Project Associate in Ecological Transition Capacity Building and Conceptualization

The job is for an Asociado/a de Proyecto en Conceptualización y Fortalecimiento de Capacidades de Transición Ecológica (Project Associate for Conceptualization and Capacity Building of Ecological Transition) with the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) in Quito, Ecuador. This role is part of the project Ecuador Verde, focused on driving ecological transition in the country, specifically related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring sustainable development.

Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of the role:

Key Responsibilities:

1. Design Training Programs:
   • Develop conceptual frameworks for training programs, both online and in-person, addressing the needs of key stakeholders, with academic endorsement.
2. Execute Training Programs:
   • Plan and implement training activities, including scheduling, participant selection, and interactive methods like workshops, simulations, and using existing platforms like Coursera or PNUD’s Learning for Nature.
3. Create Training Materials:
   • Develop educational resources such as manuals and guides aligned with ecological transition goals.
4. Evaluate Training Effectiveness:
   • Assess the success of training programs and track the application of learned knowledge.
5. Build Communities of Practice:
   • Facilitate networking and collaboration among various stakeholders, sharing knowledge and best practices on ecological transition.
6. Coordinate Exchange Programs and Scholarships:
   • Promote national and international exchanges to enhance practical learning experiences.
7. Systematize and Archive Knowledge:
   • Organize a repository of the materials, methodologies, and case studies used during the training programs.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required, and a Master’s degree in related fields like Environmental Sciences, Sustainability, or Climate Change is desirable.
• Experience:
  • If you have a high school diploma, you need at least 7 years of experience.
  • With a Bachelor’s degree, you need 4 years of experience.
  • Experience in sustainable development, project proposals, and stakeholder coordination is highly desirable.
• Desired Skills:
  • Familiarity with tools for visualizing networks and complex systems (like kumu.io, gephi).
  • Experience in facilitating learning networks or dual education models.
  • Experience in collaborating with international cooperation organizations, government entities, and business sectors.

Languages:

• Fluency in Spanish is required.
• An intermediate level of English (for communication and writing) is preferred.

Competencies:

• Organizational: Effective planning, innovative thinking, and adaptability.
• Interpersonal: Ability to collaborate, manage diversity, and work with various stakeholders.
• Technical: Strong strategic thinking, systems thinking, and the ability to create and apply new knowledge and tools for ecological transition.

Contract and Benefits:

• Contract Duration: 1 year (with the possibility of extension).
• Salary: USD 2,225.34/month, plus 8.33% for social security contributions.
• Location: Quito, Ecuador, with potential travel within or outside the country.
• Mobility: No mobility is required.

Goal of the Project:

This role is crucial for supporting Ecuador’s ecological transition and aligning the country’s environmental policies with international commitments. The project, Ecuador Verde, is part of Ecuador’s effort to integrate sustainable development into its economic and industrial sectors, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote the use of green finance mechanisms.

The position offers a chance to contribute directly to environmental sustainability through capacity-building and policy development, helping Ecuador achieve its climate and sustainability goals.

Would you like more information about how to apply or any specific part of the job?

Here is an expanded and more detailed explanation of the job position, including additional context about the role, its significance, and its broader impact:

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Overview of the Role

The position of Asociado/a de Proyecto en Conceptualización y Fortalecimiento de Capacidades de Transición Ecológica (Project Associate for Conceptualization and Capacity Building of Ecological Transition) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) offers a significant opportunity to contribute to Ecuador’s efforts in tackling climate change, promoting sustainability, and fostering a green economy. The position is based in Quito, Ecuador, and is part of the UNDP’s Ecuador Verde Project, which is focused on driving the country’s ecological transition. This transition entails reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and aligning Ecuador’s development trajectory with sustainability and environmental conservation.

Ecuador is facing the challenge of implementing its ecological transition across public policies and the productive sector. This is a critical step in ensuring a low-carbon development model, fulfilling international environmental commitments, and supporting sustainable economic growth. The Ecuador Verde project aims to develop and strengthen the mechanisms required for this transition, including legislative frameworks, financial models, and capacity building at the local, regional, and national levels.

The Ecological Transition Context in Ecuador

Ecuador has committed to addressing climate change and implementing the Ecological Transition within its national policies. The country has recognized the importance of transitioning towards sustainable development that ensures the conservation of natural resources and the long-term health of ecosystems. This commitment is reflected in Ecuador’s National Development Plan 2021-2025, which includes the transition to a more sustainable model as one of its core objectives. Ecuador’s government also recognizes the importance of integrating ecological transition efforts into the territorial planning framework, ensuring that the management of land, water, and natural resources is aligned with sustainable principles.

At the heart of the Ecuadorian ecological transition is the Pacto Verde Europeo (European Green Deal), which provides an opportunity for the country to receive international support from the European Union to implement ecological transition mechanisms. These mechanisms involve transforming Ecuador’s economy to a modern, competitive, and sustainable model, enhancing environmental governance, resource efficiency, and climate resilience.

