CCAC Senior Policy Advisor for Africa Clean Air Program

Result of Service1. High-Level Political Backing for ACAP: The ACAP Roadmap and Implementation Plan are finalized, endorsed by key political and technical bodies (e.g., AMCEN-20 and AUC STC), and supported by ACAP Champion Countries and Regional Economic Communities (RECs); 2. Strengthened Regional and Political Support for ACAP Implementation: Broad regional and political backing for ACAP is secured through high-level events, leading to increased donor interest and integration of ACAP into REC agendas and continental processes; 3. Enhanced Visibility and strategic communications for ACAP: ACAP gains visibility across Africa and globally through strategic communications, increasing engagement with stakeholders and funders, and building momentum for implementation. Work LocationRemote Expected duration7 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is a partnership of governments, intergovernmental organizations, and representatives of the private sector, the environmental community, and other members of civil society. The CCAC is the only international initiative working on integrated climate and clean air solutions to reduce the rate of near-term warming. It focuses on fast action to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) including methane, black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and tropospheric ozone. Recognizing the link between air pollution and climate change, the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) initiated the Integrated Assessment on Air Pollution, climate change and Sustainable Development. Published in 2023, the assessment was a collaborative effort led by UNEP Regional Office for Africa, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the African Union Commission (AUC), supported by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), with input from over 100 African scientists and institutions. The report identified 37 climate change mitigation measures across five key sectors—transport, residential energy, energy generation and industry, agriculture, and waste management—aiming to address air pollution and climate change while supporting sustainable development goals and Africa’s Agenda 2063. The Africa Clean Air Programme (ACAP) is a continent-wide initiative aimed at improving air quality, combating climate change, and advancing sustainable development. It is supported by robust political commitments, including AMCEN Decision 18/4 (2022), which called for the establishment of ACAP to implement the 37 mitigation measures identified by the integrated assessment and the UNEA 6 Resolution on Promoting Regional Cooperation on Air Pollution, aimed at enhancing global air quality. Further endorsements include the African Union Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water, and Environment (ARDWE) during its Fifth Ordinary Session which reinforced the African Union Commission’s mandate to lead on the development and implementation of the programme and foster collaboration between relevant partners. The consultant, as the CCAC Senior Policy Advisor, will be contributing to advancing the development of the Africa Clean Air Program (ACAP). The advancement of ACAP towards its objectives will need strategic political and policy engagement at country, regional and continental level. An expert with capacity in science-policy and practice interphase is required to provide strategic advice on and conduct targeted engagement with key stakeholders such as regional, national and sub-national political and policy entities, funding and financing agencies as well as the scientific and technical community. Key responsibilities include providing strategic advice and expert input to ensure high-level political backing for the Africa Clean Air Programme (ACAP), including the finalization and endorsement of the ACAP Roadmap and Implementation Plan by key political and technical bodies such as AMCEN-20 and the AUC STC. This involves guiding advocacy efforts, engaging ACAP Champion Countries and RECs, and promoting political buy-in at both regional and international platforms in alignment with Africa’s sustainable development priorities and Agenda 2063. Additionally, the role supports strengthened regional engagement and donor interest through the facilitation of high-level events, while enhancing ACAP’s visibility through strategic communications to build momentum and secure long-term support for implementation. Activities / Outputs: 1. ACAP Roadmap - Review and provide advice on the draft ACAP Roadmap (note: Roadmap expected completion by June/July for AMCEN-20) - Co-facilitate online consultation with ACAP Champion Countries (and also all AU countries, depending on AUC guidance) 2. ACAP Implementation Plan - Review and provide advice on the draft ACAP Implementation Plan (note: Implementation plan expected completion by September 2025 for AUC STC) - Co-facilitate online consultation with ACAP Champion Countries (and also all AU countries, depending on AUC guidance) 3. Meetings and events – facilitate in-person: - ACAP Champion Country Meeting (Accra, May) to seek inputs on the draft ACAP Roadmap and draft ACAP Implementation Plan - Africa Regional Air Quality Forum (Nairobi, June/July) to raise awareness of ACAP and seek support from Africa-focused organisations and funders to support ACAP - Pre-AMCEN-20 (Nairobi, July/August) to raise awareness of ACAP and seek support from Africa-focused organisations and funders to support ACAP - AMCEN-20 (Nairobi, July/August) to: (a) report back ACAP progress since AMCEN-18 discussions; (b) endorse the ACAP Roadmap; and (c) encourage calls for ACAP to be highlighted at UNEA-7 - TICAD (Yokohama, August) to: (a) help secure the support of the Japanese government for air quality reference grade monitoring systems and trainings in each of the ACAP Champion Countries’ capital cities; (b) other air quality management support and/or funding for capacity building - AUC Science Technology Commission meeting (Addis Ababa, September) to: (a) seek AUC endorsement of ACAP Roadmap and Implementation Plan - CCAC event(s) at UNEA-7 (Nairobi, December) to raise awareness of the finalized ACAP Roadmap and ACAP Implementation Plan 4. RECs – once ACAP Roadmap and ACAP Implementation Plan are finalized: - Engage each of the RECs (including via the CCAC-funded focal points in each) - Discuss, agree and document how each of them will support delivery, with a list of key events over the next two years 5. Provide communications-focused inputs on ACAP during each of the key meetings and events, to be used by the CCAC Secretariat to raise awareness online and to seek engagement of donors/funders. 6. Participate in ad hoc political meetings on behalf of ACAP/CCAC, as opportunities arise Qualifications/special skills- An advanced university degree is required in the field of climate change, environment, natural resources management, development, or international relations. - Another degree combined with extensive professional experience in the agriculture sector may be accepted. - At least 15 years of professional experience related to environment or climate change strategies are required, with at least 10 of those years obtained within a national government or public policy entity with direct experience in leading policy development or implementation in an African context. - A good understanding of short-lived climate pollutants, climate change and air pollution issues is essential - Extensive experience working in Africa with government institutions, regional bodies, and civil society organizations is desirable. - Excellent communication skills (written and oral presentations) is required. - Knowledge of the national policies in climate change mitigation and air pollution (National Policy of Climate Change and National Strategy of Air Quality) is desirable. - Good knowledge of national environmental regulations and national environmental issues is desirable. Languages- Fluency in English (written and spoken) is essential. Knowledge of French would be an asset. 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.