Stakeholder and Partnership Consultant

The main objective of the position of Stakeholder and Partnership Consultant is to contribute with the Ministry of the Environment and UNEP in the coordination and implementation of the Green Climate Fund-funded project as set in the funding proposal document. The objective of this role is to foster and operationalize strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement mechanisms that support the effective implementation of Panama’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) within the framework of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). By assessing existing collaboration and coordination structures and identifying gaps and opportunities for improved engagement, the Specialist will develop and implement actionable strategies to strengthen multi-sectoral governance, promote inclusive and meaningful dialogue, and enhance coordination among key stakeholders. These efforts will ensure that stakeholder engagement and consultation processes adhere to relevant social safeguards, integrate gender considerations, and apply inclusive and participatory approaches. The role will engage a broad range of stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organizations, the private sector, multilateral development banks, academia, and other relevant actors. In addition, the Specialist will lead efforts to strengthen institutional capacities and facilitate knowledge exchange, ensuring that stakeholders are better equipped to integrate climate adaptation priorities into national and sectoral planning and decision-making processes. Specific tasks and responsibilities The Stakeholder and Partnership Consultant will contribute to the effective implementation of the project by guaranteeing the following tasks: Outcome 3.1 Adaptation planning governance and institutional coordination strengthened. • Output 3.1.2. Tailored awareness raising, outreach and communication strategies developed and implemented to support the understanding and to engage stakeholders on climate change adaptation planning processes Associated project activities: Activity 1.1. Collaborate in the coordination of synergies with multiple key actors within the project’s activities Activity 1.2. Maintain the communication channels among the NDA, the Implementing entity, UNEP, and the PMU. Activity 1.3. Collaborate with the national project coordinator and the technical project Specialists ( CPEIR, Institutional arrangements, private sector, and Adaptation specialist) in the strategic and operational planning, coordination, and organization of meetings, workshops, training sessions, events, field visits, consultations, and communication activities involving key NAP project stakeholders, including government institutions, the private sector, academia, NGOs, and civil society organizations. Undertake follow-up actions as needed to ensure the achievement of project outputs, while integrating gender considerations and social safeguards. Activity 1.4. Work with UNEP, MiAmbiente Climate Change Directorate and other partners and consultants, to provide technical input on potential partnership platforms and ensure the technical quality of the project outputs. Activity 1.5. Identify recurring gaps in existing partnerships for Project implementation and propose strategies to reduce those gaps. Activity 1.6. Identify new and innovative stakeholders to contribute to the country’s ownership. Activity 1.7. Provide technical support for the development and dissemination of adaptation policy briefs tailored to key stakeholder groups, including technical government staff, the private sector, children and young people, women, and Indigenous communities. Responsibility: The Stakeholder and Partnership Consultant will be responsible for fostering strategic collaboration and ensuring effective communication among key actors, including the National Designated Authority (NDA), the Implementing Entity, UNEP, and the Project Management Unit (PMU). The specialist will provide technical expertise with the coordination of project synergies and collaborate with the Adaptation Planning Specialist in organizing and overseeing meetings, workshops, training, interviews, knowledge exchange and other engagement activities, ensuring timely follow-up and delivery of outputs. Working closely with MiAMBIENTE, UNEP, consultants, and other partners, the specialist will provide technical input to strengthen partnership platforms and uphold the quality of project deliverables. Additionally, the role involves identifying gaps in existing partnerships, proposing strategies to address them, and engaging new and innovative stakeholders to enhance national ownership and long-term sustainability of adaptation efforts. Outcome 3.2 Evidence basis produced to design adaptation solutions for maximum impact • Output 3.2.1: Baseline established for adaptation progress in each NDC adaptation theme, against which to measure NAP progress. Associated project activities: Activity 2.1. Identify opportunities for scaling up partnerships and stakeholder participation among project outcomes and on daily activities of the project. Activity 2.2. Liaise with stakeholders to facilitate collaborative and consultative processes. Suggest