Global Technical Specialist -Climate Change Mitigation – P4

Background

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.

Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. BPPS’s staff provides technical advice to Country Offices, advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represents UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private dialogues, government, and civil society dialogues, and engages in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas. BPPS works closely with UNDP’s Crisis Bureau (CB) to support emergency and crisis response. BPPS ensures that issues of risk are fully integrated into UNDP’s development programmes. BPPS assists UNDP and partners to achieve higher quality development results through an integrated approach that links results-based management and performance monitoring with more effective and new ways of working. BPPS supports UNDP and partners to be more innovative, knowledge and data driven including in its programme support efforts.

BPPS’s Hubs on Nature, Climate, Energy and Waste, with the support of the Vertical Fund Programme Support, Oversight and Compliance Unit, works with governments, civil society, and private sector partners to integrate nature, climate, energy and waste related concerns into national and sector planning and inclusive growth policies, support country obligations under Multilateral Environmental Agreements, and oversee the implementation of the UN’s largest portfolio of in-country programming nature, climate change, energy and waste.

The newly established UNDP Climate Hub is the arrowhead of UNDP’s commitment to the “Climate Promise” that aims to support programming countries designing and implementing pledges under the Paris Agreement, including ambitious National Determined Contributions, with climate change mitigation and adaptation interventions fully embedded in the national development planning and budgetary processes. The Climate Hub will build on UNDP’s existing over USD 4 billion country-level climate portfolio on Climate Change Policies and Strategies, Climate Change Adaptation, Climate Change Mitigation (CCM), Climate and Forests, covering over 142 countries, as well as on UNDP’s Nature portfolio, UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub, UNDP’s Digital offer and other relevant portfolios on youth, gender, health, climate security, among others.

The UNDP Climate Hub is responsible for:

• Thought leadership on Climate and to be the custodian of UNDP policy positions on Climate;
• Strategy and vision formulation;
• Pipeline development in coordination with the other hubs and the Vertical Fund Programme Support, Oversight and Compliance Unit;
• Provision of integrated policy and programme support to Country Offices;
• Global engagement, advocacy in collaboration with Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA);
• Integration across thematic areas;
• Strategic Partnerships development and resource mobilization;
• Lead and Support global flagship initiatives and partnerships on Climate;
• Serve as focal point with relevant UN coordination mechanisms and Conventions (UN Framework Convention on Climate Change);
• Cross-organization knowledge and learning; and
• Innovation.

UNDP Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition (‘UNDP Rome Centre’ for short), acts as the principal, integrated global platform for the strategic partnership between the Government of Italy (through the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security – IMEES or Ministero dell’Ambiente e della Sicurezza Energetica – MASE in Italian) and UNDP for delivering on two critical policy areas: Youth and Climate, and Climate Finance. Via the Platform for Investment Support and Technical Assistance (PISTA) and the Energy for Growth programs it: Identify, finance, and implement country-level actions to reduce the energy access gap and boost the energy transition, while supporting projects in developing economies to decarbonize and enhance climate resilience.

The Global Technical Specialist (GTS) works under the overall leadership of the Principal Technical Advisor (PTA) for Climate Change Mitigation, based in UNDP HQ in New York, and the secondary supervision of the Rome Center Director based in Rome, Italy, and in close collaboration with other Technical Specialists and Advisors at both global and regional levels.

The Global Technical Specialist for Climate Change Mitigation will be based in UNDP Rome Center in Rome, Italy and will be required to travel. This role may be periodically redeployed, in accordance with capability, consent, and due process, to a different duty station as needed.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

The Global Technical Specialist for Climate Change Mitigation is primarily responsible for providing technical, policy, and programming implementation support and oversight, and knowledge and capacity development services pertaining to the work of climate change mitigation and sustainable energy to UNDP country offices, and works with other UN agencies, governments and inter-governmental organizations, NGO’s, donors, the private sector and many others.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Innovation, Strategic Leadership, Policy Dialogue and Advocacy

• Contributing to a strategic understanding of, and engagement with, the substantive technical issues, institutions, and processes within the region, including establishing contact and developing strategic partnerships with other agencies, donors, NGO’s, the private sector, scientific institutions and the like;
• Participating in the development and implementation of UNDP’s global and regional strategies on environment and sustainable development within the BPPS, GPN and beyond; engagement in policy and advocacy work with external partners where relevant;
• Providing policy development support and guidance to countries and governments;
• Facilitating the development of strategic UNDP policy position papers and internal briefing notes;
• Facilitating policy analysis and the development of technical tools and guidance;
• Maintain trusted relationships with country offices, government and non-governmental partners’ role within the region;
• Keeping the NCEW Regional Team informed of trends and issues with respect to the substantive technical area and contribute actively to regional NCEW programming and Business plans;
• Keeping the Principal/Senior Technical Advisors and RTL informed of trends and issues in the region;
• Work in coordination with other RTAs/RTSs in the region to develop projects requiring technical guidance from multiple areas, including collaborations with NCEW regional team members and broader GPN and RBLAC teams at the Regional Hub on delivery of integrated support to Country Offices.

2. Ensure effective Portfolio Management

• Advising in the maintenance of programme/project and portfolio information and corporate information systems;
• Facilitating the identification, and sourcing of technical expertise and support, including assisting with the preparation of TORs, identification and evaluation of experts and reviewing reports.

