Climate Adaptation Advisor (Retainer, Multiple position), Multiple positions

The specific tasks for each assignment may vary depending on the needs of the requesting office.  Under the overall guidance and oversight of the Strategic Initiatives Unit and direct supervision of the designated Supervisor within the requesting office, the Retainer will work on a retainer contract and will be called upon for specific projects to fulfill one or more of the following key tasks: 

Technical expertise

• Provide technical expertise and advisory services in addressing climate adaptation and resilience infrastructure needs in developing countries to ensure compliance with the SDGs, Biodiversity convention and the Paris Agreement targets.

• Advise on the mainstreaming of climate resilience and adaptation actions in technical documents of infrastructure projects, papers and corporate communication materials.

• Conduct assessment of the potential risks that project implementation may cause to  the vulnerability of human populations and natural systems to climate variability and change, and/or to contribute to maladaptation, in particular for complex and/or risky projects.

• Review, improve and recommend Climate Risk Management Plans (CRMP) for the implementation of proposed measures to reduce climate-related risks and adapt to climate change.

• Provide advice and expert inputs in the development of strategies, regulatory frameworks, guidelines, and  enabling the environment to promote climate adaptation and resilience in infrastructure sectors, in accordance with UNOPS Climate Strategy.

• Provide technical climate adaptation advice to project teams and partners at any life cycle stages of infrastructure project development in compliance with UNFCCC climate adaptation guidelines. 

• Provide climate adaptation inputs and represent UNOPS at events and meetings with stakeholders and partners. 

• Collaborate with environmental scientists, economists, and engineers across UNOPS to design and implement high-quality analysis and technical solutions for infrastructure projects.

• Promote data collection and conceptualize new technological tools and mechanisms oriented to enhance resilience and climate change adaptation standards of UNOPS project portfolio.

• Work collaboratively with UNOPS experts in the area of climate change mitigation and others (when requested), to achieve comprehensive infrastructure solutions aligned with the SDGs and with Paris Agreement targets.

 Capacity development and training

• Lead the design, develop and / or implement Infrastructure climate adaptation  training programmes and capacity building initiatives for both internal and external participants

• Deliver training tools and techniques to mainstream climate adaptation and resilience in UNOPS infrastructure and project management services.

• Enhance and strengthen the enabling environment for the development of climate-resilient infrastructure

Practice contribution and Knowledge Sharing

• Lead the dissemination of  climate adaptation best practice guidance and ensure communication throughout the relevant programmes and country offices and departments

• Contribute to UNOPS knowledge management by capturing case studies and best practice examples of climate adaptation in infrastructure projects/programmes throughout UNOPS 

• Provide substantive contribution to UNOPS Climate Change practice focusing on continuous improvement of climate adaptation and resilience; support the development of policy, guidance and tools.

• Actively contribute to the body of knowledge to mobilizing public and private investment for climate-resilient infrastructure.

• Create and strengthen technical support mechanisms for the dissemination of best practices to governments and other clients in the area of climate change adaptation.

• Advise UNOPS country offices on opportunities for resilient infrastructure development in addition to sharing  with clients institutional and industry knowledge of climate adaptation options  in infrastructure.

• Similarly, to warn about risks in the development of potential business opportunities that compromise the achievement of the SDGs, Biodiversity convention and the Paris Agreement goals, as well as the UNOPS corporate strategy.

• Provide expert climate adaptation advice and support in formulation of new initiatives, projects and programmes related to sustainable and resilient inclusive infrastructure 

• Provide expert climate adaptation advice to enable the delivery of resilient Infrastructure projects and provide support to UNOPS project teams and partners in line with the climate aspirations in the UNOPS corporate strategy.

• Support the conceptualization of strategies aimed at improving UNOPS climate change adaptation actions and serve as a technical contributor for business development activities through technical approaches, teaming strategies and partner negotiations. 

• Present results from in-depth technical research and analysis on key infrastructure sectors to support business development and thought leadership such as on climate resilience, nature-based solutions, market systems, private sector participation, financing and others.

Education

• A Master’s Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, International Development, Public Administration or a related field from an accredited university. 

• Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree with additional 2 years of relevant working  experience may also be considered in lieu of the Master’s Degree. 

Experience

Required Experience:

• A minimum of seven (7) years experience of climate adaptation and resilience in the infrastructure sectors preferably in one or more of the  following sectors: energy, transport and buildings sectors.

• Experience in how to adapt infrastructure projects to optimize the exploitation of opportunities arising from climate change, to promote wider climate resilience, adaptation and adaptive capacity.

Desired experience:

• Experience in identifying potential climate-related risks to infrastructure projects implementation and the successful realization of the projects’ intended benefits.

• Experience in conducting climate vulnerability assessments and implementing climate adaptation measures.

• Experience in the policy development processes associated with environment and sustainable development issues in the context of climate change risk and infrastructure  management.

• In-depth knowledge of the Paris Agreement and its framework for action will be considered an asset.;

• International experience in developing countries is highly desirable.

• Previous assignments with the UN system will be an added advantage. 

• Experience working with Multilateral Development Banks and other donors would be considered an asset.

• Experience in mainstreaming climate adaptation actions in other sectors of infrastructure e.g Water, Digital development, waste management would be a plus.

• Familiarity with the Joint MDB climate Co-Benefits methodology on adaptation, and the Paris Alignment frameworks for adaptation.

Language: 

• Proficiency in either French or Spanish is required.

• Intermediate level of English is required. 

• Please note that:

  • the shortlisted candidates will be invited to indicate in which language they want to take the written tests (English or French or Spanish). 

  • however, the competency based interviews will be held in English. 

Other 

• Please attach a cover letter highlighting the experience, knowledge and qualifications relevant for the position.

• Mandatory trainings to be completed within the first three months following the contract signature, at no cost for UNOPS (also see the terms and conditions below): (1) Ethics and Integrity, (2) the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and (3) Security awareness while on official mission.