Training Specialist - Climate Change Adaptation - P3
Depending on professional background and experience, the Executive Director reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level lower then the advertised level of the post.
UNITAR’s Green Development and Climate Change Programme (GCP) develops the capacities of individuals and training institutions in developing countries to advance green and climate resilient development in support of Agenda 2030. The Programme offers a range of services, including executive training, capacity development for education and training institutions, support for national learning strategies, learning methodology development, and knowledge-sharing. Activities are carried out through partnerships with other UN organizations, bilateral development partners, as well as leading learning institutions and think tanks.
UNITAR supports diverse partners in the National Adaptation Planning and implementation services focused on three main pillars, namely: i) institutional support; ii) technical capacity building; and iii) knowledge brokerage. Support is provided both on request to developing countries as well as through planned activities, for example through GCF investments or other bilateral sources.
The Training Specialist - Climate Change Adaptation, will carry out the activities of UNITAR’s GCP relating to national adaptation planning in LDCs and non-LDCs, under the guidance of the Manager of GCP. These activities will include training design and delivery, support for country capacity assessments and the development and active dissemination of knowledge products. The Training Specialist will also carry out activities under the UN CCLearn project, particularly as these relate to youth engagement, as well as country level implementation activities. Additional support to the programme manager with project development and resource mobilization activities from multiple funding sources might be required.
Under the supervision of the Senior Specialist, Green Development and Climate Change Programme, the incumbent will:
1. Supports the development and implementation of trainings for LDCs on climate change adaptation planning by:
- Identifying learning objectives and evaluation approach;
- Identifying appropriate instructional design approaches;
- Designing learning packages to UNITAR quality standards and international certification;
- Adapting and integrating learning packages to UNITAR knowledge sharing and training delivery platforms; and
- Planning and coordinating training delivery in HQ and LDC contexts.
2. Supports design and implementation of UNCC:Learn country work on adaptation planning, by:
- Carrying out background research and stocktaking studies on existing adaptation policies, programs and activities;
- Mission planning and development of analytical tools, questionnaires and other related materials;
- In country support to country assessments (adaptation and UNCC: Learn), as necessary;
- Preparing, reviewing and finalizing mission reports;
- Developing related knowledge products for dissemination at international meetings; and
- Providing direct support for UN CC:Learn’s portfolio of national projects as required, including development and implementation of MoUs, country missions and related arrangements.
3. Supports related programme management by:
- Organizing meetings and workshops, national to global;
- Caretaking and effective management of agreed work plans and related budget monitoring;
- Supervising the work of consultants, trainees;
- Support programme planning and resource mobilization efforts;
- Building and maintaining partnerships with relevant international organisations and training organisations;
- Compiling and preparing communication and outreach materials;
- Acting as focal point for UNITAR’s national adaptation planning projects;
- Supporting the programmes management tasks including quarterly workplanning and representational tasks.
4. Supports project design and development activities by:
- Carrying out background research and drafting of concept notes;
- Organising meetings with partners, including drafting and sharing of meeting minutes;
- Participation in the selection of and hiring of consultants as well as coordinating their work;
- Preparing draft project proposals;
- Work planning and detailed budget design;
- Familiarization with submission procedures for funding proposals and finalizing project proposals, as necessary.
- Communications with countries partners which are professional and systematic
- High quality inputs to guidance and training material development
- Demonstrated competence to lead within a team and build positive spirit and within the structure of the institute
- Capacity to identify problem/issues and identify workable solutions
- Ability to represent programme interests in internal and external meetings
- Ability to identify potential resource mobilization opportunities
- Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to climate change and the green economy. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
- Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; is able to coordinate effectively teams composed of various colleagues working on a specific task; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; very good inter-personal skills;
- Respect for Diversity: demonstrated capacity to deal with colleagues and counterparts from different backgrounds, treats all people with dignity and respect, shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work; treats men and women equally; does not discriminate against any individual or group.
- Planning & Organizing: Based on the guidance received, develops clear objectives that are consistent with agreed strategic goals; identifies priority activities and assignments with minimal supervision; adjusts priorities and formulates plans as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time and resources efficiently.
- Accountability: Acts in full consultation and in compliance with instructions, takes responsibility for delegated assignments; is accountable and trustworthy on administrative and financial matters requiring professional discretion and restraint; honours commitments by delivering outputs within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports colleagues and takes personal responsibility for her/his own shortcomings and shares successes with the team where applicable.
- Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of technology development and training methodology and delivery techniques; shows willingness to learn new technology applications.
Education: Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in one or more of the following: geography, environment, development studies or other equivalent related technical field; sound knowledge of development planning; specialized training in development planning and project monitoring is considered an important asset.
Experience: A minimum of five years of experience at the international level in the fields of environment, climate change, and any other relevant fields; demonstrated experience in project and programme design and implementation including at country level; good understanding of the fields of climate change, green economy and development cooperation; demonstrated proficiency in coordinating the organization and implementation of training courses and in-country projects; experience in interacting with training and academic partners and regional entities. Fluency in written and spoken English.
Languages: Fluency in both written and spoken English, with a second UN language as an asset.
UNITAR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Qualified women, individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
English and French are the two working languages of UNITAR. Priority will be given to the applicants from the under-represented regions at UNITAR. There will be a probation period of 3 months.
UNITAR staff members are subject to the authority of the UNITAR Executive Director and their appointments are limited to service with the Institute.
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. UNITAR is a non-smoking environment.
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules and UNITAR administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
UNITAR DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). UNITAR DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
Please submit your application along with a motive letter as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
Due to high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.