Project Advisory Director – NDC Partnership

Project Advisory Director – NDC Partnership (Homebased Retainer) Apply for the Project Advisory Director – NDC Partnership (Homebased Retainer) role at UNOPS. High‑level economic expertise and strategic guidance to Mexico's climate action agenda, offering exposure to national and international climate policy processes and the opportunity to lead and mentor a technical team. About The Project Office The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna with global offices, is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolio Office. It manages more than 500 million USD across 15 years to support key initiatives through fund management, project implementation and administrative support. About The Group The NDC Partnership is a global coalition of over 250 members—including more than 130 countries and 110 institutions—to deliver on ambitious climate action, aligning with the Paris Agreement and SDGs. The NDC Partnership Support Unit, hosted by the World Resources Institute (WRI), UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and UN Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC), provides tailored expertise, technical assistance and funding. Role Purpose The Project Advisory Director leads strategic proposals for innovative economic models, monitors global trends in climate economics, integrates innovations into national policies, and develops economic incentives and instruments. The Director engages with ministries and local governments, coordinates with the NDC for Mexico at the General Directorate for Policy and Climate Action (DGPAC), and reports to the Senior Programme Manager at UNOPS. Functions / Key Results Expected Develop and refine proposals for innovative economic models, mechanisms, or instruments to mobilize public and private resources. Conduct economic modeling of decarbonization pathways using quantitative tools (e.g., input‑output matrix analysis, marginal abatement cost curves). Propose a comprehensive approach for evaluating investment projects requiring environmental permits, incorporating GHG emissions, pollutant impacts, and compensation mechanisms. Coordinate the design and implementation of economic frameworks for adaptation and loss‑and‑damage components of the NDC. Lead the development of economic inputs for the National Offsets Program, the Circular Economy Strategy, and Mexico’s first National Adaptation Plan (NAP). Carry out and document economic analysis related to adaptation and loss‑and‑damage measures under the PECC (Special Climate Change Program). Supervise the technical staff of the Economic Intelligence Unit and ensure quality assurance across all modelling and analytical outputs. Engage with local, national, and international officials to validate findings and promote policy uptake. Monitor global trends in climate economics and integrate relevant innovations into national policies. Prepare brief reports and technical notes on activities requested by the Undersecretary and the DGPAC. Implement robust monitoring systems for performance, timelines, and budgets. Provide executive‑level reporting, including project performance dashboards and updates. Impact of Results The Director will play a central role in developing and executing economic modeling and analysis for Mexico’s NDC components, ensuring alignment with current climate risks and policy priorities. Lead the development of new economic analysis for the loss‑and‑damage component of the NDC. Support the National Offsets Program, Circular Economy Strategy, and NAP with robust economic analysis, facilitating adoption and long‑term monitoring. Enhance the effectiveness and coherence of sectoral adaptation and loss‑and‑damage measures under the PECC. Contribute to more informed and economically sound climate policy decisions. Improve translation of economic modeling into national climate planning, strengthening Mexico’s ability to meet international commitments. Strengthen stakeholder engagement and inter‑institutional coordination, improving uptake of recommendations. Ensure climate finance strategies are grounded in solid economic evidence, increasing credibility and impact. Build capacity within the Unit to respond to emerging climate finance opportunities and policy needs. Increase transparency and accountability in the evaluation of private sector projects with environmental implications. Align adaptation and loss‑and‑damage strategies with economic, fiscal, and development planning. Promote institutional learning and capacity development in climate economics and policy analysis. Education Requirements Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Economics, Public Policy, Environmental Engineering, Business Administration, Sustainable Development, Finance, Climate Change, Environmental Science, or related fields. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field plus an additional 2 years of relevant work experience (total 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Desired Education Ph.D./Doctorate/Post‑Doctorate in Economics, Public Policy, or a related field. Experience Requirements Minimum 7 years of experience in economic modeling, climate policy, or public finance. Demonstrated experience managing technical teams and producing high‑quality reports. Desired Experience Experience with input‑output modelling, CGE analysis, and climate finance mechanisms. Familiarity with international climate reporting standards and multilateral processes. Experience contributing to the development or revision of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), or similar national climate policy instruments. Experience working with or advising ministries of finance, planning, or environment on climate‑related economic reforms or fiscal policy integration. Seniority level Director Employment type Contract Job function Consulting, Information Technology, and Sales Industries Non‑profit Organizations #J-18808-Ljbffr