Background Information - Job-specific
WEC Background
The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna, and with offices based globally is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolio Office. The Portfolio has built strong partnerships and is effectively managing a portfolio of over 500 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 of countries and institutions collaborating to drive transformational climate action through sustainable development. In 2015, the world endorsed the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Nations signal their commitments to the Paris Agreement through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) - each countryโs strategy to cut its own greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience against the negative effects of a changing climate. The Partnership advances the goals of the Paris Agreement by bringing together nearly 200 countries and institutions in new ways to accelerate NDC implementation and enhance ambition over time. The Partnershipโs work through 120 partners supporting almost 80 countries produces many examples of impact, lessons learned and ideas for the future. The Partnership is governed by a Steering Committee, co-chaired by two country representatives. The Partnershipโs work is facilitated by a Support Unit based at World Resources Institute in Washington DC and the UNFCCC Secretariat in Bonn, Germany. UNOPS supports the NDC Partnership and its Support Unit through the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC).
Country Context
Georgia has been an active member of the NDC Partnership since 2017 and submitted its revised NDC in 2020, developed with support from the Partnership. The updated NDC raises Georgiaโs ambition with an unconditional greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 35 % by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels), and a conditional target of 50โ57 % with international support.
The NDC Partnership continues to assist Georgia in implementing its NDC by coordinating development partners and mobilizing technical and financial resources. This support enabled the development of Georgiaโs 2021โ2023 Climate Action Plan (CAP) and the forthcoming 2024โ2025 CAP, which together set sector-specific targets and indicators for emissions reduction and climate integration.
In 2025, Georgia is preparing to submit its third NDC (NDC 3.0), building on progress made under its previous commitments. The NDC 3.0 will reflect higher ambition, expanded sectoral coverage, and stronger integration of climate adaptation and resilience measures into national development priorities. The process is supported by extensive stakeholder consultations engaging government ministries, development partners, private sector actors, and civil society and is informed by the countryโs Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) and updated Climate Action Plan.
Georgiaโs Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), adopted in 2023, lays out the countryโs mid-century vision for a low-emission and carbon-neutral future by 2050. It includes strategic mitigation trajectories and sectoral measures, with financial needs for the transition estimated at approximately USD 22 billion.
The countryโs institutional framework features the Climate Change Council, established in 2020 to coordinate multisectoral climate policy implementation and chaired by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture (MEPA)โensuring a whole-of-government approach to climate governance.
With strategic support from the EU4Climate initiative (under the EU and UNDP), Georgia is developing an NDC Financing Strategy and Investment Plan, critical for mobilizing the resources needed to meet its climate targets and resilience goalsโparticularly in adaptation sectors such as agriculture, forestry, water, biodiversity, and coastal zone.
The In-country Facilitator will play a pivotal role in this process by providing technical and policy facilitatory services, coordinating development partner support, and facilitating the formulation of detailed work plans. The facilitator will also lead the development of a comprehensive Mitigation and Adaptation Options Paper, ensuring that the proposed strategies align with Georgiaโs specific needs and international best practices. By fostering effective stakeholder engagement and overseeing the coordination of the NDC 3.0 taskforce, the facilitator will ensure seamless collaboration and timely implementation of Georgiaโs climate objectives.
As part of Georgiaโs effort to implement their NDC, National Adaptation Plan (NAP), TNA, and Long Term-Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) the government has requested for an NDC Partnership In-country Facilitator (hereinafter referred to as โFacilitatorโ) Ministry of Environment:
* This is a Home-based 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.
** As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of Georgia Republic or have a valid residence permit in the Country.
*** Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Functional Responsibilities
The Facilitator serves as the NDC Partnershipโs interface in the country and operates as a liaison between the country and other NDC Partnership members. Working on behalf of the partner government, the Facilitator plays a key role in ensuring the smooth implementation of the Country Engagement Process by supporting ongoing coordination efforts between the Support Unit, the various partners in the NDC Partnership, and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.
This involves working with the Ministry of Environment to refine its objectives for support over time, coordinating the implementation of the NDC, NAP, TNA, and LT-LEDS, and serving as an anchor to assist the NDC Partnership in communicating and coordinating services at the country level. The Facilitator will also liaise with the NDC Partnership Support Unit for vertical information-sharing, including contributing to and accessing knowledge products. The following responsibilities are part of the in-country Facilitator role in Georgia
The Facilitator will be embedded in the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia. As the leading entity of the national climate agenda, the ministry coordinates activities related to the fulfillment of climate commitments, including the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). He/she will also work in close collaboration with the NDC Partnership Support Unit and will report to the Country Engagement Specialist at the NDC Partnership. He/she will need to bring his/her own laptop to the ministry's duty station.
