Applied Climate Data Analyst For Western Balkans

Result of Service

A fully validated, user-oriented, technically acceptable Western Balkans Climate-Proofing Platform, with high-quality climate information, maps, tools, and guidance materials; strengthened stakeholder capacities for applying climate-proofing principles; and clear, actionable recommendations for pilot tourism destinations. The consultant’s services will ensure scientific credibility, usability, and regional relevance of all key project outputs.

Work Location

Home-Based

Expected duration

9 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Setting: The 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’s mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP – Vienna Programme Office is the entity responsible for activities in the Southeastern Europe (SEE), through a strong local presence and a capillary network of partners is implementing an increasing number of projects and activities in the Western Balkan region (WB). UNEP – Vienna Programme Office is managing the execution and development of a number of environmental projects in the Western Balkans and works with a wide range of partners, including United Nations entities, international organizations, national and sub-national governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society. UNEP - Vienna Programme Office is also in charge of representation of UNEP in UNCT and UNDAFs/UNSDCFs development, as well as preparing political analysis on the SEE Region for UNEP HQ and other offices. Specific Tasks and Responsibilities: - Conduct expert analysis and validation of climate datasets, maps, methodologies, and tools proposed for the WB-CPP. - Assess the consistency of platform data with existing regional studies, climate scenarios, and hydrometeorological products. - Provide recommendations for improving climate-proofing tools, including data usability, clarity of maps, explanation of limitations, and guidance on appropriate use. - Identify target user groups and co-develop a structured training needs analysis. - Co-design and co-implement training programmes (basic and advanced) tailored to hydromets, ministries, spatial planners, tourism agencies, civil protection, NGOs, and technical users. - Coordinate stakeholder consultations, expert validation processes, and participatory development of the platform. - Review draft platform content, structure, technical architecture, and climate-proofing principles. - The consultant will engage in the planning and coordination of activities related to the upgrade of the WBCPP platform and the integration of data inputs under Outcomes I and II. This includes contributing to the alignment between technical specifications, data requirements, training materials, and pilot applications. The consultant will work closely with UNEP and technical partners to ensure consistency between platform functionalities and user needs, advise on risks and sequencing related to data collection and system upgrades, and support adjustments as needed. The consultant will be part of the technical group of consultants that ensure platform-related outputs are delivered in a timely and coherent manner and meet agreed technical and stakeholder expectations. - The consultant will provide high-level advisory input in climate modelling, data interpretation, and application of risk assessment methodologies relevant for the Western Balkans. This includes evaluating data sources, reviewing mapping methodologies, and advising on the usability and accuracy of the climate information included in the WBCPP. The consultant will ensure that climate-proofing tools, principles, and content are scientifically sound, comparable with existing studies and maps, and fit for operational use by hydrometeorological institutes, planning authorities, tourism agencies, and civil protection bodies, and will assist in endorsement of the adaptation platform by technical institutions in the economies of the Western Balkans. - The consultant will provide quality control back stopping regarding to climate data and indicators usage across all national and regional institutions, monitor the quality of technical outputs, and report any issues. The consultant will provide narrative reporting of completed activities with the technical summaries of deliverables, and support UNEP teams in preparing results-oriented progress updates. This includes monitoring performance indicators linked to platform development, stakeholder engagement, training delivery, and validation of tools. - The consultant will support the design and delivery of hands-on, practice-oriented trainings on the WBCPP platform across the six Western Balkan economies, in close coordination with UNEP and other project partners. - The consultant will coordinate the consolidation of lessons learned, contribute to technical briefs for the platform launch and outreach, and help prepare national or regional concept notes based on the national trainings and discussions, to be further funded by bilateral or vertical donors. Reporting lines: This position is located in the UNEP Vienna Programme Office at the Sarajevo Duty Station and reports to the Head of UNEP Vienna Programme Office - Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention. The work of the consultant will be directly monitored and overall supervised by the Head of UNEP Vienna Programme Office – Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention, while being in direct communication and coordination with the UNEP Associate Programme Management Officer and UNEP WB project teams. Before each payment, the consultant will be requested to submit a consultancy progress report.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (master’s degree) in geography and/or physics and climatology. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) may be considered with an additional 2 years of relevant working experience. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in meteorology, climate change, or related environmental fields, is required. Experience in the development of climate projection models and basic programming is required. Experience working with government institutions, donors, international organizations, and local stakeholders across the Western Balkans is desirable. Understanding of environmental protection challenges, especially arising from climate change and current legislative and regulatory process at the national level is desirable. Familiarity with relevant national and EU directives and environmental acquis is desirable. Experience in public speaking and delivering tailored training programmes is desirable

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian is an asset.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE 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.