CONSULTANT – SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY AND NATIONAL GREEN INCLUSIVE ECONOMY FORUM 2024 IN GUATEMALA

Thematic Areas:

Project design and management, political liaison, sustainable development

Background:

UNITAR’s Green Development and Climate Change Programme Unit (GCP) develops the capacities of individuals and training institutions in developing countries to advance green and climate resilient development in support of Agenda 2030. The Programme Unit offers a range of services, including executive training, capacity development for education and training institutions, support for national learning strategies, learning methodology development, and knowledge-sharing. Activities are carried out through partnerships with other UN organizations, bilateral development partners, as well as leading learning institutions and think tanks.

As a founding member of the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), together with UN Environment, ILO, UNIDO, and UNDP, the work of UNITAR in the area of green economy focuses on developing consolidated green economy training packages, designing and delivering green economy learning in PAGE partner countries, strengthening capacities of research and training institutions, methodology development, and knowledge sharing.

Guatemala joined PAGE in 2018. The country faces considerable challenges linked to degradation of natural resources, deforestation, malnutrition, and increasing pollution and waste levels. Moreover, Guatemala’s society and economy were severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking office on 14 January, the transition to a green economy is regarded as an imperative by the incoming national administration in order to achieve low-carbon development across sectors and greater well-being for all Guatemalans. In 2024, PAGE seeks to achieve various important milestones, including:

1. Reaffirmation and continuation of the green economy agenda and PAGE workplan as well as co-identification of emerging policy priorities with the incoming national administration;
2. Development and adoption of a sustainability strategy document to ensure effective continuation of the green economy agenda and national efforts, set in motion with PAGE, after formal conclusion of the project’s technical assistance. The strategy shall explore options to take forward work initiated by PAGE through other national and/or international initiatives.
3. Realization of the National Inclusive Green Economy Forum 2.0 in May (TBC), the project’s main annual, in-person gathering with stakeholders from government, the UN system, academia, private sector and civil society. In the context of the Forum, an experience exchange with other PAGE countries in Latin America is envisioned.

 

General Objectives of the Contract:

The consultant will lead the conceptualization and implementation of measures and consultations with incoming authorities and implementing partners to achieve the aforementioned milestones.

Responsibilities/Description of Professional Services:

• Prepare and facilitate deliberations with incoming authorities of three ministries, up to minister level, on PAGE work programme and emerging priorities under the new government plan;
• Lead the development of the sustainability strategy (approx. 20 pages) in collaboration with PAGE agencies, Secretariat, funding partners and government officials;
• Support the programmatic and logistical preparation and execution of the 2-day National Inclusive Green Economy Forum 2.0 alongside the PAGE Project Coordinator and Coordinating Agency;
• Conceptualize and conduct an experience exchange with PAGE Latam countries;
• Provide overall assistance for PAGE Guatemala, as appropriate.

Measurable outputs/deliverables/schedule of deliverables:

• Output 1: Transition document to inform new administration about PAGE reviewed by 22 January 2024; workplan for high-level consultations with incoming administration, including proposal for expected results, agenda and logistical arrangements, presented by 22 January 2024; workplan for experience exchange with Latam countries, including proposal for discussion topics, meeting format, agenda and interactive activities, presented by 16 February 2024; list of high-level meeting participants coordinated and determined with PAGE agencies and implementing ministries by 23 February 2024.
• Output 2: Draft sustainability strategy available by 15 March 2024; inputs and participation of PAGE representatives in experience exchange coordinated and confirmed by 5 April 2024; definition of list of Forum participants supported by 5 April 2023.
• Output 3: High-level consultations with incoming administration prepared, conducted and moderated by 30 April 2024.Sustainability strategy finalized, approved and endorsed by PAGE agencies, Secretariat and government by 30 April 2024; summary with conclusions of high-level consultations available by 3 May 2024; inputs and feedback to Forum materials, such as booklet, invitations, sessions descriptions, provided by 3 May 2024; meeting(s) with PAGE representatives and government partners for experience exchange prepared, conducted and moderated by 8 May 2024; notes of acknowledgement to key contributors formulated by 14 May 2024; summary with conclusions and strategic actions resulting from the Forum available by 14 May 2024.

Reporting Structure:

The consultant will report to the Senior Specialist, Green Development and Climate Change Programme Unit, Division for Planet.

Location:

Guatemala City, Guatemala or surroundings to be able to attend meetings in the capital on short notice.

Minimum requirements

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a field relevant to public policy, sustainable development or development cooperation.

Work experience: At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in public policy, sustainable development or development cooperation, ideally with exposure to high-level government relations and related protocols. Proven track record in project management and report writing. He/she must not be a civil servant, regardless of the nature of the relationship, except for teaching activities.

What we value:

• Knowledge of projects implemented in Guatemala with the participation of governmental institutions and United Nations agencies, especially those related to sustainable development.
• Experience in coordinating projects between various actors in the public sector, development cooperation and other stakeholders from civil society, academia and the private sector.
• Ability to facilitate teamwork and build a harmonious and executive work environment.
• Integrity and commitment to the mandate and values of the United Nations.

Languages: Fluency in Spanish and good level of English are required.