Adaptation Expert – México

Result of ServiceThe Consultant’s ultimate result of services will be to provide technical assistance for the development of the NAP, and the adaptation and Loss & Damage (L&D) components of the NDC 3.0, as well as the relevant components of other key policy instruments, such as the adaptation measures adopted under the new Special Climate Change Programme (PECC). Work LocationHome-based Expected durationFull-time / 18 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Paris Agreement on Climate Change represents a milestone in global efforts to address the climate crisis. As a vulnerable country to the effects of climate change, Mexico faces significant risks to its ecosystems, economy, and communities. Extreme weather events such as droughts, heatwaves, and forest fires have intensified, threatening biodiversity, water resources, and agricultural productivity. Coastal areas are also at risk due to rising sea levels, impacting infrastructure and livelihoods. Mexico has expressed a strong commitment to advancing its national climate adaptation agenda. Key priorities for 2025 include the development and adoption of the country’s first National Adaptation Plan (NAP), the strengthening of the adaptation component of Mexico’s NDC 3.0, and, for the first time, the integration of a Loss and Damage (L&D) component within the NDC. These efforts require the definition of clear measures, flagship activities, and the establishment of a robust monitoring and transparency framework to effectively track implementation and results. To support these ambitious objectives, there is a need for specialized technical expertise embedded within national processes to guide the design, alignment, and operationalization of adaptation-related policy instruments. In this sense, UNEP is recruiting an Adaptation Expert in Mexico to support the work of the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). This support will consist of technical assistance for the development of the NAP, and the adaptation and Loss & Damage (L&D) components of the NDC 3.0, as well as the relevant components of other key policy instruments, such as the adaptation measures adopted under the new Special Federal Program on Climate Change (PECC). The expert will also oversee their implementation, provide technical support to the responsible Ministries and help develop the transparency mechanisms necessary to monitor national progress. This would entail, among others, the development of studies, analyses, and recommendations for the review and update of the NDC's 3.0, adaptation and L&D components, within the framework of the National Climate Change System, as well as the articulation of efforts that allow for the continued dissemination, socialization, and implementation of adaptation actions, and their connection with the different instruments of the national climate change policy. The consultant will be supervised by UNEP’s NDC Act & Invest Global Coordinator and will work in a hybrid work model, where the consultant will participate to in-person activities such as meetings and stakeholder engagements as required, at the SEMARNAT located in Mexico City, Mexico. This arrangement will be coordinated and approved by the SEMARNAT. 1. Carrying out and documenting policy analysis and assessment in relation to the adaptation and L&D measures and activities assigned to the sectors under the PECC. 1.1. Analyzing the information reported by the Mexican Government institutions regarding their actions and progress on adaptation and loss and damage. 1.2. Coordinating a process to map out existing measures, activities and initiatives to prevent and address loss and damage and producing technical recommendations for the PECC considering the incorporation of the loss and damage in the NDC. 1.3. Supporting coordination, communication, and follow-up mechanisms to equip the PECC with the necessary tools for reporting progress on the adaptation and loss & damage components of the NDC. 1.4. Supporting the review of the information on adaptation reported in the electronic platform of the Special Program on Climate Change. 2. Developing an action plan for the implementation of updated NDC’s adaptation component. 2.1. Developing and carrying out an action plan for the implementation of the adaptation component of the NDC 3.0. 2.2. Organizing the necessary consultations to identify main tasks to implement adaptation component of the NDC. 2.3. Developing a draft of a roadmap for the NDC’s updated adaptation component. 2.4. Leading the edition of several materials, through the internal processes established in SEMARNAT, to spread and socialize the content of the updated NDC 3.0. 3. Developing an action plan for loss and damage NDC’s component. 3.1. Developing and carrying out an action plan for the implementation of the new NDC’s loss and damage component. 3.2. Organizing the necessary consultations to identify main tasks to implement the loss and damage component of the NDC 3.0. 3.3. Developing a draft of a roadmap for the new NDC’s loss and damage component. 3.4. Leading the edition of several materials, through the internal processes established in SEMARNAT, to spread and socialize the content of the updated NDC 3.0. 4. Supporting the development of Mexico's first NAP, as well as its adoption, implementation and monitoring. 4.1. Organizing the inter-ministerial consultation process, as well as the multi-stakeholder consultation process, gather and systematize inputs for the development of the NAP. 4.2. In close coordination with the General Adaptation Coordination of INECC, producing technical recommendations for the integration of actionable measures into the NAP. 4.3. Supporting the development of a monitoring framework for the NAP, as well as for the adaptation and L&D components of the NDC and ensuring their coherence. 5. Brief reports of other activities requested by DGPAC and making the necessary reports. 6. Hold strategic meetings with the General Direction of Climate Action Policy (DGPAC) in SEMARNAT to gather technical input and coordinate institutional criteria. 7. Interview key actors from the public and private sectors and civil society to identify existing capacities, challenges, and priorities. 8. Design and coordinate the update of the NDC adaptation component, including the development of an action plan, facilitation of consultations, drafting of content, and leading internal review and approval processes within SEMARNAT. 9. Lead the incorporation of the new Loss and Damage (L&D) component for Mexico’s NDC in climate policy, by designing a roadmap, coordinating stakeholder consultations, and producing technical drafts and final documents. 10. Support the development and adoption of Mexico’s first National Adaptation Plan (NAP) through inter-ministerial coordination, technical inputs on actionable measures, and alignment with INECC-led processes. 11. Contribute to the design of monitoring and transparency frameworks for adaptation and L&D components of the NDC 3.0 and the NAP, ensuring consistency across national policy instruments. 12. Conduct policy analysis and technical assessments of adaptation and L&D activities under the Special Climate Change Program (PECC), including recommendations for integration and improvement of reporting systems. 13. Prepare briefings, technical notes, and reports, presentations in pdf format, meeting agendas, decision-making and follow-up notes, etc. in response to requests from DGPAC, ensuring timely, accurate, and policy-relevant inputs throughout the assignment. Qualifications/special skills• Bachelor's degree in environment, natural resources, sustainable development, economics, policy science, administration, planning, or a closely related field (Required). • Master’s degree in climate change, economy, finance, political sciences, planning, project management or a closely related field (Required). ● Minimum five (5) years of relevant work experience in designing climate change plans, environmental science and sustainability (Required). ● Minimum three (3) years of relevant experience in the design and/or implementation of development initiatives, policies and programs related to climate change in Mexico (Required). ● In-depth knowledge of Mexico’s climate change regulatory and planning framework, including hands-on involvement in projects addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation at the national and local levels (Required). ● Demonstrated experience working with public institutions in Mexico, with a focus on policy and action plans to advance sustainable development (Desirable). ● Commitment to interdisciplinary and socially inclusive research, including works on sustainability that integrates diverse social dimensions (Desirable). ● Proven track record in policy-relevant outputs, including technical reports for public institutions and peer-reviewed articles with actionable insights for national and local governance (Desirable). ● Previous experience and knowledge of climate change issues, national adaptation plans, loss and damage, and NDCs (Desirable). Languages● Fluency in Spanish (Required). ● Confidence in English (Required). Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.