Background Information - Job-specific
UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.
New York Portfolio Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.
The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP). It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.
UNOPS has signed an agreement with the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) of the United Nations to implement the activities of the Climate Action Team (CAT) Project.
There is less than a decade to prevent climate breakdown. Without deep emissions cuts, the world is heading towards close to a 3 degrees Celsius of warming with catastrophic consequences. At current levels of warming the world is experiencing unprecedented climate impacts. An increase in global average temperature above 1.5 degrees would mean extreme weather and climate disasters increasing in frequency and intensity, putting billions of people at immediate risk with significant parts of Africa becoming unlivable and whole countries ceasing to exist. The Secretary-Generalโs call to all countries, cities, companies and institutions to go into emergency mode on climate is needed more than ever.
While climate change risks undermining the 2030 Agenda, as well as the social, economic, and environmental pillars of sustainable development, climate action also presents an opportunity. Green investments boost growth and jobs; just transitions are inclusive and help to eradicate poverty; and enhancing carbon sinks strengthen biodiversity and resilience. It will be essential to ensure that the transformation of economies and societies takes place to enable accelerated climate action in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during this decade of action.
The objective of the Secretary-Generalโs climate action strategy throughout his second term will be to accelerate the pathway towards a resilient, low carbon world, that keeps the 1.5 degrees goal alive, to secure the alignment of public and private finance, of technological transfers and capacity building to enable the necessary cooperation and support needed by developing countries, to significantly enhance the credibility and accountability of commitments taken by governments and non-state actors to reach the Paris Agreement goals.
COP28 has delivered a clear roadmap to COP30, where governments are expected to submit their next Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These new NDCs must be economy-wide, aligned with the 1.5 temperature limit and cover all greenhouse gas emissions. These new NDCs should also define national pathways for transitioning away from fossil fuels and how each nation will contribute to the global goals agreed to at COP 28 to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency. It is also essential that the political, economic and regulatory conditions are established over the next two years to ensure maximum ambition by all countries, especially the G20 and other significant emitters.
The voice, convening power and honest-broker role of the Secretary-General, as well as the expertise and capabilities of the United Nations system will need to be leveraged to support this effort. This is particularly relevant given the challenging geo-political environment as well as domestic political uncertainties in many key countries.
The Secretary- Generalโs Climate Action Team will focus on the following:
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Delivering on the commitment of the developed countries to double adaptation finance, implementation of the Early Warning Systems For All, Adaptation Pipeline Accelerator initiatives of the Secretary-General, and other similar country-led approaches to adaptation planning and implementation;
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Securing 1.5ยฐC-aligned, whole of economy and all GHG emission Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with a particular focus on the G20.
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Working with UN system entities and other stakeholders to ensure that coordinated support is provided to developing countries to prepare and submit their new NDCs.
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Contributing to the reform of the international climate finance architecture and the multilateral development banks including through the full operationalization of the new Loss and Damage Fund.
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Delivering tangible results to scale up adaptation and resilience finance and projects in developing countries including through cooperative initiatives.
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Developing and implementing targeted strategies for fossil fuel phase-out and renewable energy scale-up including through the Just Energy Transition Partnerships and other cooperative initiatives.
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Strengthening and verifying short-term and longer-term commitments made by non-state actors to reach net zero by 2050 through the implementation of the guidelines recommended by the Secretary-General's High-Level Group of Experts on Net Zero Commitments.
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Enhancing UN system support to countries to deliver on the climate and environment-related Sustainable Development Goals this decade.
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Providing up-to-date analytics and policy guidance for the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, UN leadership and Member States.
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Designing and executing a cross-UN global communications campaign and movement focused on SG and UN leadership on climate action at all levels, and messaging and storytelling to build political will, elevate local solutions and mobilize individual actions.
The incumbent of this position will be a staff member of UNOPS under its full responsibility.
In order to support the Secretary-Generalโs Climate Action Strategy, the Climate Action Team is recruiting a Senior Programme Manager (Strategy).
- Functional Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Climate Ambition Team Lead (Director), the incumbent will provide substantive senior-level support on member state engagement. The responsibilities of the Senior Programme Manager (Strategy) include:
Strategy development and follow up
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Support the drafting and implementation of the Secretary-Generalโs 2025-26 climate strategy, including identifying opportunities to advance his mitigation and climate justice priorities and secure new and more ambitious commitments from governments and non-state actors.
Lead on key priorities under the Secretary-Generalโs climate strategy, including developing strategies to advance work on the Just Energy Transition Partnerships and critical minerals (notably follow-up work to the Secretary-Generalโs Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals) and identify opportunities for the United Nations to build on the recent progress.
Design and implement targeted country strategies focused on countries or regions that may be assigned and provide strategic political advice where necessary.
Ensure these strategies help to leverage new commitments and actions in support of the Secretary-Generalโs 2025-26 climate action strategy, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and finance;
Lead on targeted international processes as assigned (G7, G20, BRICS, others) identifying opportunities for the Secretary-General to engage and advance his priorities and follow up work
Partnerships
Build strong and diverse networks to support the execution of the countriesโ strategies including with government, civil society, academia and private sector actors;
Stay up to date with domestic and international affairs and activities, including related to key political processes and formal meetings, identifying risks and opportunities to the Secretary-Generalโs climate strategy;
Programme Management
Lead on follow up work to the Secretary-Generalโs Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals within the team, coordinating with UN system partners and key stakeholders to ensuring successful implementation of the Panelโs findings and recommendations;
Support development of recommendations, briefing notes, key messages and inputs into speeches for the Secretary-Generalโs and Deputy Secretary-Generalโs engagements with governments, the private sector, civil society and other relevant partners, with a focus on advancing identified priorities;
Monitor trends and innovations across mitigation and climate justice issues;
Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbentโs scope of services above
Education/Experience/Language requirements*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*
Education Advanced university degree (Master's degree), preferably in International Relations or Public Policy or in a field related to the post description with ten (10) years of relevant experience is required; OR First-level university degree (Bachelorโs or equivalent) preferably in International Relations or Public Policy or in a field related to the post description with twelve (12) years of relevant experience.
Work Experience
Relevant experience is defined as relevant professional experience in policy analysis. Minimum three (3) years of experience in policy analysis at the country level. Language requirements:Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin) and Russian) is an advantage. 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. 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. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Fixed Term
Contract level: P5
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability'.
For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.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.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority 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.
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.