NDC Partnership - In-Country Facilitator (Partnerships Specialist) - Malawi - Retainer

Job categories Partnerships

Vacancy code VA/2023/B5002/25987

Department/office ECR, AUMCO, Water, Environment & Climate (WEC)

Duty station Home based

Contract type Local ICA Specialist

Contract level LICA Specialist-10

Duration up to 12 months (max. 220 working days), with possibility to extend, subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

Application period 03-May-2023 to 17-May-2023

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Functional Responsibilities

• The incumbent 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. He/she plays 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 Malawi. 

• The incumbent will be embedded in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change in the Environment Affairs Department. He/she will be responsible for strengthening national coordination in terms of resource mobilization and monitoring the implementation of the Partnership Plan. He/she will support the focal point of the Partnership in his daily tasks of implementing the Partnership Plan and other forms of support to the NDC implementation. The Facilitator will report to the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist and Regional Manager closely working and coordinating with the Environmental Affairs Department and the Ministry of Finance. Monthly and Quarterly country updates will be produced by the NDC Coordinator and government will share quarterly updates to wider stakeholders. He/she will need to bring his/her own laptop to the ministry's duty station. This is a home based retainer position based in Lilongwe, Malawi for twelve (12) months with possibility of extension depending on performance and on availability of funds. 

The following responsibilities are part of the embedded incumbent role:


Coordination and communication with key stakeholders

• Ensure that communications relevant to NDC Partnership engagement are shared with relevant national, international, and local level stakeholders.
• 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, including with the team of Climate Analytics who developed in cooperation with the government an NDC implementation plan with sectoral roadmaps.
• Organize meetings to monitor and coordinate the implementation of the Partnership Plan with stakeholders. 

Operationalization of NDC Partnership Plan

• 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.
• Identify implementing and development partners, compile their contact details (name of focal point, email address, telephone number) and follow up with them regarding their contribution to the partnership plan.
• Contribute to the development of the Partnership Plan Narrative and its validation by the government.

Facilitation of NDC Partnership Plan implementation 

• 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 development with respect to the enabling environment.

Mobilization of resources for implementation 

• 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.
• Update government needs and priorities for NDC implementation in the Partnership Plan. 
• Work with the Support Unit to produce an overview of support gaps to make available to partners.
• Engage with partners, including at the local/subnational level, to link needs to services and resources in accordance with the Partnership Plan.
• 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.
• Assist and provide guidance to International and Development Partners to align climate projects and programmatic objectives with the Partnership Plan. 

Tracking of Partnership Plan and Investment Plan implementation progress 

• Monitor and assess implementation of the Partnership Plan and coordinate periodic reporting of partners to the NDC Partnership. 
• Prepare quarterly country update reports summarizing key insights and progress updates, challenges, and recommendations for the way forward.
• Assess progress outcomes of the NDC Partnership in-country engagement and make recommendations for adjustments.

Organize and support NDC-related meetings as needed 

• If requested, facilitate national country specific multi-stakeholder NDC dialogues.
• 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.
• Organize coordination meetings between the Support Unit and the government as needed.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Advanced degree in public policy (with respect to climate/environment), economics, public finance, sustainable development, or relevant fields.
• Bachelor 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

• At least 5 years of experience in climate change, environmental and natural resource management. development cooperation and related fields.
• Knowledge about the UNFCCC, the Paris Agreement, NDCs and SDGs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of environmental issues in Malawi.

Asset 

• Experience in facilitating the implementation of NDCs is an asset.
• Experience in the design and implementation of climate change related projects.
• Experience in working with governments and national and international organizations in Malawi.
• Excellent MS Office (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint and others) and internet research skills.

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another official UN language (Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese Mandarin) is an asset.