Climate Change Officer

Details

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet. We help countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships and institutions so they can sustain their progress. In Angola, the Country Office (CO) is currently implementing its Country Programme (CPD) for the period of 2020 – 2022, which is based on the premise of ‘leaving no one behind’ and ‘reaching those furthest behind first’. The programme includes integrated solutions to complex, interconnected development challenges. These challenges are currently being addressed through three complementary priorities: 1. fostering poverty eradication and inclusive economic growth; 2. increasing resilience to shocks and crises and enhancing management of natural re-sources for conservation and economic development; and 3. strengthening inclusive democracy, human rights, justice and rule of law. In partnership with the Government of Angola, the CO under programme priority 2 (increasing resilience to shocks and crises and enhancing management of natural resources for conservation and economic development) has been mobilizing efforts and resources to address development challenges in the areas of biodiversity and ecosystems, renewable energy, environmental policy and planning, natural resources management and governance, climate change, disaster risk reduction, resilience building, recovery and livelihoods. UNDP operates through offices in Luanda (for national level interventions), with site representations in Benguela, Cuanza Sul and Huíla.

Context

The UNDP is currently assisting the Government of Angola through several programs and projects in the areas of environment, natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystems conservation, sustainable management of protected areas, disaster risk management, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. These programs and projects were designed as UNDP´s contribution to support the National Development Plan (2018 – 2022) priorities, specific sectorial policies and strategies (e.g. National Climate Change Strategy), as well as to respond to Angola´s commitments to multilateral agreements (Paris Agreement, Sendai Framework of Action, CBD, Montreal Protocol, and others). In its effort in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including from deforestation for charcoal production; building communities resilience through adaptation measures and risk management to climate shocks; strengthening, expanding and recuperation of the protected areas systems; integrated management of fresh and marine waters; and access to energy, the Government of Angola has UNDP as partner of choice to materialize their development needs. To reach those that are at risk to be left behind, UNDP interventions has been shifting in most recent years to local interventions targeting most vulnerable communities, while maintaining its upstream support in provision of advisory and policy development support. To ensure that UNDP can deliver quality results efficiently, the CO in Angola is looking for a Climate Change Officer to strengthen the existing capacity in its Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Unit to support in projects oversight, as well as coordination with the stakeholders and implementing partners.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction Team Leader, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Support the oversight/monitoring of the Climate Change projects from the CO Environment and DRR portfolio. • Support the unit with contributions to the development of work plans, reports, meetings, reviews of consultants’ reports, communication and outreach activities, review of project documents, attendance of meetings, in close interaction with UNDP CO, Government Institutions and Local Partners. • Support the communication and integration of Luanda, Huambo, Cuanza Sul, Huíla and other locations-based activities through frequent travels between the locations. • Support strategic discussions and projects identification ideas for new proposals in the context of multi-lateral and potential bilateral donors (covering an integrated programming approach). • Support communication and coordination with donors and partners in Angola working the areas of environment, climate change adaptation and mitigation. • Contribute with development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with national/government staff and non-governmental partners. • Perform any other related activities and tasks as required by the country office. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service when-ever technically possible.