Economic Advisor - AFOLU Sector (Home based Retainer) - Windhoek, Namibia

Job Highlight

This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute directly to national climate action and the implementation of Namibia’s NDC. Working closely with government, development partners, and local stakeholders, the Economic Advisor will help mobilize resources, support NDC implementation, and advance Namibia’s efforts to fulfill its climate commitments.

About the Region

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS’ strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

As part of the Global Portfolios Office, UNOPS Geneva provides comprehensive solutions in secretariat hosting, operational support, and fund management. We manage global programmes, including the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) Portfolio, offering project management, procurement, HR, and financial services. Geneva hosts the secretariats of eight global partnerships focused on health (RBM, Stop TB, ATscale), nutrition (SUN), water/sanitation (SHF), humanitarian leadership (GELI), urban development (Cities Alliance), and disaster displacement (PDD). We also provide fund management for EIF and UN Water, and operational support to Geneva-based partners like the Global Fund and UNHCR. The EU-UNOPS Lives in Dignity (LiD) Grant Facility is also based here.

About the Project Office

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 WEC’s 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.

About the Group

The NDC Partnership

The NDC Partnership is a global coalition, bringing together more than 250 members, including more than 130 countries, developed and developing, and more than 110 institutions to deliver on ambitious climate action that helps achieve the Paris Agreement and drive sustainable development. Governments identify their NDC implementation priorities and the type of support that is needed to translate them into actionable policies and programs. Based on these requests, the membership offers a tailored package of expertise, technical assistance and funding. This collaborative response provides developing countries with efficient access to a wide range of resources to adapt to and mitigate climate change and foster more equitable and sustainable development. The NDC Partnership Support Unit is jointly hosted by the World Resources Institute (WRI), the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the UN Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC). For this project, the Consultant will be contracted through UNOPS.

Job Specific Context

Namibia submitted its updated NDC 2.0 in January 2024, committing to a total mitigation potential of 11.902 Mt CO₂e by 2030, 7.669 Mt CO₂e in emission reductions and 4.213 Mt CO₂e in enhanced removals, requiring an estimated USD 9.05 billion in investment. The AFOLU sector represents the largest share of mitigation potential (7.986 Mt CO₂e; 67%), followed by the energy sector (3.613 Mt CO₂e; 30%), where renewable-energy investments of USD 7.68 billion are anticipated.

Namibia is currently developing its NDC 3.0, with submission planned for July 2026, alongside an Implementation Plan and Investment Plan outlining priority actions and financing needs. The country has also drafted a Long-Term Vision for net-zero development, which will inform a full LT-LEDS development process, currently underway, to guide low-carbon transformation beyond 2030.On adaptation, the formulation of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) is underway with GCF Readiness support.

MEFT is leading a whole-of-government approach by integrating NDC targets into Vision 2030 and the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), while updating the NBSAP II and LDN targets to align with national climate priorities. Mitigation actions span energy, transport, industry, forestry, and land use, while adaptation focuses on agriculture, water, infrastructure, ecosystems, and livelihoods.

To strengthen implementation, particularly in the AFOLU sector, MEFT seeks an Economic Advisor with a dedicated focus on AFOLU. The Advisor will support NDC 3.0 development, lead AFOLU-sector economic and investment analyses, and assist prepare financing strategies and investment-ready proposals aligned with national priorities.

The incumbent will work closely with MEFT, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, and other key line ministries.

The Economic Advisor will support the Focal Point of the Partnership in their day-to-day responsibilities related to implementing the NDC and coordinating AFOLU-related NDC implementation support.

The Economic Advisor will report to the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist and work in close collaboration with the Government Focal Point in MEFT and the In-Country Facilitator.

*This is a retainer national vacancy / position for twelve 12 months, maximum of 220 working days, with possibility of an extension depending on satisfactory performance and on availability of funds.

