NDC Act & Invest and extreme heat consultant

Result of ServiceThe expected outputs of the consultancy are: o Implementation of the NDC Act & Invest Programme is effectively supported o The 50@50 Preparedness and Planning Exercise is successfully launched and operationalized. o Integrated mitigation–adaptation approaches for extreme heat and cooling are advanced, through strengthened cross‑branch coordination, and development of joint approaches and projects. Work LocationParis Expected duration6 to 12 months (depending on funding availability) Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe consultant will support ongoing programmes and projects of the Climate Change Division (CCD) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in particular the activities of the NDC Act and Invest Programme and the Beat the Heat Initiative. The strategic objective of the CCD is to achieve climate stability, and to contribute to UNEP’s vision for a healthy, prosperous and resilient people and planet. The impact of our work reduces greenhouse gas emissions and enhances ecosystem- and socioeconomic resilience to climate impacts. The UNEP CCD Mitigation Branch advances this vision by developing responses and deploying solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Mitigation Branch supports countries in taking advantage of opportunities in low-emission, resource-efficient economic activities. Emphasis is placed on high-impact sectors, identified by the latest science, and the integration of proven and innovative technologies into sectoral, national and subnational policies and decisions. The NDC Action and Invest Programme supports countries in translating their Nationally Determined Contributions into actionable investment plans by strengthening institutional capacities, developing sectoral pathways, and mobilizing finance for implementation. The Beat the Heat Initiative advances practical, locally tailored solutions to address extreme heat through planning, nature based approaches, and sustainable cooling. Beat the Heat will launch in 2026 “50@50: Preparing Cities for Extreme Heat Events and a 50°C Future”, a global urban heat preparedness and planning exercise, that the consultant will support. The consultant will deliver on the following tasks: Work package 1: Provide technical and project management support to the NDC Act & Invest project. a) Support the implementation of project activities, including: o Support the execution of all workstreams, including project management, internal and external reporting, and event management. o Provide technical inputs to workstream 2, particularly for enhancing NDCs and NBSAP alignment and coherence o Support the project manager and regional project coordinators in the coordination, planning, and implementation of workstream 3 in partner countries. o Support the coordination, communications, and collaborations with UNEP Regional Offices for in-country support. o Support partnerships development with internal (e.g. other UNEP teams and divisions) and external teams (e.g. CFMCA, UNFCCC, UNDP, GIZ) and raise visibility of the project both internally and externally. o Support the project manager in other relevant activities, including but not limited to organizing regular team meetings, providing inputs to briefing notes, contributing to the development of communications materials. b) Support the management of donor relations with AA/IKI and support ongoing fundraising efforts o Support donor engagement with AA/IKI on the implementation of the project. o Support the planning and coordination of project Steering Committee meetings. o Conducting outreach activities for engaging new partners and exploring new funding opportunities with existing and new donors. Work package 2: Provide technical and project management support for the launch and implementation of the 50@50 Exercise, and strengthen synergies between mitigation and adaptation at the subnational level a) Support the launch and operationalization of the 50@50 exercise o Support the coordination and execution of all activities related to the global launch of the 50@50 Preparedness and Planning Exercise, including preparation of launch materials, timelines, city outreach, and partner engagement. o Provide technical inputs to the development, review and dissemination of the “Paris 50°C Preparedness and Planning Manual”, including adaptation of content for regional contexts, and integration of nature based cooling, passive cooling, and long term heat resilience planning. o Support the organization of global webinars, introductory briefings, and peer learning events aligned with the 50@50 methodology, including tabletop simulation exercises for participating cities. o Coordinate with the City of Paris and technical partners to ensure coherence of messaging, tools, and support provided to cities participating in the exercise. o Track the participation of the 50 cities, including progress on preparedness exercises, foundational planning milestones, and heat mapping/vulnerability assessment activities. o Support fundraising efforts for 50@50 and the broader Beat the Heat initiative, including identifying possible funding sources, drafting materials, coordinating inputs, and preparing updates for existing and prospective donors. b) Provide support for the implementation of the Beat the Heat Implementation Drive o Contribute to shaping the capacity building offer under the Beat the heat initiative. o Contribute technical inputs to guidance materials, briefs, and communications that strengthen city‑level heat resilience and cooling strategies. o Help promote coherence between mitigation‑aligned cooling solutions and adaptation‑focused heat‑resilience measures. o Support the development of joint subnational engagement models that help cities incorporate both mitigation and adaptation perspectives, beginning with extreme heat and cooling o Contribute to scoping new funding opportunities for city level cooling, heat resilience, and integrated mitigation–adaptation solutions. o Provide inputs to briefing notes, talking points, and communications materials ahead of major events (e.g., World Environment Day launch, webinars, partner convenings). Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in urban planning, international relations, development studies or other relevant area. A first level university degree in combination with five additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of 4 years of previous working experience in programme management and coordination, preferably with a focus on urban development, adaptation and mitigation strategies, and environmental protection. Prior work experience on adaptation planning and mitigation-adaptation synergies is required. Prior work experience on cooperation with subnational actors in the context of climate is required. Prior experience or exposure to working with UN agencies is desirable. LanguagesFluency in written and spoken English is a requirement. Knowledge of French is a strong advantage. 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.