This role presents a unique chance to play a pivotal part in national climate action and the execution of Namibia's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). Collaborating closely with government entities, development partners, and local stakeholders, the Economic Advisor will mobilize resources, support NDC implementation, and enhance Namibia's climate commitments.

About the Company

The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, headquartered in Vienna, is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolio Office. Over the past 15 years, WEC has effectively managed a portfolio exceeding 500 million USD, supporting vital initiatives through fund management, project implementation, and administrative support. WEC operationalizes partners' agendas with global and region-specific activities focused on climate action and environmental conservation.

The Role

The Economic Advisor will provide specialized economic expertise to support climate policy and planning, particularly in developing investment-ready AFOLU projects. The Advisor will lead technical economic analysis and pre-feasibility assessments, aiding in climate finance mobilization and the integration of climate priorities into national development plans, while coordinating with the NDC Partnership Support Unit and relevant ministries.

Responsibilities

• Conduct strategic and technical analysis of national investment policies and frameworks to ensure alignment with NDC commitments, focusing on AFOLU sector priorities.
• Identify gaps in policy and investment that may hinder the achievement of AFOLU-related NDC targets.
• Perform detailed economic analyses and support AFOLU-focused pre-feasibility assessments to facilitate climate finance mobilization.
• Engage stakeholders across government, private sector, development partners, and civil society, ensuring meaningful participation from AFOLU actors.
• Maintain a stakeholder database emphasizing AFOLU-related entities.
• Produce analytical reports mapping financial sources and investment opportunities for AFOLU initiatives.
• Identify financing gaps and propose viable support sources for NDC actions.
• Support processes like Climate Budget Tagging and expenditure reviews for relevant sectors.
• Recommend best practices for financing mitigation and adaptation efforts.
• Assist in establishing a Donors and Investors Working Group for effective coordination of AFOLU financing.
• Conduct pre-feasibility studies for priority NDC-aligned project ideas, ensuring at least one is AFOLU-focused.
• Facilitate the development of bankable concept notes for priority actions in agriculture, forestry, and land-use.
• Strengthen government capacity to maintain a national NDC-aligned project pipeline.
• Organize NDC-related meetings and support the government in preparing for relevant events.

Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent in public policy, development, climate change, natural resource management, or a related field with 5 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with an additional 2 years of experience (totaling 7 years).
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in climate policy or sustainable development, particularly in the AFOLU sector in Namibia.
• Strong knowledge of Namibia's climate change frameworks and development plans.
• Proven experience in climate policy analysis, project management, and stakeholder coordination.

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with UNFCCC processes and experience in government climate change processes.
• Experience in other national contexts related to climate change.
• Ability to foster networks for cooperation among various stakeholders.