Adaptation Policy and Impact Expert

Result of ServiceThe results will be summarized in a short report (10-15 pages and associated PowerPoint presentation providing evidence-based responses to the following overarching research questions: 1. Results of the analysis. 2. Recommendations, based on the analysis Work LocationRemote Expected duration2 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe objectives of the UNEP Adaptation Gap Report (AGR) are to: 1. Inform parties to the UNFCCC and the broader UNFCCC constituency, of the status and trends with regards to progress towards climate adaptation at global and regional levels and 2. Provide a set of science-based assessments for policy- and decision-makers to increase global ambition for adapting to climate change across key climate-sensitive sectors. In 2020, a new framework for the AGR was agreed based on advice from a group of international adaptation experts. The agreed framework evolves around annual assessments of progress and gaps across three key core elements of the adaptation cycle: planning, implementation and finance, and a deep dive chapter focused on a specific ‘hot’ topic providing additional perspectives on the global adaptation process. However, with a constantly evolving policy context as well as an evolving ecosystem of other global reports and processes reviewing and supporting the global adaptation process, UNEP has decided to take stock of how the AGR can continue to best meet the needs of its core audience and positively influence the global adaptation process in the direction of more ambitious action on adaptation. To ensure an unbiased and independent input foundation for this internal stock take, an external consultant will be hired to: 1. Independently review the current format, language, communication style, scientific quality and policy relevance of the Adaptation Gap Report (based on its 2022, 2023 and 2024 editions) in relation to the current and expected future UNFCCC policy context as well as the broader global adaptation process. 2. Analyze data and input from a survey conducted with UNFCCC national negotiators and other core adaptation stakeholders and experts. 3. Conduct in-depth qualitative interviews with key stakeholders indicated under point 2, aiming for a representative sample across regions and annex I/non annex I stakeholders. Objectives, output expectations and performance indicators Background: The objectives of the UNEP Adaptation Gap Report (AGR) are to: 1. Inform parties to the UNFCCC and the broader UNFCCC constituency, of the status and trends with regards to progress towards climate adaptation at global and regional levels and 2. Provide a set of science-based assessments for policy- and decision-makers to increase global ambition for adapting to climate change across key climate-sensitive sectors. In 2020, a new framework for the AGR was agreed based on advice from a group of international adaptation experts. The agreed framework evolves around annual assessments of progress and gaps across three key core elements of the adaptation cycle: planning, implementation and finance, and a deep dive chapter focused on a specific ‘hot’ topic providing additional perspectives on the global adaptation process. However, with a constantly evolving policy context as well as an evolving ecosystem of other global reports and processes reviewing and supporting the global adaptation process, UNEP has decided to take stock of how the AGR can continue to best meet the needs of its core audience and positively influence the global adaptation process in the direction of more ambitious action on adaptation. To support this stock take, a consultant will be hired to independently to complete an explorative study on the impacts, strengths and weaknesses of the existing UNEP Adaptation Gap Report framework and propose improvements that will help the report better align with current UNFCCC needs. The explorative study will include the following elements:: 1. Independently reviewing the current format, language, communication style, scientific quality and policy relevance of the Adaptation Gap Report (based on its 2022, 2023 and 2024 editions) in relation to the current and expected future UNFCCC policy context as well as the broader global adaptation process. 2. Analyzing data and input from a survey conducted with UNFCCC national negotiators and other core adaptation stakeholders and experts. 3. Conducting in-depth qualitative interviews with key stakeholders indicated under point 2, aiming for a representative sample across regions and annex I/non annex I stakeholders. The results will be summarized in a short report and associated PowerPoint presentation providing evidence-based responses to the following overarching research questions: 1. Results of the analysis. 2. Recommendations, based on the analysis, towards: A. What should be the main objective(s) of the AGR going forward and how can future reports best align with: 1.Formal UNFCCC processes such as the Global Stocktake and the UAE framework for Global Climate Resilience? 2. The fostering of more ambitious global adaptation action broadly? B. What is the most impactful format, frequency and publication timing of the AGR? What types of assessments and topics should it ideally cover to best support the global adaptation process and more ambitious adaptation action? C. What style of language, length and communication style is best suited for the AGRs objectives? The final report should be concise and action-oriented and no more than 10-15 pages (excluding annexes). To facilitate internal discussion, the report could ideally outline alternative scenarios, considering e.g. expected practical limitations of budget constraints and time. The consultant may further be asked to present, and be available to discuss, the results during an internal meeting of the AGR steering committee in April (remote participation). Performance will be assessed through weekly check-ins and through the approval of the final report and PowerPoint. Specific tasks and responsibilities 1st deliverable – Submission of methodology for achieving the outputs described above, including a time plan. 2nd deliverable – Submission of draft report, including proposed draft recommendations. 3rd deliverable – Submission of final report and final recommendations including through PowerPoint presentation. 4th deliverable – Presentation of results in PowerPoint during an online meeting. The consultant/individual contractor will report to Miriam Hinostroza – UNEP Program Officer. Qualifications/special skills• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a related academic field. • Minimum 10 years of proven working experience related to global policy processes (UNFCCC) and impact assessment for climate change adaptation. Languages• Excellent command of English (spoken and written) Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.