National Climate Change Analyst at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations' global development network. It advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life for themselves. It provides expert advice, training and grants support to developing countries, with increasing emphasis on assistance to the least developed countries. It promotes technical and investment cooperation among nations.

Headquartered in New York City, the status of UNDP is that of an executive board within the United Nations General Assembly. The UNDP is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states. The organization operates in 177 countries, where it works with local governments to meet development challenges and develop local capacity.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: National Climate Change Analyst

Job Identification: 8061
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Job Schedule: Full time
Grade: NOB
Vacancy Type: Fixed Term
Practice Area: Nature, Climate and Energy
Bureau: Regional Bureau for Africa
Contract Duration: 1 Year with Possibility for extension

Background

• UNDP CO in Nigeria is well-positioned as a key development partner in knowledge and policy advice as well as supporting access to development financing.
• Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Environmental Specialist/Team Leader, the National Climate Change Analyst is responsible for management of UNDP programme within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned.
• The National Climate Change Analyst analyzes political, social, and economic trends and leads formulation, management, and evaluation of programme activities within his/her portfolio and provides policy advice services. 
• The National Climate Change Analyst position is a critical function that serves to leverage the linkages between the environmental sustainability and inclusive growth portfolio.
• The National Climate Change Analyst supervises and leads programme support staff in the Environment unit, specifically in the planning, coordination and pulling together of project pipeline development under UNDP programme funds.
• The National Climate Change Analyst works in close collaboration with the operations team, programme staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP programme implementation.

Position Purpose

• Implementation of programme strategies.
• Management of the Country Office Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Disaster Risk Reduction pillar within the Inclusive Growth Portfolio, with synergies to Effective and Participatory Governance Portfolio.
• Creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy.
• Provision of top-quality policy advice services to the Government and facilitation of knowledge building and management.

Key Duties and Accountabilities
Ensures implementation of programme strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Thorough analysis and research of the political, social, and economic situation in the country and preparation of substantive inputs to CCA, UNSDCF, CPD and other documents.
• Identification of areas for support and interventions within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned.
• Development of pipeline projects for UNDP programme funds.
• Analyses, articulates, and presents policy information for use in CO programmes and at key external policy and advocacy meetings.
• Work closely with the Programme Management Support Unit to ensure quality assurance and programme implementation are aligned to UNDP’s rules and regulations.

Ensures effective management of the Country Office Environment, Climate Change, Energy pillar within the thematic / sectoral areas assigned focusing on quality control from formulation to implementation of the country programme achieving the following results:

• Effective application of RBM tools, establishment of management targets (BSC) and monitoring achievement of results.
• Design and formulation of Country Office programme within the area of responsibility, translating UNDP’s priorities into local interventions. Co-ordination of programme implementation with the executing agencies. Introduction of performance indicators/ success criteria, cost recovery, targets, and milestones.
• Timely use of UNDP’s online systems for project management with attention to all details required at various online platforms (i.e., Quantum, ERC, Transparency dashboards etc.) to ensure all projects within this portfolio are correctly captured, budgeted, reported, and monitored.
• Financial and substantive monitoring and evaluation of the projects, identification of operational and financial problems, development of solutions. Participation in audit of NIM projects.
• Follow up with PMSU on audit recommendations and ensure exceptions are timely reported.
• Aggregate reports are regularly prepared on activities, outputs and outcomes. Preparation of donor reports.

Ensures creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy in cooperation with the Programme Management Support and Partnerships and Resources Management Team, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Support to development of partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi- lateral donors, private sector, civil society in the specific thematic areas based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors’ priorities.
• Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects, active contribution to the overall office effort in resource mobilization.

Ensures provision of top-quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to programme country policy goals.
• Support to development of policies and institutions that will address the country development challenges in relation to environment, climate change, and energy in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on technical related issues.

Requirements
Education:

• Master's Degree in Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources Management, Land Use Planning or related field.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

• 2 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services in areas related to nature, climate and/or energy.
• Experience in programme management and multilateral development stakeholders.
• Proven experience in resource mobilization,
• Familiarity and experience in working with vertical funds frameworks (GEF, GCF etc.) is an asset.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages,

Language:

• Fluency in written and spoken English (Required).

Expected Demonstration of Competencies:
Core:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
• Learn Continuously LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
• Act with Determination LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

• Business Management  Portfolio Management Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment.
• Business Management  Resource mobilization  Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities and establish a plan to meet funding requirements.
• 2030 Agenda Planet Nature, Climate and Energy Environment: Environmental and social impact assessments, including data collection and analysis. Knowledge of environment issues, concept and principles and the ability to apply strategies and/or practical situations.
• 2030 Agenda Planet Nature, Climate and Energy Climate Change Mitigation: Sustainable Infrastructure. Apply knowledge of climate change adaptation concepts and the ability to apply strategies and/or practical solutions.
• 2030 Agenda Planet Nature, Climate and Energy Energy: Knowledge of Energy efficiency concepts, renewable energy, access to energy; technologies and practical application, and the ability to apply strategies and/or practical solutions.

Application Closing Date
7th February, 2023 (05:59 AM).

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• Candidates selected pursuant to this vacancy may be subject to UNDP’s policy on Probation upon assignment.
• UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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• UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
• UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.