Background

UNDP and the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia (MoE) are implementing the project Building Armenia’s National Transparency Framework under Paris Agreement” UNDP-GEF Project (CBIT Project). As the project title indicates, the immediate objective of the project is to meet enhanced transparency requirements as defined in Article 13 of the Paris Agreement by strengthening institutional and technical capacity for measuring and reporting on emissions, mitigation and adaptation activities, and support received.

Article 13 of the Paris Agreement establishes an Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) in order to provide a clear understanding of climate change action through reporting on action and support received. The transparency framework shall build on and enhance the transparency arrangements under the Convention, including national communications, biennial update reports (BUR) and international consultation and analysis. Paragraphs 7 to 10 of Article 13 require each Party to regularly provide a national inventory report, information necessary to track progress made in implementing and achieving its NDC, information related to climate change impacts and adaptation, and information on support received. Article 13 also requires all Parties to establish institutions for ongoing monitoring.

At present, Armenia lacks the institutional arrangements and technical capacity to comply with enhanced transparency requirements. It also lacks a proper MRV infrastructure for assessing and reporting on mitigation and adaptation actions and policies and on support received.

Output 3.2.3 of CBIT Project aims to develop a methodology for reporting on support received.  This output will adopt guidelines on reporting support received for climate change mitigation and adaptation activities and will improve coordination on reporting from various sources. Different agencies, local governments, the private sector, and NGOs currently receive support for climate-related activities. These efforts are not coordinated, and therefore not all of them can be captured.

For more project information visit: http://nature-ic.am/en/projects/Building-Armenia’s-National-Transparency-Framework-under-Paris-Agreement/1039

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Climate Change Programme Coordinator and guidance of Task Lead expert and in cooperation with the project expert team, the Consultant will be responsible for the following activities:

• Develop methodology for information collection on financial support received under Article 9 of the Paris Agreement following the Decision 5/CMA.3. “Guidance operationalizing the modalities, procedures and guidelines for the enhanced transparency framework referred to in Article 13 of the Paris Agreement”[1]:

1. Identify the typology of climate finance support received by types, source, responsible national entity;
2. Assess what kinds of institutional mechanisms exist and how climate change-related information can be filtered for tracking and reporting purposes;
3. Define the scope of national framework, appropriate for the identified data sources for tracking support received.

• Provide recommendations on the most appropriate institutional level approach for monitoring and reporting the financial flows ensuring transparency. Consult the proposed approach with key stakeholders.
• Present the results of the task at the workshop with the stakeholders, summarize the results and incorporate them into the final protocol.
• In line with developed approach collect information on financial support received by Armenia for 2020-2021.

4. Expected Deliverables, Draft Timeframe and Schedule of Payments

Payment mode:

• Evaluation of outcomes is the responsibility of the UNDP Climate Change Programme Coordinator/Project Manager.
• Estimated duration of the tasks is 40 consultancy days within the period of 6 February - 10 April, 2023. Payments will be made based on submitted and accepted deliverables.
• Payment will be made in three installments upon completion of the tasks under each output and approval of deliverables by the UNDP country office.

[1] Decision 5/CMA.3, Table III.7 Information on financial support received by developing country Parties under Article 9 of the Paris Agreement of Annex III. Common tabular formats for the electronic reporting of the information on financial, technology development and transfer and capacity-building support provided and mobilized, as well as support needed and received, under Articles 9–11 of the Paris Agreement

Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with people of different social and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong analytical skills, excellent coordination and collaboration skills, proven ability to work under time pressure and handle multiple activities and tasks concurrently.
• Proven knowledge of communication tools, excellent writing skills, track record with producing high quality research/analytical reports and papers.
• Timely delivery of good-quality products.
• Ability to express ideas clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and to participate effectively in team-based information sharing.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree or equivalent in the relevant field (technical, natural sciences, environmental management, or relevant related fields). Advanced degree will be an asset. 

Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in working with public finance;
• At least 3 years of experience in climate finance;
• At least 3 of experience in international projects and knowledge of Armenia’s financing system;
• Relevant experience with the United Nations or another international organization is an asset.

Language Skills

• Proficiency in Armenian; good knowledge of written and spoken English.