3. Establish and maintain strategic partnerships and support resource mobilization efforts

• Advising on programme and project identification and development, including on integrated approaches and multifocal area projects;
• Providing timely and quality information and technical advice on sources of funds, policies, priorities and activities – including the Global Environment Facility funds, the Green Climate Fund, other multilateral donors, bilateral donors and foundations;
• Identifying and suggesting to the PTA and regional RTL priorities and entry-points for UNDP assistance and linkage with broader UNDP priorities;
• Facilitating the process of preparation, design, submission and approval of programme/project concepts and full-fledged proposals for financing;
• Providing guidance and support in the identification and sourcing of technical expertise and support including assisting with the preparation of TORs, identification and evaluation of experts and reviewing reports;
• Facilitating liaisons with potential financing agencies and institutions.

4. Effectively manage development impact

• Advising on inception and start-up of programmes/projects, ensuring the implementation teams’ understanding of technical and operational aspects of the projects, and strong technical and operational capacity of project management units;
• Supporting UNDP country offices and programme/project implementation partners in project supervision, and timely and quality implementation, providing troubleshooting and guidance for adaptive management;
• Undertaking virtual and physical supervision missions aimed at (a) verification of results and (b) troubleshooting to manage technical quality assurance risks;
• Undertaking technical quality assurance of the Annual Work Plan cleared by the CO, ensuring alignment with the approved project document and technical robustness of proposed AWP activities in line with the approved project result framework;
• Undertaking risk management oversight including conducting risk-based second-tier portfolio oversight and address escalated GEF project risks/critical issues through Action Plan;
• Providing oversight for monitoring and evaluation support including quality and timely completion of the annual Project Implementation Reports (PIRs) reports and technical oversight related input during mid-term reviews (MTRs) and terminal evaluations (TEs);
• Facilitate production of project communication pieces effectively showcasing socio-economic and environmental impacts of individual projects and its linkage to the UNDP Strategic Plan priorities and targets.

5. Learning, Knowledge Management and Self Development

• Evaluating, capturing, codifying, synthesizing lessons and stimulating the uptake of best practices and knowledge, including the development of knowledge materials;
• Peer reviewing, commenting on, and seeking to improve the technical quality of programmes/projects, policies, practices, guidelines, advisory notes, publications and the like;
• Assisting with preparation of CCM coordination meetings and workshops;
• Preparing and delivering training courses as needed;
• Responding to queries on programme/project progress, impacts and lessons;
• Developing knowledge products of relevance to UNDP Climate Hub support to countries on low emission climate resilient development in the area of energy, infrastructure and transport;
• Developing and carrying out a personal learning plan.

6. Facilitate synergies and coordination between the Climate Change Mitigation portfolio and the UNDP Rome Center

• Provide technical inputs and contribute to the development and implementation of PISTA and the Energy for Growth initiatives, as well as other strategic initiatives under management of the UNDP Rome Center;
• Identify opportunities across the Climate Change Mitigation portfolio and the Climate Hub that can benefit from synergies and coordination with the UNDP Rome Center Initiative, in particular with focus on support for pipeline development.
• Originate and support the development of projects that can be channeled through PISTA and the Energy for Growth Initiatives for Pipeline development.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Supervision, performance management, and development of personnel will be required.

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results:

• Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact.

Think Innovatively:

• Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.

Learn Continuously:

• Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.

Adapt with Agility:

• Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands.

Act with Determination:

• Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.

Engage and Partner3:

• Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration.

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:

• Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

2030 Agenda: Partnerships – Sustainable Energy Hub:

• Energy access.

2030 Agenda: Planet – Climate:

• Climate Change Mitigation.

Business Management – Partnerships Management:

• Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts, and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.

Business Management – Portfolio Management:

• Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity.
• Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives
  with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.

Business Management – Communication:

• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels.

Business Direction & Strategy – Strategic Thinking:

• Develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.

Business Management – Project Management:

• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Energy, Climate Change, Engineering, Finance, Development Studies or other closely related field is required. Or
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree;
• Certification in project management is an advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience (with a Master’s degree) or 9 years’ (with a Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience working with developing countries on one or more of the following: renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy transition, energy access, sustainable transport;
• At least of 5 years’ experience providing policy advisory services in areas related to climate change mitigation and sustainable energy is required.
• At least 5 years’ experience with the design and/or implementation of development projects/programmes to promote sustainable energy investment, including climate finance resources is required;
• Demonstrated experience in structuring blended finance solutions is desired.
• Experience working in and/or with multiple developing countries in multiple regions is highly desirable;
• Direct experience in the design and implementation of GEF and GCF CCM/sustainable energy projects is preferable;
• Direct experience in designing and implementing sustainable transport programmes is an advantage;
• Experience in designing financial instruments / mechanisms for sustainable energy programmes is preferable;
• Direct working experience with Development Finance Institutions is an advantage;
• Experience in leading/coordinating team of experts is an advantage;
• Demonstrated experience in mobilizing partnerships and resources at scale is preferable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English, with exceptional writing, presentation, and communication skills is required.
• Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish would be an advantage.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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