In Country Facilitator (Home based Retainer) Maseru, Lesotho

Organizational Context

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) supports sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding globally. The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, part of GPO, manages over $500 million in projects. This role is within the NDC Partnership Support Unit, jointly hosted by WRI, UNOPS, and UNFCCC, focusing on climate action and sustainable development.

Job Purpose

This role serves as the primary liaison between the Government of Lesotho and the NDC Partnership, facilitating the effective implementation of Lesotho's climate action priorities. The In-Country Facilitator strengthens coordination among national stakeholders, the NDC Partnership Support Unit, and international partners. Key contributions include supporting policy development, enhancing institutional capacity for climate action, developing and strengthening Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) frameworks, and managing knowledge and reporting on lessons learned. The position aims to ensure evidence-based climate action and support the Ministry of Environment and Forestry through the Lesotho Meteorological Services.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and communicate with national, international, and local stakeholders regarding NDC Partnership engagement. Facilitate periodic coordination meetings to leverage partner advantages for plan implementation, prioritizing existing government mechanisms. Organize meetings for monitoring and coordinating implementation plans. Collaborate with the NDC Partnership Support Unit and Focal Points to manage and update online tools for implementation plans. Identify and maintain contact details for implementing and development partners, following up on their contributions. Develop and validate the Implementation Plan Narrative when applicable. Create an Annual Work Plan in collaboration with the Country Engagement Specialist and Focal Point. Document changes in the operating context and support decision-making processes. Support the government in mobilizing partner financing to close support gaps for NDC implementation. Update government needs and priorities, and produce an overview of support gaps for partners. Engage with partners to link needs with services and resources aligned with Lesotho’s NDC. Assist the government in coordinating with donors and funding mechanisms to align country programs with identified needs and gaps. Monitor and assess the implementation progress of the Implementation Plan and coordinate periodic reporting. Prepare quarterly country update reports summarizing progress, challenges, and recommendations. Assess outcomes of in-country engagement and recommend adjustments. Organize and support NDC-related meetings and events, including national dialogues and preparations for international forums.

Work Experience

Requires at least 5 years of experience in the public or private sector focusing on climate change, project management, stakeholder/donor engagement, or workplan/proposal development. Experience with multilateral, national, and grassroots governance related to climate change policy or NDCs is essential. Knowledge of Lesotho’s climate change policy frameworks and national strategies is also required.

Skills

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

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