NDC Partnership In-Country Facilitator – Panama (Partnerships Specialist) Homebased, Retainer
Remote | Panamá | Panama City
- Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
- Location: Remote | Panamá | Panama City
- Grade: Mid level - LICA-10, Local Individual Contractors Agreement
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Occupational Groups:
- External Relations, Partnerships and Resource mobilization
- Climate Change
- Documentation and Information Management
- Public, Private Partnership
- Closing Date: 2024-11-17
Functional Responsibilities
The embedded facilitator will serve as the NDC Partnership’s 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 Panama.
The embedded facilitator will support the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the National Secretariat of Energy of Panama, National Secretary of Science and Technology, local governments, private sector and other related governmental and non-governmental institutions in the implementation of the NDC Partnership Plan, NDC 3.0 and LT-LEDS. The incumbent will be responsible for strengthening national coordination in terms of resource mobilization and monitoring the implementation of the NDC.
The embedded facilitator will implement all tasks under the direct supervision of the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist for Panama 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 for up to 24 months.
* 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.
** As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of Panama or have a valid residence permit in the country.
*** Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
The following responsibilities are part of the embedded incumbent role:
Coordination and communication with key stakeholders
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Ensure that communications relevant to NDC Partnership engagement are shared with relevant national, international, and local level stakeholders, maintaining and updated partner contact list for this purpose.
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Facilitate periodic coordination and information exchange among partners in the country, with the aim of leveraging and mobilizing their respective advantages in support of the Partnership Plan, request for support letters or equivalent instrument. To this end, usage of existing government coordination mechanisms shall be prioritized.
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Organize meetings to monitor and coordinate the implementation of the Partnership Plan, or equivalent instrument, with stakeholders.
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Create Annual Work Plan to organize the year’s work, including a methodological description, schedule, activities and expected results.
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Coordination meetings facilitated periodically with partners supporting NDC Partnership Plan, RSLs, thematic call requests, and PAF, including inception, technical, validation and approval of workshops.
Operationalization of NDC Partnership Plan
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Collaborate with the NDC Partnership Support Unit and the Focal Points to manage and update the Plan in the Online Partnership Plan Tool, ensuring information remains up to date and accessible for key stakeholders. When an Online Partnership Plan does not exist yet, support the transition to the online tool.
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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 partnership plan or equivalent instrument.
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When applicable, contribute to the development of the Partnership Plan Narrative and its validation by the government.
Facilitation of NDC Partnership Plan implementation
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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 Partnership Plan, equivalent instrument and its enabling environment.
Mobilization of resources for implementation
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Support the government in following up on and mobilizing partner financing to close its support gaps to allow for NDC implementation as per the Partnership Plan or an equivalent instrument.
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Update government needs and priorities for NDC implementation. When Partnership Plans are available, these should be regularly updated.
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Work with the Support Unit to produce an overview of support gaps to make available to partners.
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Engage with partners, including at the local/subnational level, to link needs to services and resources in accordance with the Partnership Plan.
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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 Partnership Plan, other planning / coordination instruments, as applicable, and requests for support.
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Assist and provide guidance to International and Development Partners to align climate projects and programmatic objectives with the Partnership Plan or other support planning / coordination instruments as applicable.
Tracking of Partnership Plan and Investment Plan implementation progress
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Monitor and assess implementation of the Partnership Plan and coordinate periodic reporting of partners to the NDC Partnership.
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Prepare quarterly country update reports summarizing key insights and progress updates, challenges, and recommendations for the way forward.
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Assess progress outcomes of the NDC Partnership in-country engagement and make recommendations for adjustments.
Organize and support NDC-related meetings as needed
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If requested, facilitate national country specific multi-stakeholder NDC dialogues.
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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.
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Organize coordination meetings between the Support Unit and the government as needed.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
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A master’s degree preferably in public policy, development, climate change, natural resource management, environmental management, engineering and any other relevant field of study.
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Bachelor's degree in related discipline in combination with additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Experience
Required
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At least 5 years of relevant work experience in public, private, UN Agencies or third sector institutions with a special focus on coordination and articulation of different actors and project management in climate change, environmental or natural resource management, development cooperation or related fields;
Asset
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Experience working on climate change with a national government technical or policy department is an asset.
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Participation in the development of National Communications, Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), or the implementation of NDCs NAMA.
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Specialized technical understanding of climate services, climate change adaptation and climate science.
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Proven ability to write briefs, analytical and guidance documents to a high standard, and to present complex technical information/ analyses to technical and non-technical in simple and easily understandable way.
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Demonstrated experience in developing and piloting climate adaptation or risk management methodologies.
Language
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Proficiency in Spanish and English is required.
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Proficiency in other UN languages is an asset.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.