CCAC Agriculture Specialist (for Brasilia)

Result of Service

The Agriculture Specialist will provide technical support to the SLCP Unit in the development of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP) mitigating actions in the agriculture sector, especially methane, through a clean air and climate approach, and ensuring alignment with Brazil’s policy context and the goals of the CCAC Accelerator. The Specialist will collaborate with MAPA and engage with relevant stakeholders in the agriculture sector, including different ministries, to ensure that the national agriculture policies are oriented to enhance domestic productivity and value addition, reduce poverty, promote food security, while mitigating SLCP. Additionally, synergy opportunities with other sectors, particularly waste and energy, will be actively sought. The Specialist will be responsible for the organization of capacity building and training opportunities, including workshops, roundtables, etc. The specialist will also keep coordination with the CCAC Secretariat to enhance collaboration on agriculture matters, and to support Brazil's leadership in the CCAC Agriculture Hub, facilitating the engagement of national agriculture actors to participate in relevant CCAC initiatives (e.g., Hubs, projects, etc.), technically support the review of CCAC projects documents and participate in relevant events about agriculture to elevate the importance and visibility of the SLCP mitigation effort nationally.

Work Location

Preferably Brasilia, Brazil. Hybrid work is acceptable with the candidate’s regular presence in Brasilia, as per agreement with SQA/MMA

