CCAC Agriculture Sector Expert for Brazil

Result of Service

The Agriculture Sector Expert will be responsible for supporting the Brazilian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA) in the elaboration of the Agriculture Sector mitigation plan for the “Plano Clima”, with an integrated GHGs and SLCPs co-mitigation approach. The work will be carried out under the coordination of Senior Technical Coordinator of the “Plano Clima”, following general guidance from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change as well as the CCAC and UNEP, and specific guidelines from the respective focal point of the Ministry that leads the Sector Plan. As a result of the elaboration of the Brazilian National Climate Plan, the proposed sectoral plan is expected to provide a clear set of actions in the Agriculture Sector to be implemented by the government to align the Brazilian economy towards a trajectory consistent to the targets defined. The sectoral plan should be integrated into a robust implementation strategy and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework.

Work Location

Brasilia, home-based

Expected duration

8 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Convened by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is a partnership of governments, intergovernmental organizations, and representatives of the private sector, the environmental community, and other members of civil society. The CCAC is the only international initiative working on integrated climate and clean air solutions to reduce the rate of near-term warming. It focuses on fast action to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) including methane, black carbon, HFCs and tropospheric ozone. More information on the CCAC is available at: www.ccacoalition.org Brazil is a CCAC state partner, having joined the CCAC in 2023 and signed the Global Methane Pledge in 2021. The country has taken significant steps to reduce climate change, including through SLCP planning and mitigation. In recognition of the seriousness of the climate emergency, Brazil’s government is now committed to structuring a renewed and ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). In comparison to the proposition presented at COP 21, Brazil aims to achieve a 48% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2025 and 53% GHG emissions reduction by 2030. In the context of its review of NDC, the country also expects to undertake an integrated approach to mitigating air pollution and climate change which provides a substantial opportunity to enhance its ambition. This means integrating SLCP, such as methane, HFCs and black carbon, alongside CO2 and other GHG emissions, while articulating the co-benefits of SLCP reductions throughout different sectors that directly or indirectly influence their emissions or can leverage CO2 reduction. In September 2023, the Brazilian government restructured the Interministerial Committee on Climate Change – CIM, which will be an important locus of management, coordination, and articulation of national climate policy. In addition to determining the correction of the Brazilian NDC to the levels of ambition that Brazil had initially proposed in 2015, the Committee established interministerial working groups to the Brazilian carbon market (SBCE) and to update the law that established the National Climate Change Policy – PNMC. The CIM also established a Resolution that determines the updating of the National Climate Change Plan – “Plano Clima”, establishing two interministerial working groups to coordinate the work, one on mitigation and the other on adaptation. “Plano Clima” will be the main instrument for implementing climate policy, thus consolidating the Federal Government’s strategies and goals to achieve the objectives of the PNMC and of the Brazilian NDC. The new Climate Plan will cover the period between 2024 and 2035 and will have national and sectoral mitigation and adaptation targets for the years 2030 and 2035, simultaneously compatible with the objective of climate neutrality. The mitigation component is expected to be developed with the support of the CCAC and include Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs), especially methane. The CCAC is therefore looking for an Expert to support the elaboration of the Agriculture Mitigation Sectoral Plan for the Brazilian National Climate Plan (“Plano Clima”), ensuring its compatibility with an emissions co-mitigation strategy of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) and SLCPs.

Qualifications/special skills

– Advanced university degree, master, PhD or equivalent in agronomy, agriculture sciences, ecology, environmental sciences or economy with emphasis on climate change, greenhouse gases emissions and carbon sequestration on agriculture and food systems, mathematics models, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources Management, or relevant fields of study. – A first-level university degree in combination with 6 additional years of qualifying experience in the Agriculture sector may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. – A minimum of 8 years of practical experience in climate change policy development and advice in the Agriculture Sector in Brazil. – Proven experience in the Agriculture Sector planning. – Technical expertise working with the Agriculture Sector planning is required In-depth knowledge of the national plans, strategies, and policies related to climate change in Brazil is required. – Proven ability to work under pressure, with tight deadlines is required. – Proven ability in articulation with different organizations and sectors (public and private) is required. – Proven ability to write technical or policy documents is required. – Experience with Brazil’s public sector institutions is an asset. – Experience in climate finance is an asset. – Experience with short-lived climate pollutants is an asset (methane, black carbon, etc). – Familiarity with emissions policies simulation tools is an asset

Languages

– Excellent verbal and written communication in English and Portuguese is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

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.