operative mechanisms and channels for dissemination of information to reach local stakeholders. Activity 2.3. Develop stakeholder and partnership reports with indicators and metrics to measure adaptation progress across themes, ensuring alignment with NAP and NDC frameworks. Activity 2.4. Engage with key stakeholders (e.g., government agencies, research institutions, NGOs) to gather relevant information and validate findings. Activity 2.5. Conduct a comprehensive review of existing data, reports, and assessments related to each NDC adaptation theme to identify current baselines and data gaps. Responsibility: The Stakeholder and Partnership Consultant will be responsible for identifying and fostering opportunities to scale up partnerships and stakeholder engagement in alignment with project outcomes and day-to-day implementation. They will facilitate collaborative and consultative processes by liaising with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and local actors, and will propose effective mechanisms for information dissemination tailored to reach and engage local stakeholders. The consultant will also develop robust indicators and metrics to assess adaptation progress across thematic areas, ensuring consistency with the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) frameworks. In addition, the consultant will collect, analyze, and validate information through stakeholder engagement and conduct a comprehensive review of existing data, reports, and assessments to determine baseline conditions and identify data gaps across NDC adaptation themes. Outcome 3.4 Adaptation finance increased. • Output 3.4.1. NAP priorities mainstreamed into public sector budgets. • Output 3.4.2: Thematic mainstreaming adaptation strategies developed for six NDC adaptation themes • Output 3.4.3. A Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy elaborated, and two Green Climate Fund concept notes developed to effectively mobilize public and private sector financing for implementation of priority adaptation measures. Associated project activities: Activity 3.1. Collaborate with the coordination of consultations and validation processes with national and subnational institutions to facilitate the integration of NAP priorities into public sector budgets. • Develop stakeholder consultations with government ministries, financial institutions, and other relevant actors to identify opportunities for integrating NAP priorities into public budgeting processes. • Collaborate with financial experts and policymakers to identify budget allocations and financing opportunities for priority adaptation actions. Activity 3.2. Conduct capacity-building workshops for key public sector stakeholders on adaptation finance mechanisms. Administrative contribution for the delivery of training sessions for subnational government officials, local governments, and financial institutions on climate finance, including international funding sources and innovative financing mechanisms. Activity 3.3. Collaborate in aligning public sector budgeting with NAP priorities to enhance resilience to climate change. Technical collaboration for the consultation meetings and information gathering for the development of the climate change adaptation actions tagging for future budget allocations. Activity 3.4. Technical contribution for the development of thematic adaptation mainstreaming strategies for the six NDC themes, including each sector baseline assessments, recommendations for strategic partnerships, and the identification of tailored climate change impacts and adaptation measures for different stakeholder groups. Activity 3.5 Work closely with stakeholders (government, donors, the private sector) to identify priority financing needs and opportunities for scaling up adaptation efforts. Activity 3.6. Conduct dialogues and collaborations synergies between the public and private sectors to unlock new financing opportunities for climate adaptation. Responsibility: The Stakeholder and Partnership Consultant will be responsible for collaborating in the mainstreaming of NAP priorities into public sector budgets and enhancing the integration of climate change adaptation into national financial planning. This includes conducting consultations with relevant government ministries and financial institutions to ensure NAP priorities are well-represented and incorporated into budget allocations. The consultant will also provide technical assistance to develop a comprehensive Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy, identifying financing gaps and opportunities to leverage public and private sector investments. Additionally, the consultant will play a pivotal role in the development of two Green Climate Fund (GCF) concept notes, ensuring these notes align with the NAP and NDC frameworks and secure funding for priority adaptation actions. The consultant will help conduct dialogues between government and private sector stakeholders to unlock innovative financing mechanisms and ensure the effective mobilization of resources to address climate adaptation needs. Capacity-building initiatives for government and financial stakeholders will also be led by the consultant to enhance understanding and implementation of climate finance solutions.