Facilitation of updated NDC
Support Georgia and the NDC Partnership Support Unit in initiating NDC Partnership in-country engagement; Strengthen the coordination, tracking, and monitoring mechanism(s) for the support provided by development partners on the NDC Implementation Plan, and Georgiaโs monitoring/reporting tool for climate finance; Advise the government on potential and appropriate implementing and development partner/s for each action/priority and identify the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder; Mobilization of resources for implementation
Support the country in exploring, following up on, and in mobilizing partner support for its needs and priorities (and update those along the way as needed following the governmentโs guidance) along with a preferred process for coordination of country engagement under the NDC Partnership, as proposed and agreed upon by the Cabinet of Ministries of Georgia; Engage with partners in the country to link needs to services and resources in accordance with the NDC, NAP, TNA and LT-LEDS, including by providing the governmentโs inputs on alignment of partnersโ country strategies with priorities and gaps identified in the above policy documents; Identifying further needs for Technical Assistance for priority based on NDC, NAP, TNA and LT-LEDS; Support project development and preparation for potential funding by donor Assist the government in preparing concept notes to access financing for unfunded priorities in the updated NDC, NAP, TNA and LT-LEDS; Develop concept notes and preparation of projects to access financing for unfunded priorities in the updated NDC and monitor implementation of the accessed funds in the NDC, NAP, TNA and LT-LEDS; Developing concept notes and preparation of projects to access financing for unfunded priorities in the updated NDC and monitor implementation of the accessed funds in the NDC, NAP, TNA and LT-LEDS; Mobilize funds and support the Ministry of Environment to manage the projects portfolio related to NDC, NAP, TNA and LT-LEDS. Coordination and communication with key stakeholders
Ensure that communications relevant to NDC Partnership engagement are shared with relevant national and international level stakeholders, including building and maintaining long-term collaborative partnerships, particularly the quarterly Country Engagement Update Report; Facilitate periodic coordination and information exchange among partners in Georgia, with the aim of leveraging and mobilizing their respective advantages in support of the implementation of NDC, NAP, TNA and LT-LEDS; Assess progress outcomes of the NDC Partnership in-country engagement and make recommendations for adjustments; Collaborate with the Support Unit to document changes in the operating context and provide support to Ministry of Environment and stakeholders in decision-making processes; Oversee the coordination of NDC Partnership scoping missions to Georgia and take the lead on the implementation of its recommendations; Coordinate and participate in the NDC Partnershipโs conferences, training programs, and other activities at the global, regional, and national levels. Organize NDC-related meetings as needed
Facilitate national country specific multi-stakeholder NDC dialogues, which may serve one or more of the following objectives: - Intersectoral multi-stakeholder dialogues to promote a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches in implementing NDC, NAP, TNA, and LT-LEDS and their integration in development policies;
- Support the government in conducting meetings among development partners and other key stakeholders, in order to maximize synergies, avoid duplication, and mobilize support for identified needs and gaps for successful NDC implementation;
- Multi-stakeholder dialogues with the private sector and/or civil society organizations;
- Multi-stakeholder dialogues within specific sectors or on a certain topic (i.e., Measurement, Reporting and Verification [MRV], gender equality, etc.);
Any other support needed by CCPD to coordinate development partners. Identifying lessons learned and results
Lead the tracking of in-country engagement and provide periodic progress updates to the NDC Partnership; Liaise with the NDCP Support Unit to access and/or feed into global knowledge products; Assist the Support Unit in identifying and disseminating information on best practices and lessons learned from in-country engagement. Capacity building
Conduct ongoing capacity development (i.e., technical assistance and formal/informal on-the-job training) of the government in preparation for fully taking on the facilitation role in the future. Create an Annual Work Plan with the government Focal Point and the Country Engagement Specialist that includes capacity-building for government institutions. 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
An advanced degree (Masters or higher) public policy, global governance (climate/environment), climate finance, geography, environmental science, public finance, economics, sustainable development, or a similar field; Bachelor's degree in a related discipline in combination with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Experience
Required
At least 5 years of experience in public policy, climate/environment or sustainable development in Georgia. Experience would ideally include experience with climate change tasks in Georgia, including, but not limited to, mitigation and adaptation action, government policy and legal frameworks, MRV, M&E systems, and results-based management; Demonstrated skills in managing and aligning diverse groups of stakeholders, such as development agencies, non-state actors/civil society, financial institutions, the private sector, and others; Asset
Demonstrated experience in fostering networks with senior leaders and high-level audiences; Experience with public service organizations in the Georgiaโs desirable; Experience in facilitating the implementation of NDCs and similar public policy frameworks is an asset; Familiarity with UNFCCC processes, including Subsidiary Body and Conference of Parties (CoP), NDC and past experience in the governmentโs climate change process; Language
Proficiency in English and Georgian are required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese Mandarin) 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.
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.