National Expert on Climate Change Capacity Gap Assessment
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to eradicating hunger and promoting food security. FAO supports the Government of Vanuatu in implementing a GEF-funded project focused on strengthening capacities in energy, agriculture, forestry, and other land use sectors for enhanced transparency in monitoring Vanuatu’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). This initiative, co-executed with the Department of Climate Change, aims to bolster institutional and human capacities to meet Paris Agreement reporting requirements.
Job Purpose
The National Expert will lead the capacity gap assessment activities under Component 1 of the project, focusing on strengthening Vanuatu’s institutional arrangements for a robust Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system for NDC mitigation and adaptation actions. This involves a comprehensive gap assessment covering institutional, regulatory, human, technological, and financial needs, alongside stakeholder mapping, to support Vanuatu’s enhanced NDC transparency framework. Additionally, the expert will contribute to designing and delivering capacity-building initiatives, including Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory training for national stakeholders, ensuring alignment with project objectives and government priorities.
Responsibilities
The role involves conducting an inception and preparatory analysis, including reviewing project documents and consulting with FAO specialists, government representatives, and other stakeholders to refine the work plan and methodology. The core responsibility is to perform a national climate change capacity gap assessment, evaluating current capacities, understanding of climate transparency, existing practices, and development needs. This includes identifying and documenting the national institutional architecture for climate change governance, assessing strengths and gaps related to the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), NDC 3.0, and the first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1). The expert will also conduct Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions, implement monitoring arrangements, and analyze stakeholder knowledge to prepare recommendations for integration and scaling for the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF). Finally, the role includes preparing and validating assessment reports and supporting the design and delivery of capacity building and GHG inventory training.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive professional experience in climate change, with a specific focus on mitigation, is necessary. Experience conducting national-level assessments, surveys, or stakeholder consultations, particularly within the Pacific context, is highly desirable.
Skills
Key skills include a strong understanding of the NDC, NAP, and BTR processes under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework. Hands-on experience with the IPCC 2006 Guidelines and GHG inventory software is required. Demonstrated experience in conducting national-level assessments and stakeholder consultations, especially in the Pacific, is crucial. The ability to support training design and delivery, including on GHG inventory topics, and familiarity with Vanuatu’s climate change governance arrangements are also important.