Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The overall objective of UNEP’s Climate Change Division is to deliver effective strategic guidance and high-impact action in support of the transition towards climate stability. Its work is guided by ambition, innovation, credible science, and alignment to global climate goals and needs of individual countries. The Climate Change Division works with Members States and Partners to accelerate and support a just transition by addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation through enhancing implementation capacity, provision of data information and knowledge, access to finance and technology, and building resilience. It promotes sustainable development and effective policies for climate stability; support action so that countries progress on decarbonization, dematerialization, and resilience pathways in line with their climate commitments, aspirations, and needs; and foster transparency in reporting. This position is located in UNEP’s Climate Change Division, Adaption & Resilience Branch, Climate Change Adaptation Unit (CCAU), in the Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire duty station. Under the overall supervision of the Branch Chief and the direct supervision of the Head of the CCAU, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

Project Implementation:

• Develops, implements and evaluates assigned programmes/projects in collaboration with national executing entities, especially those funded by the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), Adaptation Fund (AF) and Green Climate Fund (GCF).
• Monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation
• Reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions
• Liaises with relevant parties; identify and ensures follow-up actions.
• Identify problems and issues to be addressed in project implementation and propose corrective actions.
• Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources
• Generates survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identify problems/issues and prepares conclusions
• Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications
• Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities
• Leads and/or participate in field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries.
• Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget.)
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision making, presentation and reporting. Project Development
• Develops project proposals, especially those funded by Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), Adaptation Fund (AF) and Green Climate Fund (GCF).
• Liaise with country counterparts, partners, consultants and the secretariats of the funding bodies in the course of proposal development.
• Performs other duties as required. Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to climate change adaptation, sustainable development, environmental sciences, development studies or a related field. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sustainable development, environmental sciences, development studies or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable. Job – Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management is required. Experience in working with governments on adaptation planning and project design is required. Experience in providing technical inputs and strategic advice in the implementation of climate change adaptation projects is required. At least two years experience in managing project budgets of USD10M and above is required. At least two years experience in guiding and managing climate change risk assessment assignments is desirable. Experience working within the United Nations common system or similar international organisation is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II French UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice Appointment against this project position is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension. External candidate selected for this position will be granted a…