Policy Specialist-Transformational Adaptation

Result of ServiceA policy brief on transformative adaptation that outlines an analytical framework and a set of indicators to assess and measure transformational adaptation in UNEP's projects that will inform global discussions, especially at UNFCCC negotiations in the context of the Global Goal on Adaptation Work LocationHome-based Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesOrganizational Setting UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental di-mension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authori-tative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of en-vironmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP's Climate Change Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity building support for the development and implementation of climate change policy and action, and strengthening the capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition to respond to climate change. Background The CoP 28 Decision for the Global Goal on Adaptation established seven thematic target areas and four process target areas together with a two-year work programme to develop an indicator framework for the target areas with possible quantitative targets. The CoP also requested the secretariat to undertake work to examine (1) how transformational adaptation is defined and understood at different spatial scales and sectors, and (2) how progress in planning and implementing transformational adaptation approaches might be assessed at the global level. At the same session, the CMA: • Decided that the United Arab Emirates Framework for Global Climate Resilience should guide and strengthen efforts, including long-term transformational and incremental adaptation, towards reducing vulnerability and enhancing adaptive capacity and resilience, as well as the collective well-being of all people, the protection of livelihoods and economies, and the preservation and regeneration of nature, for current and future generations, in the context of the temperature goal referred to in Article 2 of the Paris Agreement. • Recognized the challenges to implementing transformational adaptation for countries that have significant capacity constraints. CoP 29 pushed consideration of these questions to 2025 and COP 30. UNEP aims to public a paper based on its project experiences to inform the global discourse. The UNEP adaptation project portfolio has 36 field-based projects under implementation, with another 18 closed projects since the start of the UNEP adaptation portfolio in 2011, and a further seven due to close in 2025. Duties and Responsibilities Under the guidance of the Chief, Climate Change Adaptation Unit the consultant will perform the following tasks: 1. Developing analytical framework: Review UNFCCC Secretariat technical paper on transformational adaptation to develop a framework for the core elements defining transformation versus incremental adaptation, considering current and future levels of climate change, and develop an analytical framework to apply against the UNEP set of shortlisted projects for analysis. The analytical framework may need to be refined as the analytical process advances; 2. Defining transformation based on current levels of climate change: Review project progress reports for up to eight project examples that could be used as the basis for developing conclusions on how to define and measure transformational adaptation. The data gathering exercise should include conversations with UNEP task managers and country project teams. Document the success stories on transformational adaptation in a series of case studies annexed to the briefing note (process and intervention strategy); characterise livelihood, socio-economic, and governance system in those cases; 3. Defining transformation at higher levels of climate change: For in-depth analysis, narrow down to three project situations and for which a range of climate hazards and ecosystems are represented and assess to what extent, in situations of greater climate forcing (higher levels of climate change), these approaches (process and intervention strategy) would cease to be effective and other adaptation possibilities might need to be embraced; as well as the conditions for adaptation and likely strategies to be needed in these changed system boundaries; The data gathering exercise should include conversations with UNEP task managers and country project teams. 4. Designing indicator framework: Based on this analysis, design indicators that would determine whether we are achieving transformational adaptation in adaptation investments, based on findings from questions above. Consideration should be given to • the continuum between incremental and transformational adaptation; • the essential elements of transformation whatever the level of climate change; • Identifying the trade-offs between depth, speed and scale of change, and the risk of maladaptation; • whether transformation is best defined as a process or outcome or both, and the conditions necessary for transformative approaches; • whether and how it is possible to practically define or recognise low, medium or high transformation; • indicators related to removing barriers to transformational adaptation; • GGA thematic goal areas; 5. Screening UNEP portfolio for transformative potential: apply the indicator framework to UNEP's wider adaptation portfolio for the 25 projects that have closed or are due to close in 2025 to determine the extent to which the project portfolio is investing in transformative adaptation approaches and where improvements could be made to increase the transformative potential. The indicator framework may need to be refined through this process. 6. Developing conclusions text: to provide feedback to UNFCCC technical paper, based on UNEP experience. • The characterisation of transformation based on the UNEP portfolio; • The core elements in defining transformational adaptation considering climate change as a dynamic and evolving risk; • The key indicators to measure transformational adaptation; • How different is transformational to incremental adaptation? Qualifications/special skillsMaster's Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as Environmental Sciences, Climate Change, International Development Studies or related field is required. At least 10 years of practical experience in climate change adaptation policy is required Knowledge of global climate change adaptation policy processes, including the UNFCCC Global Goal on Adaptation, is required. Experience in developing and applying analytical frameworks for evaluating adaptation measures and strategies is required. Experience in analyzing technical documents, progress reports, and working with project teams is required. Experience in designing and developing indicators to assess adaptation success is required. Experience in adaptation project implementation and working in the UN system or similar international organization is desirableis desirable. LanguagesFluency in written and oral English is required Knowledge of Spanish and/or French would be an added 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.