**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 Namibia or or have a valid residence permit in the country.

****Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Role Purpose

The role provides targeted economic expertise to support climate policy and planning, with a particular focus on developing investment-ready AFOLU projects. While the In-Country Facilitator leads overall coordination, the Economic Advisor serves as the technical lead for economic analysis and pre-feasibility assessments to support climate-finance mobilization and the integration of climate priorities into national development planning. In this capacity, the Advisor contributes to smooth coordination with the NDC Partnership Support Unit, development partners, and line ministries engaged in NDC implementation.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Strategic and technical analysis

• Review national investment policies, strategies, and frameworks for alignment with NDC commitments, with particular attention to AFOLU sector priorities.
• Identify policy, investment and instrumental gaps that may constrain achievement of AFOLU -related and broader NDC targets.
• Conduct detailed economic analyses and support AFOLU-focused pre-feasibility assessments to guide climate-finance mobilization and investment planning.

2. Stakeholder engagement

• Engage stakeholders across government, private sector, development partners, and civil society using a whole-of-society approach, ensuring meaningful participation of AFOLU actors (forestry, agriculture, land-use institutions).
• Maintain a stakeholder database, with strong emphasis on AFOLU-related private-sector and community-based entities.
• When applicable, contribute to the development of the Implementation Plan Narrative and its validation by the government.

3. Mobilization of resources implementation

• Produce analytical reports mapping financial sources and investment opportunities across international, regional, and domestic levels, highlighting AFOLU investment pathways.
• Identify financing gaps and propose viable sources of support for the implementation of AFOLU-related and cross-sectoral NDC actions.
• Support processes such as Climate Budget Tagging and expenditure reviews, especially for agriculture, forestry, and land-use interventions.
• Recommend international best practices for financing mitigation and adaptation, including AFOLU-relevant mechanisms (e.g., carbon markets, sustainable forestry finance, regenerative agriculture funding).

4. Coordination and Partnership Support

• Support the establishment and effective functioning of a Donors and Investors Working Group, helping coordinate financing for AFOLU and broader NDC implementation.
• Facilitate linkages between identified AFOLU priorities and available technical and financial resources.

5. Project pipeline development

• Conduct pre-feasibility studies for four (4) priority NDC-aligned project ideas, ensuring at least one or more are AFOLU-focused.
• Identify and prioritize high-impact, investment-ready AFOLU opportunities, drawing on sectoral consultations, NDC 3.0 priorities, and ongoing technical analyses.
• Facilitate the development of at least four (4) bankable concept notes to advance priority mitigation and adaptation actions, with particular emphasis on agriculture, forestry, and land-use investment pathways.
• Work with government and partners to link identified project ideas with appropriate financing instruments, including climate funds, concessional finance, private-sector capital, and carbon-market opportunities.
• Strengthen government capacity to maintain and update a national NDC-aligned project pipeline, ensuring AFOLU projects are integrated into broader investment planning and donor coordination processes.

6. 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.

Skills

Climate Change, Policy Analysis, Project Management, Resource Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Mobilization, Effective communication

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational 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 Requirements

Required

• Master's degree or equivalent in public policy, development, climate change, natural resource management, environmental management, or any other relevant field of study with 5 years of relevant experience .
• Bachelor’s degree with additional 2 years in (total 7 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of a university degree.

Experience Requirements

Required

• At least 5 years’ of progressive experience in climate policy, climate programmes, or sustainable development including substantial experience within the AFOLU sector in Namibia.
• Experience in multilateral, national and grassroot governance and processes related to climate change, policy and/or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Strong knowledge of Namibia’s policy frameworks, national development plans, and strategies related to climate change and sustainable development.
• Proven experience working with government, public institutions, or development partners on climate policy analysis, project management, stakeholder coordination, and donor engagement.

Desired

• 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.
• Ability to foster formal and informal networks to strengthen cooperation between agencies, including Government, private sector participants, NGOs and other stakeholders.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequired

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.

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.
• For more details about the contract types, please click 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.