Consultant Senior Specialist in Research and Development

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) seeks a Consultant Senior Specialist in Research and Development to develop a National Climate Change Adaptation Research and Development (R&D) Programme for Panama. This role is crucial for assessing research needs, capacities, and establishing a strategic framework to guide knowledge generation and innovation in climate change adaptation.

Job Purpose

The Consultant Senior Specialist will play a pivotal role in the coordination and implementation of a Green Climate Fund-funded project, specifically focusing on the development, validation, and finalization of Panama's National Climate Adaptation Research and Development Programme. This involves conducting a comprehensive diagnosis of research needs, gaps, and opportunities, and subsequently designing a robust R&D Programme aligned with national climate policies and priorities. The consultant will facilitate stakeholder engagement, analyze existing capacities, and propose innovative solutions and implementation mechanisms to enhance climate resilience through research and development, ensuring alignment with national adaptation planning processes and fostering partnerships for sustainable implementation.

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct a comprehensive desk review of existing policies and strategies related to climate change adaptation, research, and innovation. This includes collecting and analyzing data to assess national research needs, gaps, and opportunities. The role involves mapping research institutions and stakeholders, identifying research capacities and gaps, and analyzing barriers to knowledge production and application. A key responsibility is facilitating stakeholder engagement through consultations and meetings, and preparing detailed records. The consultant will design the structure and framework of the National R&D Programme, defining cross-sectoral research priorities, thematic areas, and implementation components. This includes developing governance arrangements, partnerships, and capacity-building strategies, and proposing methodologies for research development and dissemination. The consultant will also organize and facilitate validation workshops and a public forum to present the R&D Programme, gather feedback, and engage with potential financing partners, ultimately consolidating all inputs into a final programme document.

Work Experience

Seven years of relevant professional experience in climate change adaptation planning, research programme development, environmental management, natural and social sciences, or adaptation policies is required. Experience in designing and implementing research or innovation frameworks is essential. Desirable experience includes institutional analysis, facilitating technology and knowledge transfer, understanding Panama's science and innovation ecosystem, and familiarity with climate change adaptation planning processes, gender integration, and multilevel coordination.

Skills

Ability to identify adaptation knowledge gaps and propose solutions. Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and facilitate dialogues in multisectoral settings. Capacity to assess and design research frameworks and innovation approaches. Strong analytical, reporting, and communication skills. Ability to synthesize complex technical information. Experience in gender integration within climate change projects. Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.

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