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is a partnership of governments, intergovernmental organizations, and representatives of the private sector, the environmental community, and other members of civil society. The CCAC is the only international initiative working on integrated climate and clean air solutions to reduce the rate of near-term warming. It focuses on fast action to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) including methane, black carbon, HFCs, and tropospheric ozone. More information on the CCAC is available at: www.ccacoalition.org. Guidance on the CCAC’s National Planning Methodology for reducing short-lived climate pollutants is available in the Resource Library. Brazil has been showing commitment and leadership in tackling super pollutants through several national and international policy frameworks and initiatives. The country became a CCAC member in June 2023 and has served as CCAC Co-Chair since June 2024, represented by the Secretariat of Urban Environment, Water Resources and Environmental Quality of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (SQA/MMA). Brazil is also part of the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) and a Party to the Kigali Amendment. Through its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), Brazil has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050, and actions to reduce short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) were reflected in sectoral mitigation plans under the new Brazil Climate Plan. Furthermore, in 2024, the National Air Quality Policy was established to strengthen adequate air quality monitoring the country, and alignment with climate policies. With CCAC support, Brazil has implemented a package of 5 projects to support sectoral mitigation policies in agriculture, waste, transport, and cooling, in collaboration with the respective sectoral Ministries and partners in the country. Additionally, under SQA/MMA, Brazil is currently preparing a Clean Air and Climate Plan for SLCP Reduction (Clean Air and Climate Plan) which will consolidate these SLCP mitigation sectoral efforts together and provide an overarching framework to strengthen governance, coordination, monitoring, and alignment with national climate targets including the NDC. Recognizing Brazil’s leadership on the SLCP agenda, Brazil is now part of the CCAC Super Pollutant Country Action Accelerator (‘Accelerator’). Planned for 2026-2029, the CCAC Country Action Accelerator in Brazil (Brazil Accelerator) foresees the establishment of an SLCP unit within SQA/MMA to help advance Brazil’s super pollutant commitments through stronger institutional capacity, improved coordination and support for implementing SLCP mitigation actions, including through the delivery of the Clean Air and Climate Plan and its governance framework. In the context of the Brazil Accelerator, CCAC is seeking to hire an Agriculture Specialist to be part of the SLCP unit and foster the implementation of low-emissions agriculture actions in Brazil that result in SLCP reduction, specially of methane, and encompasses an air quality and climate approach. Closely aligned with SQA/MMA and the SLCP Unit’s work and directions, the incumbent will collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) and engage with relevant stakeholders in the sector (e.g. other ministries, subnational governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, etc.) providing technical support for effectively integrating SLCP into policy and action and seeking to increase the country’s climate ambition across different farming systems. The incumbent will keep strong coordination with the CCAC Secretariat to keep alignment of Brazil activities with the goals of the CCAC “Brazil Accelerator” and to support Brazil’s participation in CCAC activities, including Brazil’s co-leadership in the CCAC Agriculture Hub. Under the supervision of the CCAC Secretariat’s Programme Management Officer and the guidance of SQA/MMA’s General coordinator, the Agriculture Specialist will undertake the following tasks: Key Responsibilities 1. Provide technical knowledge for SLCP mitigation solutions in the agricultural sector in Brazil, always applying an integrated view of climate and air quality; 2. Stablish and maintain close collaboration with MAPA and actors in the agricultural sector, offering technical support to mainstream SLCP, especially methane, priorities and targets across sectorial and cross-cutting policies, filling knowledge gaps and identifying technically viable solutions. 3. Work with sector partners for collecting relevant data, assisting in new policies formulation and implementing joint activities for SLCP reduction in the Brazilian agricultural sector 4. Support in the identification and/or establishment of finance mechanisms that can assist in the implementation of adequate solutions to mitigate SLCP in the Agriculture sector, as well as enhance productivity and value addition, reduce poverty, and promote food security. 5. Prepare technical documents, training materials and technical knowledge products in the area of ​​SLCP reduction in agriculture in Brazil; 6. Organize and/or deliver workshops, technical trainings, and sub-national, national, regional and global events in the theme, providing logistical support and taking other necessary measures for its realization (eg. preparation of concept notes, agendas, invitations, etc).  7. Support the achievement of the agriculture component of the Clean Air and Climate Plan, while promoting alignment with and enhancing the implementation of SLCP measures in of the ABC+Plan and the Agriculture Sector Mitigation Plan of the Climate Plan in collaboration with MAPA and key partners. 8. Support the agriculture discussions within the Brazil SLCP governance structure, preparing supporting materials and, where necessary, establishing and coordinating technical chambers related to the sector; 9. Promotes synergies across agriculture, climate, food security, and other relevant sectoral initiatives, particularly with the waste and energy sectors. 10. Participate in national or international meetings and events, presenting the progress and achievements in the agriculture component of Brazil’s SLCP agenda. 11. Contribute to the preparation of technical and political inputs about the agriculture sector for national and international meetings, including speeches, talking points, and briefing materials. 