Regional Adaptation Specialist
United Nations, Panama City, FL, United States
Department/Office
United Nations Environment Programme
Responsibilities The Regional adaptation specialist will structure and implement a road map to bolster the development of a regional strategy of adaptation within the framework of the NAP projects of El Salvador and Panama. In addition to contributing to the project management, he/she is expected to guide the work related to (a) Generation and dissemination of science‑policy knowledge, (b) Technical and advisory services, (c) Regional advocacy and outreach and (d) Intergovernmental and interagency process.
Outcome 3.1 – Output 3.1.4 Monitoring and reporting system established for the adaptation national priorities (Technical guidance and Operations – 30%) Associated project activities:
Activity 1.1: Contribute to technical coordination of NAP (National Adaptation Plan) projects.
Activity 1.2: Contribute to the development of reports, briefings and presentations to the steering committee, donors and relevant stakeholders.
Activity 1.3: Contribute to the preparation of comprehensive narrative and annual reports for donors, ensuring timely, technical consistent and accurate reporting.
Activity 1.4: Support project planning and implementation management, including the development and monitoring of annual work plans, procurement plans, and delivery schedules, ensuring alignment with project timelines, budgets, and expected results.
Activity 1.5: Monitor project performance and financial execution, identifying risks, delays, and implementation gaps, and proactively recommending corrective actions to ensure timely delivery and efficient use of resources.
Responsibility: The consultant, in collaboration with the Programme Management Officer of the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO and the National Project Coordinators, will collaborate with the coordination of technical aspects of National Adaptation Plan (NAP) projects and produce clear, accurate monitoring reports to ensure effective communication with donors and stakeholders. The consultant will also provide technical inputs to ensure that analyses and recommendations are tailored to country needs and contribute to the identification and analysis of project management issues, supporting timely coordination and follow‑up with Headquarters in Nairobi.
Outcome 3.1 – Output 3.1.3 Country ownership and technical capacities strengthened to lead the NAP process (Communications and Outreach – 20%) Associated project activities:
Activity 2.1: Provide technical inputs to the design and implementation of the communication strategy for the NAP portfolio, ensuring alignment with project objectives and country priorities.
Activity 2.2: Conduct two knowledge exchanges to countries with advanced development of their NAPs to learn about good practices on adaptation planning and implementation.
Activity 2.3: Provide technical assistance in the development of robust adaptation proposals, reader‑friendly and technically accurate Terms of References, communication materials tailored to different audiences, summarizing key findings of the NAP process review and facilitating effective uptake by policymakers, technical staff, and other stakeholders.
Activity 2.4: Support the design, organization, and maintenance of a regional repository of communication, technical documents and outreach materials, ensuring accessibility, quality control, and alignment across NAP countries. This includes tracking available products, facilitating timely updates, and supporting coordination among country teams to enhance visibility and coherence of adaptation efforts both, for the regional portfolio, as well as for the NAPs knowledge management process in the MTS and the PoW.
Responsibility: The consultant, in coordination with the Programme Management Officer of the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO and the National Project Coordinators, will provide technical inputs and collaborate with the communications team to develop high‑quality communication materials (including infographics, policy briefs, notes, presentations, speaking points, webinars, workshops, Terms of Reference, and outreach strategies) to effectively disseminate adaptation work. The consultant will also support the planning, organization, and dissemination of these products, ensuring consistency and alignment across countries, and will maintain and expand networks with national and international partners, proactively identifying opportunities to strengthen collaboration, visibility, and outreach, in line with UNEP’s Medium‑Term Strategy (MTS) and Programme of Work (PoW).
Outcome 3.1 – Output 3.2.2 Set of nationally agreed adaptation strategies to reach adaptation objectives (Research and analysis – 20%) Associated project activities:
Activity 3.1: Provide technical expertise for the development of existing national, sub‑national and sectoral monitoring and reporting systems.
