Technical Specialist - Climate Change Adaptation (Retainer Contract) at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Functional Responsibilities:

• Under the overall supervision of the Country Manager, The Technical Specialist - Climate Change Adaptation will work in close coordination with the UNOPS Senior Management Team to carry out the following activities in collaboration with the project team:

Technical expertise

• Provide technical expertise and advisory services in addressing climate adaptation and resilience infrastructure needs in Pakistan to ensure compliance with the SDGs, Biodiversity convention and the Paris Agreement targets.
• Advise on the mainstreaming of climate resilience and adaptation actions in technical documents of infrastructure projects, papers and corporate communication materials.
• Conduct assessment of the potential risks that project implementation may cause to the vulnerability of human populations and natural systems to climate variability and change, and/or to contribute to maladaptation, in particular for complex and/or risky projects.
• Review, improve and recommend Climate Risk Management Plans (CRMP) for the implementation of proposed measures to reduce climate-related risks and adapt to climate change.
• Provide advice and expert inputs in the development of strategies, regulatory frameworks, guidelines, and enabling the environment to promote climate adaptation and resilience in infrastructure sectors, in accordance with UNOPS Climate Strategy.
• Provide technical climate adaptation advice to project teams and partners at any life cycle stages of infrastructure project development in compliance with UNFCCC climate adaptation guidelines.
• Provide climate adaptation inputs and represent UNOPS at events and meetings with stakeholders and partners.
• Collaborate with environmental scientists, economists, and engineers across UNOPS to design and implement high-quality analysis and technical solutions for infrastructure projects.
• Promote data collection and conceptualize new technological tools and mechanisms oriented to enhance resilience and climate change adaptation standards of UNOPS project portfolio.
• Work collaboratively with UNOPS experts in the area of climate change mitigation and others (when requested), to achieve comprehensive infrastructure solutions aligned with the SDGs and with Paris Agreement targets.

Business development

• Advise UNOPS Pakistan on opportunities for resilient infrastructure development in addition to sharing with clients institutional and industry knowledge of climate adaptation options in infrastructure.
• Provide expert climate adaptation advice and support in formulation of new initiatives, projects and programmes related to sustainable and resilient inclusive infrastructure
• Support the conceptualization of strategies aimed at improving UNOPS climate change adaptation actions and serve as a technical contributor for business development activities through technical approaches, teaming strategies and partner negotiations.
• Present results from in-depth technical research and analysis on key infrastructure sectors to support business development and thought leadership such as on climate resilience, nature-based solutions, market systems, private sector participation, financing and others.

Specific Deliverables

• Carry out , detailed review of Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) ecosystem in the country
• Conduct comprehensive relevant stakeholder mapping and analysis and consultations on the Government needs, priorities and donor trends. Identify the key stakeholders and approach strategy per UNOPS area of work: WASH, resilient housing, etc
• Provide technical expertise and advisory services in identifying and addressing the key climate challenges in the country
• Advise and report on potential Climate adaptation activities/consideration to be included in the current implementing activities especially in the infrastructure projects impleted by UNOPS Pakistan office.
• Make presentations to the senior management team summarizing the state and status of climate change adaptation and its implications for UNOPS programming in Pakistan, summarizing the main thrust of the proposed consultations and areas for further exploration and confirmation.
• Suggest adaptation measures and prepare pre-feasibility studies and cost-benefit analysis of the proposed adaptation models
• Validate adaptation options and measures based on the scope agreed during stakeholder consultations.
• Support the preparation of concept notes/proposals under the climate change adaptation theme for UNOPS Pakistan
• Create strategy for resource mobilization for projects linked with Living Indus Initiative

Impact of Results

• During the Project, the following are indicative targets (subject to resource availability):
• Provide strategic guidance document to the senior management team for aligning Climate Change Adaptation within the existing and proposed projects
• Prepare and submit 3 climate change adaptation projects to donors according to identified needs and trends

Longer term targets:

• Climate Change Adaptation is mainstreamed in UNOPS Pakistan programming

Education/Experience/Language requirements:

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in development economics, environment and climate change, or other relevant discipline from a recognized university is required.
• First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) preferably in development economics, environment and climate change, or other relevant discipline in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced university degree.

Experience/Requirements:

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in substantive experience in environment and climate change is required
• Experience in running national level workshops on climate change related issues is required
• Experience in preparation, dissemination and teaching of learning resources on climate change adaptation, resilient infrastructure, alternate energy and sustainable urbanization to wide variety of audiences, including academia is highly desirable
• Established relations with national and provincial decision makers in the area of climate change adaptation, housing and sustainable urbanization is an added advantage
• Sound knowledge of climate change adaptation approaches and issues in Pakistan

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required
• Knowledge of Urdu and other Pakistani languages desired