Partnerships Specialist (In-country Facilitator)

Kingstown

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Kingstown
Grade: Mid level - LICA-10, Local Individual Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- External Relations, Partnerships and Resource mobilization
Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Background Information - Job-specific

WEC Background:

UNOPS Water and Energy Cluster (WEC) supports the design and management of multi-stakeholder initiatives by providing services in financial and grant management, procurement, human resources, and project management. The cluster has supported projects in the areas of water resource management, climate change adaptation, mitigation and transparency, energy access and distribution, and environmental conservation under the Paris Agreement. The WEC has also supported operations and financial management services, in Vienna, the rest of the ECR region, and beyond. The main partners include UN agencies, bilateral agreements (with the Nordics, Germany, and Italy), the Green Climate Fund, and several NGOs (such as CIFF and CWF).

The NDC Partnership:

The NDC Partnership is a coalition of countries and institutions committed to supporting countries in implementing and increasing the ambition of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The government of Saint and the Grenadines (GOSVG) joined the NDC Partnership in 2021 and has steadily advanced engagement with the NDC Partnership to advance its mitigation and adaptation actions.

The NDC Partnership focal points in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) submitted a request for support for an in-country Facilitator to support SVG’s NDC implementation efforts. The Facilitator acts under the guidance of the NDC Partnership focal points (in the Sustainable Development Unit [Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture] and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Information Technology). The Facilitator will be embedded in the Sustainable Development Unit to ensure the country’s implementation and to promote a whole–of–government and coordinated approach to adaptation and mitigation actions.

Functional Responsibilities

The Facilitator serves as the NDC Partnership’s interface in the country and operates as a liaison between the country and other NDC Partnership member countries. Contrary to the function of implementing partners (IPs), which implement directly, the Facilitator’s role is purely one of coordination and supportive facilitation. Working on behalf of the partner government, the Facilitator plays a key role in ensuring the smooth implementation of the Country Engagement Process, by supporting ongoing coordination efforts between the Support Unit, the various partners in the NDC Partnership, and the host country government. This involves working with the host country to refine its objectives for support over time (including articulation of the Partnership Plan); coordinating the Partnership Plan at country level; and serving as an anchor to assist the NDC Partnership in communicating and coordinating services at country level. The In-Country Facilitator will also liaise with the NDC Partnership Support Unit for vertical information-sharing, including both contributing to and accessing knowledge products.

The Facilitator will implement all tasks under the direct supervision of the NDC Partnership Focal Points, particularly the Director of the Sustainable Development Unit. The Facilitator will also work in close coordination with the NDC Partnership Support Unit.

The following responsibilities are part of the Facilitator role in SVG:

Summary of functions:

Initiation of Engagement Process

Development of NDC Partnership Plan/Implementation Plan

Facilitation of NDC Partnership Plan Implementation
Mobilization of resources for implementation
Coordination and communication with key stakeholders
Tracking of Partnership Plan implementation progress
Organize and support NDC–related meetings as needed
Identify lessons learned and results
Capacity building

Initiation of Engagement Process

Support the government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and the NDC Partnership Support Unit in initiating NDC Partnership in-country engagement by convening stakeholders and catalyzing dialogue among partners. Where appropriate, conduct a gap analysis, prioritization of needs, economic analysis, a gender impact analysis, and mapping of stakeholders and NDC initiatives as well as available resources across target sectors.
Support SVG in articulating its needs and priorities along with the preferred process for coordination of country engagement under the NDC Partnership, as reflected through requests for support and in the Partnership Plan.
In coordination with the NDC Partnership Support Unit and the government of SVG support the planning and preparation of the Kick–off Workshop, which may include:
- Prepare/update relevant country documents;
- Support GOSVG and NDC Partnership mission team (consisting of the Support Unit and implementing or development partners if available) in planning, preparing and organizing initial in-country exchanges among national, regional and international stakeholders on potential in-country engagement;
- Engage with all relevant stakeholders in country, including development partners that are not NDC Partnership members

Development of NDC Partnership Plan/Implementation Plan

Develop SVG’s Partnership Plan following the Partnership’s Plan Template, customized based on guidance from the focal point ministries.
Collaborate with the NDC Partnership Support Unit to upload the Partnership Plan Tool and assist the Focal Points with managing and updating the Plan in the online system, ensuring information remains up to date and accessible for key stakeholders.
Develop a summary document of the Partnership Plan following the Partnership’s NDC Implementation Plan Narrative Template for circulation to partners with the validated Plan.

