| The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organisations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) 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. Working as part of the Adaptation and Resilience Branch / Climate Change Mitigation Unit, the REDD+ Implementation Advisor to the Democratic Republic of Congo, will be responsible for promoting synergies across efforts from the main stakeholders in the country to effectively implement the REDD+ strategy and thus enhancing the forest sector’s contribution to the country’s NDC ambition. Project Information: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s 152 million hectares of forest covers almost 70% of the country’s land area and represents 60% of the Congo Basin Forest. DRC is the second largest tropical forest country in the world. This is equal to 7.6% of the world’s total tropical forest area. The country is committed to reducing forest loss across the country through the REDD+ mechanism (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, and including conservation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks). The country’s National REDD+ Framework Strategy was adopted in 2012, aiming to stabilize forest cover to 63.5% by 2030, and maintain it thereafter. The strategy, adopted by the Council of Ministers in 2012, is equivalent to a 56% reduction in projected emissions over the period 2013-2030 and a cumulative reduction of 3GtCO2e. The strategy has seven pillars guiding the interventions financed by the National REDD+ Fund (FONAREDD), namely agriculture, energy, forestry, land use planning, land tenure, governance, and demography. In its revised NDC, the DRC aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 21% (conditional at 19%, and unconditional at 2%). The DRC is actively engaged in the REDD+ mechanism, in many ways, including project and jurisdictional level initiatives (e.g. Tshuapa Province, Emission Reduction Programme in Mai Ndombe), nesting, benefit-sharing mechanism schemes, strengthening the country’s safeguards framework (the Safeguards Information System (SIS) is now in place to document and report on progress related to safeguards and showcases significant achievements), MRV, etc. to produce high-integrity carbon credits as per different Standards’ requirements, including ART TREES. With an aim to have access to international opportunities via additional climate financing and investments to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the country established its National Carbon market Regulation Authority (ARMCA), which will structure the carbon market in the country. Many stakeholders are also involved in those numerous initiatives but the Government via its National REDD+ Coordination Office (CN REDD) and National REDD+ Fund (FONAREDD) lack resources to ensure proper coordination and optimize synergies between the various efforts. In the 2021-2031 CAFI-DRC LoI, an initial allocation of USD 500 million has been approved over the period 2021-2026 to achieve concrete objectives to halt deforestation and restore degraded lands through a sustainable & inclusive rural development that fights poverty and creates jobs and revenues. The necessity for key stakeholders to join efforts in a coordinated way is thus paramount to advance the REDD+ Agenda effectively in the country. This collaboration is essential for the country to access REDD+ results-based payment schemes, carbon markets and other transactions under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement as part of the country’s National Climate Action Plan, contributing to DRC’s NDC. Duties and responsibilities. The primary role of the REDD+ Implementation Advisor to DRC is to support the coordination of REDD+ efforts to achieve the country’s REDD+ objectives, including but not limited to access to REDD+ results-based payment schemes, carbon markets and other transactions under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The REDD+ Implementation Advisor to DRC will thus convene all stakeholders involved in the existing initiatives (technical assistance, projects, and programmes) to join efforts and promote synergies across the board towards that end. The Position holder will work under the overall supervision of the UNEP UN-REDD Africa Coordinator, Maminiaina Rasamoelina and in close collaboration with CN REDD, FONAREDD, UN-REDD focal points for the DRC, (FAO, UNDP and UNEP country teams, sectoral Ministries, mainly the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable development, and other REDD+ and Sustainable forest management technical assistance providers in the country (e.g. Ricardo, US Forest Service, JTAP, etc.) The position holder’s main responsibility will be to support the coordination of REDD+ efforts to achieve the country’s REDD+ objectives, including but not limited to access to REDD+ results-based payment schemes, carbon markets and other transactions under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The REDD+ Implementation Advisor to DRC will thus convene all stakeholders involved in the existing initiatives (technical assistance, projects, and programmes) to join efforts and promote synergies across the board towards that end. The Position holder will work under the overall supervision of the UN-REDD Africa Coordinator, Maminiaina Rasamoelina and in close collaboration with CN REDD, FONAREDD, UN-REDD focal points for the DRC, (FAO, UNDP and UNEP country teams, sectoral Ministries, mainly the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable development, and other REDD+ and Sustainable forest management technical assistance providers in the country (e.g. Ricardo, US Forest Service, JTAP, etc.). More specifically, the REDD+ Implementation Advisor to DRC will conduct the following tasks: Related to UN-REDD Technical Assistance:
Related to the overall national coordination of the REDD+ work in the country:
Ultimate result of service
Output/Work Assignments The main deliverables expected from this consultancy include:
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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. |
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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. |
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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). |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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:
- An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) or higher degree, preferably in Environmental Science, Forestry, Climate Change, Geography, Sustainable Development, or related field is required
- A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in the above-mentioned fields with an additional two (2) years of relevant experience can be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
Experience:
- At least two (2) years of experience in project/ programme management activities preferably in REDD+, climate change, forestry, or environmental management, or related field is required.
- Thorough understanding of the political economy of the Eastern Africa region, especially of DRC, working with the different key Ministries involved in REDD+ is an asset.
- Familiarity with international and national regulatory frameworks related to REDD+, carbon markets, such as the Paris Agreement, carbon market, nesting, Jurisdictional REDD+ is desirable.
- Familiarity with REDD+ phases, standards, ART TREES, and/or Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) and experience in coordinating multistakeholder initiatives is desirable.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary environment is desirable
- Experience working with African governments is desirable.
Language Requirements:
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, full working knowledge (fluency) in spoken and written French is required
- Proficiency in spoken and written English is desirable.
- Knowledge of any other official UN languages would be an asset.
- Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA)
- Contract level: : ICS 9 / IICA 1
- Contract duration: Initial 12 months with a possibility of extension subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance
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
Disclaimer: If the selected candidate is a national of the duty station, a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) will be issued.
- 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.
- Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority 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.
https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=29178
