Background Information - Job-specific
Water & Energy Cluster Background:
The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio under the UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office has built
strong partnerships and has effectively been managing a portfolio of 490 million USD over the last 15 years to support key initiatives with fund management, project implementation and administrative support.
WEC effectively operationalizes partners' agendas with global approaches, as well as regional and country specific activities focused on climate action, protection and conservation of the environment. Partners profit from WECโs ability to operationalize and/or scale up their important substantive agendas, including in support of key multilateral environmental and climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, the Cartagena Convention as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.
The NDC Partnership:
The NDC Partnership is a global coalition, bringing together more than 250 members, including more than 130 countries, developed and developing, and more than 110 institutions to deliver on ambitious climate action that helps achieve the Paris Agreement and drive sustainable development. Governments identify their NDC implementation priorities and the type of support that is needed to translate them into actionable policies and programs. Based on these requests, the membership offers a tailored package of expertise, technical assistance and funding. This collaborative response provides developing countries with efficient access to a wide range of resources to adapt to and mitigate climate change and foster more equitable and sustainable development. The NDC Partnership Support Unit is jointly hosted by the World Resources Institute (WRI), the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the UN Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC). For this project, the Consultant will be contracted through UNOPS.
Niger Country Context:
Niger joined the Partnership in 2019 and submitted a revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2021 that outlines both unconditional and conditional emissions reduction targets across agriculture, forestry, land use, and energy sectors. The country aims to reduce emissions by up to 48% in the energy sector by 2025 with international support, and is currently developing an NDC Action Plan and Investment Plan aligned with these goals. Niger also submitted its first Biennial Transparency Report in March 2025 and its National Adaptation Plan in 2022, while work on a Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy is underway with UNDP support. Governance structures such as the National NDC Implementation Monitoring Committee are active. Although Niger has developed an Implementation Framework and an Investment Plan with World Bank support and recently received assistance for a Carbon Markets strategy from the Partnershipโs Action Fund, engagement from the Ministry of Finance remains limited, with no focal point nominated. The Partnership has supported Niger in areas including policy development, MRV systems, capacity building, and climate mainstreaming in local planning. Key contacts include Ramata Abba Kiari from the Ministry of Environment and Kamaye Maazou from CNEDD, with Sani Mahazou serving as a facilitator.
The In-Country Facilitator will work under the direct supervision of the NDC Partnershipโs government Focal Point in the Ministry of the Environment, and will also work in close coordination with the NDC Partnership Support Unit to carry out the following tasks:
1. Monitor implementation and update the NDC implementation framework in Niger ;
2. Contribute to the mobilisation of technical and financial partners, including members of the NDC Partnership, and the Niamey Climate Donor Group;
3. Support information needs and advocacy efforts of NDC Partnership members with regards to NDC implementation, national strategies, and climate finance initiatives.
3. Contribute to the mobilisation of national government partners, NGOs and associations, and the private sector;
4. Contribute to the mobilisation of national state and technical and financial partners for the implementation of the enhanced transparency framework of the Paris Agreement and the submission of the BUR/BTR to the UNFCCC secretariat;
5. Contribute to improving the quality of the study documents and deliverables and to the meetings at which they are validated by the national technical committee monitoring the NDC;
6. Support the organization of meetings between the government and the partners, including the UK-hosted Niamey Climate Club and/or the national NDC implementation monitoring committee;
7. Contribute to the analysis of challenges and opportunities for strengthening climate resilience and access to climate finance in Niger; Prepare quarterly reports on the implementation of the NDC in Niger, to be presented to NDCP members, including the UK embassy in Niamey.
9.Monitoring the operationalization of the monitoring and evaluation system for the implementation of the NDC, including the MRV-NDC
Guinea Country Context:English
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are central to the Paris Agreement and the achievement of its long-term goals. Launched at COP22 in 2016 in Marrakech, the NDC Partnership aims to strengthen cooperation so that countries have access to the technical knowledge and financial support they need to implement their NDCs. Today, the NDC Partnership is a global coalition of nearly 200 countries and institutions supporting countries in accelerating the implementation of their NDCs while aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Guinea is preparing its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC3.0), in order to meet its national and international commitments and implement the Paris Agreement adopted in December 2015. The country previously submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contribution in 2021. An investment plan as well as a partnership plan aimed at mobilizing financial partners, the private sector, and local authorities were also developed.
The Guinean Government has focal points in the ministries of environment and sustainable development, economy and finance, and budget to ensure the link between the Government and the NDC Partnership, coordinate sector activities in line with the NDC's sectoral objectives, and coordinate sectoral activities to integrate NDC actions into sector development programs.
French
Les contributions dรฉterminรฉes au niveau national (CDN) sont au cลur de l'Accord de Paris et de la rรฉalisation de ses objectifs ร long terme. Lancรฉ lors de la COP22 en 2016 ร Marrakech, le NDC Partnership a pour but de renforcer la coopรฉration afin que les pays aient accรจs aux connaissances techniques et au soutien financier dont ils ont besoin pour mettre en ลuvre leur CDN. ร ce jour, le NDC Partnership est une coalition mondiale de prรจs de 200 pays et institutions qui soutiennent les pays dans l'accรฉlรฉration de la mise en ลuvre de leur CDN tout en se conformant aux Objectifs de Dรฉveloppement Durable (ODD).
