UNDP Jobs - 100490- NDC Coordinator (In-Country Facilitator)

NDC Coordinator (In-Country Facilitator)

Location :

Mbabane, SWAZILAND

Type of Contract :

NPSA (Regular)

Starting Date :

01-Sep-2021

Application Deadline :

06-Aug-21 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

NPSA-10

Duration of Initial Contract :

Twelve months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Twelve months

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini joined the NDC Partnership in December 2018. The NDC Partnership is a coalition of countries and institutions committed to supporting countries in implementing and increasing the ambition of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The Country Engagement started when the NDC Partnership received an application from Eswatini government under round one of the Climate Action Enhancement Package (CAEP) in summer 2019. The government’s CAEP application included 25 requests or activities. A majority (84%) of the activities contained in the application had a cross-cutting focus addressing both adaptation and mitigation; 12% focus exclusively on mitigation; 4% have an adaptation focus. All of the activities in Eswatini’s Round 1 CAEP application have been affirmatively responded to by 4 implementing partners: UNDP under the Climate Promise fund, UNEP, COMESA, Commonwealth Secretariat, World Resources Institute together with the NDC Partnership Support Unit – refer to the consolidated CAEP TOR.

Through its CAEP application, the government of Eswatini requested support for the development of a costed NDC Implementation under a government led process that builds on existing systems, plans and policies (CAEP activity A307). The government has also requested for the development of a Partnership Plan to serve as a comprehensive NDC implementation framework (CAEP activity A308) to improve coordination and resource mobilization among stakeholders. Currently, no partners have offered support on the two requests. The NDC Partnership Support Unit is still reaching out to partners alongside the NDC revision outcomes.

To support the revision of Eswatini’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and its coordinated implementation, the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs (MTEA) requested a local NDC In-Country Facilitator to be embedded within the ministry and oversee activities relating to NDC revision, enhancement and implementation. The government is envisaging the Facilitator position to continue to roll out the Eswatini NDC Implementation Plan 2021-2025 through a participatory and integrated process alongside full country engagement with the NDC Partnership.

In support of the Kingdom of Eswatini in implementing her climate action through the Nationally Determined Contribution, UNDP in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs; and Ministry Economic Planning and Development seeks to engage a qualified national facilitator.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Facilitator’s role is of coordination and supportive facilitation to support the development and implementation of the NDC Implementation plan (referred to as NDC Partnership Plan) as well as to wider climate actions implementation. Working on behalf of the government, the Facilitator plays a central role in ensuring the advancement of the NDC Implementation Plan (Partnership Plan) and the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Strategy. The facilitator for the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs will be embedded for a period of three years to support the next steps of the Partnership's country engagement process, including coordinating of the NDC Implementation, support the alignment of the NDC implementation plan to the NDC Partnership online Partnership Plan tool as well as and play a role in mobilization of finance to support implementation, and coordination with other efforts in the country in resource mobilization for climate action in Eswatini. The Facilitator builds synergies across NDC sectors (including meetings of the Technical Advisory Group), engaging government high level institutions, development partners’ coordination platforms and monitor the progress of NDC Implementation Plan (Partnership Plan).

Key Responsibilities

The NDC Facilitators role is purely coordination and technical facilitation in five aspects:

Coordination (internal and external)

Lead and facilitate periodic coordination and information exchanges among partners supporting final NDC revision processes and subsequent Implementation Plan actions in the country.
Facilitate and support MTEA in NDC coordination and monitoring as well as guide overall implementation of NDC across sectors, working through existing coordination and governance mechanisms in country, such as the Technical Advisory Group meetings and its subcommittees; development partners’ coordination platforms among others

Facilitate periodic coordination and information exchanges among partners, with the aim of leveraging and mobilizing their respective advantages in support of the NDC Implementation Plan (Partnership Plan) actions including CAEP Partners and UNDP Climate Promise among others including upcoming initiatives

Development and elaboration of a costed Eswatini’s NDC Implementation Plan;