Activity 3.2: Provide guidance to organize workshops for relevant members of the NAP Portfolio stakeholders and memberships and other key actors to identify points of interaction with the monitoring and reporting system planned for the NAPs and thematic adaptation plans, as well as with the systems of the Climate Change National Plan (PNCC given its Spanish acronym), the NDCs (CBIT project), and the transparency portal and the Voluntary National Review to track progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda and particularly the SDG 13 Climate Action.
Activity 3.3: Review, analyze and synthesize available data and information on (i) the causes of observed impact events; (ii) climate change projections and climate risk and vulnerability assessments, and the methodologies used; and (iii) current adaptation status (strategies, initiatives, etc). The consulted information should be relevant to the different NDC thematic areas and regions of the country. For this, sources such as the National Communications will be used. This analysis on current adaptation status will be an element to guide the NAP process and ensure policy coherence/ alignment in terms of adaptation priorities.
Activity 3.4: Scope alternative adaptation strategies to reach adaptation objectives, with emphasis on EbA whenever possible and considering gender‑responsive criteria.
Activity 3.5: Screen needs and opportunities for mainstreaming adaptation in the countries involved by reviewing planning instruments and budgets at the national, sub‑national, sectoral and intersectoral, levels against information about climate change risks and vulnerabilities to incorporate adaptation criteria and practices in the NAPs.
Activity 3.6: Provide technical inputs for the identification of financing options, sources and mechanisms for the implementation of the NAP and the sectoral plans, including the barriers and opportunities associated to the options.
Activity 3.7: Contribute in compiling and visualizing key adaptation indicators and trends identified through the Regional Observatory of Adaptation, facilitating their presentation in internal and external knowledge products and in alignment with National priorities such as Nationally Determined Contributions, Long Term Climate Strategies, NBSAPS, or other relevant national initiatives for this output.
Responsibility: The consultant, in collaboration with the Programme Management Officer in charge of the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO and the National Project Coordinators, will provide technical expertise to the development of analytical reports, knowledge products, concept notes and science‑based recommendations to strengthen adaptation policy processes and planning instruments. Furthermore, the consultant will lead the development and operationalization of a Regional Observatory of Adaptation (ROA) as a strategic tool to inform and facilitate the implementation of the Global Goal on Adaptation framework. This includes contributing to the analysis of progress, gaps, and barriers to adaptation in line with medium‑ and long‑term national priorities, and supporting evidence‑based decision‑making to inform regional adaptation strategies and identify priority areas for UNEP’s engagement in the region.
Outcome 3.1 – Output 3.1.5 Learnings from the NAP process adequately collected, stored and shared (Strategy and lessons learned – 20%) Associated project activities:
Activity 4.1: Identifying challenges, emerging issues, and solutions in strengthening adaptation planning and policy processes in the LAC region.
Activity 4.2: Contribute to the development and growth of new work related to adaptation policy, expressed through the following types of interventions: Generation and dissemination of science‑policy knowledge, Technical input, capacity building and advisory services, Regional Advocacy and outreach, Intergovernmental and interagency process.
Activity 4.3: Bolster fundraising efforts, co‑creation strategies and internal financing arrangements based on existing work or new ideas.
Activity 4.4: Support the coordination and periodic update of a regional lessons‑learned tracker, consolidating insights from country projects and regional initiatives. This includes ensuring systematic input from country teams, tracking key implementation challenges and solutions, and facilitating the integration of lessons learned into project planning, adaptive management, and decision‑making processes.
Activity 4.5: Support the coordination and quality assurance of documentation and archiving processes for closure packages and knowledge products from completed NAP projects. This includes organizing key deliverables, ensuring consistency and accessibility of information, and facilitating the transfer of best practices and evidence to ongoing and upcoming initiatives across the region. Focus areas may include: Alignment and coherence of policy instruments across sectors and scales, Integration of Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Unlocking NbS: Integration of the biodiversity and climate change agendas, Financing mechanisms for adaptation, Development of effective Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems.