Panama City, Panama

6.5 MONTHS

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental 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, through its Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LAC Office), located in Panama City, Panama works closely with the 33 countries of the region – including 16 small island developing States – with a population of about 588 million people. The office works to serve the needs of the region, and its activities are integrated into the work programs approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly of UNEP (UNEA). The office works towards the implementation of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the new Paris Agreement and the priority actions defined in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and National Adaptation Plans (NAP) of the region. In terms of supporting countries in the region attain the global commitments signed within the framework of the Paris Agreement, the Latin America and the Caribbean UNEP Sub-programme on Climate Change aims at strengthening the ability of countries to move towards climate-resilient and low emission strategies for sustainable development and human well-being. In this framework, the UNEP Sub-programme on Climate Change, through its Climate Change Unit, leads and supports several initiatives oriented at designing, promoting and implementing innovative mitigation and adaptation solutions at the national and subnational level, and strengthening the transparency framework of the countries. The expected accomplishment regarding climate change adaptation is that adaptation approaches, including the Nature based Solutions with an ecosystem-based approach, are implemented and integrated into key sectoral and national development strategies to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience to climate change impacts. Furthermore, the UNEP’s Sub-programme on Climate Change is also committed to ensure that cross-cutting issues such as gender equity and women empowerment are effectively integrated in the development of its tasks to guarantee an equitable development in line with its adaptation objectives. In this context, the Ministry of Environment of Panama and UNEP, have agreed on the implementation of the project Building capacity for the development of the National Adaptation Plan in the context of the NDCs adaptation themes in Panama, framed within the Readiness program of the Green Climate Fund. The project is aimed at building sustainable country capacity and strengthening stakeholder engagement to plan, finance, implement, monitor, and report on strategic adaptation processes, and to communicate knowledge about climate change adaptation. The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process will cover ten adaptation themes in total, which are in accordance with Panama’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (presented to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change - UNFCCC in 2020) to ensure alignment with national climate change strategies and priorities. The project seeks to achieve its components and objective through: • Adaptation planning, governance and institutional coordination strengthened. • Evidence basis produced to design adaptation solutions for maximum impact. • Private sector engagement in adaptation catalyzed; and • Adaptation finance increased. To fulfill the objectives of the project, the UNEP LACO Office is recruiting a Stakeholder and Partnership Consultant to provide technical guidance in stakeholder engagement considering social safeguards and bolster the Ministry of the Environment and UNEP in the implementation of the Green Climate Fund funded project as set in the funding proposal document. The Consultant will collaborate directly with the Adaptation to Climate Change Programme Office. The Stakeholder and Partnership Consultant will operate under the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Director UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office. The incumbent will work from Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, full time and will be located at the UNEP LACO Office in Panama City, Panama. Additionally, he/she will work in close collaboration with the UNEP’s Adaptation team, the Directorate of Climate Change of the Ministry of Environment in Panama, other national consultants and government and non-governmental counterparts. Travel might be needed for consultation processes.

ACADEMIC • Bachelor’s degree in social studies, international studies relation, sustainable development, environmental studies, sociology, anthropology, or a closely related field is required. • Master’s degree in development studies, international policy, international cooperation, sustainable development, climate change, social science, or a related field is required. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • A minimum of (2) two years of relevant experience working in social policies, climate change, social assessments and safeguards, stakeholder engagement, sustainable development and/or intersectional approaches to environmental and social governances is required. • Demonstrated experience and understanding in climate change adaptation, policies, and programs and the links between sustainable development and social issues is desirable. • Demonstrated experience in performing operational tasks is required. • Demonstrated knowledge in processes and procedures related to climate change adaptation and/or natural resource management in Panama is desired. • Experience in the development and/or implementation of a communication strategy related to climate change in Panama is desired. • Experience in the design, organization and logistics of appointments, meetings, workshops, and trainings of project activities related to adaptation to climate change in Panama is desired. • Experience in the preparation of reports, policy briefs syntheses and project conclusions, workshops, and coordination meetings is desirable. • Experience in management, communications, knowledge management or related fields is. SPECIAL SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE SKILLS • Strong knowledge of stakeholder analysis and mapping techniques. • Good stakeholder engagement skills. • Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders. • Good knowledge and understanding of government settings/functions. • Demonstrated initiative, tact and high sense of responsibility and discretion. • Excellent interpersonal communication skills and experience in stakeholder engagement and public relations. • Ability to work cross functional with stakeholders within and outside the organization. • Ability to lead the development of detailed operational plans, budgets, and deliver on them for development results. • Ability to synthesize program performance data and produce analytical reports to inform management and strategic decision-making. PROFESSIONALISM Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. He/she shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them with appropriate solutions. COMMUNICATION Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. TEAMWORK Can work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve organizational goals and to take leadership when appropriate; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

● Fluency in Spanish is required ● Confident level in English is desirable

Not available.

THE 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.