Country Engagement Specialist (Pacific)
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 focused on climate action and environmental protection. The NDC Partnership Support Unit, jointly hosted by WRI, UNOPS, and UNFCCC, is a global coalition dedicated to advancing the Paris Agreement through strengthened capacity and collaboration for country-owned climate and development actions.
Job Purpose
The Country Engagement Specialist (Pacific) serves as the primary point of contact for assigned countries within the NDC Partnership Support Unit (SU). This role is crucial for maximizing the SU's impact by identifying country needs and facilitating matchmaking with available support, funds, and ideal partners. The specialist will continuously monitor and optimize country engagement strategies in collaboration with the Regional Manager, fostering regional synergies and identifying opportunities and risks. A key aspect of the role involves strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, including country focal points and in-country partners, to enhance SU visibility and support resource mobilization. The position also contributes to sharing impact stories and building in-depth country knowledge to inform communications and knowledge products.
Responsibilities
The Country Engagement Specialist will lead country engagement efforts, developing a deep understanding of NDC implementation contexts and support mechanisms. This includes guiding focal points through the request for support process, preparing concept notes, and conducting quality assurance on submitted forms. The specialist will match country needs with Partnership services and facilitate access to funding opportunities, including capacity building for online tools and the Climate Finance Investment Framework. Relationship building with country focal points and in-country partners is essential to ensure understanding of Partnership processes and to align with their climate agendas. The role involves planning and reporting on country missions, representing the team in external meetings, and maintaining strategic alignment with the Regional Manager. Collaboration with other Support Unit teams is vital for developing integrated solutions and knowledge exchange. The specialist will also guide in-country facilitators, provide feedback on engagement practices, and contribute to internal and external dissemination activities. Information management, including updating contact details and capturing country insights in dedicated systems, is also a key responsibility.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of experience in climate change, environmental management, development cooperation, or climate finance is required. This includes at least three years of continuous professional practice in Pacific Small Island Developing States, with established government relationships and an understanding of regional institutions and climate finance access. Experience in building relationships with government officials, managing complex projects, and working with diverse stakeholders is essential. Familiarity with international and national climate policy is also required. Complementary experience in Southeast Asia and program/project design and management are considered strong assets.
Skills
Analytical Skills, Climate Change, Communication, International Relations, Project Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning