UNOPS : NDC Partnership – National NDC Coordinator (Partnerships Senior Officer) Fiji – (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). In the Pacific, the NDC Partnership works in close coordination and collaboration with the Regional Pacific NDC Hub.
Country Context
Fiji is a member of the NDC Partnership and as part of Paris Agreement, Fiji has submitted its first Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2015 committing to reduce its Green House Gas emissions (GHG) by 30% by 2030 with major focus in energy sector. Building on to the target, Fiji’s NDC Implementation Roadmap in 2017 focuses on electricity and transportation sector. The goal of the NDC Implementation Roadmap is to chart a pathway for the implementation of mitigation actions needed to achieve the NDC for Fiji. Fiji’s NDCs are based on the energy sector and the Roadmap focuses on three energy subsectors and highlights short (2018-2020), medium (2021-2025) and long (2026-2030) term actions required in these subsectors to achieve the 30 % emissions reduction target.
Fiji developed its Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) in 2018. The LEDS is to enhance the Fijian Government’s ability to plan for decarbonisation of its economy in the long- term by providing a framework and a pathway for a progressive revision and enhancement of targets under its NDC to reduce emissions to 2030 and beyond and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Fiji submitted an updated NDC in 2020. The updated NDC confirmed Fiji’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by the year 2050 while reaffirming to achieve 30% Business as Usual (BAU) emissions reduction from a Business as Usual (BAU) scenario. Of the 30% reduction of BAU baseline carbon dioxide emissions, Fiji envisions to achieve 10% emission reductions which will be achieved “unconditionally” using available resources in the country and 20% achieved “conditionally “and further committed to reduce domestic maritime shipping emissions by 40% . It also aims to derive 100% of national electricity production from renewable energy sources by 2030.
Fiji has published its NDC Investment Plan in 2022 that entails program pipelines for the transport (land, maritime, and aviation) and energy efficiency sectors. The NDC investment plan identifies options for low carbon development and possible financing options. Based on these options, the most promising investment opportunities will be further developed into a project pipeline of concept notes. This plan is our bridge between climate policy-makers and investors, and we are confident that it will provide all multilateral and bilateral partners and private sector stakeholders the clear, confidence-boosting signal they need to invest in Fiji in support of our transition towards a low carbon economy consistent with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree guardrail.
The incumbent will closely support the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and serves as the NDC Partnership’s interface and liaison between the country and the NDC Partnership Support Unit and membership. 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.
He/she will employ a whole of government and whole of society approach to NDC coordination – meaning they will coordinate across all Government agencies, civil society, academia, private sector and other stakeholder groups. He/she will be responsible for strengthening national coordination in terms of coordination mechanisms, communication, resource mobilization and monitoring the implementation of the NDC. He/she will support the country’s nominated Focal Point and nominated Day to Day Contact to the Partnership in his/her daily tasks of implementing the NDC and other forms of support for the NDC implementation. He/she will also support the Government’s engagement with the Regional Pacific NDC Hub.
The National NDC Coordinator will implement all tasks under the supervision of the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist based in Fiji (aligning with a work plan approved by both the NDC Partnership and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change) and will work in close collaboration with the different ministerial offices and in-country stakeholders. The candidate is expected to work as an embedded facilitator, working within government facilities with officials on a day-to-day basis.
* This is a Home-based position in Suva, meaning the incumbent will be expected to work from government offices in Fiji and not work from a UNOPS office or from home. Additionally, the incumbent will need to take their own laptop, equipped with all the relevant software, to government facilities.
**This is a retainer vacancy / position for twelve 12 months, maximum of 220 working days.
*** As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of Fiji or have a valid residence and work permit in the Country.
The following responsibilities are part of the embedded incumbent role:
Coordination and communication with key stakeholders
- Support with stakeholder mapping and management of a stakeholder and contacts database.
- Support with Government-led dissemination of information to stakeholders.
- Ensure that communications about the NDC Partnership’s engagement in the country are shared with relevant stakeholders (local, national, and international).
- Facilitate periodic coordination and information exchange among partners in the country, with the aim of leveraging their respective advantages and mobilizing them in support of NDC implementation and utilizing a whole of government and whole of society approach.
- Assist and advise international and development partners to align climate projects with programmatic goals.
- Strengthen coordination mechanisms for the whole of government and whole of society coordination for issues relating to NDCs.
NDC Implementation
- Under the supervision of the Focal Point and in close collaboration with partners and the NDC Partnership Support Unit, support the development and implementation of the NDC.
- Engage with in-country partners, including at the local/subnational level, to identify and align priorities and needs.
- Collaborate with the Support Unit to document changes in the operating environment and provide support to government and stakeholders in decision-making processes and new developments.
- Utilize the NDC Partnership’s Knowledge Portal, tools and guidelines and disseminate information to relevant stakeholders.
- Utilize the NDC Partnership’s Gender Strategy and Youth Engagement Plan and related country-led plans and strategies to inform implementation and national and sub-national levels.
- Support in the delivery of multi-stakeholder trainings, coordination meetings and workshops where necessary.
Monitoring the progress of country engagement
- Monitor the progress of in-country engagement and provide periodic updates to NDC Partnership members.
- Utilize the NDC Partnership’s Online Partnership Plan Tool and/or Government-owned tools where appropriate.
- Prepare quarterly country update reports summarizing key insights and progress, challenges and recommendations for the future.
- Evaluate the results of the NDC Partnership’s engagement in the country and make recommendations for improvement.
Organizing and assisting with NDC-related meetings as needed by the Focal Point
- If necessary, facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues on NDC at the national level.
- Support the government in preparing for NDC-related events such as COPs, regional climate weeks, national events and other relevant gatherings to showcase NDC progress and garner support for NDC implementation.
- Support NDC Partnership and Hub related country missions or visits.
| 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, social sciences, administration or other relevant field of study.
- Bachelor degree in a related discipline in combination with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience (4 years of experience total) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Experience
Required
- At least 2 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;
- Knowledge of the country’s context of policy frameworks, national plans and strategies related to climate change is required.
Asset Experience in multilateral, national or grassroot governance and processes related to climate change, policy, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs);
- Demonstrated experience in fostering networks with senior leaders and high-level audiences along with other key state and non-state stakeholders
- Experience of other national contexts that indirectly contribute to climate change is desirable
- Familiarity with UNFCCC processes including Subsidiary Body and Conference of Parties (CoP), NDC and past experience on government climate change process.
Language
- Proficiency in English is required.
Contract type: Local ICA retainer
Contract level: LICA 09 / ICS 09
Contract duration: one year, up to 220 working days, with possibility of extension subject to budget and performance.
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. 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.
