JOB DESCRIPTION

Water & Energy Cluster Background:

 

The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio under the UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office has built

strong partnerships and has effectively been managing a portfolio of 490 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, bringing together more than 250 members, including more than 130 countries, developed and developing, and more than 110 institutions to deliver on ambitious climate action that helps achieve the Paris Agreement and drive sustainable development. Governments identify their NDC implementation priorities and the type of support that is needed to translate them into actionable policies and programs. Based on these requests, the membership offers a tailored package of expertise, technical assistance and funding. This collaborative response provides developing countries with efficient access to a wide range of resources to adapt to and mitigate climate change and foster more equitable and sustainable development. The NDC Partnership Support Unit is jointly hosted by the World Resources Institute (WRI), the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the UN Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC). For this project, the Consultant will be contracted through UNOPS.

Guatemala Country Context:

English

Guatemala joined the NDC Partnership in 2017. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) serves as the national focal point to the Partnership, coordinating technical assistance and convening stakeholders to advance national climate priorities.

Guatemala has ratified the UNFCCC (1995), the Kyoto Protocol (1999), and the Paris Agreement (2017). In 2022, Guatemala submitted its updated NDC, maintaining its commitment to reduce projected emissions by 11.2% unconditionally and up to 22.6% with international support by 2030, covering LULUCF, energy, agriculture, and waste. The NDC also includes adaptation targets for agriculture and food security, coastal and marine areas, forestry and protected areas, water resources, health, and infrastructure.

On adaptation planning, Guatemala operates the National Climate Change Action Plan (PANCC) mandated by the 2013 Climate Change Law (Decree 7-2013); the PANCC is being updated in 2025–2026. On long-term planning, Guatemala presented a domestic LT-LEDS (ENDBE) in 2018 and submitted a Long-Term Strategy to the UNFCCC in 2021; the LT-LEDS is now being updated with support from 2050 Pathways and the IDB, with completion expected by 2026.

Guatemala submitted its first Biennial Transparency Report on March 25, 2025, and is working, through CBIT support, to establish a national monitoring/MRV system to track NDC implementation.

Looking ahead, Guatemala plans to present NDC 3.0 in December 2025. The government has requested and received support through the Partnership’s Global Call (UNDP and IDB) and is strengthening the involvement of the Ministry of Public Finance and the national planning secretariat (SEGEPLAN). An NDC finance strategy is being prepared with UNDP support, and the government aims to deepen private-sector engagement through the National Climate Change Council (CNCC). Through the NDC Partnership, Guatemala continues to mobilize technical, financial, and knowledge support to align climate action with national development planning.

Spanish

Guatemala se unió al NDC Partnership en 2017. El Ministerio de Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (MARN) funge como punto focal nacional ante el Partnership, coordinando la asistencia técnica y articulando a los actores para avanzar en las prioridades climáticas.

Guatemala ha ratificado la CMNUCC (1995), el Protocolo de Kioto (1999) y el Acuerdo de París (2017). En 2022, Guatemala presentó su NDC actualizado, manteniendo el objetivo de reducir las emisiones proyectadas en 11,2% de manera incondicional y hasta 22,6% con apoyo internacional al 2030, abarcando los sectores de UTSUSyC (LULUCF), energía, agricultura y residuos. El NDC incorpora metas de adaptación para agricultura y seguridad alimentaria, zonas costeras y marinas, bosques y áreas protegidas, recursos hídricos, salud e infraestructura.

En planificación de adaptación, Guatemala cuenta con el Plan de Acción Nacional de Cambio Climático (PANCC), mandatado por la Ley de Cambio Climático (Decreto 7-2013), actualmente en proceso de actualización 2025–2026. En materia de largo plazo, el país presentó en 2018 su ENDBE (LT-LEDS) y remitió una Estrategia de Largo Plazo a la CMNUCC en 2021; dicha LT-LEDS está siendo actualizada con apoyo de 2050 Pathways y el BID, con finalización prevista para 2026.

Guatemala presentó su primer Informe Bienal de Transparencia el 25 de marzo de 2025 y, mediante apoyo del CBIT, trabaja en el establecimiento de un sistema nacional de seguimiento/MRV para monitorear la implementación del NDC.

