JOB DESCRIPTION

Background Information – Job-specific

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

New York Portfolio Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.

The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners’ programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the Executive Office of the Secretary General (EOSG) of the United Nations to implement the activities of the Climate Action Team (CAT) Project.

There is less than a decade to prevent a climate breakdown. Without deep emissions cuts, the world is heading towards close to a 3 degrees Celsius of warming with catastrophic consequences. At current levels of warming the world is experiencing unprecedented climate impacts. An increase in global average temperature above 1.5 degrees would mean extreme weather and climate disasters increasing in frequency and intensity, putting billions of people at immediate risk with significant parts of Africa becoming unlivable and whole countries ceasing to exist. The Secretary-General’s call to all countries, cities, companies and institutions to go into emergency mode on climate is needed more than ever.

While climate change risks undermining the 2030 Agenda, as well as the social, economic, and environmental pillars of sustainable development, climate action also presents an opportunity. Green investments boost growth and jobs; just transitions are inclusive and help to eradicate poverty; and enhancing carbon sinks strengthen biodiversity and resilience. It will be essential to ensure that the transformation of economies and societies takes place to enable accelerated climate action in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during this decade of action.

The objective of the Secretary-General’s climate action strategy throughout his second term will be to accelerate the pathway towards a resilient, low carbon world, that keeps the 1.5 degrees goal alive, to secure the alignment of public and private finance, of technological transfers and capacity building to enable the necessary cooperation and support needed by developing countries, to significantly enhance the credibility and accountability of commitments taken by governments and non-state actors to reach the Paris Agreement goals.

In the run up to COP30, governments are expected to submit their next Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These new NDCs must be economy-wide, aligned with the 1.5 temperature limit and cover all greenhouse gas emissions. These new NDCs should also define national pathways for transitioning away from fossil fuels and how each nation will contribute to the global goals agreed to at COP 28 to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency. It is also essential that the political, economic and regulatory conditions are established over the next two years to ensure maximum ambition by all countries, especially the G20 and other significant emitters.

The voice, convening power and honest-broker role of the Secretary-General, as well as the expertise and capabilities of the United Nations system will need to be leveraged to support this effort. This is particularly relevant given the challenging geo-political environment as well as domestic political uncertainties in many key countries.

The Secretary- General’s Climate Action Team will focus on the following key priorities:

Supporting the development of 1.5 degrees Celsius-aligned NDCs, which are the climate action plans Parties are mandated to communicate every five years. These plans describe national actions to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts;
Supporting 1.5 degrees Celsius-aligned energy transition, though mechanisms such as Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) and country platforms. These innovative funding models aim to help emerging and developing countries accelerate just transition toward renewable energy.
Supporting the implementation of the work on the Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals and facilitating dialogue and cooperation on issues such as battery storage, and industrial decarbonization (cement, steel, aluminum), while working closely with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Energy Agency (IEA);
Promoting understanding and alignment to the Sustainable Development Goals and advising governments through the UN system entities on how to ensure climate action plans are integrated and leave no one behind, through close coordination with the Sustainable Development Unit of the Executive Office of the Secretary-General;
Strengthening the credibility and accountability of non-state actors’ net zero commitments through the implementation of the recommendations of the High-Level Expert Group on the Net-Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-State Entities (HLEG), by working with the United Nations Global Compact;
Advocating for the timely operationalization of the Global Goal on Adaptation framework;
Overseeing implementation of the Early Warnings for All initiative, which was welcomed by COP27 and COP28, to protect everyone on Earth through universal coverage of early warning systems against extreme weather and climate change by 2027,through close coordination with the lead implementation entities, namely, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC);
Supporting efforts to ensure the delivery of climate finance to developing countries at scale including implementation of the outcomes on finance agreed to at COP 29, accelerating the paces of efforts to reform the international financial architecture and providing platforms for addressing the barriers and obstacles faced by developing countries in mobilizing private finance at scale.
Advocating for the rapid deployment of the new Loss and Damage Fund that was operationalized at COP28 to be sufficiently resourced while securing further contributions from a variety of sources, through close collaboration with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The incumbent of this position will be a UNOPS personnel under its full responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Senior Director, the consultant will work closely with the Assistant Secretary-General for Climate Action. The incumbent will provide substantive senior-level support on Non-State Actor Engagement related objectives. The responsibilities of the Consultant include:

Designing and developing targeted strategies to support and deliver ambitious and credible non-state and sub-national actor climate commitments in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the Report of the Secretary General’s High level expert group on non-state actor commitments;
Identifying opportunities to showcase the leadership of non-state and sub national actors on climate in 2025 and 2026, with particular focus on the Secretary-General’s 2025 September special event and COP30;
Monitoring and analyzing trends and developments of non-state actor activities to identify the most impactful interventions for the Climate Action Team and to identify risks;
Building a strong network of contacts in sub national groups and identifying opportunities for working with these groups to advance the priorities of the Secretary General’s climate action strategy;
Building a strong network of contacts with business groups and financial institutions and identifying opportunities for working with these groups to advance the priorities of the Secretary General’s climate action strategy, with a particular focus on the credibility and accountability of individual and collective voluntary corporate initiatives;
Continuing to socialize and build support for the implementation of the recommendations of the Secretary General’s High-Level Expert Group on the credibility and accountability of net zero commitments by non-state entities;
Liaising with the Secretary General’s special climate envoys, United Nations Framework on Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and key non-state actor stakeholder groups;
Supporting the development of recommendations, briefing notes, key messages and inputs into speeches for the SG, DSG, ASG’s engagements with businesses, financial institutions, cities and regions;
Horizon scanning and reviewing relevant documents and reports from non-state actors to identify opportunities and issues to be addressed; and
Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree), preferably in International Relations or Public Policy or in a field related to the post description with ten (10) years of relevant experience is required; OR
First-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) preferably in International Relations or Public Policy or in a field related to the post description with twelve (12) years of relevant experience is required.

Required Experience

Relevant experience is defined as professional experience in programme/ project management.

Experience in identifying, strengthening and/or leveraging relationships with Member States, the UN system and/or non-State actors is required.

Experience coordinating climate initiatives and/or coalition building is required.

Desirable experience (the following experience is optional candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply):

Experience with standards and criteria for measuring and validating climate commitments and transition plans of non-state actors is desired.
Experience working directly with or/and in private sector and subnational organisations is desired.
Experience effectively synthesizing and communicating technical and policy findings in a clear and concise manner to colleagues internally and to external non-technical audiences, including through producing briefing, speeches and strategy papers for seniors is desired.
Language Requirements:

Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required.
Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

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.
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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 4)/ ICS12


Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The contract for this position is set for a duration of one year initially with possibilities of extension depending on availability of funds and satisfactory performance, any need for services beyond this initial period will be communicated to the incumbent accordingly.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.

Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

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 ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.

All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

 

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements