The NDC Partnership
The NDC Partnership is a global coalition, bringing together more than 250 members, including more than 130 countries, developed and developing, and more than 110 institutions to deliver on ambitious climate action that helps achieve the Paris Agreement and drive sustainable development. Governments identify their NDC implementation priorities and the type of support that is needed to translate them into actionable policies and programs. Based on these requests, the membership offers a tailored package of expertise, technical assistance and funding. This collaborative response provides developing countries with efficient access to a wide range of resources to adapt to and mitigate climate change and foster more equitable and sustainable development. The NDC Partnership Support Unit is jointly hosted by the World Resources Institute (WRI), the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the UN Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC). For this project, the Consultant will be contracted through UNOPS.
Job Specific Context
Solomon Islands became a member of the NDC Partnership in September 2025 and has since begun early-stage engagement with the Partnership to help translate its climate commitments into implementable action. The country submitted its updated NDC 3.0 (2025–2035) to the UNFCCC in August 2025 and has a UNFCCC-registered Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) submitted in September 2023, setting a long-term pathway toward net zero across sectors while prioritizing resilient development outcomes. In parallel, the Government has updated its NDC Investment Plan to align with NDC 3.0, providing an initial pipeline of priority opportunities and indicative investment needs to guide implementation planning and resource mobilization.
Solomon Islands’ first formal request for support through the NDC Partnership is for embedded coordination support through the recruitment of an NDC Coordinator/In-country facilitator. The incumbent will closely support the Government’s designated lead institution for NDC coordination and implementation and serve as the NDC Partnership’s interface and liaison between Solomon Islands and the NDC Partnership Support Unit and wider membership. The role is one of coordination and supportive facilitation, with a focus on ensuring a smooth start-up of the Country Engagement Process and helping the Government operationalize its priorities under NDC 3.0.
The incumbent will employ a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to NDC coordination, working across relevant government agencies, provincial stakeholders, civil society, academia, the private sector, and development partners.
Embedded Advisory Model
The National NDC Coordinator/In-Country Facilitator will work closely with the Director of the Climate Change Division (CCD), Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist (aligning with a work plan approved by both the NDC Partnership and CCD, engaging with different ministerial offices and in-country stakeholders. The incumbent will serve as an embedded support facilitator, working on a daily basis alongside government officials within government facilities.
Under the guidance and supervision of the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist, the incumbent will strengthen national coordination mechanisms, communication, resource mobilization, and tracking of implementation progress. The incumbent will support the Government’s nominated NDC Partnership focal point and day-to-day contact in their ongoing responsibilities and help sustain effective engagement with regional platforms such as the Regional Pacific NDC Hub.
This is a retainer national vacancy / position for twelve 12 months, maximum of 220 working days, with possibility of an extension depending on satisfactory performance and on availability of funds.
This is a Homebased position, meaning that the incumbent will not work from a UNOPS office but from the government offices in Solomon Islands. Therefore, the incumbent will need to use his/her own laptop and software.
As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of Solomon Islands or have a valid residence permit in the country.
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Role Purpose
In each country, the Facilitator serves as the NDC Partnership’s interface in country and operates as a liaison between the country and other NDC Partnership member countries. Contrary to the function of IPs, which are implemented directly, the Facilitator’s role is purely one of coordination and supportive facilitation. Working on behalf of the partner government, the Facilitator plays a key role in ensuring the smooth implementation of the Country Engagement Process, by supporting ongoing coordination efforts between the Support Unit, the various partners in the NDC Partnership, and the host country government. This involves working with the host country to refine its objectives for support over time (including articulation of the Implementation Plan); coordinating the Implementation Plan at country level; and serving as an anchor to assist the NDC Partnership in communicating and coordinating services at country level. The In-Country Facilitator will also liaise with the NDC Partnership Support Unit for vertical information-sharing, including both contributing to and accessing knowledge products. While the In-Country Facilitator’s functions are country-specific given the unique set of circumstances and priorities in each country, it is expected that the following responsibilities will be streamlined across all countries in order to ensure a basic level of consistency and equity.
