Technical consultant on LULUCF and climate change for Panama

Result of Service

Output 1. Provide the government of Panama with a comprehensive analysis of the emissions and carbon sequestration potential in the forestry and agriculture sectors, as well as recommendations for mitigation measures and opportunities for carbon sequestration based on best practices and case studies from other countries. Product No. 1. One analysis of emissions and carbon sequestration potential in the forestry and agriculture sectors in Panama, with a focus on the prioritized economic sectors (agreed on with Ministry of Environment of Panama and Carbon Markets Specialists). The LULUCF specialist would be responsible for reviewing existing data and reports on emissions and carbon sequestration in Panama's forestry and agriculture sectors and conducting new research to fill any gaps in the available data. The analysis should involve identifying the sources of emissions in these sectors, including deforestation, agriculture, and other land use activities. The specialist would also assess the potential for carbon sequestration in these sectors, including through reforestation and other land management practices. Product No. 2. One document with recommendations for mitigation measures and opportunities for carbon sequestration in Panama's forestry and agriculture sectors, based on best practices and case studies from other countries. The consultant will have to thoroughly analyze the current practices and activities in Panama's forestry and agriculture sectors, focusing on the prioritized economic sectors identified by the government. This would include gathering data on land use, deforestation rates, forest degradation, crop yields, livestock production, and other relevant factors that impact emissions and carbon sequestration potential. The consultant will also have to compile best practices and case studies from other countries that have successfully implemented mitigation measures and strategies for carbon sequestration in the forestry and agriculture sectors. The recommendations could include a range of interventions, such as reforestation and afforestation programs, agroforestry practices, soil carbon sequestration techniques, sustainable land use planning, and improved livestock management practices. The specialist would need to provide a detailed analysis of the costs and benefits of each recommendation, as well as their potential impact on emissions reduction and carbon sequestration. Product No. 3. One assessment of the effectiveness and feasibility of using LULUCF activities for compliance in the carbon market, including recommendations for policy and regulatory frameworks to support the development of LULUCF projects in Panama. The consultant will have to review the current policy and regulatory framework for LULUCF activities in Panama, including any relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern the development of such projects. The consultant should then evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of using LULUCF activities for compliance in the carbon market, considering factors such as the availability of land and resources, the potential for carbon sequestration and emissions reduction, and the potential environmental and social impacts of such projects. Based on the assessment, the consultant should provide recommendations for policy and regulatory frameworks to support the development of LULUCF projects in Panama, including guidelines for project development, monitoring, reporting, and verification. Specific tasks and responsibilities • Collect data on emissions and carbon sequestration in the forestry and agriculture sectors. • Research and analyse best practices and case studies from other countries. • Provide recommendations for policy and regulatory frameworks to support the development of LULUCF projects in Panama.

Work Location

Panama City, Panama

Expected duration

6 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, 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). Throughout UNEP's work, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change marks a turning point to an emerging climate regime that brings all the states and actors together to a new global platform to address the growing risks to our planet. The climate crisis continues to affect the planet and threatens to become irreversible, impacting the territories and populations of Panama and the rest of the world. To comply with the Paris Agreement, Panama has developed a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and a Long-Term Climate Strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change. Due to climate change, Panama faces deforestation, coastal erosion, and water scarcity challenges. These challenges have consequences for biodiversity, tourism, and infrastructure. However, Panama is one of the few countries in the world that has achieved carbon negativity, meaning it absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits. This achievement is thanks to the country's extensive forest coverage covering over 50% of its land area. Carbon markets play a crucial role in ensuring that governments and the private sector can fulfil zero emissions and carbon neutrality commitments from now on. Worldwide, net-zero targets adopted to date cover around 70% of global greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, but many are not yet supported by the near-term policies and regulations necessary to achieve them. Carbon markets can be part of the measures and mechanisms contributing to the mitigation needed to achieve these targets. This is why Panama has worked during the last few years to consolidate its National Carbon Market to reach its national commitments. This Carbon Market will comprise the national greenhouse gasses programs under the National Reduce Your Footprint Program (PNRTH), the National Greenhouse Gas Compensation System (SNCP) and the Panamanian Carbon Exchange (BPC). This consultancy aims to support the Government of Panama in preparing the ground to operationalize its National Carbon Market to mainstream emission reductions by analyzing the demand for certified carbon units. Ultimately, this consultancy aims to provide Panama's government with a clear understanding of emissions trends and baselines, which will inform the development of effective policies and strategies for reducing emissions and meeting climate targets. With this in mind, UNEP and the government of Panama have designed a project for the Partnership Action Fund (PAF), funded by the NDC Partnership (Nationally Determined Contributions Partnership). The fund supports NDC enhancement and implementation by reinforcing technical expertise and capacities to address gaps in developing country members. The PAF will complement the NDC Partnership's implementing and development partners' existing support offerings to catalyze further climate action. Among other things, this project will support the implementation of the country's NDCs for their transparency and legitimacy. In this sense, UNEP LACO is recruiting a technical consultant on LULUCF (Land use, land-use change, and forestry) for Panama to strengthen their NDCs and Transparency goals. The incumbent will be supervised by UNEP’s Energy & Efficiency Programme Management Officer of the Climate Change Unit for Latin America and the Caribbean Office and will work in the Ministry of Environment of Panama located in Panama City, Panama, with a full-time schedule of 8 hours per day, 5 days a week.

Qualifications/special skills

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: • Bachelor’s Degree in environmental sciences, environmental management or engineering, environmental economics, policy, or areas related to natural or social sciences like climate change and sustainable development (required). • Master´s degree in environmental sciences, climate change, natural resources management, engineering, or forestry, agricultural, biology or other related areas (required). WORK EXPERIENCE: • Minimum of 4 years of experience in sustainability, climate change, agriculture, environmental sciences, or fields related to climate change, environment, or sustainable development. (required). • Minimum 3 years of experience in carbon markets or FOLU sector. (desirable). • Experience in the development of environmental management instruments, development of public policies and environmental management instruments. (desirable) • Experience in the development of climate change policies, greenhouse gas inventories and international reports before the UNFCCC. (desirable) • Familiarity with GHG mitigation and adaptation instruments. (desirable) • Experience working with government and non-state stakeholders in national and/or regional policy development and implementation of climate change activities. (desirable) • Working experience within the Latin American region, notably Panama, is an asset.

Languages

• Fluency in Spanish (required). • Fluency in English (desirable).

Additional Information

SKILLS: PROFESSIONALISM • Experience in the design, preparation and execution of proposals related to climate change or for the exercise of indigenous rights, according to international standards. • Management of the gender, intercultural and human rights approach of indigenous peoples. • Management of Office tools and digital platforms. • Excellent writing and teamwork skills. • Proactive capacity, responsibility and commitment. • Excellent understanding of national climate change commitments. • Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to climate change, indigenous peoples and adaptation planning. • Ability to identify, analyze and participate in resolving issues/problems. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work, and manage conflicting priorities. • Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. • Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. • Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. • Shows persistence when faced with complex problems or challenges. • Remains calm in stressful situations. TEAMWORK: • Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. • solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise. • is willing to learn from others; supports and acts following 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: • Develop clear goals consistent with agreed strategies. • Identifies priority activities and assignments. • Adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate time and resources for completing work. • Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. • Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. • Uses time efficiently.

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.