Background Information - Job-specific
WEC Background:
The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna, and with offices based globally is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolio Office. The Portfolio has built strong partnerships and is effectively managing a portfolio of over 500 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 WECโs 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 of countries and institutions collaborating to drive transformational climate action through sustainable development. In 2015, the world endorsed the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Nations signal their commitments to the Paris Agreement through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) - each countryโs strategy to cut its own greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience against the negative effects of a changing climate. The Partnership advances the goals of the Paris Agreement by bringing together nearly 200 countries and institutions in new ways to accelerate NDC implementation and enhance ambition over time. The Partnershipโs work through 120 partners supporting almost 80 countries produces many examples of impact, lessons learned and ideas for the future. The Partnership is governed by a Steering Committee, co-chaired by two country representatives. The Partnershipโs work is facilitated by a Support Unit based at World Resources Institute in Washington DC and the UNFCCC Secretariat in Bonn, Germany. UNOPS supports the NDC Partnership and its Support Unit through the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC).
Country Context:
Mauritiusโ net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2016 were 4,881 kilo tons carbon dioxide equivalent (ktCO2eq), including removals from Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF), representing less than 0.01 percent of global GHG emissions. However, the Republic of Mauritius is highly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. The country submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contributios (INDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat on 28 September 2015 ahead of the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP-21) to the UNFCCC. The INDC was complemented by the NDC Action Plan prepared in February 2016. Mauritiusโ commitments to combat climate change are ambitious given its national circumstances. This ambition is reflected in the mitigation and adaptation strategies and measures in which the Government of Mauritius has committed since the ratification of the Paris Agreement, and will continue to be engaged in.
Mauritius joined recently the NDC Partnership in April 2025. Since then, the country has requested support to update its NDC, as well as to develop an implementation plan and an investment plan for its NDC. The Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change of the Republic of Mauritius is seeking an embedded Facilitator to coordinate NDC Implementation with development partners and government agencies and support the various climate processes undertaken by the country. The In-Country Facilitator will actively contribute to the tracking of progress towards NDC implementation and engagement work with members of the NDC Partnership to mobilize support for priority NDC actions. The facilitator will report directly to the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist and will work closely with the Director of the Department of Climate Change of the Ministry.
The incumbent will serve as the NDC Partnershipโs 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 Mauritius.
The incumbent will support the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change. 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 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 for 20 twenty months.
* 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.
** As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of Mauritius or have a valid residence permit in the Country.
*** Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Functional Responsibilities
The following responsibilities are part of the embedded incumbent role:
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, organize coordination meetings and strengthen stakeholder engagement by facilitating government-partner meetings and stakeholder consultation sessions, and providing technical support and documentation. with the aim of leveraging and mobilizing their respective advantages in support of the Implementation Plan, request for support letters or equivalent instrument.
Organize meetings to monitor and coordinate the implementation of the NDC, including through the NDC Implementation Plan, or equivalent instrument, with stakeholders.
Support to development and operationalization of NDC Implementation Plan
Collaborate with the NDC Partnership Support Unit and the Focal Points to support the development, manage and update the Implementation Plan, ensuring information remains up to date and accessible to key stakeholders.
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 NDC implementation, and the NDC Implementation Plan or equivalent instrument.
Facilitation of NDC Implementation Plan implementation
Create an Annual Work Plan that sets out specific goals for the facilitator's 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.
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 equivalent instrument.
Update government needs and priorities for NDC implementation. Once the Implementation Plan is available, these should be regularly updated.
Work with the Government, including sectoral ministries, to identify their NDC-related needs and develop requests for support letters.
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, by conducting outreach, facilitating discussions, and exploring opportunities for funding and technical support for Mauritius climate actions.
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.
Tracking of NDC, NDC 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.
Organize and support NDC-related meetings as needed
If requested, facilitate national country specific multi-stakeholder NDC dialogues.
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/Experience/Language requirements
Education
A masterโs degree preferably 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 in lieu of an advanced university degree.Experience
Required
At least 5 yearsโ 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 countryโs 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
Proficiency in English is required.
Proficiency in French is an asset.
Contract type: ICA retainer
Contract level: Local ICA 10 /ICS 10
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
Additional Information
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.