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

Organizational Context

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) supports sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding globally. Within this, the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio manages significant funds and implements projects focused on environmental protection and climate action. The NDC Partnership, jointly hosted by WRI, UNOPS, and UNFCCC, mobilizes global resources to support countries in achieving their climate goals.

Job Purpose

This role provides crucial economic expertise to Namibia's climate policy and planning, with a specific focus on the Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector. The Economic Advisor will lead economic analysis and pre-feasibility assessments to support climate finance mobilization and integrate climate priorities into national development plans. This position is key to strengthening the implementation of Namibia's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by identifying investment gaps, developing financing strategies, and preparing investment-ready projects. The Advisor will ensure smooth coordination with the NDC Partnership Support Unit, development partners, and relevant line ministries, contributing significantly to Namibia's climate action and sustainable development goals.

Responsibilities

The Economic Advisor will conduct strategic and technical analysis of national investment policies and frameworks, identifying gaps in achieving AFOLU-related NDC targets. This includes detailed economic analyses and pre-feasibility assessments for climate finance mobilization. The role involves extensive stakeholder engagement across government, private sector, and civil society, maintaining a database of AFOLU-related entities. Resource mobilization efforts include producing reports on financial sources and investment opportunities, identifying financing gaps, and recommending best practices for mitigation and adaptation finance. The Advisor will support the establishment of a Donors and Investors Working Group and facilitate linkages between AFOLU priorities and available resources. A key responsibility is project pipeline development, including conducting pre-feasibility studies for NDC-aligned projects, developing bankable concept notes, and strengthening government capacity to manage the project pipeline. The role also includes organizing and supporting NDC-related meetings and dialogues.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive experience in climate policy, climate programs, or sustainable development, with significant experience in Namibia's AFOLU sector, is required. Experience with multilateral, national, and grassroots governance related to climate change and NDCs is essential. Strong knowledge of Namibia’s climate change and sustainable development policy frameworks is necessary. Proven experience working with government, public institutions, or development partners on climate policy analysis, project management, stakeholder coordination, and donor engagement is also required.

Skills

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

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