CCAC National Technical Advisor for Kazakhstan

Result of Service

The CCAC National Consultant for Kazakhstan will be responsible for three main streams of work: Coordination: - providing support to the CCAC Focal Points at the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and JSC Zhasyl Damu - providing support to Kazakhstan’s SLCPs agenda - ensuring that the CCAC supported projects are completed within timeline - ensuring that projects’ results are sustainably utilized Driving educational, R&D, and implementation pipeline initiatives - ensuring sustainability of the CCAC projects’ results to be used by technical experts and in educational programs - ensuring preparation of national research priorities addressing climate change and SLCPs - actively working on unlocking funding streams for critical R&D on SCLPs and climate change Supporting with matchmaking and negotiating - Resource mobilization with development partners and CCAC project implementers - Support Kazakhstan’s participation in international climate change dialogues and negotiations - Assist in matchmaking efforts with international and national providers on funding, technology transfer, etc. Activities performed in line with Kazakhstan’s needs and priorities. All deliverables are to be validated by the CCAC Secretariat.

Work Location

Astana, Kazakhstan

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is a partnership of governments, intergovernmental organizations, and representatives of the private sector, the environmental community, and other members of civil society.   The CCAC is the only international initiative working on integrated climate and clean air solutions to reduce the rate of near-term warming. It focuses on fast action to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) including methane, black carbon, HFCs and tropospheric ozone. More information about the CCAC is here: www.ccacoalition.org   As of October 2023, the same team is providing secretariat services to the Global Methane Pledge. More information about the Global Methane Pledge is here: www.globalmethanepledge.org  The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) hosts the Secretariat at the Economy Division in Paris.  Kazakhstan joined the CCAC in 2023. Kazakhstan is a signatory to the Global Methane Pledge supporting the voluntary commitment to reduce global methane emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels. As a new State Partner, in 2024 Kazakhstan requested national planning support and a methane roadmap. The national planning process and resulting National SLCP Plan should inform Kazakhstan's 2025 revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). This work should also strengthen national capacity to develop an integrated SLCP and greenhouse gas integrated assessment. The National Methane Roadmap should leverage emerging data and techniques to enhance emissions inventories, identify compelling abatement strategies, and define methane related policies, programs, and funding streams for implementation. The CCAC is therefore seeking a National Technical Advisor to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan and its subsidiary JSC Zhasyl Damu for national SLCP mitigation planning, policies and implementation and more specifically for the delivery of a National Short-lived Climate Pollutant (SLCP) Plan and a National Methane Roadmap. S/he will work in close collaboration with the CCAC Secretariat team to coordinate the implementation of CCAC projects in Kazakhstan. The CCAC supported projects include (the list can be extended): KZ-24-002 - Kazakhstan - Develop a national SLCP plan to mainstream SLCP mitigation into existing policy and methane roadmap KZ-24-003 - Kazakhstan - Enhancing capacity in SLCP Mitigation in Kazakhstan’s coal mining sector  KZ-24-001T - Strengthening SLCP Mitigation Capacity in Kazakhstan A key aspect of consultant’s work is to promote the development of academic programs and R&D initiatives that align with national climate goals. By collaborating with academic institutions and leveraging the availability of research funding, the consultant will help drive innovation in climate change and SLCP mitigation technologies and strategies. Driving research and educational programs represent a low-hanging fruit, as Kazakhstan can tap into existing funding streams for climate research, capacity building, and technical assistance projects. Furthermore, the consultant will work to integrate research outcomes into national policies and programs, fostering the creation of implementation pipelines. This includes establishing collaborations between academia, government and industry to ensure the sustainability of CCAC project results. Through this approach, the consultant will facilitate the growth of a national climate research ecosystem, enhancing Kazakhstan's capacity to meet its climate and SLCP mitigation commitments while unlocking additional funding for R&D efforts. The National Technical Advisor will work closely with national stakeholders to ensure Kazakhstan's interests and priorities are well-represented, especially in negotiations concerning SLCP and methane mitigation. The consultant will assist in preparing technical documentation, drafting position papers, and providing insights during negotiations on technology transfer and financial assistance. By leveraging their expertise, they will help Kazakhstan navigate complex international agreements, ensuring the country aligns its climate goals with global commitments while securing valuable partnerships and support. In addition to international negotiations, the consultant will focus heavily on supporting acquiring funding for SLCP and climate mitigation projects and negotiating with technology providers (if necessary). This includes assisting in securing favorable terms, ensuring the technology is both cost-effective and suitable for Kazakhstan’s specific needs. The consultant will also work with national entities and major emitters, engaging them in negotiations to increase their climate ambition by aligning their operations with SLCP reduction targets. A key aspect of their role will involve assessing the trustworthiness of cost estimates provided by technology providers and national stakeholders, ensuring that investments are sound and aligned with long-term climate goals. By fostering strong relationships with key emitters and development partners, the consultant will help Kazakhstan unlock critical funding streams and ensure the successful implementation of its SLCP mitigation strategies.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Doctorate level) in engineering, environment or international relations, or a related field is required.A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.  - Experience across multiple sectors, including policy, academia, and the commercial sector is required. - Transferable skills across the sectors and experience performing multidisciplinary roles, but not limited to, consulting, working in international organizations, in project-based roles or in cross-sectoral collaborations (public-private partnerships, applied and commercial research projects) is required. - A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in strategic management, policy development, international relations, multi-stakeholder coordination, or climate/environmental policy is required. - Knowledge of climate change, climate-related development issues, and climate co-benefits is required.  - Experience supporting decision makers with analytics, leading or supporting the NDC preparation process is required. - At least 3 years of professional experience (can be concurrent) in international policy or commercial negotiations, with a proven track record of building cross-border partnerships and securing funding for large-scale projects is required. - Demonstrated relevant experience leading educational and research initiatives is required. - Demonstrated experience organizing capacity-building events (training courses, study trips, networking, and matchmaking sessions) is required. - Demonstrated experience organizing formal education programs and facilitating research-orientated projects is required. Experience in engaging high-level decision makers is desirable. - Demonstrated experience kick-starting and leading initiatives in collaboration with commercial and academic entities, focusing on areas such as sustainable practices, corporate social responsibility, or international development is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English, Russian and Kazakh (written and spoken) is required. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to prepare high-quality reports and presentations in English, Russian, and Kazakh 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.