Job Opportunities in Panama

Result of Service

The: Project Integration specialist consultant will streamline the efficient implementation of the National Adaptation Plans by executing the tasks outlined in the Terms of Reference. Continuously contributing to the efficient implementation of the project “Building capacities for the development of the National Adaptation Plan in the context of the NDCs adaptation themes in Panama” by executing the tasks outlined. Specific tasks and responsibilities The Project Integration specialist consultant will contribute to the effective implementation of the project by performing the following tasks: Outcome 3.1: Adaptation planning governance and institutional coordination strengthened: • Output 3.1.3. Training programmes designed and implemented for policy- and decision-makers from relevant ministries and departments to build capacity to lead, coordinate and actively participate in the NAP Process in Panama; • Output 3.1.4. A national adaptation Research and Development programme to better understand cross thematic risks and identify innovations, new technologies and approaches to address them; • Output 3.1.5. A mechanism established to track adaptation progress, report advances and evaluate outcomes for future revision for the NDC adaptation themes. Activity 1.1: Partner with the National Project Coordinator to develop and refine project work plans, optimize budget allocation, streamline procurement strategies, and generate detailed progress analyses to meet project milestones efficiently. Activity 1.2: Monitor progress of project activities and identify corrective measures to overcome operational constraints. Activity 1.3: Contribute to the preparation, monitoring, evaluation of compliance of the Procurement Plan, Operational Plans, and the project budget. Activity 1.4: Provide technical expertise to generate relevant communication inputs on the NAP portfolio websites, as well as to prepare, publish and disseminate relevant policy and climate change adaptation documents. Activity 1.5: Contribute with the financial Management and monitoring of the Project Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with the Fundación NATURA. Responsibility: The consultant, working closely with the National Project Coordinator, will engage with key national and international stakeholders—such as executing entities, civil society organizations, and private sector partners—to design and enhance project activities, ensuring alignment with budgetary constraints and project timelines. The consultant will develop strategic materials and maintain direct coordination with government leadership to support the successful execution of project activities. They will manage project documentation and manage critical processes to facilitate timely and efficient delivery of project milestones. Outcome 3.2 Evidence basis produced to design adaptation solutions for maximum impact • Output 3.2.2. Updated information on climate scenarios, socio-economic projections, and climate change impacts for water resources, health, infrastructure and agriculture and food security themes are available. • Output 3.2.3. Nationally agreed adaptation strategies identified and appraised. Activity 2.1: Provide guidance and expertise in the process of recruitment and hiring of individual consultants, consultancy firms and procurement of goods and services carried out in accordance with the project proposal, and the procedures of UNEP. Activity 2.2: Provide technical expertise in the technical organization and support of Project Steering Committee and other relevant meetings, workshops, trainings, consultations and communications efforts (as necessary). Activity 2.3: Provide technical expertise to field missions for the dissemination of relevant information on climate change adaptation. Responsibility: The consultant, in collaboration with The Regional Subprogramme Coordinator for the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO and the National Project Coordinators, will contribute in the development and implementation of project activities, including the coordination and facilitation of national, regional, and local meetings, as well as the development of technical presentations to advise project planning, information synthesis, and strategic outreach efforts. This will promote the project’s objectives and ensure streamlined execution of all recruitment processes. Outcome 3.4 Adaptation finance increased. • Output 3.4.2 Thematic mainstreaming adaptation strategies developed for six NDC adaptation themes to support investment into adaptation. • Output 3.4.3 A Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy elaborated and two Green Climate Fund concept notes developed to effectively mobilize public and private sector financing for implementation of priority adaptation measures. Activity 3.1: Coordinate project-related meetings by defining agendas, scheduling key discussions, and documenting action items to ensure alignment on project activities and outcomes. Activity 3.2: Work with the Project Management Unit to address operational needs and optimize resource management, supporting efficient project workflows and effective use of the unit’s assets. Responsibility: In collaboration with the Regional Sub Programme Coordinator for the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO and the National Project Coordinators, the consultant will conduct the organization, synthesis, and analysis of data obtained from studies and activities across various project components. This will encompass compiling and structuring all results aligned with the outcomes outlined in the NAP Project Proposal to ensure comprehensive documentation and integration into the project framework.

