Climate Policy Specialist

Update

The UNDP Climate Promise Program is the largest initiative supporting over 120 countries, including Bhutan, in implementing their national climate pledges, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), under the Paris Agreement. The program focuses on enhancing climate resilience and achieving carbon neutrality combining sustainable development and environment conservation, institutional strengthening, and climate finance to support Bhutan’s climate ambition. At COP29, Bhutan, together with Madagascar, Panama, and Suriname, launched the G-ZERO (G-0) Forum under Bhutan’s leadership, with policy advisory support from the UNDP through a UNDP-RGoB joint project, Bhutan Opportunities for Leadership Development (BOLD).

The G-0 Forum brings together carbon-negative and carbon-neutral nations to strengthen efforts in protecting and enhancing carbon sinks, promoting nature-positive development, and boosting climate resilience. It aims to amplify member countries’ voices in global climate policy, mobilize innovative financing for conservation, and advocate for ambitious emissions reductions by 2035 in line with the 1.5°C pathway.

Aligned with the Paris Agreement, the Summit of the Future’s Pact for the Future, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Forum will foster collaboration on policy, technical expertise, and knowledge sharing. With a rotating presidency and a permanent Secretariat based in Bhutan, the Forum seeks a highly motivated and skilled individual to drive its objectives and secure resources for sustained impact.

Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Resident Representative, direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative, and working closely with the UNDP’s Environment and Livelihoods and Governance Portfolio Managers, the Climate Policy Specialist will work closely with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) of Bhutan on the implementation of the Climate Promise agenda encompassing G-0 component of the BOLD project. The task involves developing and implementing a strategic plan focused on policy advice, advocacy, communication, resource mobilization, and outreach. He/she will support the PMO in facilitating discussion and dialogue among the Forum members. The role requires a strong background in climate diplomacy and climate finance, as well as prior experience in facilitating inter-agency, and inter-governmental forums, networks, and compacts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the Development and implementation of a strategic work plan focused on policy engagement, institutional strengthening, communication, advocacy and outreach, climate financing opportunities, and resource mobilization under the guidance of the PMO and Forum members.
• Leverage the expertise and resources of UNDP’s Global Policy Network (GPN) to enhance the effectiveness and reach of these initiatives.
• Provide technical and advisory services on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience initiatives.
• Support the development and review of the NDC strategies aligned with national priorities and the Paris Agreement
• Coordinate with global, regional, and country office colleagues to ensure cohesion and leverage UNDP’s internal coordination capacity in support of the G-0 Forum, given its multi-country and regional scope.
• Identify and strengthen partnerships with but not limited to multilateral organizations, financial institutions, and private sector and research organizations.
• Co-design and develop project concepts and proposals for identified donors to support the forum.
• Support the PMO in facilitating discussion and dialogue among Forum members.
• Support the organization of the Forum’s high-level events and consultations with stakeholders
• Upon request, support the operationalization of the Forum Secretariat.

Results/expected outputs:

Strategic Work Plan Developed under the guidance of the PMO and the Forum members
• A comprehensive work plan developed for the Forum, outlining key milestones for policy engagement, advocacy, communication, partnership development, resource mobilization, and outreach.
• Implementation roadmap developed ensuring alignment with Forum objectives and priorities of the member countries.

Partnerships and Ideas for Resource Mobilization Developed
• Identified and established strategic partnerships towards the Forum’s resource mobilization efforts.
• Co-designed and developed project concepts and proposals for identified donors.

High-Level Events and Consultations Supported
• Successful execution of high-level events, workshops, and consultations of the Forum supported.
• Increased stakeholder participation and engagement in Forum activities.

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination Enhanced
• Consultations and coordination meetings with Forum members supported in close collaboration with the RGoB.
• Effective participation of the Forum in international and regional dialogues in global climate discussions supported.

Policy and Advocacy Materials Developed
• Develop policy briefs, reports, and communication materials to support the decision-making and advocacy efforts of the Forum and its members.
• Knowledge products disseminated to stakeholders, ensuring informed policy dialogue.

Operationalization of the Forum Secretariat Supported (Only Upon Request)
• Functional coordination mechanisms to facilitate effective implementation of Forum activities supported.
• Development and implementation of governance and operational guidelines for the Forum Secretariat supported.