Partnerships Specialist (NDC Partnership In-Country Facilitator - Benin)

Job categories Partnerships

Vacancy code VA/2023/B5002/25362

Department/office GPO, GVA, Water, Environment & Climate (WEC)

Duty station Porto-Novo, Benin

Contract type Local ICA Specialist

Contract level LICA Specialist-10

Duration One year, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Application period 30-Jan-2023 to 13-Feb-2023

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

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

This vacancy is closed.

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Background Information - Job-specific

Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO)

The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:

Infrastructure
Procurement
Project Management (full service, back on track)
HR and Transactional Services
Grants Management
Technical and Advisory Services
Project Information

WEC Background

UNOPS Water, Environment and Energy Cluster (WEC) supports the design and management of multi-stakeholder initiatives by providing services in financial and grant management, procurement, human resources, and project management. The cluster has supported projects in the areas of water resource management, climate change adaptation, mitigation and transparency, energy access and distribution, and environmental conservation under the Paris Agreement. The WEC has also supported operations and financial management services, in Vienna, the rest of the ECR region, and beyond. The main partners include UN agencies, bilateral agreements (with the Nordics, Germany, and Italy), the Green Climate Fund, and several NGOs (such as CIFF and CWF).

The NDC Partnership

The NDC Partnership is a global coalition of countries and institutions collaborating to drive transformational climate action through sustainable development. In 2015, the world endorsed the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Nations signal their commitments to the Paris Agreement through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) - each country’s strategy to cut its own greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience against the negative effects of a changing climate. The Partnership advances the goals of the Paris Agreement by bringing together nearly 200 countries and institutions in new ways to accelerate NDC implementation and enhance ambition over time. The Partnership’s work through 120 partners supporting almost 80 countries produces many examples of impact, lessons learned and ideas for the future. The Partnership is governed by a Steering Committee, co-chaired by two country representatives. The Partnership’s work is facilitated by a Support Unit based at World Resources Institute in Washington DC and the UNFCCC Secretariat in Bonn, Germany. UNOPS supports the NDC Partnership and its Support Unit through the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC).

Recognizing the importance of having an organization with deep local knowledge to serve as NDC Partnership’s national-level interface and facilitate coordination of the NDC implementation in the country, several countries have recently joined the NDC Partnership to be assisted in advancing the climate agenda and just transition towards a green economy.

The Partnerships Specialist will serve as the NDC Partnership’s interface in the country and operate as a liaison between the country and other NDC Partnership members.
Please note that the incumbent is required to be a national of Benin or hold a valid residence permit in the country.

Functional Responsibilities

The role is one of coordination and supportive facilitation. He/she plays a key ...

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 country’s government.

The incumbent 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 incumbent will implement all tasks under the direct supervision of the NDC Partnership Focal Point and will also work in close collaboration with the NDC Partnership Support Unit. He/she will need to bring his/her own laptop to the ministry's duty station.

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/e...

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: I-ICA-2 Contract duration: Open-end...

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...

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.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

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.

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. Applic...

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. 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.

This vacancy is closed.

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