Work Location

Panama City, Panama

Expected duration

12 MONTHS

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). In terms of addressing climate change, UNEP aims to support countries in the compliance of the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the priority actions defined in the countries Nationally Determined Contributions. The overall objective of UNEP´s Sub-programme on Climate Change is to strengthen the ability of countries to move towards climate-resilient and low emission strategies for sustainable development and human well-being. The expected accomplishment regarding climate change adaptation is that adaptation approaches, including an ecosystem-based approach, are implemented, and integrated into key sectoral and national development strategies to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience to climate change impacts. Furthermore, the UNEP´s Sub-programme on Climate Change is also committed to ensure that crosscutting issues such as gender equity and women empowerment are effectively undertaken in the development of its tasks to guarantee an equitable development in line with its adaptation objectives. To fulfill the objectives of the project, the UNEP LACO Office is recruiting a Project Integration specialist to provide operational guidance and technical expertise to the Ministries of Environment and Natural Resources and UNEP in the implementation of the Green Climate Fund funded project as set in the funding proposal document. The main objective of the position of the Project Integration specialist is to provide logistical, technical, and operational expertise across various stages of project development and execution. It ensures that project activities are technically harmonized and aligned with organizational objectives, enabling successful project delivery. The project aims to strengthen institutional engagement and capacities to plan, finance, implement, monitor, and report strategic adaptation processes, considering stakeholders at multiple levels. The project seeks to achieve its objective through four (4) components: • Adaptation planning governance and institutional coordination strengthened. • Evidence basis produced to design adaptation solutions for maximum impact. • Private sector engagement in adaptation catalyzed. • Adaptation finance increased. To fulfill the objectives of the project, UNEP LACO is recruiting a: Project Integration specialist consultant to work with UNEP in the implementation of the Green Climate Fund funded project as set in the funding proposal document. The Consultant will report directly to The Regional Subprogramme Coordinator for the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO and the National Project Coordinator of the NAP Panamá. The: Project Integration specialist consultant will operate under the overall supervision of The Regional Subprogramme Coordinator for the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO and in close coordination with the the Ministry of Environment (Mi Ambeinte). The incumbent will work from Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, full time basis and will be located at the Office of Climate Change Directorate of the Ministry of Environment, Project Management Unit in Panama City, Panama. Additionally, he/she will work in close collaboration with UNEP’s Adaptation team, the Directorate of Climate Change of the Ministry of Environment in Panama, other national consultants and government and non-governmental counterparts. Travel might be needed for consultation processes.

Qualifications/special skills

ACADEMIC: • Bachelor’s degree in business/public administration, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Industrial Engineering, or any other related field is required. PROFESSIONAL: • Three (3) years of relevant working experience performing project management and/or project support and/or operational tasks is required. • Previous experience with budget management and financial reports is desired. • Previous experience participating in community development projects is desired. • Previous experience working with national or local government entities in Panama is desirable. • Previous experience with international cooperation agencies or the United Nations system is desirable. LANGUAGE: • Fluency in Spanish is required. • Fluency in English is required. SKILLS: • Proficiency in MS Office (MS Word, Power Point, Excel and Outlook) software applications. Proficiency in design and layout software packages is desirable. • Ability to communicate complex issues in a language and format that is appropriate to specific target audiences is desirable • Ability and willingness to travel to urban and rural regions of the country is desirable • Excellent interpersonal communication skills and experience in stakeholder engagement and public relations is desirable. • Strong ability to analyze data and policies from an intersectional gender lens approach. • The ability to provide guidance on a gender intersectional approach for climate change adaptation is desirable. COMPETENCIES: • Professionalism: Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. He/she shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Teamwork: Is able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve organizational goals and to take leadership when appropriate; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. • Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. Ability to work with tight deadlines and deliver high quality results on time. Very high level of organizational and time management skills, as well as attention to detail.

Languages

Not available.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.