Responsibility: The consultant, in coordination with the Programme Management Officer in charge of the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO and the National Project Coordinators, will contribute to identify challenges and solutions in adaptation planning in the LAC region, while contributing to the development of adaptation policy through knowledge generation, technical guidance, and advocacy, and streamline fundraising and co‑creation strategies, all of it, based on lessons learned from the NAP portfolio. Additionally, the consultant will collaborate in the organization and maintenance of a regional knowledge base, including databases of consultants, technical products, Terms of Reference, and key documentation. This will ensure systematic capture, harmonization, and transfer of knowledge across projects, enhancing consistency, efficiency, and learning within the regional adaptation portfolio.
Outcome 3.2 – Set of nationally agreed adaptation strategies to reach adaptation objectives (Climate Advocacy 10%) Associated project activities:
Activity 5.1: Support the design and implementation of advocacy strategies to strengthen political and institutional commitment for the development and implementation of National and Regional Adaptation Strategies, ensuring alignment with the Paris Agreement and the Global Goal on Adaptation.
Activity 5.2: Provide technical and coordination support to organize events, high‑level dialogues, and inter‑institutional meetings that promote the inclusion of adaptation in national and regional agendas, fostering multi‑stakeholder participation, including youth, private sector, and civil society.
Activity 5.3: Contribute to the development of policy briefs, position papers, and advocacy materials highlighting the importance of adaptation and resilience in sustainable development, with special attention to gender equality, ecosystem integrity, and social inclusion.
Activity 5.4: Support the mapping and engagement of strategic partners to advance advocacy efforts on climate adaptation across the LAC region, identifying synergies with existing regional initiatives, frameworks, and interagency platforms.
Activity 5.5: Contribute to communication and visibility efforts showcasing regional leadership and progress in adaptation, including participation in global advocacy processes such as the Global Goal on Adaptation, COP events, and regional climate fora.
Responsibility: The consultant, under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer in charge of the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO and in coordination with the National Project Coordinators, will contribute to the design and implementation of advocacy strategies that enhance political commitment and regional collaboration on climate change adaptation. The consultant will provide technical inputs, coordinate outreach activities, and support the preparation of advocacy materials and events aimed at positioning adaptation as a key pillar of sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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Responsibilities The Regional adaptation specialist will structure and implement a road map to bolster the development of a regional strategy of adaptation within the framework of the NAP projects of El Salvador and Panama. In addition to contributing to the project management, he/she is expected to guide the work related to (a) Generation and dissemination of science‑policy knowledge, (b) Technical and advisory services, (c) Regional advocacy and outreach and (d) Intergovernmental and interagency process.
Outcome 3.1 – Output 3.1.4 Monitoring and reporting system established for the adaptation national priorities (Technical guidance and Operations – 30%) Associated project activities:
Activity 1.1: Contribute to technical coordination of NAP (National Adaptation Plan) projects.
Activity 1.2: Contribute to the development of reports, briefings and presentations to the steering committee, donors and relevant stakeholders.
Activity 1.3: Contribute to the preparation of comprehensive narrative and annual reports for donors, ensuring timely, technical consistent and accurate reporting.
Activity 1.4: Support project planning and implementation management, including the development and monitoring of annual work plans, procurement plans, and delivery schedules, ensuring alignment with project timelines, budgets, and expected results.
Activity 1.5: Monitor project performance and financial execution, identifying risks, delays, and implementation gaps, and proactively recommending corrective actions to ensure timely delivery and efficient use of resources.
Responsibility: The consultant, in collaboration with the Programme Management Officer of the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO and the National Project Coordinators, will collaborate with the coordination of technical aspects of National Adaptation Plan (NAP) projects and produce clear, accurate monitoring reports to ensure effective communication with donors and stakeholders. The consultant will also provide technical inputs to ensure that analyses and recommendations are tailored to country needs and contribute to the identification and analysis of project management issues, supporting timely coordination and follow‑up with Headquarters in Nairobi.
Outcome 3.1 – Output 3.1.3 Country ownership and technical capacities strengthened to lead the NAP process (Communications and Outreach – 20%) Associated project activities:
Activity 2.1: Provide technical inputs to the design and implementation of the communication strategy for the NAP portfolio, ensuring alignment with project objectives and country priorities.