Facilitation of NDC Partnership Plan Implementation:

Draft a request for a support letter to highlight gaps and needs for implementation based on the updated NDC and the Implementation Plan (once completed). Collaborate with the Support Unit to circulate the Plan to members of the NDC Partnership and consolidate initial partner responses.
Recommend a process for selecting the most appropriate implementing and development partner(s) for each action/priority and identify roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder.
Collaborate with the Support Unit to document changes in the operating context and provide support to the government and stakeholders in decision-making processes.

Mobilization of resources for implementation:

Support SVG in following up and mobilizing partner support for its needs and priorities (and update those along the way as needed following the government’s guidance) along with a preferred process for coordination of country engagement under the NDC Partnership, as reflected in the Implementation Plan.
Engage with partners in–country to link needs to services and resources in accordance with the Implementation Plan.
Assist the GOSVG in coordinating with key partners on aligning country programs and projects with the needs and gaps identified in the Implementation Plan.
Assist the GOSVG in preparing concept notes to access NDC financing for unfunded priorities in the Implementation Plan.
Work with the Support Unit, at least annually, to produce an overview of Support Gaps to make available to partners and to use when meeting bilaterally or in partner meetings.

Coordination and communication with key stakeholders:

Ensure that communications relevant to NDC Partnership engagement are shared with relevant national, regional and international stakeholders.
Facilitate periodic coordination and information exchange among partners in SVG, with the aim of leveraging and mobilizing their respective advantages in support of the Partnership Plan; or, where an existing coordination mechanism is already in place, support the integration of the NDC Partnership into the established mechanism and provide services to strengthen coordination and harmonization, as needed. Support SVG in following up and mobilizing partner support for its needs and priorities (and update those along the way as needed following the government’s guidance) along with a preferred process for coordination of country engagement under the NDC Partnership, as reflected in the Implementation Plan.

Tracking of Partnership Plan implementation progress:

Develop a result–based approach for tracking progress on the implementation of the Partnership Plan in the online tool, receiving regular updates from partners and ministries, and coordinating updates to the Plan on an ongoing or, at minimum, quarterly basis. Ensure alignment of the progress tracking tool with other MRV/M&E systems related to NDC data.
Prepare a brief guidance note and plan for capacity building sessions to ensure relevant government sectors and stakeholders (including implementing partners) can use the Plan in the Online Tool and provide regular updates as required by the Focal Points.
Monitor and assess implementation of the Partnership Plan, including tracking progress on gender equity and, and coordinate periodic reporting of partners to the NDC Partnership.
Prepare quarterly reports summarizing key country insights and progress updates.
Assess progress outcomes of the NDC Partnership in–country engagement and make recommendations for adjustments.

Organize and support NDC–related meetings as needed:

Facilitate national country specific multi–stakeholder NDC dialogues, if requested, which may contribute to one or more of the following objectives:
- Intersectional multi–stakeholder dialogues to promote whole–of–government and whole–of–society approach in implementing NDCs and their integration in development policies;
- Support GOSVG in conducting meetings among development partners and other key stakeholders in order to maximize synergies, avoid duplication and mobilize support for identified needs and gaps for successful NDC implementation;
- Multi–stakeholder dialogues with the private sector and/or civil society organizations;
- Multi–stakeholder dialogues within specific sectors or on certain topics (i.e., Measurement, Reporting and Verification [MRV], gender equity, climate readiness, etc.).
Support the GOSVG 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

Identify lessons learned and results:

Assist in tracking the progress of in–country engagement and provide periodic progress updates to the NDC Partnership Steering Committee, through the Support Unit.
Liaise with the Support Unit to access and/or feed into global knowledge products.
Assist the Support Unit in the identification and dissemination of information on best practices and lessons learned from in-country engagement

Capacity building:

Conduct ongoing capacity development (i.e., technical assistance and formal/informal on-the-job training) of the government in preparation for fully taking on the facilitation role in the future.
Incorporate relevant activities into the annual work plan of the Sustainable Development Unit to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the NDC Implementation Plan

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education
Advanced degree in environmental sciences, natural resources management, climate change, public policy, public finance, economics, or a similar field.
Experience

At least 5 years of experience in public, private or third sector institutions with a special focus on coordination and articulation of different actors, preparation and implementation of multi–stakeholder work plans, resource mobilization, preparation of proposals for climate actions, project monitoring, evaluation, and management;
At least 3 years of experience in climate/environment;
Excellent understanding of GOSVG’s climate change and environmental policies and procedures;

Asset:

Demonstrable experience and knowledge of climate change and NDCs, MRV, etc.;
Demonstrable skills in managing and aligning diverse groups of stakeholders, including development agencies, non–state actors/civil society organizations, financial institutions, private sector and others.

Language Requirements:

Demonstrated proficiency/fluency in English;
Excellent written and verbal communications skills;
Experience and relevant skills in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

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.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

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.

Additional Considerations

Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.