Alongside the process of NDC revision, the Facilitator will work closely with UNDP to start the process developing and costing Eswatini’s NDC Implementation Plan which will be used as the NDC Partnership Plan. This actual work will start immediately after the NDC revision exercise. All the tasks will be under the guidance and direction of the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs and Ministry of Economic Planning and Development (MEPD)

Integrated Planning and Implementation (whole of government/society)

Support MTEA to coordinate key stakeholders in articulating and achieving their needs regarding NDC targets within a results-based framework format, and development and implementation of the Costed NDC Implementation Plan;
Support the alignment and integration of the Costed NDC Implementation Plan, and others existing national plans/strategies, governance mechanisms and provide services to strengthen coordination and harmonization, as needed.
Support mobilization of domestic and international resources for NDC implementation in collaboration with Ministry of Finance
Support MTEA and MEPD in integrating Gender and Youth considerations in the NDC Implementation Plan and targets.

Capacity Strengthening (in country)

Support MTEA and MEPD, and sectors to develop their capacity through hands on training including accessing the required TAs to develop and implement cross sector NDC priority actions;

Knowledge management, Communications and Reporting

Support the Government of Eswatini in tracking the progress of implementation of the NDC, the Costed NDC Implementation Plan, and general in-country engagement and provide periodic progress updates including success stories to the NDC Partnership Steering Committee, through the Support Unit Knowledge and Learning team.
Support the MTEA and MEPD in facilitating “stop and reflect” exercise to assess NDC Implementation progress and identify areas to strengthen implementation of the NDC implementation plan.

Government effective participation and contribution to Global and Regional platforms on NDC Implementation

Support CoP26 government preparation activities.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS:

An inclusive nationally owned NDC Revised

Periodic teleconferences or physical meeting schedule shared;

An elaborate costed Eswatini’s NDC Implementation Plan completed

Multi stakeholder consultations on the NDC Implementation Plan
A draft costed NDC Implementation Plan
NDC support needs identified and communicated to the NDC Partnership
Final approved and launched NDC Implementation Plan

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND REPORTING

The Facilitator will report to the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs on day-to-day technical aspects of the assignment and to UNDP Resident Representative on contractual obligations in coordination with the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development. He/she will also be reporting and sharing government approved reports to the NDC Partnership Support Unit and the designated focal point of UNDP on key deliverables as per contract.

DURATION OF WORK

The assignment is for 12 months with possibility of extension based on availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

DUTY STATION

The Contractor’s duty station shall be Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs in Eswatini Mbabane with possible travels as determined by the nature of work. Considering the COVID19 pandemic, the contractor may telecommute in in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Demonstrated successful leadership in the design and execution of projects related to the field of climate change
Good understanding of Eswatini’s environment, policies and strategies and development issues as well as national obligations towards the UNFCCC
Familiarity with low carbon, climate resilient development methodologies and approaches
Substantial experience working with the Eswatini Government and in inter-departmental procedures
Familiarity with the Paris Agreement and NDC process is an advantage.
The candidate should be highly motivated, enthusiastic, and capable of working independently. He/she should have a strong technical and policy background on the UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, and NDC process, particularly in priority sectors identified by the Government (Agriculture, water resources, biodiversity and ecosystems, health and energy). The ability to work with a range of stakeholders, across Ministries/Departments/Agencies (MDAs), non-governmental organisations, private sector and research institutions is essential. A good understanding of the national institutional framework is highly desirable.

Personal competencies:

Negotiation and conflict resolution;
Demonstrated leadership and;
Demonstrated ability to foster multi-stakeholder partnerships and foster cooperation between agencies, including Government, private sector, civil society and development partners.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

A master’s degree or PhD in natural resource management, environmental policy, climate change, international development, public policy or public finance management or other relevant field of study.

Experience:

At least 5 years relevant experience in environmental public policy fields with practical experience in climate change adaptation/adaptation/mitigation planning and implementation support.

Language Requirement:

Proficiency in both spoken and written English

Additional Information:

Instructions to Applicants: Click on the "Apply now" button. Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. Please ensure that CV or P11 and the Cover letter are combined in one file. Personal History Form (P11 form);

Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.