1. Background

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the focus of the political process to address Climate Change. The secretariat supports the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement through a range of activities, including substantive and organizational support to meetings of the Parties.

The Adaptation division of the UNFCCC secretariat supports the intergovernmental process. This process includes activities relating to national adaptation plans, national adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs), the Nairobi work programme (NWP), the work programme on loss and damage, the work of the Adaptation Committee, the work programme of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG), the work on Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP), research and systematic observation under the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), and support for the implementation of adaptation action under the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Paris Agreement.

The Regional Collaboration Centres (RCCs) support national climate action through capacity-building, technical assistance, and strategic networking. Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in December 2015, the RCCs have had the broader task of supporting the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The UN Climate Change secretariat and its partner organizations operate six RCCs worldwide, of which RCC MENA and South Asia facilitates the acceleration of climate action in 30 countries in the region.

2. Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Lead of the RCC MENA and SA and overall guidance of the substantive teams of the Adaptation Division, the Regional Adaptation Specialist will implement the activities under the Adaptation workstream of the RCC MENA and SA workplan, including supporting countries in formulating and implementing national adaptation plans (NAPs). The Regional Adaptation Specialist will leverage the RCC’s regional presence and network to advance the work on NAPs.

3. Outline of the Work

The incumbent will be responsible for the following tasks:

Support the strategic planning and implementation of regional adaptation priorities, including advancing support to countries on national adaptation plans.

• Develop a comprehensive database of regional adaptation partners and initiatives to facilitate stakeholder engagement on NAPs.
• Compile adaptation country profiles, including identifying gaps, needs, and support provided to inform regional priorities, strategic planning, and policy advice.
• Support the LEG&NAP Unit in compiling information on the progress on NAPs, as well as on obstacles, and challenges faced by the countries in making progress.
• Support the delivery of regional capacity-building support and outreach activities on the formulation and implementation of NAPs.
• Increase the visibility and ambition of adaptation efforts through proactive outreach, awareness-raising activities, and engagement platforms.

Perform any other job-related activity required to achieve the goals and objectives of the Adaptation division and/or secretariat

• Participate in cross-divisional projects, provide support in unforeseen areas of need, and adapt to evolving priorities within the scope of the Adaptation Division and the RCC’s support of adaptation-related activities.

Timeframe

12 months, Part time.

Duty station and places of travel

Remote

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in international relations, law, climate change, environmental or social sciences or related areas is required. Additional 2 years of experience in lieu of the advanced degree.
• At least 3 years of professional experience relevant to climate change adaptation, development assistance, sustainable development and associated international and national governance and regulatory systems.
• Demonstrable skills and competencies in stakeholder engagements on adaptation and resilience; transformations and loss and damage
• Familiarity with UNFCCC process and the landscape of adaptation support
• Very strong analytical and drafting skills as well as good planning and organizing skills.
• Fluency in English (both oral and written).
• Working proficiency in other UN languages is an asset.