De cara a lo próximo, Guatemala prevé presentar su NDC 3.0 en diciembre de 2025. A través de la Convocatoria Global del Partnership (con apoyo de PNUD y BID), se está fortaleciendo la participación del Ministerio de Finanzas Públicas y de SEGEPLAN. Está en preparación una estrategia financiera para el NDC con apoyo del PNUD, y se busca profundizar la participación del sector privado mediante el CNCC. A través del NDC Partnership, el gobierno continúa gestionando apoyo técnico, financiero y de conocimiento para alinear la acción climática con la planificación del desarrollo nacional.

Costa Rica Country Context:

English

Costa Rica joined the NDC Partnership in November 2016 and served as Co-Chair alongside the Netherlands from 2018 to 2020. The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) serves as the national focal point to the Partnership, coordinating technical assistance, mobilizing resources, and engaging stakeholders to advance national climate priorities.

Costa Rica targets net-zero emissions by 2050 and has ratified key climate agreements, including the UNFCCC (1994), Kyoto Protocol (2002), and Paris Agreement (2016).

In December 2020, Costa Rica submitted an updated NDC with higher ambition, encompassing 13 thematic areas and 103 mitigation and adaptation contributions. By 2021, 32 had been completed, 52 were in progress, and the remainder were delayed or pending. The National Adaptation Plan 2022–2026 provides medium-term guidance to strengthen resilience across sectors, while the National Decarbonization Plan 2018–2050, submitted to the UNFCCC as Costa Rica’s Long-Term Strategy (LTS), outlines the pathway to net-zero emissions through transformations in energy, transport, agriculture, industry, and land use. In 2024, Costa Rica presented its first Biennial Transparency Report, enhancing accountability by documenting NDC progress and sharing lessons with the international community.

Costa Rica is expected to submit its NDC 3.0 in the third quarter of 2025, which will cover the period to 2035, and is developing an action plan for the Decarbonization Plan 2050. Through the NDC Partnership, the government continues to seek technical, financial, and knowledge support to strengthen implementation and align climate action with sustainable development goals.

Spanish

Costa Rica se unió al NDC Partnership en noviembre de 2016 y ejerció la Copresidencia junto con los Países Bajos entre 2018 y 2020. El Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía (MINAE) funge como punto focal nacional ante el Partnership, coordinando la asistencia técnica, la movilización de recursos y la articulación de actores para avanzar en las prioridades climáticas nacionales.

Costa Rica se ha comprometido a alcanzar emisiones netas cero para 2050 y ha ratificado los principales acuerdos internacionales en materia climática, entre ellos la CMNUCC (1994), el Protocolo de Kioto (2002) y el Acuerdo de París (2016).

En diciembre de 2020, Costa Rica presentó su NDC actualizado con mayor ambición, que abarca 13 áreas temáticas y 103 contribuciones de mitigación y adaptación. Para 2021, 32 contribuciones se habían completado, 52 estaban en curso y el resto presentaba retrasos o estaban pendientes de inicio. El Plan Nacional de Adaptación 2022–2026 brinda una guía de mediano plazo para fortalecer la resiliencia en todos los sectores, mientras que el Plan Nacional de Descarbonización 2018–2050 —presentado ante la CMNUCC como la Estrategia a Largo Plazo (LTS) de Costa Rica— define la ruta hacia las emisiones netas cero mediante transformaciones en energía, transporte, agricultura, industria y uso de la tierra. En 2024, Costa Rica presentó su primer Informe Bienal de Transparencia, reforzando la rendición de cuentas al documentar los avances del NDC y compartir lecciones con la comunidad internacional.

Se espera que Costa Rica presente su NDC 3.0 en el tercer trimestre de 2025, el cual cubrirá el periodo hasta 2035, y actualmente se encuentra elaborando un plan de acción para el Plan de Descarbonización 2050. A través del NDC Partnership, el gobierno continúa gestionando apoyo técnico, financiero y de intercambio de conocimientos para fortalecer la implementación y alinear la acción climática con los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible.

The embedded facilitator will implement all tasks under the direct supervision of the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist and will work in close collaboration with the different ministerial offices. This is a retainer national vacancy / position for twelve 12 months, maximum of 220 working days, with the possibility of an extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

 

Multiple positions are available in the following locations: Guatemala City, Guatemala and San José, Costa Rica. Applicants must be nationals of the country of the duty station for which they are applying or possess a valid work permit for that location.

* 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.

** Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

The incumbent 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 and supportive facilitation. They play 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 respective country.

The incumbent will support the relevant Ministry in the assigned country. The incumbent will be responsible for strengthening national coordination in terms of resource mobilization and monitoring the implementation of the NDC. The Facilitator will support the focal point of the Partnership in their daily tasks of implementing the NDC and other forms of support for the NDC implementation.

