Background Information – Job-specific

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 agree.

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 the Kingdom of Eswatini joined the NDC Partnership in December 2018. The NDC process in Eswatini is led by the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs (MTEA) and Ministry of Economic Planning and Development (MEPD) who jointly coordinate its implementation. Through the NDC Partnership Climate Action Enhancement Package (CAEP) between 2019-2021, Eswatini revised her NDC to a more ambitious and enhanced one which was submitted to UNFCCC in October 2021.

The Kingdom of Eswatini also developed a 5 year National Development Plan (NDP) that fully integrated the Eswatini NDC in terms of climate change mainstreaming and the 10-year NDC Implementation Plan, costed at $1.3 billion and the plan was launched on 3rd May 2023.

Eswatini is now in the stage of Implementing the NDC Implementation Plan, of the Country Engagement process. To support the implementation of the revised NDP and NDC as well as its coordinated implementation, the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development requested a re-engagement of an In country Climate Change Economic Advisor to be working with the ministry and oversee activities relating to NDP and NDC implementation, capacity building and climate finance mobilisation to enhance implementation.

This follows the lapse of the contract of the last Economic Advisor, who was in the country for a period of about 9 months. The government is envisaging the Economic Advisor to continue to assist MEPD, MTEA and other line ministries by providing strategic and technical guidance on mobilising climate finance so that civil servants and other stakeholders can build the capacity to draw on funds to support the implementation of the Eswatini NDC and other climate related projects, roll out the Eswatini NDP and the NDC Implementation Plan 2021-2030 through a participatory and integrated approach, alongside full country engagement with the NDC Partnership.

In support of the Kingdom of Eswatini in implementing climate action through the NDC in collaboration with MTEA and MEPD, the NDC Partnership seeks to engage a qualified climate change economic advisor.

The advisor will work closely with NDC Focal Points in MTEA and MEPD.

*** 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 Eswatini or have a valid residence permit in the Country.**

Functional Responsibilities

The Economic Advisor will be working closely with the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development.

He/she will strengthen climate finance resource mobilisation towards climate change interventions outlined in the NDC, national climate change documents, plans and strategies and sectoral level priorities.

The economic advisor will report to the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist and Regional Manager and will work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs (MTEA) and the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development (MEPD). The incumbent is expect to work from the MEPD’s offices in Mbabane.

He/she will need to use his/her own laptop. This is a retainer national vacancy / position for twelve months, up to a maximum of 220 working days.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Enhanced coordination and dialogue
2. Mobilisation and Preparation of Climate Finance Projects/Programmes and policy advocacy
3. Needs and Readiness Assessment for Implementing Article 6 in Eswatini
4. Capacity building, Knowledge management, Communications and Reporting

Enhanced coordination and dialogue

• Facilitate the revival of the National Climate Change Committee (NCCC) and its role in the critical area of coordination in the management of national climate issues and interface with the international conjuncture;
• Contribute to the development of key national climate plans and strategies, including the NDC Implementation Plan, climate project investment plans across the different Ministries and relevant organisations, while ensuring their compatibility with the conditions of access to various sources of climate finance and ensuring the buy-in of key partners and stakeholders;
• Identify and map opportunities for collaboration and partnerships with implementing and development partners and curate information of current trends across the climate and finance ecosystem;
• Contribute to the definition of agendas and preparation of concept notes for relevant high-level dialogues, panels and round tables on climate finance;
• Propose inter-ministerial coordination approaches to climate change, scientific committee on climate change among others from the central to the local level;
• Liaise with climate-related sectoral units to ensure coordination and integration of national climate policies
• Promote bilateral and multilateral agreements between the MTEA, MEPD and new strategic cooperation partners such as the countries of South-South cooperation.
• Coordinating the costing the NDC 3.0 and updating the NDC Implementation Plan costing
• Contribute to the NDC Investment Plan development process
• Coordinate the LT-LEDS costing process

Mobilization and Preparation of Climate Finance Projects/Programmes and policy advocacy

• Identify climate finance opportunities and mechanisms for the implementation of climate-resilient and low-carbon sectoral projects and programmes;
• Facilitate information sessions on climate finance opportunities and mechanisms with sectors, implementing and development partners and multilateral institutions;
• Develop five funding proposals, with a potential combined value of USD 75 million, are finalised and approved by Government for submission to Multilateral climate finance institutions by June 2025.
• Advise the MTEA and MEPD on the best strategies for mobilizing climate resources and support national entities in project design
• Undertake prioritisation exercises with relevant regional institutions and national governments for the identification of pipeline projects.
• Coordinate Government officials to develop concept notes and proposals through provision of technical inputs consulting with ministries and government agencies
• Facilitate the potential use of debt for climate swaps as an innovative financing instrument to provide additional resources to vulnerable sectors and communities to take climate action and support a green recovery in Eswatini.
• Coordinate the development of a study on use of debt for climate swaps as an innovative financing instrument
• Facilitate the planning and hosting of a highly successful Donor and Investor Conference organised jointly with the ACMS
• Coordinate the updating of the Master (Investment) Plan which would contain a compendium of projects for presentation during the Donor and Investor Conference
• Mapping and documenting financing pledges by donors and ensuring the information is captured in the relevant tools including the Online Partnership Plan Tool.
• Ensure that relevant planning tools including that for proposing new capital project as well as reporting on progress include appropriate climate change questions and considerations.

Needs and Readiness Assessment for Implementing Article 6 in Eswatini

• Lead the development of Terms of Reference for the readiness and needs assessment assignment and manage the consultants to ensure their deliver the scope of work
• Contribute to the development of the needs and readiness assessment report backed by information collected through survey and interviews/consultations.
• Facilitate a Readiness and Needs Assessment Validation seek stakeholders’ feedback to the findings and recommendations
• Assess government stakeholders’ views on Article 6 Governance Framework
• Facilitate technical consultations and support to the Government of Eswatini for establishing procedures, processes and institutional arrangements to identify, validate, manage, and supervise Article 6 transactions.

Capacity building, Knowledge management, Communications and Reporting

• Coordinate capacity building of line ministries and sector representatives of climate finance
• Produce and submit monthly and quarterly plan and progress reports and submit to the Ministry of Finance Focal Point for feedback and approval
• Support the National delegations to climate change negotiations through preparatory meetings and capacity strengthening on climate finance

Competencies

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/Experience/Language requirements

Education
– Master degree or PhD preferably in finance, economics, climate change, public policy, international development, business development, or other relevant field of study.
– Bachelor’s degree in related discipline in combination with an additional 2 years (7 total) of relevant work experience is required.

Experience
Required

• 5 years relevant experience in environmental or climate change public policy fields with practical experience in climate change adaptation/adaptation/mitigation planning or implementation support.
• Demonstrated experience in the development of concept notes, funding proposals and/or project pipelines targeting different donors at either national, regional or international level.

Asset

• Understanding of various financing instruments such as grants, blended finance, equity, impact investment, and familiarity with climate finance architecture at global level and in Eswatini.
• Good understanding of Eswatini’s climate change and environment policies and strategies, development issues, as well as national obligations on climate change issues
• Demonstrated ability to liaise and foster cooperation between agencies, including Government, private sector participants, NGOs and other stakeholders
• Strong networks with local, regional and/or international donors
• Familiarity with the Paris Agreement and NDC process is an advantage.
• Experience in working with governments and national and international organizations in the Kingdom of Eswatini;

Language

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of a Siswati is advantageous

Contract type, level and duration

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

Additional Information

• 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.