoring program being implemented and adapt plans and work based on feedback.
| 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
- Master’s degree preferably in public policy/Global Governance (climate/environment), management, economics, sustainable development, or a similar field;
- A Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline in combination with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Experience
Required
- With a Bachelor’s degree, at least 2 years of experience in project management, public policy, climate/environment, sustainable development
- Experience in planning, stakeholder management, and/or monitoring and reporting.
- Demonstrable experience working in climate change or similar tasks in relation to but not limited to, mitigation and adaptation action, government policy or legal frameworks, MRV, M&E systems, sustainable development, or results-based management.
Asset
- Demonstrated skills in managing and aligning diverse stakeholder groups, including development agencies, non-state actors/ civil society, financial institutions, the private sector, and others.
- Experience with public service organizations in Maldives.
- Familiarity with UNFCCC processes, including, NDC, National Communications, BUR and experience in the government’s climate change process.
Language
- Excellent writing, editing, digital, and oral communication skills (English, Dhivehi);
Contract type: ICA / ICS 08 retainer
Contract level: Local ICA 08
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.