The following responsibilities are part of the embedded incumbent role:

1. Coordination and communication with key stakeholders

• Ensure that communications relevant to NDC Partnership engagement are shared with relevant national, international, and local level stakeholders.
• Facilitate periodic coordination and information exchange among partners in the country, for instance through national climate change committees, with the aim of leveraging and mobilizing their respective advantages in support of the Implementation Plan, request for support letters or equivalent instrument. To this end, usage of existing government coordination mechanisms shall be prioritized.
• Organize meetings to monitor and coordinate the implementation of the Implementation Plan, or equivalent instrument, with stakeholders.

2. Operationalization of NDC Implementation Plan

• Collaborate with the NDC Partnership Support Unit and the Focal Points to manage and update the Plan in the Online Tool, ensuring information remains up to date and accessible for key stakeholders. If an Online Tool is available, support the transition to the online tool if the government is seeking its use.
• Identify implementing and development partners, compile and periodically update their contact details (name of focal point, email address, telephone number) and follow up with them regarding their contribution to the Implementation Plan or equivalent instrument.
• When applicable, contribute to the development of the Implementation Plan Narrative and its validation by the government.

3. Facilitation of NDC Implementation Plan implementation

• Create an Annual Work Plan that sets out specific goals for the facilitator role in collaboration with the Country Engagement Specialist and Focal Point.
• Collaborate with the Support Unit to document changes in the operating context and provide support to the government and stakeholders in decision-making processes and new developments with respect to the Implementation Plan, equivalent instrument and its enabling environment.

4. Mobilization of resources for implementation

• Support the government in following up on and mobilizing partner financing to close its support gaps to allow for NDC implementation as per the Implementation Plan or an equivalent instrument.
• Update government needs and priorities for NDC implementation. When Implementation Plans are available, these should be regularly updated.
• Work with the Support Unit to produce an overview of support gaps to make available to partners.
• Engage with partners, including at the local/subnational level, to link needs to services and resources in accordance with the Implementation Plan.
• Assist the government in coordinating with key donors, partners, and funding mechanisms on aligning country programs and projects with the needs and gaps identified in the Implementation Plan, other planning / coordination instruments, as applicable, and requests for support.
• Assist and provide guidance to International and Development Partners to align climate projects and programmatic objectives with the Implementation Plan or other support planning / coordination instruments as applicable.

5. Tracking of Implementation Plan and Investment Plan implementation progress

• Monitor and assess implementation of the Implementation Plan and coordinate periodic reporting of partners to the NDC Partnership.
• Prepare quarterly country update reports summarizing key insights and progress updates, challenges, and recommendations for the way forward.
• Assess progress outcomes of the NDC Partnership in-country engagement and make recommendations for adjustments.

6. Organize and support NDC-related meetings as needed

• If requested, facilitate national country specific multi-stakeholder NDC dialogues, including on the development of the NDC or LT-LEDS.
• Support the government in preparing for NDC-related events such as COPs, regional climate weeks, national events, and other convenings relevant to showcase NDC progress and generate support for implementation of the NDC.
• Organize coordination meetings between the Support Unit and the government as needed.

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

• A master’s degree in public policy, development, climate change, natural resource management, environmental management, and any other relevant field of study is required.
• Bachelor”s degree in related discipline with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience (7 total) may be accepted instead of an advanced university degree.

Experience

 

Required

• At least 5 years’ experience in public and/or private sector with a focus on climate change, project management, stakeholder and donor engagement and/or preparation of cross-cutting workplan/proposal development or any related field;
• Experience in multilateral, national and grassroot governance and processes related to climate change, policy and/or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs);
• Knowledge of the country’s context of policy frameworks, national plans and strategies related to climate change is required.

Asset

• Familiarity with UNFCCC processes including Subsidiary Body and Conference of Parties (CoP), NDC and past experience on government climate change process.
• Experience of other national contexts that indirectly contribute to climate change is desirable
• Ability to foster formal and informal networks to strengthen cooperation between agencies, including Government, private sector participants, NGOs and other stakeholders

Language

• Guatemala and Costa Rica: Proficiency in Spanish is required
• Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

1. Contract type: Local ICA Retainer
2. Contract level: LICA-10
3. Contract duration: 12 months, max 220 working days, with possibility of extension

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

• 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.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse 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.