Consultant on Regional Climate Action

Result of ServiceThe analysis of NDCs in output (a) should be supported by a comparative matrix and with an associated narrative and delivered in electronic format. The strategy in output (b) should be delivered as a Word document. The report in output (c) should be delivered as a Word document, ready to be laid out for publication by the designer. Travel would be envisaged to support the delivery of outputs (d) and (e). Work LocationBangkok Expected duration22/12/25-22/10/26 Duties and Responsibilities1. Purpose. In the Ministerial Declaration on Protecting Our Planet through Regional Cooperation and Solidarity in Asia and the Pacific, adopted at the seventh session of the Committee on Environment and Development, member States requested the secretariat to provide support members and associate members by facilitating regional cooperation for sharing best practices and knowledge to mutually support efforts to achieve national goals of low-carbon transition and low-greenhouse-gas emission development strategies, including through capacity-building and technical advisory support. Moreover, in ESCAP resolution 79/1 on “Accelerating climate action in Asia and the Pacific for sustainable development, the Commission requested the secretariat to support members and associate members in enhancing cooperation efforts with a view to taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, including by promoting partnerships involving Governments and major groups and other stakeholders, as appropriate, to facilitate voluntary information-sharing, policy dialogues and technical assistance and cooperation for climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable development. In 2026, member States are expected to finalise and submit the third cycle of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Climate Agreement, which should be economy-wide and ambitious, and align those with long-term low-emission development strategies (LT-LEDs) and carbon neutrality pledges, and their National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) in advance of COP31. The purpose of the consultancy is to continue providing expert technical support for the capacity building activities for member States in updating and raising ambition of NDCs and national policy and actions for climate change mitigation and adaptation. The consultant will lead the development of the yearly Review of Climate Ambition in Asia and the Pacific in 2026. Furthermore, the consultant will support the organization of regional and national capacity building workshops in partnership with the IBC members on further developing the GHG emission inventories and Enhanced Transparency Frameworks, as well as on development of bankable projects under Article 6 to support NDC 3.0 implementation. The consultancy will also contribute to ESCAP’s mandate to enable member States to design, implement, and monitor financing strategies that are resilient, inclusive, and responsive to other emerging regional challenges. Through research, policy advice, and coordination with governments, regulators, and development partners, the assignment will help strengthen institutional capacities and foster collaboration across public and private sectors to unlock sustainable investment at scale. 2. Objective. The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical support for the capacity building activities for member States, on updating and raising ambition of third cycle of Nationally Determined Contributions, based on advanced and enhanced GHG emission inventories and ETFs. Furthermore, the consultant will provide substantive input to relevant reports, technical documents, policy briefs and other relevant knowledge products on climate action lead communication and coordination with relevant stakeholders, provide support to national and regional events, including Asia-Pacific Climate Week (May 2026, tbc), NDC 3.0 Clinic (August 2026, tbc), webinars and other online sessions supporting climate action in Asia-Pacific and ESCAP participation at COP31. Under the supervision of the Chief, Environment and Development Policy Section, the consultant will complete the following duties:  Undertake research and analytical work on levels of ambition of the NDCs 3.0 of Asia Pacific member States, submitted during 2025-2026, in support of the annual Review of Climate Ambition in Asia and the Pacific.  Prepare a capacity building strategy to respond to different needs of member States.  Conceptualize and coordinate the development of the 2026 Review of Climate Ambition in Asia and the Pacific.  Conceptualize and organize capacity-building workshops and events.  Support the substantive engagement of ESCAP in the regional and national climate action activities. Qualifications/special skillsA minimum of a Master’s degree in the relevant field (environmental or natural sciences, environmental engineering, governance, management and development). A PhD would be an asset. • 10 years of minimum professional experience with proven skills and expertise in the field of climate action activities, including understanding of MRV systems, GHG emission inventory and peculiarities of emission sectors according to the IPCC guidance; • Good understanding of reporting requirements of the Paris Agreement and the NDC development processes, as well as the outcomes of the COPS 27-29; • Experience research and analysis, especially on climate change, and development publications, knowledge products and clear communication materials for various sector stakeholders; • Knowledge of the United Nations System is desirable; principles, values, goals and approaches, including human rights, gender equality, cultural values, the Sustainable Development Goals; • Good understanding of the socio-economic and environmental challenges and achievements of the Asia-Pacific region; • Experience of working in Excel on data compilation, quantitative analysis and visual presentation in graphs and charts. LanguagesExcellent command of written and spoken English 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.