Climate Resilience Specialist

Result of ServiceThe ultimate results will be the delivery against the logframe of the Resilient Mountains: Empowering People, Sustaining Ecosystems, and Scaling Nature-based Solutions and Innovation into Policy and Advocacy for Mountain Landscapes project with a focus on the Mountains ADAPT and Adaptation at Altitude components in the South Caucasus region. Specific deliverables as well as deadlines and timelines are to be reviewed and agreed upon with the Programme Management Officer upon assignment. Work LocationHome-Based Expected duration3 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP maintains a number of different project (components) related to sustainable mountain development, managed by the Biodiversity, People and Landscapes Unit (BPLU) in Ecosystems Division, including the second phase of the SDC-funded and led programme „Adaptation at Altitude: Taking Action in the Mountains“ (2024-2028) and the second phase of the Austrian funded project “Mountains ADAPT: Advancing Climate Action” (2024-2027). Both project components have regional implementation in the South Caucasus countries, due to donor priorities, building on UNEP work in the region and other mountain areas. These projects constitute main components of the comprehensive UNEP project “Resilient Mountains: Empowering People, Sustaining Ecosystems, and Scaling Nature-based Solutions and Innovation into Policy and Advocacy” that has been developed under the “Resilient Mountains” Project Preparation Proposal (SMA ID 204032) and is planned to start by December 2025. This position is located in the BPLU of Ecosystems Division, working remotely in the South Caucasus region, and reporting to the Programme Manager responsible for implementation of the “Resilient Mountains” project and respective components. The services of a consultant are required for implementing the “Resilient Mountains” project along the agreed logframe, carrying out activities as laid out below, with a specific focus on the South Caucasus region for which region-specific expertise and knowledge is required. The Consultant will undertake the following duties and responsibilities under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer: Resilient Mountains Prepare and finalize a regionally tailored call for applications for the Mountains ADAPT small grants scheme in the South Caucasus, including in national languages; Arrange lean procedures for review and validation of submitted applications in the South Caucasus, using online tools and forms for effective work flows; Provide material to implement online presence of the RADISC and relevant regional resources in accessible ways through developed content for a dedicated webpage, news items section and an international advocacy event; Provide documents and correspondence to support participation of South Caucasus stakeholders in interregional learning and exchange activities; Overall Develop a transboundary Adaptation Fund proposal for the South Caucasus in close collaboration with the UNEP Climate Change Division and liaising with stakeholders of the South Caucasus countries responsible for climate change, biodiversity conservation and sustainable mountain development. Qualifications/special skillsA Master’s Degree in Environmental Governance, Environment/Natural Resources Management, Environmental Technology and / or International Affairs or similar is required. A Bachelor’s degree, in combination with two additional years of relevant experience, may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree. A minimum of 5 years of work experience in the environmental sector / international affairs, preferably with a focus on sustainable mountain development / climate change adaptation / regional governance-related aspects is required. Excellent interpersonal skills are desired, being able to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners and stakeholders, including grassroots community members, and government authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communication for sustainable development. Experience in developing tools, methodologies, and guidance, preferably with a focus on climate resilience and biodiversity conservation is required. Excellent oral and written skills, excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills are required. Experience of working on issues of sustainable development and the environment especially in the South Caucasus region is desired. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of a language of the South Caucasus region will be considered an asset. 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.