Background
UNDP helps Kazakhstan honor its Paris Agreement commitments by supporting the expansion of the \"green economy\" to tap into new opportunities for jobs and businesses. It partners with other United Nations agencies to provide technical expertise to translate strategies into action, establish a monitoring framework for climate change adaptation and mitigation, and develop plans for transition to green energy, land management, climate- proof agriculture, biodiversity, reforestation, disaster risk reduction, and waste management. By catalyzing SDG and Paris-aligned investments (public and private), UNDP delivers client-focused solutions that respond to immediate, mid and long-term recovery and socio-economic development priorities, and; by leveraging on-the- ground presence and networks, we unlock bottom-up solutions towards lasting impacts at the country level, benefitting most disadvantaged and leaving no one behind.
Project Description
The Republic of Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan) is already experiencing the effects of climate change. Impacts include degradation of glaciers, increased water scarcity, increasing salinization of inland soils and increase in extreme weather events.
An urgent need in building resilience to climate change impacts has been repeatedly expressed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan at national and international fora. The Government of Kazakhstan recognizes the importance of the NAP-processes and supports adaptation mainstreaming into national policies, including those related to NDC implementation and decarbonization.
The proposed readiness project is aimed at operationalization of adaptation planning and developing capacities in four priority sectors at national and sub-national levels to ensure climate resilient development in Kazakhstan. The framework for adaptation planning in Kazakhstan is established in the Environmental Code (effective since July 1, 2021). The code defines four sectors as priority for adaptation: agriculture, forestry, water management and civil protection/ disaster risk reduction.
Duties and Responsibilities
Policy Advice: Provide specialized knowledge and expertise in climate policy and its integration into adaptation planning within the context of the project. Analyze existing climate policies, frameworks, and regulations at various levels to identify opportunities, gaps, and barriers for effective adaptation planning. Assess the regulatory landscape to ensure alignment of adaptation policies with national and international climate commitments and goals. Support the development of climate change adaptation policies, strategies, and action plans, considering input from stakeholders and best practices. Establish mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of adaptation policies, providing recommendations for improvements. Analyze financial mechanisms and funding opportunities for climate adaptation policies and projects, identifying potential sources of support. Advocate for the integration of climate adaptation considerations into relevant sectoral policies, plans, and programs. Support establishment of the institutional setting and procedures for mainstreaming adaptation into development planning in Kazakhstan. Capacity Development and Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with relevant government agencies, partners, and stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of adaptation policies and strategies. Engage with policymakers, government officials, NGOs, and community leaders to build consensus and support for effective climate adaptation policies. Coordinate among various stakeholders involved in climate adaptation policy development and implementation to ensure coherence and efficiency. Translate complex policy concepts into accessible language and communicate the importance of adaptation policies to different audiences. Design and conduct capacity-building activities related to climate policy, enabling stakeholders to understand and contribute to effective adaptation planning. Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, and communication materials to communicate policy analysis, progress, and recommendations. Perform other duties as required within the scope of work of this assignment.Institutional Arrangement:
The Project Analyst on Climate policy reports to the Project manager and closely cooperates with Project Analyst on Climate science. The jobholder will ensure to provide quality advice to Project manager and comply with appropriate UNDP policies and procedures.
Competencies
Core Competencies
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discriminationCross-Functional & Technical competencies
Business Acumen: Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome. Knowledge and understanding of the operational frame. Works in the organization and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks. Negotiation and Influence Ability to reach an understanding, persuade others, resolve points of difference, gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue. Negotiates mutually acceptable solutions through compromise and creates win-win situations. Human - centered Design Ability to develop solutions to problems by involving the human perspective in all steps of the problem-solving process. Knowledge Generation Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for content, or responsive to a stated need. Knowledge Facilitation Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally. Gender Gender and Institutional Development. Collective Intelligence Design Ability to bringing together diverse groups of people, data, information or ideas, and technology to design services or solutions.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Master's degree or equivalent or higher in environmental policy, energy, engineering, climate studies, or a related field,or; Bachelor’s degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.Experience:
Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in a similar role, in climate policy analysis, development, or related roles, preferably within adaptation projects or related fields. Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP.Required Skills:
Relevant years of demonstrated experience in climate policy development, analysis, and integration into development planning. Relevant years of proven experience in development of climate change adaptation/mitigation strategies, and integration of best practices into policies. Experience in working with legal frameworks, regulations, and international agreements related to climate change adaptation. Experience in coordinating/developing nationwide policy documents regarding low carbon development. Experience with GHG modeling instruments and funding opportunities for climate adaptation/mitigation policies and projects.Desired Skills:
Relevant years of experience in making analyze of financial mechanisms and funding opportunities for climate adaptation policies and projects. Experience working with UNDP or other international organizations in climate change issues would be an asset.Language:
Fluency in English and Russian and/or Kazakh.Proven experience in working in an environment requiring liaison and collaboration with multiple actors, including government representatives, donors, and other stakeholders
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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