Functions / Key Results Expected
1. Coordination and communication with key stakeholders
Ensure that communications relevant to NDC Partnership engagement are shared with relevant national, international, and local level stakeholders.
Facilitate periodic coordination and information exchange among partners in the country, with the aim of leveraging and mobilizing their respective advantages in support of the Implementation Plan, request for support letters or equivalent instrument. To this end, usage of existing government coordination mechanisms shall be prioritized.
Organize meetings to monitor and coordinate the implementation of the Implementation Plan, or equivalent instrument, with stakeholders.
2. Operationalization of NDC Implementation Plan
Collaborate with the NDC Partnership Support Unit and the Focal Points to manage and update the Plan in the Online Tool, ensuring information remains up to date and accessible for key stakeholders. When an Online does not exist yet, support the transition to the online tool if the government is seeking its use.
Identify implementing and development partners, compile and periodically update their contact details (name of focal point, email address, telephone number) and follow up with them regarding their contribution to the Implementation Plan or equivalent instrument.
When applicable, contribute to the development of the Implementation Plan Narrative and its validation by the government.
3. Facilitation of NDC Implementation Plan implementation
Create an Annual Work Plan that sets out specific goals for the facilitator role in collaboration with the Country Engagement Specialist and Focal Point.
Collaborate with the Support Unit to document changes in the operating context and provide support to the government and stakeholders in decision-making processes and new developments with respect to the Implementation Plan, equivalent instrument and its enabling environment.
4. Mobilization of resources for implementation
Support the government in following up on and mobilizing partner financing to close its support gaps to allow for NDC implementation as per the Implementation Plan or an equivalent instrument.
Update government needs and priorities for NDC implementation. When Implementation Plans are available, these should be regularly updated.
Work with the Support Unit to produce an overview of support gaps to make available to partners.
Engage with partners, including at the local/subnational level, to link needs to services and resources in accordance with the Implementation Plan.
Assist the government in coordinating with key donors, partners, and funding mechanisms on aligning country programs and projects with the needs and gaps identified in the Implementation Plan, other planning / coordination instruments, as applicable, and requests for support.
Assist and provide guidance to International and Development Partners to align climate projects and programmatic objectives with the Implementation Plan or other support planning / coordination instruments as applicable.
5. Tracking of Implementation Plan and Investment Plan implementation progress
Monitor and assess implementation of the Implementation Plan and coordinate periodic reporting of partners to the NDC Partnership.
Prepare quarterly country update reports summarizing key insights and progress updates, challenges, and recommendations for the way forward.
Assess progress outcomes of the NDC Partnership in-country engagement and make recommendations for adjustments.
6. Organize and support NDC-related meetings as needed
If requested, facilitate national country specific multi-stakeholder NDC dialogues.
Support the government in preparing for NDC-related events such as COPs, regional climate weeks, national events, and other convenings relevant to showcase NDC progress and generate support for implementation of the NDC.
Organize coordination meetings between the Support Unit and the government as needed.
Skills
Climate Change, Policy Analysis, Project Management, Resource Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Mobilization, Effective communication
Competencies
Education Requirements
Required
Master’s degree or equivalent in public policy, development, climate change, natural resource management, environmental management, or any other relevant field of study with 5 years of relevant experience.
Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience (7 total) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
Experience Requirements
Required
At least 5 years’ experience in the public and/or private sector with a focus on climate change, project management, stakeholder and donor engagement and/or preparation of cross-cutting workplan/proposal development or any related field.
Experience in multilateral, national and grassroot governance and processes related to climate change, policy and/or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Knowledge of the country’s context of policy frameworks, national plans and strategies related to climate change.
Desired
Familiarity with UNFCCC processes, including Subsidiary Body and Conference of Parties (CoP), NDC and past experience on government climate change process.
Experience of other national contexts that indirectly contribute to climate change.
Ability to foster formal and informal networks to strengthen cooperation between agencies, including Government, private sector participants, NGOs and other stakeholder.
Language Requirements
English Fluent Required
Additional Information
UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.