Background Information – Job-specific

 

WEC Background:

The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna, and with offices based globally is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolio Office. The Portfolio has built strong partnerships and is effectively managing a portfolio of over 500 million USD over the last 15 years to support key initiatives with fund management, project implementation and administrative support.

WEC effectively operationalizes partners’ agendas with global approaches, as well as regional and country specific activities focused on climate action, protection and conservation of the environment. Partners profit from WEC’s ability to operationalize and/or scale up their important substantive agendas, including in support of key multilateral environmental and climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, the Cartagena Convention as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.

The NDC Partnership:

The NDC Partnership is a global coalition of countries and institutions collaborating to drive transformational climate action through sustainable development. In 2015, the world endorsed the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Nations signal their commitments to the Paris Agreement through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – each country’s strategy to cut its own greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience against the negative effects of a changing climate. The Partnership advances the goals of the Paris Agreement by bringing together nearly 200 countries and institutions in new ways to accelerate NDC implementation and enhance ambition over time. The Partnership’s work through 120 partners supporting almost 80 countries produces many examples of impact, lessons learned and ideas for the future. The Partnership is governed by a Steering Committee, co-chaired by two country representatives. The Partnership’s work is facilitated by a Support Unit based at World Resources Institute in Washington DC and the UNFCCC Secretariat in Bonn, Germany. UNOPS supports the NDC Partnership and its Support Unit through the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC).

Country Context

The Gambia is among the top 100 countries most vulnerable to climate change (The Gambia, 2022). The Gambia is experiencing erratic weather patterns and is vulnerable to coastal erosion and sea level rise. Climate change directly impacts sustainable development of the economy and wellbeing of the people and their resilience to climate change shocks. The Gambia submitted its revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in September 2021. The NDC has an ambitious target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 49.7% compared to the expected baseline level in 2030. To implement the NDC, The Gambia has developed an NDC Implementation Plan (2021-2030) which was launched in July 2024. In addition, The Gambia has developed a Long-Term Climate-Neutral Development Strategy 2050 (LTS). Moving forward, The Gambia in collaboration with the NDC Partnership and its members will embark on the process of updating and developing the next NDC in alignment with the LTS.

To strengthen the technical capacity and coordination on climate change, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNAR) through the National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) has requested the NDC Partnership for an NDC In-Country Facilitator. The facilitator will be embedded in the NCCS and will be responsible for coordinating and providing high level technical support for the implementation of the NDC through operationalising the online NDC Implementation Plan. The NDC In-country facilitator will work closely with various sectors, addressing climate change issues and relevant policies/regulations, fostering stronger partnerships with implementing and development partners, and collaborating with the Climate Finance Advisor within the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MoFEA) to mobilize resources aligned with the NDC Implementation Plan towards achieving the NDCs targets.

* This is a Homebased position, meaning that the incumbent will not work from a UNOPS office but from the government facilities. Therefore the incumbent will need to use his/her own laptop and software.

** As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of the Gambia or have a valid residence permit in the Country.

Functional Responsibilities

 

The NDC In-Country Facilitator will serve as the NDC Partnership’s interface in the country and operate as a liaison between the country and other NDC Partnership members. The role is one of coordination, technical advisory, and supportive facilitation. He/she plays a key role in ensuring the smooth implementation of the Country Engagement Process, by supporting ongoing coordination efforts between the Support Unit of the NDC Partnership, the various partners of the Partnership, and the government of The Gambia.

The NDC In-Country Facilitator will be embedded in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNAR) through the National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS). He/she will be responsible for strengthening national capacity, coordination for the NDC process, resource mobilization and monitoring the implementation of the NDC Implementation Plan. He/she will support the government Focal Point of the NDC Partnership in his daily tasks of implementing the NDC Implementation Plan and other forms of support towards NDC implementation.

 

Competencies

 

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• A master’s degree preferably in public policy, development, climate change, natural resource management, environmental management, or other relevant field of study.
• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline in combination with additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

Required

• Five (5) years’ experience in the public and/or private sector with a focus on climate change, project management, stakeholder and donor engagement and preparation of cross-cutting workplan/proposal development.
• Experience in multilateral, national and/or grassroot governance and processes related to climate change, policy and/or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Knowledge of Gambian context of policy frameworks, national plans and strategies related to climate change is required.
• Proven experience in fostering formal and informal networks to strengthen cooperation between agencies, including Government, private sector participants, NGOs and other stakeholders

Asset

• Experience in facilitating the implementation of NDCs is an asset.
• Experience of other national contexts that directly or indirectly contribute to climate change is desirable.
• Familiarity with UNFCCC processes including Subsidiary Body and Conference of Parties (CoP), NDC and/or past experience on government climate change processes is an advantage.

• Demonstrated experience to foster networks with senior leaders and high-level audiences.
• Excellent communication (Written and Oral) Skills

Language

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another local language (e.g. Wollof, Mandinka or Pulaar.) is desirable

** As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of the Gambia or have a valid residence permit in the Country.

Contract type, level and duration

 

Contract type: ICA / ICS 10 retainer
Contract level: Local ICA 10
Contract duration: 12 months, 220 days, with possibility of extension depending on performance and on availability of funds

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

 

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.