In Country Facilitator

Job Highlight

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to climate action and sustainable development in Antigua and Barbuda. The position offers a chance to work directly with the government and international partners, influencing policy and project implementation in a critical area. The role provides exposure to high-level climate change initiatives and the opportunity to build strong relationships with key stakeholders.

About The Project Office

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.

About The Group

The NDC Partnership

The NDC Partnership is a global coalition, bringing together more than 250 members, including more than 130 countries, developed and developing, and more than 110 institutions to deliver on ambitious climate action that helps achieve the Paris Agreement and drive sustainable development. Governments identify their NDC implementation priorities and the type of support that is needed to translate them into actionable policies and programs. Based on these requests, the membership offers a tailored package of expertise, technical assistance and funding. This collaborative response provides developing countries with efficient access to a wide range of resources to adapt to and mitigate climate change and foster more equitable and sustainable development. The NDC Partnership Support Unit is jointly hosted by the World Resources Institute (WRI), the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the UN Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC). For this project, the Consultant will be contracted through UNOPS.

Role Purpose

The In-Country Facilitator will serve as the NDC Partnership’s interface in Antigua and Barbuda, operating as a liaison between the country and other NDC Partnership members. The role is one of coordination and supportive facilitation, ensuring the smooth implementation of the NDC Country Engagement Process by supporting ongoing coordination efforts between the Support Unit of the NDC Partnership, the various partners of the Partnership, and the Government. The incumbent will be responsible for strengthening national coordination in terms of resource mobilization and monitoring the implementation of the NDC.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• 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, request for support letters or equivalent instrument. To this end, usage of existing government coordination mechanisms shall be prioritized. Organize meetings to monitor and coordinate the implementation of the Partnership Plan, or equivalent instrument, 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. When an Online Partnership Plan does not exist yet, support the transition to the online tool. Identify implementing and development partners, compile and periodically update their contact details (name of focal point, email address, telephone number) and follow up with them regarding their contribution to the partnership plan or equivalent instrument. When applicable, 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 developments with respect to the Partnership Plan, equivalent instrument and its 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 or an equivalent instrument. Update government needs and priorities for NDC implementation. When Partnership Plans are available, these should be regularly updated. 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, other planning / coordination instruments, as applicable, and requests for support. Assist and provide authoritative advice to International and Development Partners to align climate projects and programmatic objectives with the Partnership Plan or other support planning / coordination instruments as applicable.
• 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.

Deliverables

• Annual work plan, including a methodological description, schedule, activities and expected results.
• Quarterly Country Engagement Update Report, reflecting the progression of activities as per the implementation of the NDC Partnership Plan, RSLs, thematic call requests, and PAF implementation progress.
• Updated NDC Partnership Plan, reflected in the Online Partnership Plan Tool.
• Updated partner contact list.
• Reports for coordination meetings facilitated periodically with partners supporting NDC Partnership Plan, RSLs, thematic call requests, and PAF, including inception, technical, validation and approval of workshops.

Required Education Requirements

A master’s degree in public policy, development, climate change, natural resource management, environmental management, Marine management and any other relevant field of study with 5 years of relevant experience. Bachelor's degree in related discipline with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience (7 total) may be accepted instead of an advanced degree.

Required Experience Requirements

At least 5 years of relevant work experience in public, private, UN Agencies or third sector institutions with a special focus on coordination and articulation of different actors and project management in climate change, environmental and natural resource management, development cooperation and related fields. Experience in multilateral, national and grassroot governance and processes related to climate change, policy and/or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Knowledge of the country’s context of policy frameworks, national plans and strategies related to climate change is required. Experience working on climate change with a national government technical or policy department.

Desired

Familiarity with UNFCCC processes including Subsidiary Body and Conference of Parties (CoP), NDC and past experience on government climate change process. Ability to foster formal and informal networks to strengthen cooperation between agencies, including Government, private sector participants, NGOs and other stakeholders. Experience in facilitating the implementation of National Communications, Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), NDCs is an asset. Experience of other national contexts that indirectly contribute to climate change and proven experience in project management, ideally in a developing country context is desirable. Demonstrated knowledge of governance, strategic planning, public policies, national plans, strategies, and policies related to environmental and climate change issues is desirable.

Key skills/competency

• Climate Change Coordination
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Project Management
• Policy Implementation
• Resource Mobilization
• Partnership Development
• Reporting and Analysis
• International Development
• Environmental Management
• Public Policy