Activity 2.2: Conduct two knowledge exchanges to countries with advanced development of their NAPs to learn about good practices on adaptation planning and implementation.
Activity 2.3: Provide technical assistance in the development of robust adaptation proposals, reader‑friendly and technically accurate Terms of References, communication materials tailored to different audiences, summarizing key findings of the NAP process review and facilitating effective uptake by policymakers, technical staff, and other stakeholders.
Activity 2.4: Support the design, organization, and maintenance of a regional repository of communication, technical documents and outreach materials, ensuring accessibility, quality control, and alignment across NAP countries. This includes tracking available products, facilitating timely updates, and supporting coordination among country teams to enhance visibility and coherence of adaptation efforts both, for the regional portfolio, as well as for the NAPs knowledge management process in the MTS and the PoW.
Responsibility: The consultant, in coordination with the Programme Management Officer of the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO and the National Project Coordinators, will provide technical inputs and collaborate with the communications team to develop high‑quality communication materials (including infographics, policy briefs, notes, presentations, speaking points, webinars, workshops, Terms of Reference, and outreach strategies) to effectively disseminate adaptation work. The consultant will also support the planning, organization, and dissemination of these products, ensuring consistency and alignment across countries, and will maintain and expand networks with national and international partners, proactively identifying opportunities to strengthen collaboration, visibility, and outreach, in line with UNEP’s Medium‑Term Strategy (MTS) and Programme of Work (PoW).
Outcome 3.1 – Output 3.2.2 Set of nationally agreed adaptation strategies to reach adaptation objectives (Research and analysis – 20%) Associated project activities:
Activity 3.1: Provide technical expertise for the development of existing national, sub‑national and sectoral monitoring and reporting systems.
Activity 3.2: Provide guidance to organize workshops for relevant members of the NAP Portfolio stakeholders and memberships and other key actors to identify points of interaction with the monitoring and reporting system planned for the NAPs and thematic adaptation plans, as well as with the systems of the Climate Change National Plan (PNCC given its Spanish acronym), the NDCs (CBIT project), and the transparency portal and the Voluntary National Review to track progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda and particularly the SDG 13 Climate Action.
Activity 3.3: Review, analyze and synthesize available data and information on (i) the causes of observed impact events; (ii) climate change projections and climate risk and vulnerability assessments, and the methodologies used; and (iii) current adaptation status (strategies, initiatives, etc). The consulted information should be relevant to the different NDC thematic areas and regions of the country. For this, sources such as the National Communications will be used. This analysis on current adaptation status will be an element to guide the NAP process and ensure policy coherence/ alignment in terms of adaptation priorities.
Activity 3.4: Scope alternative adaptation strategies to reach adaptation objectives, with emphasis on EbA whenever possible and considering gender‑responsive criteria.
Activity 3.5: Screen needs and opportunities for mainstreaming adaptation in the countries involved by reviewing planning instruments and budgets at the national, sub‑national, sectoral and intersectoral, levels against information about climate change risks and vulnerabilities to incorporate adaptation criteria and practices in the NAPs.
Activity 3.6: Provide technical inputs for the identification of financing options, sources and mechanisms for the implementation of the NAP and the sectoral plans, including the barriers and opportunities associated to the options.
Activity 3.7: Contribute in compiling and visualizing key adaptation indicators and trends identified through the Regional Observatory of Adaptation, facilitating their presentation in internal and external knowledge products and in alignment with National priorities such as Nationally Determined Contributions, Long Term Climate Strategies, NBSAPS, or other relevant national initiatives for this output.
Responsibility: The consultant, in collaboration with the Programme Management Officer in charge of the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO and the National Project Coordinators, will provide technical expertise to the development of analytical reports, knowledge products, concept notes and science‑based recommendations to strengthen adaptation policy processes and planning instruments. Furthermore, the consultant will lead the development and operationalization of a Regional Observatory of Adaptation (ROA) as a strategic tool to inform and facilitate the implementation of the Global Goal on Adaptation framework. This includes contributing to the analysis of progress, gaps, and barriers to adaptation in line with medium‑ and long‑term national priorities, and supporting evidence‑based decision‑making to inform regional adaptation strategies and identify priority areas for UNEP’s engagement in the region.
