The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is seeking a highly qualified Economic Advisor to support Namibia’s agriculture, forestry, and other land-use (AFOLU) sector in climate policy, investment planning, and implementation of Namibia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This home-based retainer position, located in Windhoek, Namibia, provides an exceptional opportunity to influence national climate action, guide financing strategies, and develop investment-ready projects that advance sustainable development priorities.
Role Overview
The Economic Advisor serves as the technical lead for economic and investment analyses within the AFOLU sector. In this capacity, the Advisor provides critical support to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, and other line ministries in the formulation and implementation of climate strategies. The Advisor will contribute directly to the development of Namibia’s NDC 3.0, prepare financing strategies, and support investment planning for AFOLU projects.
This role is essential in translating policy goals into actionable, economically viable interventions, aligning with Namibia’s low-carbon development vision and long-term climate objectives. The Advisor will also strengthen linkages with development partners, private sector actors, and community stakeholders to maximize financing and technical support for climate-related projects. The position reports to the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist and collaborates closely with the Government Focal Point and In-Country Facilitator.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic and Technical Analysis
- Conduct comprehensive reviews of national investment policies, development frameworks, and sectoral strategies for alignment with NDC targets.
- Identify policy, investment, and institutional gaps that may constrain the AFOLU sector’s contributions to climate mitigation and adaptation goals.
- Carry out detailed economic analyses and pre-feasibility studies to guide investment planning and climate finance mobilization.
- Support integration of AFOLU priorities into the national development agenda, ensuring consistency with NDC 3.0 objectives and long-term low-emission development strategies.
2. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination
- Engage a diverse range of stakeholders across government, private sector, civil society, and development partners, ensuring meaningful participation in AFOLU project planning.
- Maintain and update a comprehensive database of AFOLU actors, financiers, and community-based entities to enhance collaboration and information sharing.
- Assist in the validation of Implementation Plans and sectoral strategies through consultative processes, ensuring alignment with national and international priorities.
3. Resource Mobilization and Financing
- Map potential financing sources at international, regional, and domestic levels, emphasizing AFOLU-related investments.
- Identify financing gaps and recommend practical solutions to mobilize resources for mitigation and adaptation interventions.
- Advise on international best practices, including carbon markets, sustainable forestry finance, and regenerative agriculture funding.
- Support climate budget tagging, expenditure reviews, and alignment of public and private investment strategies with national climate targets.
4. Project Pipeline Development
- Conduct pre-feasibility studies for at least four priority NDC-aligned projects, ensuring that AFOLU-focused opportunities are included.
- Develop investment-ready concept notes for mitigation and adaptation initiatives, linking project ideas to suitable financing instruments.
- Strengthen government capacity to maintain a national project pipeline aligned with NDC priorities and donor coordination processes.
5. NDC-Related Meetings and Events
- Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues, national workshops, and events to promote AFOLU project development and NDC implementation.
- Support government representation in COPs, regional climate weeks, and national climate events to showcase progress and attract investment.
- Organize and participate in coordination meetings between the government, UNOPS, and development partners as needed.
Required Skills and Competencies
- Expertise in climate change, economic analysis, project management, and sustainable development.
- Strong resource mobilization, stakeholder engagement, and analytical skills.
- Ability to think strategically, anticipate challenges, and propose innovative solutions.
- Effective communication in English, both written and verbal, and the ability to present complex information clearly.
- Capacity to work independently in a home-based setting while maintaining coordination with multiple stakeholders.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical standards in line with UNOPS values.
Education and Experience
Required:
- Master’s degree in public policy, development, climate change, environmental management, natural resource management, or related fields, with at least five years of relevant professional experience, or
- Bachelor’s degree with a total of seven years of relevant work experience in climate policy, AFOLU, or sustainable development.
Experience:
- Minimum five years of progressive experience in climate policy, AFOLU programs, or sustainable development in Namibia.
- Demonstrated ability to work with government, public institutions, and development partners on project planning, policy analysis, and donor engagement.
- Strong understanding of Namibia’s policy frameworks, development plans, and climate strategies.
Desired:
- Familiarity with UNFCCC processes, NDC implementation, and climate finance mechanisms.
- Experience fostering cooperation across government, private sector, and civil society networks.
Terms and Conditions
- Home-based retainer contract for up to 12 months, maximum 220 working days, with extension possible based on performance and availability of funds.
- Incumbent to provide own laptop and software.
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Employment is contingent on UNOPS background checks, adherence to UNOPS ethics, and accountability frameworks.
About UNOPS
UNOPS delivers infrastructure, procurement, project management, and operational services globally to advance sustainable development. Its Water, Environment, and Climate (WEC) portfolio manages multi-regional initiatives worth over $500 million annually, supporting climate action, environmental conservation, and low-carbon development. UNOPS values diversity, inclusion, and ethical conduct while aligning all operations with the Sustainable Development Goals.
This position offers an exceptional opportunity to shape Namibia’s climate and AFOLU sector policies, mobilize climate finance, and deliver actionable NDC-aligned projects, ensuring meaningful impact on sustainable development and low-carbon transformation.
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