12. Provide technical support for the review of technical products of CCAC projects or other SLCP initiatives implemented by the SLCP Team; 13. Assist Brazil’s participation in relevant CCAC initiatives (e.g., event, Hubs, projects, facilitating engagement of national agriculture stakeholders in CCAC events and supporting Brazil’s role as co-lead the CCAC agriculture Hub in coordination with MAPA; 14. Support the achievement of the Brazil Accelerator and overall national Key Performance indicators (KPIs) through agriculture activities, and ensure that it coherently supports the achievement of the goals of the connected sectors (e.g. waste and energy) 15. Undertake other related tasks, as required, to support the implementation of the agriculture-related work of the Brazil CCAC Accelerator; Expected Outputs: 1. SLCP considerations and the implementation of mitigation measures under relevant policy frameworks, national strategies, initiatives, and governance processes are strengthened. - Agriculture-related inputs to the achievement of the Clean Air and Climate Action Plan for SLCP reduction were given, collaborating with sector partners so that the Plan`s agriculture measures are implemented, while reinforcing climate and clean air linkages in national policy processes. - Technical support to the SLCP governance mechanism was provided, including the preparation of supporting materials for discussions on agriculture and, where necessary, the establishment and coordination of technical chambers related to agriculture. - The establishment of a network of partners engaged in SLCP mitigation in the agriculture sector was supported, including other ministries, subnational governments, private sector actors, civil society, and academia. - Technical inputs on agriculture are reflected in relevant policy processes, initiatives, and sector measures, with strategic alignment with key agriculture policy frameworks, primarily the ABC+ Plan and the Agriculture Sector Mitigation Plan under the Climate Plan, for the effective delivery of agriculture SLCP mitigation strategies in Brazil; - In collaboration with partners, existing policies and programmes are reviewed to identify opportunities for improvement regarding the integrated climate and clean air agenda, circularity and ecosystems based approaches, synergy with other sectors (eg. waste and energy) and increased SLCP ambition in the agriculture sector. 2. MAPA and other relevant government counterparts are technically supported - Governmental decision-makers are provided with the best scientific evidence and technical support to adequately integrate SLCP solutions, technology and other considerations (eg, mititigation actions, targets, etc) across different farming systems; - Sectoral policies and planning instruments are improved to strengthen their impact on productivity, value addition, poverty reduction and food security, while mitigating SLCPs and other GHG. This includes collaboration with MAPA and other relevant actors for technical activities that support the current process of revision of the ABC+ Plan and its climate targets, and implementation mechanisms. - Validated data, from national and international publications and events, is compiled and analysed, ensuring strong government ownership; - Agriculture MRV and monitoring mechanisms, both directly under MAPA’s purview but also under other bodies of government (e.g. SIRENE) adequately consider the contribution of SLCPs emissions that are relevant for the agriculture sector; - MAPA is provided with technical advice that supports the structuring of new financial mechanisms or the adjustment of existing ones, which can mobilize the adequate means of implementation to achieve the national agriculture goals, while supporting the productive sector, and achieving multiple benefits from SLCP mitigation; 3. Technical products are produced and capacity of relevant stakeholders in SLCP reduction in agriculture is built - Knowledge products that fill gaps identified by the Specialist and key partners are developed, validated and disseminated (e.g. policy briefs, technical guidelines, analytical reports, etc.) to support policy processes, tailored to specific audiences in the agriculture sector; - Training programmes and capacity-building activities are designed and delivered for key stakeholders, at national and subnational level, strengthening their understanding of sustainable agriculture, productivity enhancement, value addition and SLCP mitigation practices. This includes support to logistics, support provided to the preparation of concept notes, agendas, invitations, and other supporting materials - Institutional capacities within SQA and MAPA and partner institutions are enhanced, through on-the-job training, workshops and technical exchanges, enabling sustained use of scientific evidence and innovative tools in policy design, implementation and monitoring. 4. Enhanced collaboration with the CCAC and effective delivery of the Brazil CCAC Accelerator goals - Activities regarding the agriculture sector within the SLCP Unit are aligned with CCAC strategic priorities and the goals and key performance indicators of the Brazil CCAC Accelerator. - CCAC initiatives, technical resources, and project results in agriculture were leveraged to strengthen Brazil’s leadership on the SLCP agenda at national, regional, and global levels, including through organization of peer learning with other countries and south-south exchanges in agriculture. - CCAC-supported projects and initiatives in Brazil is strengthened, including support to their continuity, strategic alignment, and opportunities for scale-up, including through additional donor resources where relevant. - Findings and recommendations of CCAC agriculture initiatives in Brazil are taken into account for the implementation of the work. - MAPA and other relevant stakeholders are provided with relevant technical assistance to inform Brazil’s co-leadership in CCAC’s Agriculture Hub. Progress reporting on the Brazil CCAC Accelerator regarding the Agriculture sector is supported through the compilation, analysis, and presentation of information related to agreed outputs, results, and key performance indicators.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree, master or equivalent, in agronomy, agriculture sciences, environmental science, ecology, economics, sustainable development or a similar discipline.  A first-level university degree in combination with four additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.  At least 7 years of professional experience working in a field relevant to climate change and sustainable agriculture (particularly crops, livestock, fisheries and forestry) is required.  Demonstrated ability to write reports, analyse data and provide technical advice in the agriculture sector, including to High-Level stakeholders is required.  Knowledge and experience in development communication and capacity-building methods is required. Strong knowledge of the national policies in agriculture and climate change of Brazil is required.  A good understanding of short-lived climate pollutants, climate change and air pollution issues in Brazil is required. Experience with Brazil’s public sector institutions is an asset. Experience in climate finance is an asset. Experience with short-lived climate pollutants (methane, black carbon, etc) is an asset Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and to collaborate with multidisciplinary team.

Languages

Fluency in Portuguese and English is required.

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.