Outcome 3.1 – Output 3.1.5 Learnings from the NAP process adequately collected, stored and shared (Strategy and lessons learned – 20%) Associated project activities:
Activity 4.1: Identifying challenges, emerging issues, and solutions in strengthening adaptation planning and policy processes in the LAC region.
Activity 4.2: Contribute to the development and growth of new work related to adaptation policy, expressed through the following types of interventions: Generation and dissemination of science‑policy knowledge, Technical input, capacity building and advisory services, Regional Advocacy and outreach, Intergovernmental and interagency process.
Activity 4.3: Bolster fundraising efforts, co‑creation strategies and internal financing arrangements based on existing work or new ideas.
Activity 4.4: Support the coordination and periodic update of a regional lessons‑learned tracker, consolidating insights from country projects and regional initiatives. This includes ensuring systematic input from country teams, tracking key implementation challenges and solutions, and facilitating the integration of lessons learned into project planning, adaptive management, and decision‑making processes.
Activity 4.5: Support the coordination and quality assurance of documentation and archiving processes for closure packages and knowledge products from completed NAP projects. This includes organizing key deliverables, ensuring consistency and accessibility of information, and facilitating the transfer of best practices and evidence to ongoing and upcoming initiatives across the region. Focus areas may include: Alignment and coherence of policy instruments across sectors and scales, Integration of Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Unlocking NbS: Integration of the biodiversity and climate change agendas, Financing mechanisms for adaptation, Development of effective Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems.
Responsibility: The consultant, in coordination with the Programme Management Officer in charge of the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO and the National Project Coordinators, will contribute to identify challenges and solutions in adaptation planning in the LAC region, while contributing to the development of adaptation policy through knowledge generation, technical guidance, and advocacy, and streamline fundraising and co‑creation strategies, all of it, based on lessons learned from the NAP portfolio. Additionally, the consultant will collaborate in the organization and maintenance of a regional knowledge base, including databases of consultants, technical products, Terms of Reference, and key documentation. This will ensure systematic capture, harmonization, and transfer of knowledge across projects, enhancing consistency, efficiency, and learning within the regional adaptation portfolio.
Outcome 3.2 – Set of nationally agreed adaptation strategies to reach adaptation objectives (Climate Advocacy 10%) Associated project activities:
Activity 5.1: Support the design and implementation of advocacy strategies to strengthen political and institutional commitment for the development and implementation of National and Regional Adaptation Strategies, ensuring alignment with the Paris Agreement and the Global Goal on Adaptation.
Activity 5.2: Provide technical and coordination support to organize events, high‑level dialogues, and inter‑institutional meetings that promote the inclusion of adaptation in national and regional agendas, fostering multi‑stakeholder participation, including youth, private sector, and civil society.
Activity 5.3: Contribute to the development of policy briefs, position papers, and advocacy materials highlighting the importance of adaptation and resilience in sustainable development, with special attention to gender equality, ecosystem integrity, and social inclusion.
Activity 5.4: Support the mapping and engagement of strategic partners to advance advocacy efforts on climate adaptation across the LAC region, identifying synergies with existing regional initiatives, frameworks, and interagency platforms.
Activity 5.5: Contribute to communication and visibility efforts showcasing regional leadership and progress in adaptation, including participation in global advocacy processes such as the Global Goal on Adaptation, COP events, and regional climate fora.
Responsibility: The consultant, under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer in charge of the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO and in coordination with the National Project Coordinators, will contribute to the design and implementation of advocacy strategies that enhance political commitment and regional collaboration on climate change adaptation. The consultant will provide technical inputs, coordinate outreach activities, and support the preparation of advocacy materials and events aimed at positioning adaptation as a key pillar of sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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