Country Engagement and Climate Policy Lead Expert

Result of ServiceThe consultant will deliver the following: 1. Develop and implement a country engagement strategy for the Global Cooling Pledge and governance framework for the Pledge Signatory Country Committee 2. At least two countries in the MENA to develop NCAP and additional MENA countries are supported on NCAPs through partner mobilization 3. Pledge Signatories are supported on NDC cooling targets, reporting or investments 4. Working group on NDC is coordinated and delivered 5. Technical inputs and development of knowledge products in collaboration with partners including adaptation of the Cool Coalition NCAP Methodology for the MENA region; NDC Cooling guidelines and other 6. Support partner engagement and advocacy efforts of the Cool Coalition Performance indicators will be the following: - The effectiveness and management of the work, ensuring that activities remain on time and budget to the extent practicable. - Quality, reliability, and pertinence of gathered information. - Timeliness and pertinence of deliverables and reporting. - Usefulness and quality of the information and technical policy recommendations provided to team members and stakeholders. - Timeliness, clarity and relevance of communications. Work LocationHome Based Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe purpose and scope of services is to support the UNEP-led Cool Coalition to support the implementation of the 2030 Global Cooling Pledge Implementation Strategy and/or the UNEP Global Cooling Watch recommendations and its 2025-2026 workplan related to country engagement, NDCs and NCAPs in MENA region and globally. The Consultant will support the UNEP-led Cool Coalition to develop and implement a country engagement strategy for Global Cooling Pledge implementation including needs assessments; supporting countries on national cooling action plans and associated projects and policies with a focus on the MENA; supporting countries on NDCs to integrate and report on cooling targets and/or prepare investment plans; preparing provide technical input and support of global tools, methodologies, knowledge products and associated trainings. The incumbent will be responsible for the following specific tasks: 1. Develop and implement a country engagement strategy for the Global Cooling Pledge • Create and execute a country engagement plan for Cooling Pledge Signatories in coordination with the Secretariat and Ex Com • Conduct country needs assessment interviews, prepare documentation, and analysis reports for donors • Engage with partners to support country needs assessments and identify regional priorities and high-impact countries for resource mobilization. • Identify funding opportunities and prepare funding proposals with national governments. • Develop and facilitate a Pledge signatory committee and its governance as part of the country engagement plan 2. Technical inputs and development of knowledge products in collaboration with partners • Technical coordination of contributors for NDC Cooling Guide and MENA NCAP methodology, provide technical input, organize trainings regionally and globally. • Develop and facilitate NDC Cooling working group to prepare the NDC Guidelines including partner engagement, coordination of inputs with technical lead, work plan development, and technical support • Lead the adaptation of the Cool Coalition NCAP Methodology for the MENA region and its translation into French and Arabic. • Contribute technical inputs to the Global Cooling Watch report 2025 and other knowledge products. 3. NDCs support provided to countries to integrate and report on cooling targets and/or prepare investment plans for implementation • Engagement of countries on technical assistance and financing needs and requirements for integration, reporting or implementation of cooling targets into NDCs. • Support at least one country to develop an investment roadmap for implementation of NDC Cooling Targets in collaboration with a development bank partner (e.g. IFC) • Develop and facilitate NDC working phase II workplan and partner engagement to provide coordinated technical assistance to countries using the guidelines • Strategically link the Working Group(s) outputs to Global Pledge Implementation Strategy report back, country activities of UNEP and partners on sustainable cooling, and global and national advocacy efforts 4. Support National Cooling Plan Development in the MENA region and globally • Support National Cooling Plan Development in the MENA region with at minimum two countries applying the NCAP Methodology including capacity building to government partners for use of assessment frameworks, support on stakeholder consultation process to promote both inter-ministerial and multi-stakeholder engagement for implementation • Prepare ToRs, workplan updates, contracting, donor engagement and reporting • Forge partnership and mobilize additional support for MENA countries to develop NCAPs and other globally leveraging NCAP Methodology • Provide technical inputs, preparation, review of data assessments, policy documents. • Support country engagement and provide technical inputs on ongoing district cooling projects in Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt and Pakistan. 5. Support partner engagement and advocacy efforts of the Cool Coalition • Facilitate and support high-level events (e.g. at UNFCCC COP, MOP, OEWG, G20, etc.) including country engagement, speaking points, briefings • Support preparation of background documents for mobilizing GCP commitments at various milestones events including reporting on country engagement and progress • Support engagement of relevant representatives of countries and industries as Cool Coalition champions or to support countries join Global Cooling Pledge including minute of meetings, preparing of letters of exchange, endorsement forms etc. Qualifications/special skillsEducation An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent additional experience) in environmental science or engineering. Work Experience At least 5 years of professional experience with on energy policy & management, climate change mitigation, environment, in particular energy efficiency, cooling, building design etc . Practical experience is essential in multi-stakeholder project development, partnership building, management of sub-contractors and consultants, and administration, preferably within the sustainable energy and low carbon technologies context. Experience in working with governments in MENA region, developmental agencies and international organisations is an asset. Key Competencies Excellent network in the climate and energy sector globally. Excellent written and oral communications skills on energy and climate related topics. Excellent analytical skills to derive appropriate results, conclusions, and strategies. Experience with project management and global tools development for addressing climate, energy. Familiarity with international relations and climate negotiations. Experience with research coordination and report productions. Experience in developing and building coalitions to support new activities. Excellent record in collaboration and ability to adapt to meeting varying needs as a project evolves. Fluency in spoken and written English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of another UN language would be an advantage, particularly French. At least 5 years of professional experience with on energy policy & management, climate change mitigation, environment, in particular energy efficiency, cooling, building design. LanguagesNot available. 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.