Terms of Reference: In-country NDC Facilitator for Saint Lucia

BACKGROUND

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are at the heart of the Paris Agreement and the achievement of its long-term goals. Launched at COP22 in November 2016 in Marrakesh, the NDC Partnership aims to enhance cooperation so that developing countries have access to the technical knowledge and financial support they need to implement their NDCs. International support for fast and effective NDC implementation in the context of the NDC Partnership implies new forms of coordination and collaboration.

In April 2016, Saint Lucia communicated what is now known as its NDC to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC), with interventions built on existing initiatives within the energy, electricity generation and transport sectors. The interventions, if implemented as proposed, would result in a reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions to the tune of 16% by 2025 and 23% by 2030. 

Saint Lucia joined the NDC Partnership shortly after the first NDC submission in October 2016. In December 2017, Saint Lucia submitted a formal Request for Support Letter to develop a project pipeline of strategic interventions to promote a low-carbon and resilient economy. To that end, a Partnership Plan to guide NDC implementation was developed and approved by the Cabinet in June 2019. 

Saint Lucia received support for its NDC revision and enhancement process from the NDC Partnership´s Climate Action Enhancement Package in 2019. Saint Lucia’s NDC revision efforts culminated with the submission of its updated NDC in January 2021. The updated NDC built largely on the sectoral priorities and targets from the first NDC, pledging to reduce GHG emissions in the energy sector by 7% relative to 2010 emissions, by 2030. 

NDC Partnership Support Unit supports Saint Lucia’s Department of Sustainable Development through an in-country NDC Facilitator to facilitate the implementation and resource mobilization for Saint Lucia’s updated NDC. 

PURPOSE

The Facilitator will work as an embedded NDC in-country Facilitator within Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training on a full-time or close to full-time basis. The consultant will support the NDC Partnership Focal Point with planning, coordination and resource mobilization for the implementation of Saint Lucia’s NDC and its NDC Partnership Plan (NDC Implementation Plan).

The consultant will engage with sectors, donors, implementing agencies and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment between country priorities and needs for NDC implementation, and international support initiatives and finance.

TASKS

1. Review and update Saint Lucia’s Partnership Plan in consultation with sectoral agencies in order to recirculate it to NDC Partnership members for new expressions of support. Particular focus should be paid to identifying additional adaptation actions to include in the Partnership Plan, including as previously conceptualized through the Sectoral Adaptation Strategy and Action Plans for Water, Fisheries, Agriculture and Resilient Ecosystems under the National Adaptation Planand the GCF Country Programme.
2. Support the Department of Sustainable Development with coordination across key stakeholders in order to maximize synergies, avoid duplication, and mobilize support for identified needs and gaps for successful NDC implementation. This task should include tools/tracking instruments, stakeholder role definition and multi-stakeholder dialogues including the NDC Support Team, private sector and civil society organizations, within specific sectors or on a certain topic and with implementing and development partners, as per guidance provided by the Department of Sustainable Development.  
3. Assist the NDC Focal Point with implementation of the NDCPP and NDC Financing and Implementation Strategies, paying attention to the “Indicative Sequencing of Implementation Actions and Targets” of the Strategy.
4. Prepare a brief concept note and plan for capacity building sessions to ensure relevant government agencies can use the NDC Online Tool including for the purpose of providing regular updates as required.
5. Assess major projects under implementation across GOSL agencies and other stakeholders to ensure NDC alignment (factoring in gender, youth and children); and provide assessment report to reflect gaps, needs and recommendations.
6. Review and update the DSD’s Internal  NDC workplan.
7. Follow the NDC Partnership process to remain abreast of opportunities to mobilize partner support for the needs and priorities reflected in the NDCPP and DSD’s internal workplan. This activity must be aligned with exisiting strategies including NDC Financing Strategy and GCF Country Programme in collaboration with the National Designated Authority.
8. Collaborate with the NDC Partnership SU (Knowledge and Learning team) and other partners knowledge learning platforms to document success stories and organize learning events as appropriate, including both contributing to and accessing knowledge products. 
9. Identify and address capacity building needs to facilitate stakeholders support for NDC implementation.
10. Support in the drafting of concept notes/proposals for international support requests, considering national priorities and the needs for the NDC implementation, as per guidance provided by the Department of Sustainable Development. It is expected that the Facilitator will produce at least two such notes/proposals in a 12-month period. 
11. Prepare periodic reports such as the quarterly country engagement updates document, and the investment project tracking list developed by the Support Unit.  
12. Assist the Department of Sustainable Development in outreach and awareness raising related to NDCPP including sourcing support from relevant partners, supporting in relevant events and the design of contents for the Saint Lucia Biannual NDC Newsletter.  
13. Participate in relevant meetings as indicated by the Department of Sustainable Development, including but not limited to those organized within the OECS and the NDC Partnership.  
14. Monitor and assess the implementation of Saint Lucia’s NDC Partnership Plan, its contribution and impacts to NDC implementation and enhancement, and coordinate periodic reporting to the NDC Partnership.  
15. Support the integration of the NDC Partnership support leveraging process into the existing climate change, climate finance and/or NDC coordination mechanisms identified by the government and provide services to strengthen coordination as needed.
16. Ensure that NDC related actions are reflected in the MRV Portal of the DSD.

MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

The Facilitator will implement all tasks under the direct supervision of the Chief Sustainable Development and Environment Officer of the Government of Saint Lucia (NDC Partnership

Focal Point) or the designated Officer within Saint Lucia’s Department of Sustainable Development and in close coordination with the NDC Partnership Support Unit. The Facilitator will also work closely with the Saint Lucia’s NDA for the GCF and the National  Climate Finance Advisor.

TIMEFRAME AND DUTY STATION

Expected entry on duty: September 2022

Duration of assignment: 12 months 

Minimum Availability: full time Duty station: Saint Lucia 

APPLICATION

Requirements

• Graduate degree in environmental economics, climate change, sustainable development, economics or a similar field. 
• At least 10 years of experience in environmental, climate change, sustainable development and economics in Saint Lucia or the Caribbean region. 
• Demonstrable experience working on climate change tasks in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean including, but not limited to, mitigation and adaptation action, MRV/ M&E systems and results-based management mechanisms, etc. 
• Demonstrated understanding of gender mainstreaming and youth integration into climate change issues
• Demonstrated skills in managing and aligning diverse groups of stakeholders, including development agencies, non-state actors / civil society, financial institutions, the private sector, and others. 
• Familiarity with Saint Lucia’s Climate policies and strategies including the country’s NDC.
• Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in English.

Interested candidates should submit:

• A Cover Letter;
• CV(s) with at least three references (name and contact) that can attest to the candidate’s credentials and experience;
• Remuneration expectation (daily rate);
• Please use the following format for the email subject line: “Saint Lucia_Facilitator_ Applicant Name”; and
• All proposals must be submitted in electronic format. 

All proposals must be submitted by 19 August 2020 at 5:30 EST to clarissa.lehne@ndcpartnership.org and ndcpaf@ndcpartnership.org.