Background

The Regional Collaboration Centres provide facilitative support to Parties and Non-Party stakeholders in their respective regions towards the fulfillment of the mandates under the Kyoto Protocol, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. Since the adoption of the Paris Climate Change Agreement in December 2015, this also includes facilitative support towards the preparation and implementation of countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and long-term low GHG emission development strategies (LT-LEDS). A growing number of Parties are considering Article 6 as a possible approach for implementing their climate commitments  under the Paris Agreement, as contained in their NDCs.. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement enabled cooperative approaches and countries are looking towards operationalizing it their national context to  enable their full participation in these cooperative approaches..

The Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA), at its third session, adopted rules, modalities, and procedures (RMPs) for the mechanism established by Article 6, paragraph 4, of the Paris Agreement (Article 6.4 mechanism). Paragraph 33 of the RMP states mechanism methodologies shall require demonstration that the mitigation activity aligns with latest NDC of the host Party increasing ambition in the NDCs and aligns with the LT-LEDs. 2024, workplan of the Article 6.4 Methodological Expert Panel 2024, consider the revision of CDM methodologies, ACM0002, AMS-I. D, AMS-I.C, ACM0001, AMS-II.G, AMS-I.E^[1].

The Supervisory Body of the Article 6.4 mechanism adopted the procedure for the ” Transition of CDM activities to the Article 6.4 mechanism[2]. As a result, approximately 1700 CDM projects worldwide have requested to transition to the Article 6.4 mechanism and around 1400 projects completed the global stakeholder consultation. These projects will adopt Article 6.4 methodologies starting in 2025, once the CDM methodologies are transitioned to Article 6.4 methodologies. This terms of reference requires comprehensive analysis elaborating the alignment of above CDM Methodologies vs respective CDM projects under transition in countries globally.

Outline of the Work

The short-term expert will be working under the overall supervision of the Regional Lead, RCC MENA SA, and in close coordination with the Article 6 and Carbon Pricing Specialist. The work of the short-term expert will rely on the substantive guidance of relevant colleagues from the Markets and Non-Markets Support and Stakeholders Interaction subdivision. The incumbent will be responsible for the following tasks:

Task 1: Review and Analysis

• Comprehensive Review of CDM Projects under Transition Methodologies ACM 0002, AM 0025, and AMS III.G. Conduct a detailed examination of these methodologies’ structures, key components, and processes for reducing greenhouse gas emissions as applied to these projects.
• Analysis of NDC and LT-LEDS Commitments: Review the sectors covered, types of proposed mitigation actions, and overall ambition level. Analyse the commitments of countries, focusing on their specific targets, strategies, and timelines for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with sectoral specifications of the target methodologies.

Task 2: Linkage and Alignment

• Mapping Projects to NDCs & LT-LEDS: Map the projects against the NDCs and LT-LEDS to identify areas of alignment and emissions reduction potential. Identify other mitigation actions linked with ACM 0002 (e.g., Regional Energy Supply arrangements), AM 0025, AMS III.G methodologies, and NDC commitments.
• Compliance with Transition Standards: Identify options and methods by which projects can comply with transition standards and any aspects related to host country requirements.

Task 3: Consultation and Coordination

• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with key stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, and relevant experts.
• Organize Online Consultations and Workshops: Facilitate online consultations, virtual workshops, and meetings to gather input and feedback on the proposed modifications and alignment strategies.

Outcome

This short-term assignment is expected to result in the following deliverables:

An inception Report detailing the approach of methodologies analysis and review, including NDC linkages. The inception report will provide a detailed analysis of specific CDM methodologies, reviewing how these methodologies align with the sectoral targets outlined in the NDCs of various countries. The report will demonstrate how the application of these methodologies can facilitate the achievement of NDC targets through the transition of CDM projects.

A detailed report as described below:

• The detailed report will outline on projects alignment with relevan NDCs and the emissions reduction targets of relevant countries in the region, along with strategies to ensure that these projects comply with Article 6.4 transition and NDC requirements, while addressing regional circumstances.
• Additionally, the report will discuss project alignment with relevant country LT-LEDs, focusing on strategies to ensure that these projects comply with Article 6.4 transition and LT-LEDs requirements, while addressing regional circumstances.
• For countries with a high number of CDM projects linked to a specific methodology, the report will examine how these projects align with relevant NDCs and LT-LEDs. It will detail how these projects contribute to long-term low-emission development strategies by reducing emissions and increasing ambition.
• Furthermore, the report will offer recommendations for future actions, including refining methodologies to better support NDC implementation, enhancing capacity-building efforts for project developers, and promoting regional collaboration to address common challenges in transitioning CDM projects to Article 6.4.

Timelines

Timeframe
20 to 25 working days spread over 3 months, part-time. Lump sum compensation 8,000 USD.

Duty station and places of travel
Remote

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in environmental economics, energy economics, international relations, climate change or related areas is required. Additional 2 years of experience might be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• At least 5 years of professional experience relevant to carbon pricing, carbon markets, economics policy and legal framework and green finance/climate finance.
• Detailed knowledge on UNFCCC climate change negotiations, with particular focus on Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement (including Article 6 and NDC Implementation).
• Familiarity with the major climate change mitigation policies in the target countries with proven networks within the government, private sector and civil societies in MENA is an asset.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Fluency in English and strong drafting skills.

Desired: excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to convey complex topics to a non-specialist audience.

Apply Now