Project Associate

Background

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UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Position Information

Project: Support the Development of Lebanon’s NDC 3.0 by Strengthening Implementation and Financial Investment Strategies, and Enhancing the National Climate Governance Framework Project (01004484)Functional Title: Project Associate
Duty station: Beirut, Lebanon
Office- or Home-based: Office

Project Description

UNDP has been supporting the Lebanese government on climate change policy since 1997 through the design and implementation of various projects, including the preparation of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement, which was ratified by the government in 2019, and its First Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1), submitted in 2024.

In order for Lebanon to fulfill Lebanon’s reporting obligations under the Paris Agreement and the Modalities, Procedures, and Guidelines (MPGs) (Decision 18/CMA.1, paragraph 3), and following the submission of Lebanon’s Nationally Determined Contribution NDC 3.0, UNDP is currently supporting the Ministry of Environment in the implementation of its NDC 3.0, covering the period through 2035. The project “Support the Development of Lebanon’s NDC 3.0 by strengthening implementation and financial investment strategies, and enhancing national climate governance framework” funded by the Green Climate Fund aims at developing the NDC 3.0 in line with global calls to increase ambition and integrate social inclusion and gender equality in climate policy, and building on the existing NDC to ensure a comprehensive core strategic document under Article 4 of the Paris Agreement. The project will further develop an NDC implementation plan, a financing and communication strategy and a climate change law.

For this purpose, UNDP is recruiting a Project Associate to contribute to the development of the NDC implementation and financing plans while mainstreaming gender considerations across mitigation and adaptation policies as well as financing and legal instruments.

Scope of Work

Provide Gender Research and Analysis Support:

• Review and update the project’s Gender Action Plan annually, incorporating emerging needs and lessons learned;
• Monitor progress in implementation of the project Gender Action Plan ensuring that targets are fully met, and the reporting requirements are fulfilled;
• Assist in the assessment of gender-sensitive plans and contribute to climate vulnerability analyses from a gender perspective;
• Contribute to research, analysis and development of evidence-based recommendations on policies linked to climate change and gender;
• Monitor national developments in climate and gender policy and provide input to align the NDC process with national gender equality commitments;
• Collaborate with the M&E Officers to ensure gender outcomes are adequately monitored and reported, and gender indicators are tracked through the project’s results framework;
• Assist in the organization of training workshops for relevant stakeholders, staff and key actors on climate change and gender-related topics;
• Prepare regular reports on key project activities, issues and required action points.

Support Climate Policy Development and Climate Mainstreaming:

• Assist in baseline mapping of policies and legislations for climate action including a gender lens;
• Assist in the review of project outputs and consultants deliverables ensuring they are in-line with GCF requirement, TORs and project document;
• Assist in the consultations with key stakeholders including targeted national institutions, civil society and women’s rights organizations and feminist groups to ensure ownership of climate policy;
• Assist in the production of policy briefs and advice for policy makers at the targeted national institutions;
• Build linkages between the NDC 3.0 project deliverables and the transparency and MRV track of UNFCCC negotiations, (reporting of mitigation and adaptation communication, linkage between mitigation analysis and NDC, linkages with NAP and LT-LEDS, etc.);
• Undertake activities related to climate change, when requested by the Project Manager/ Advisor.

Support knowledge building, knowledge sharing and capacity building :

• Participate in training and organize briefings on internal procedures for the project staff. Provide support to other capacity building activities, including to the design and delivery of tools, materials for workshops, or platforms that tap into the collective intelligence of communities and mobilize action;
• Provide support in the dissemination and sharing of relevant data and lessons learned within the CO and regionally;
• Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. Support compiling and systematizing project knowledge, products and tools as well as their wide distribution to partners.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The selected incumbent will be working under the overall guidance and the direct supervision of the Project Manager. The Project Associate will be located at the Ministry of Environment in Beirut.

Competencies

Core

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner:LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion:LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

• Business Management: Working with Evidence and Data Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making
• Business Direction & Strategy: Communication Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience; Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
• 2030 Agenda: People: Gender Data for Social Norms and Innovative Policies
• 2030 Agenda: People: Gender Gender and Energy
• 2030 Agenda: Planet: Climate Climate Strategies and Policy: Financing Strategies, Plans and Investment Frameworks
• 2030 Agenda: Planet: Climate Climate Strategies and Policy: NDC enhancement
• 2030 Agenda: Planet: Climate Climate Strategies and Policy: Policy and Institutional Building

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Education

• Secondary Education is required; or
• University degree (Bachelor) in Policy Development, Gender Studies, Environmental Science, Political Science, International Relations or any related fields will be given due consideration but not a requirement.

Work experience

• Minimum 6 years (with a secondary education) or 3 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of progressive relevant experience in similar tasks related to climate change policy in Lebanon.

Required skills and competencies

• Proficiency in standard Microsoft Office applications;
• Experience in gender responsive capacity building;

Desired additional skills and competencies

• Previous experience in working with the Lebanese Public Sector institutions; is desirable.
• Knowledge in Gender and women’s rights and of current gender related laws, policies, and gender gaps and priorities in Lebanon is desirable.
• Experience in working and liaising with development partners andUnited Nations system is desirable.

Required Language(s)

• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.
• Knowledge of French would be an asset.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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