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, bringing together more than 250 members, including more than 130 countries, developed and developing, and more than 110 institutions to deliver on ambitious climate action that helps achieve the Paris Agreement and drive sustainable development. Governments identify their NDC implementation priorities and the type of support that is needed to translate them into actionable policies and programs. Based on these requests, the membership offers a tailored package of expertise, technical assistance and funding. This collaborative response provides developing countries with efficient access to a wide range of resources to adapt to and mitigate climate change and foster more equitable and sustainable development. The NDC Partnership Support Unit is jointly hosted by the World Resources Institute (WRI), the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the UN Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC). For this project, the Consultant will be contracted through UNOPS.

 

Country Context

The Dominican Republic (DR) joined the NDC Partnership in December 2017, designating as national focal points the highest authorities within the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development (MEPyD) and the National Council for Climate Change and Clean Development Mechanism (CNCCMDL). Both institutions appointed operational contacts to facilitate communication and exchange with the NDC Partnership Support Unit (SU NDCP). Recently in 2025, the country appointed the Ministry of Environment as an additional focal point. Furthermore, the CNCCMDL was renamed as National Council for Climate Change and Carbon Markets (NCCCCM) (Decree No.358-25) and the MEPYD was modified into the Ministry of Finance and Economy, Law 45-25 (Ministerio de Hacienda y Economia, Ley 45-25).

On December 28, 2020, the Dominican Republic officially submitted its enhanced and updated NDC (NDC-RD 2020), raising its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction target from a fully conditional 25% to a 27% reduction relative to the Business-as-Usual (BAU) scenario by 2030, with 7% of that reduction being unconditional. In July 2022, the NDC Action Plan 2022–2025 was launched. This Action Plan includes 86 results, organized under four (4) overarching objectives:

• Objective 1: Create enabling conditions.
• Objective 2: Promote an investment flow portfolio for implementation.
• Objective 3: Transparency – monitor, report, and evaluate.
• Objective 4: Mainstreaming – develop and strengthen capacities.

The country has established a MRV system as part of the Enhanced Transparency Framework, in line with the Paris Agreement, through Presidential Decree No. 541-20, which designates the CNCCMDL as the responsible entity for its implementation and interinstitutional coordination.

The Dominican Republic submitted a timely proposal to the NDC Partnership Global Call initiative and was responded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), with the aim of facilitating the preparation, update, and enhancement of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), with the following expected outputs:

1. Analysis and technical support for government decision-making for the 2025 NDC update (NDC 3.0)
2. Support for stakeholder dialogue across public and private sectors
3. Support for communication and outreach (both during the NDC 2025 preparation process and upon completion)
4. Drafting of the final NDC document in accordance with UNFCCC formats for submission at the end of 2025
5. Support for the development of Terms of Reference for subsequent steps (including updates to the action plan, investment plan, and financing strategy)

The executive offices of the National Council for Climate Change and Carbon Market (NCCCCM), leads the NDC update process in coordination with the NDC Steering (ad hoc) Committee, ensuring institutional alignment and involvement of all governmental, private sector and civil society relevant stakeholders.

The Dominican Republic is also in the process of developing its Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) with support from the World Bank.

The IADB also supported the country on developing an Investment Portfolio for the NDC Action Plan, coordinated by the MEPyD. While it currently reflects the 2020–2030 NDC and its action plan, it will be reviewed and integrated, as appropriate, into the NDC 3.0 process.

The embedded facilitator will implement all tasks under the direct supervision of the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist 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 depending on satisfactory performance and on availability of funds.

* This is a Home-based 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 Dominican Republic or have a valid residence permit in the Country.

*** Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

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. 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 the Dominican Republic.

The incumbent will work directly with the NCCCCM in coordination with the others Focal Point institutions. The incumbent will be responsible for strengthening national coordination in terms of resource mobilization and monitoring the implementation of the NDC. The Facilitator will support the focal points of the Partnership in their daily tasks of implementing the NDC and other forms of support for the NDC implementation.

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 Implementation Plan or equivalent, 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 Implementation Plan, or equivalent instrument, with stakeholders.

Operationalization of NDC Implementation Plan or equivalent

• Collaborate with the NDC Partnership Support Unit and the Focal Points to manage and update the Plan in the Online Tool, ensuring information remains up to date and accessible for key stakeholders. When an Online does not exist yet, support the transition to the online tool if the government is seeking its use.
• 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 Implementation Plan or equivalent instrument.
• When applicable, contribute to the development of the Implementation Plan Narrative and its validation by the government.

Facilitation of NDC Implementation Plan implementation or equivalent

• Create an Annual Work Plan that sets out specific goals for the facilitator role in collaboration with the Country Engagement Specialist and Focal Point.
• 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 Implementation 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 Implementation Plan or an equivalent instrument.
• Update government needs and priorities for NDC implementation. When Implementation 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 Implementation 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 Implementation 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 Implementation Plan or other support planning / coordination instruments as applicable.

Tracking of Implementation Plan and Investment Plan implementation progress

• Monitor and assess implementation of the Implementation 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

• An advanced degree (master’s degree or higher) in public policy, development, climate change, natural resource management, environmental management, and any other relevant field of study.
• Bachelor”s degree in related discipline with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience (7 total) may be accepted instead of an advanced university degree.

Experience

 

Required

• At least 5 years’ experience in public and/or private sector with a focus on climate change, project management, stakeholder and donor engagement and/or preparation of cross-cutting workplan/proposal development or any related field.
• Experience in multilateral, national and grassroots governance and processes related to climate change policy and/or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs);
• Knowledge of the country’s context of policy frameworks, national plans and strategies related to climate change is required.

Asset

• Familiarity with UNFCCC processes including Subsidiary Body and Conference of Parties (CoP), NDC and past experience on government climate change process.
• 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

Language

 

• Proficiency in Spanish and English is required.
• Knowledge of another official UN language (Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese Mandarin) is an asset.

1. Contract type: Local ICA Retainer
2. Contract level: LICA-10
3. Contract duration: 12 months, max 220 working days, with possibility of extension

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.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse 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.