La Guinรฉe prรฉpare sa troisiรจme Contribution Dรฉterminรฉe au Niveau National (CDN3.0) afin de respecter ses engagements nationaux et internationaux et de mettre en ลuvre l'Accord de Paris adoptรฉ en dรฉcembre 2015. Le pays a dรฉjร soumis sa CDN actualisรฉe en 2021. Un plan d'investissement ainsi qu'un plan de partenariat visant ร mobiliser les partenaires financiers, le secteur privรฉ et les collectivitรฉs locales ont รฉgalement รฉtรฉ รฉlaborรฉs.
Le gouvernement guinรฉen dispose de points focaux au sein des ministรจres de l'Environnement et du Dรฉveloppement durable, de l'รconomie et des Finances, et du Budget, chargรฉs d'assurer le lien entre le gouvernement et le Partenariat CDN, de coordonner les activitรฉs sectorielles conformรฉment aux objectifs sectoriels de la CDN et d'intรฉgrer les actions de la CDN dans les programmes de dรฉveloppement sectoriel.
The embedded facilitator will implement all tasks under the direct supervision of the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist and will work in close collaboration with the different ministerial offices. This is a retainer national vacancy / position for twelve 12 months, maximum of 220 working days, with the possibility of an extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.Multiple positions are available in the following locations: Niamey, Niger and Conakry, Guinea. Applicants must be nationals of the country of the duty station for which they are applying or possess a valid work permit for that location. * This is a Homebased position, meaning that the incumbent will not work from a UNOPS office but from the government facilities. Therefore, the incumbent will need to use his/her own laptop and software.
** Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Functional Responsibilities
The incumbent will serve as the NDC Partnershipโs interface in the country and operate as a liaison between the country and other NDC Partnership members. The role is one of coordination and supportive facilitation. They play a key role in ensuring the smooth implementation of the Country Engagement Process, by supporting ongoing coordination efforts between the Support Unit of the NDC Partnership, the various partners of the Partnership, and the government of the respective country.
The incumbent will support the relevant Ministry in the assigned country. The incumbent will be responsible for strengthening national coordination in terms of resource mobilization and monitoring the implementation of the NDC. The Facilitator will support the focal point of the Partnership in their daily tasks of implementing the NDC and other forms of support for the NDC implementation.
The following responsibilities are part of the embedded incumbent role:
1. Coordination and communication with key stakeholders
2. Operationalization of NDC Implementation Plan
Collaborate with the NDC Partnership Support Unit and the Focal Points to manage and update the Plan in the Online Tool, ensuring information remains up to date and accessible for key stakeholders. If an Online Tool is available, support the transition to the online tool if the government is seeking its use. Identify implementing and development partners, compile and periodically update their contact details (name of focal point, email address, telephone number) and follow up with them regarding their contribution to the Implementation Plan or equivalent instrument. When applicable, contribute to the development of the Implementation Plan Narrative and its validation by the government.
3. Facilitation of NDC Implementation Plan implementation
Create an Annual Work Plan that sets out specific goals for the facilitator role in collaboration with the Country Engagement Specialist and Focal Point. Collaborate with the Support Unit to document changes in the operating context and provide support to the government and stakeholders in decision-making processes and new developments with respect to the Implementation Plan, equivalent instrument and its enabling environment.
4. Mobilization of resources for implementation
Support the government in following up on and mobilizing partner financing to close its support gaps to allow for NDC implementation as per the Implementation Plan or an equivalent instrument. Update government needs and priorities for NDC implementation. When Implementation Plans are available, these should be regularly updated. Work with the Support Unit to produce an overview of support gaps to make available to partners. Engage with partners, including at the local/subnational level, to link needs to services and resources in accordance with the Implementation Plan. Assist the government in coordinating with key donors, partners, and funding mechanisms on aligning country programs and projects with the needs and gaps identified in the Implementation Plan, other planning / coordination instruments, as applicable, and requests for support. Assist and provide guidance to International and Development Partners to align climate projects and programmatic objectives with the Implementation Plan or other support planning / coordination instruments as applicable.
5. Tracking of Implementation Plan and Investment Plan implementation progress
Monitor and assess implementation of the Implementation Plan and coordinate periodic reporting of partners to the NDC Partnership. Prepare quarterly country update reports summarizing key insights and progress updates, challenges, and recommendations for the way forward. Assess progress outcomes of the NDC Partnership in-country engagement and make recommendations for adjustments.
6. Organize and support NDC-related meetings as needed
If requested, facilitate national country specific multi-stakeholder NDC dialogues, including on the development of the NDC or LT-LEDS. Support the government in preparing for NDC-related events such as COPs, regional climate weeks, national events, and other convenings relevant to showcase NDC progress and generate support for implementation of the NDC. Organize coordination meetings between the Support Unit and the government as needed.
Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
A masterโs degree in public policy, development, climate change, natural resource management, environmental management, and any other relevant field of study is required. Bachelor's degree in related discipline with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience (7 total) may be accepted instead of an advanced university degree. Experience
Required
At least 5 yearsโ experience in public and/or private sector with a focus on climate change, project management, stakeholder and donor engagement and/or preparation of cross-cutting workplan/proposal development or any related field; Experience in multilateral, national and grassroot governance and processes related to climate change, policy and/or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs); Knowledge of the countryโs context of policy frameworks, national plans and strategies related to climate change is required. Asset
Familiarity with UNFCCC processes including Subsidiary Body and Conference of Parties (CoP), NDC and past experience on government climate change process. Experience of other national contexts that indirectly contribute to climate change is desirable Ability to foster formal and informal networks to strengthen cooperation between agencies, including Government, private sector participants, NGOs and other stakeholders Language
Niger and Guinea: Proficiency in French is required Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Local ICA Retainer Contract level: LICA-10 Contract duration: 12 months, max 220 working days, with possibility of extension For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.