National Project Coordinator in Costa Rica - NDC Action Project

Result of Service

The National NDC Action Project Coordinator (NPC) is responsible for the achievement of the expected Outcomes and Outputs of the NDC Action Project in Costa Rica, which is the ultimate result of his/her services. This will include a close collaboration with the National Technical Institution (NTI). Furthermore, the ultimate result of the NPC’s services includes the achievement of the expected Outcomes and Outputs of the PAF Panama project (which is linked to NDC Action), as well the successful delivery of support to the Global NDC Action Project team.

Work Location

Home-based, Costa Rica

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The project entitled “NDC Action – Facilitating implementation of climate-resilient and low-carbon development aligned with national and global goals” has been implemented in Costa Rica from March 2020 by United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) together with the Business Alliance for Development (AED – Alianza Empresarial para el Desarrollo) as National Technical Institution (NTI), and in close coordination with the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE). It is expected to continue until November 2024. To achieve the adaptation and mitigation goals of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), countries need to translate their broad NDCs into specific actions. NDCs typically list these actions, but the descriptions often lack specificity and details and are generally weak on institutional arrangements and transparency. By translating each NDC into sectoral portfolios of policies and programs, the project will bridge the gap between the content of the NDCs and the information and capacity required for their implementation. Aligning with Costa Rica’s own NDC priorities, the NDC Action Project helps bridge this gap. The project aims to secure a multi-stakeholder and high-level engagement; provide the technical support to strengthen the capacity of Line Ministries and Sub-regional government bodies responsible for NDC implementation; support development of a portfolio of sectoral policies and programs for two priority sectors selected in each country; support development of investment plans in these sectors; and facilitate experience- sharing, both among the partner countries and beyond. Key elements of the program include the strengthening of NDC relevant institutions and multi-stakeholder consultation mechanisms, the preparation of a portfolio of policies and programs for two prioritized sectors in the country, the mainstreaming of NDCs into climate-friendly investment plans and the support for the development of finance-ready proposals, as well as sharing of lessons learnt across sectors, countries, and regions. NDC Action Project supports countries to accelerate NDC implementation in the following ways: • Build on partner countries’ existing NDC coordination mechanisms and reinforce them where needed. • Help partner countries translate their NDCs into sectoral strategies and actions, including climate- friendly investment plans, ready for financing and implementation. • Build institutional capacity among the ministries and multi-stakeholders through training programs to lead to concrete investments in two priority sectors selected by each partner country. • Facilitate peer-learning at the regional level among partner countries and beyond to foster the uptake of proven policies, programs, and financing schemes for accelerated NDC implementation. UNEP is looking for a National NDC Action Project Coordinator, who will be work 40 hours per week on average, from Monday to Friday, full time and who will collaborate with the government to progress in the NDC Implementation. The incumbent will be supervised by the Global Project Manager at the Mitigation Branch of the UNEP Climate Division and will work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica. • The NDC Project Coordinator (NPC) is responsible for the achievement of the expected Outcomes and Outputs of the NDC Action Project in Costa Rica. • Deliver workshop reports from high-level closure events, multi-stakeholder consultation meetings, and training workshops that aim to strengthen institutional capacity. • Manage and coordinate the day-to-day activities in order to ensure that the project meets its objectives and achieves expected outcomes. • Carry out stakeholders’ analysis, engagement strategy and monitor its implementation. • Ensure that the project meets its objectives and achieves expected outcomes in close coordination with national focal points. • Prepare annual work plans in consultation with project partners. • Prepare the Project progress reports. • Ensure coordination with relevant national institutions and government ministries to ensure that project activities are distinct and fully complementary to other national initiatives. • Implement the necessary strategies for gender mainstreaming. • Attend and prepare national technical workshops. • Provide accurate and up-to-date technical advice, inputs and guidance on issues related to the implementation of the project activities according to any change in the national context relevant for project implementation. • Liaison and engagement with national stakeholders and local climate change involved entities. • Co-drafting and reviewing of all products assigned to local and international experts. • Regular meetings and briefs to high level political authorities on strategies and policies to increase private sector engagement to the NDC implementation and the project objectives. • Incorporate innovative approaches to implement Costa Rican NDC in the previous expected deliverables as a crosscutting activity. • Coordinate the processes of technical and financial closure of NDC Action Costa Rica project before the government of Costa Rica, UNEP, and the donor. • Provide inputs to narrative implementation reports in Costa Rica with a focus on in-person activities taking place with the private sector in the country, along with Implementing Partners in the country. • Provide insights for scaling up and replicate best practices and lessons learnt of the NDC Action Costa Rica project to other sectors and countries in the region to leverage project proposals and concept notes with NDC Action’s donors and other potential donors. • Upon request, contribute to the organization of knowledge sharing and capacity-building sessions (south-south cooperation knowledge sharing sessions) to ensure that UNEP partners and project stakeholders are well-informed about the project's objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes. Such sessions will be conducted in close consultation with UNEP global and regional project coordinators, when/if this need materializes. • Conduct regular assessments and evaluations of project activities to identify areas for improvement and ensure continuous learning throughout the project implementation phase. • Contribute to the development of a large IKI proposal, in close consultation with UNEP global and regional project coordinators when/if this need materializes. • Provide technical inputs to additional project support in the context of Costa Rica’s NDC revision process, which will be accompanied by the project. • Coordination of the PAF Panama project, with up to 20% of his/her time, on average. • Upon request, provide support to the global NDC Action project team as needed. • Any other project-related task needed for the achievement of the project outcomes.

Qualifications/special skills

● Bachelor's degree in environmental science, public policy, economics, or engineering (required). ● A minimum of 2 years of professional experience related to climate change policy development and analysis, and capacity building processes in relation to climate change mitigation and adaptation (required). ● Experience working with private sector, sectorial organizations and/or other related stakeholders promoting their involvement in the NDC implementation (required). ● Experience in the development and implementation processes of public policies regarding compliance with the NDCs in Costa Rica is desirable. ● Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to climate change mitigation and adaptation planning is desired. ● Experience in the management of adaptation and decarbonization roadmaps for private sector towards net zero goals is an additional asset. PROFESSIONALISM ● Has a solid commitment to the goal of indigenous people’s inclusivity. ● Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. ● Excellent understanding of national climate change commitments. ● Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to climate change, indigenous peoples, and adaptation planning. ● Ability to identify, analyze and participate in resolving issues/problems. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work, and manage conflicting priorities. ● Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. ● Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. ● Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. ● Shows persistence when faced with complex problems or challenges. ● Remains calm in stressful situations. TEAMWORK: ● Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. ● solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise. ● is willing to learn from others; supports and acts per final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. ● shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: ● Develops clear goals consistent with agreed strategies. ● Identifies priority activities and assignments. ● Adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate time and resources for completing work. ● Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. ● Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. ● Uses time efficiently.

Languages

● Fluency in Spanish is required. ● Confident level in English is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.