WEC Background:
The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna, and with offices based globally, is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolio Office. The Portfolio has built strong partnerships and is effectively managing a portfolio of over 500 million USD over the last 15 years to support key initiatives with fund management, project implementation and administrative support.
WEC effectively operationalizes partners' agendas with global approaches, as well as regional and country specific activities focused on climate action, protection and conservation of the environment. Partners profit from WEC’s ability to operationalize and/or scale up their important substantive agendas, including in support of key multilateral environmental and climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, the Cartagena Convention as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.
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).
Country Context
In October 2021, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), significantly increasing its ambition on mitigation by raising its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target from 14% to 31% by 2030 compared to the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. The updated NDC is inextricably linked to the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which brings together prioritized adaptation actions to improve long-term resilience and adaptive capacity. Jordan has also created a roadmap for a long-term low-carbon and climate-resilient strategy.
Building on these efforts, Jordan issued its National Climate Change Policy (2022-2050) in 2022, outlining a comprehensive strategy for creating a climate-resilient society and becoming carbon-neutral by 2050. This policy is consistent with Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision and the goals of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. To support effective climate action, Jordan has prioritized key sectors, including transportation, water, agriculture, energy, and health. The government has formed Sectoral Working Groups, chaired by different ministries, to identify and implement priority NDC initiatives.
Through its collaboration with the NDC Partnership, Jordan developed an Action Plan for its NDC followed by a sector-led prioritization exercise resulting in 35 costed climate projects for partner support that contribute to mitigation and adaptation. The plan prioritizes changes in the transportation, water, agriculture, energy, and health sectors. Jordan’s government set up Sectoral Working Groups for the five key NDC sectors led by the respective ministries. Each undertook a prioritization exercise to identify key NDC actions for priority implementation.
Jordan has a strong foundation for climate action to build upon—both nationally and locally—and continues to prepare NDC projects for partner investment. To achieve its NDC targets, additional technical assistance and climate financing targeted towards high-impact mitigation and adaptation projects will be required.
This is a retainer national vacancy/position for twelve 12 months, maximum of 220 working days, with the possibility of an extension based on performance and the availability of funds.
* This is a Home-based position, meaning the incumbent will be expected to work from government offices in Jordan and not work from a UNOPS office or home. Additionally, the incumbent will need to take their own laptop, equipped with all the relevant software, to government facilities.
** As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of Jordan or have a valid residence permit in the Country.
*** Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.