Climate Change Development Project Coordinator

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

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. Our mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. Our vision is based on developing responses and deploying solutions that aspire to achieve the long-term goals of climate stability, living in harmony with nature and achieving a pollution-free planet.

Based on long term aspirations, UNEP Programme Strategy focuses on three principal areas of intervention, outlined in three thematic subprogrammes: Climate Action, Nature Action and Chemicals and Pollution action. To cement the foundations of its thematic work, UNEP will, catalyse actions outlined in two foundational subprogrammes: Science-Policy and Environmental Governance. All this work will be accelerated through a set of systemic actions focused on the delivery of impact at scale, outlined in two enabling subprogrammes: Finance and Economic Transformations and Digital Transformations.

UNEP’s Latin America and the Caribbean Office is located in Panama City, Panama and has  offices in Brazil, Jamaica, Mexico and Uruguay. The UNEP Country Office (CO) in Brazil is a key development partner of the Brazilian government and supports national and sub-national public and private sector institutions and civil society to achieve a more sustainable and inclusive society by creating a new relationship between people and nature, and between economic growth and environmental sustainability.

In this context, to meet specific country needs and demands, the CO in Brazil plans to structure a programme portfolio focusing on three mutually reinforcing work streams crafted around three main areas Nature Action, Climate Action and Chemicals and Pollution Action.

This TOR refers to the Climate Change Development Project Coordinator’s position to structure and implement projects nationally having UNEP’s Mid Term Strategy as a mirror, guiding principle and rationale.

Climate change is the defining issue of our time. Climate stability will depend on unprecedented change in how we consume, produce goods and services and manage ecosystems. To help catalyze the measures necessary to cut emissions and adapt to climate change, UNEP will promote transparency and strengthen established linkages and bridges between science, policy and the economy. Searching for the largest impact on mitigating climate change and building resilience, by promoting sustainable consumption and production and build public support for market and political strategies.

UNEP’s contribution to decarbonization and resilience will be guided by state-of-the-art science and impact level indicators that feature in the SDGs and the Paris Agreement. UNEP will channel its activities through networks and partnerships, such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Climate Technology Center and Network, and UN Country teams, as well as sister UN agencies, to build the science, public support, governmental capacity, and investments to advance the Paris Agreement and national development goals.

The UNEP Brazil Office works in an integrated manner with the UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office and Regional Sub-Coordinators in anchoring national programme portfolio in the design of new projects and partnerships as well in identifying funding opportunities that can address national priorities in the UNSDF and SERP’s scopes.

Under the overall guidance of the UNEP Brazil Country Office Representative and direct supervision of the Senior Programme Officer, the Climate Change Development Project Coordinator  is an integral part of the programme team and is responsible for developing a programme strategy and national narrative, preparing new projects proposals, overseeing the implementation of project activities under her/his purview, for the day-to-day management of the projects cycle management for the Climate Change area.  

Under the Climate Change scope, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Identifies and proposes new projects with a special focus on results, gender-positive outcomes, and scientific data;
• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.,
• Monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation, reviews relevant documents and reports, identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions, liaises with relevant parties, identifies and tracks follow-up actions;
• Manages activities undertaken by executing entities to oversee the execution of the projects;
• Coordinate technical discussions and prepare minutes of the meetings with partners;
• Coordinate the execution of activities and studies conducted by researchers and partner institutions, following the guidelines established by UNEP;
• Develop stakeholder analysis to identify key governmental and non-governmental partners for projects and campaigns;
• Assist in the internal assessment of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for climate change programmatic area, according to UNEP Mid Term Strategy;
• Maintain regular contact with UNEP Latin America and Caribbean Office Sub Coordinators, and, under the guidance of the Senior Programme Management Officer, coordinates with relevant Sub-Programme Coordinators in Nairobi as well as relevant Branches in the technical Divisions (Economy, Ecosystems and Science) to follow-up and keep the project in line with other global UNEP initiatives in the area;
• Coordinate regularly with the Regional UNEP Finance Initiative Coordinator in order to build upon existing initiatives and networks as well as identify, develop and implement innovative projects, partnerships and meetings in response to the UNEP Mid Term Strategy;   
• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies
•  Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions;
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. briefings, draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc;
• Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc;
• With the support of Project Officers, liaise with UNEP divisions and sub regional coordinators in order to gather inputs for a fundraising strategy;
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.);
• Performs other duties as required.

Corporate Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNEP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to specific area of work. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
• 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.
• Planning & 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.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; 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
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. 

Education: 

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sustainable development, economics, natural resource management or related field is required.

Experience:

Mandatory:

• A minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required;
• Experience in the execution, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of climate change projects with international and national financing;
• Experience in technical assistance, resource mobilization, knowledge and capacity building related to this field is required;
• Experience working with private, public organizations and/or governments on climate topics (NDC and thematic sectorial areas, such as cities, transport, energy and nature-based solutions;
• Experience in coordinating activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.);
• Experience with preparation of documents/reports for pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.
• Experience working at international level

Desirable:

• Experience working within the UN System;
• Experience in working with multiple stakeholders and intergovernmental processes.

Language:

• Fluency in Portuguese and English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.

Mandatory Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to carry out consultation processes and experience in planning and organizing activities, workshops, meetings, giving lectures or trainings, especially with a focus on environmental and/or adaptation issues, projects and policies;
• Good Interpersonal relationship skills to work closely with partners and the project coordinating team; 
• Ability to make inter-institutional articulation and to establish interfaces among project partners, government bodies, institutions, companies, and others; 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; 
• Capacity to write technical reports, texts and documents; 
• Ability to make effective use of software and other tools required for the position; 
• Capacity to assist in the technical evaluation of the products and activities submitted to the coordination of the project; 
• Ability to deal with confidential issues; 
• Ability to perform planned activities in accordance with the guidelines provided. 

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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