The UNDP’s role in this process is critical. Through its Ecuador Verde project, the UNDP is providing technical assistance and working closely with the Ecuadorian government to support the development of sustainable economic policies and the promotion of green financing mechanisms. The overarching goal is to strengthen public policies and capacities to ensure that sustainable development becomes a fundamental component of Ecuador’s growth and future.

Key Responsibilities of the Position

As an Asociado/a de Proyecto en Conceptualización y Fortalecimiento de Capacidades de Transición Ecológica, you will be involved in designing and implementing the strategies necessary to build capacity for Ecuador’s ecological transition. You will work closely with stakeholders from various sectors, including public institutions, private businesses, civil society organizations, and international partners, to ensure that sustainability principles are incorporated into the country’s policy-making processes.

Below are the specific responsibilities that will be expected of the incumbent in this role:

1. Design of Conceptual and Pedagogical Training Programs

One of the main responsibilities of this position is to design and conceptualize a training curriculum focused on ecological transition. This will include the creation of training modules aimed at building the knowledge and skills of key stakeholders across different sectors. These stakeholders may include government officials, business leaders, environmental advocates, and community members.

The training programs must be pedagogically sound, integrating environmental sustainability, climate change mitigation, and green business practices. You will be required to align the training content with Ecuador’s national development goals and the European Green Deal framework.

The curriculum design will take into consideration the specific needs and challenges faced by the target audience. It will incorporate interactive learning methods, such as workshops, role-playing, and case studies, which will help participants grasp the practical applications of ecological transition concepts. Additionally, the training should leverage digital tools and resources, such as e-learning platforms and virtual communities, to ensure broad access.

2. Implementation of Training Programs

You will be responsible for executing the training programs designed in the previous step. This includes scheduling the sessions, selecting participants, and ensuring that all materials are prepared in advance. You will work closely with partners, such as academic institutions, government agencies, and NGOs, to mobilize resources and ensure effective participation.

You will also facilitate the delivery of interactive sessions, ensuring that participants engage with the material in a meaningful way. This could include utilizing digital tools like Coursera, PNUD’s Learning for Nature, and other online platforms to make the training content more accessible to a wider audience.

3. Development of Educational Materials

As part of your role, you will develop educational resources, including manuals, guides, and handbooks, that will help support the transition to sustainability in Ecuador. These materials should be evidence-based and rooted in the latest research on climate change and sustainable development. They will need to align with international best practices, while also reflecting Ecuador’s unique environmental context and challenges.

The materials you develop will help empower participants to apply their learning and knowledge within their professional environments. By creating these resources, you will contribute to strengthening capacity-building efforts at all levels.

4. Evaluation and Monitoring

It will be essential to evaluate the success of the training programs to ensure that the objectives of the ecological transition are being met. This will involve conducting feedback surveys, assessments, and follow-up evaluations to measure how well participants have retained the knowledge and are applying it in their respective areas.

The evaluation process will also serve as a tool for improving the design and delivery of future training programs. Through constant monitoring and evaluation, you will help ensure the long-term effectiveness and impact of capacity-building activities.

5. Facilitating the Creation of Networks and Communities of Practice

A critical aspect of the ecological transition is fostering collaboration between various actors. In this role, you will be responsible for building and managing networks of professionals, practitioners, and stakeholders. These networks will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices related to ecological transition.

By promoting collaboration between public institutions, private companies, academic institutions, and civil society, you will help strengthen multilateral partnerships and create opportunities for more effective policy and decision-making.

6. Coordination of Exchange Programs

Another important responsibility will be the coordination of national and international exchange programs, which will offer stakeholders the chance to learn from global best practices and experiences. These exchanges will help broaden participants’ perspectives and provide valuable insights into how other countries are handling ecological transition.

7. Systematization and Knowledge Management

Finally, you will be tasked with systematizing the methodologies, training content, and case studies presented during the program. This will involve organizing and archiving these resources in a centralized knowledge repository, making them easily accessible to stakeholders. By creating an accessible and well-organized knowledge base, you will contribute to the sustainability of the project and ensure that the knowledge is available for future initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience Required

To be considered for this role, the following qualifications and experience are required:

Educational Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Sustainability, Natural Resources, or other related fields is required. This degree should be from a recognized institution and be relevant to the areas of climate change, sustainable development, and ecological transition.
• A Master’s degree in areas such as Environmental Sustainability, Climate Change, Project Management, or Public Policy will be considered highly desirable, although not mandatory.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in the sustainable development or environmental policy field (for candidates with only a high school diploma).
• 4 years of relevant work experience for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree.
• Significant experience in training design, capacity building, and working with multidisciplinary stakeholders is essential.

Skills and Competencies:

• Pedagogical and training design skills are necessary to develop effective learning strategies and content.
• Experience with e-learning platforms, knowledge management, and networking tools is highly desirable.
• Strong communication skills in both Spanish (required) and English (desired).
• Experience with international cooperation organizations and working with government and business sectors on environmental projects is a plus.

The Role’s Impact and Significance

This role is crucial to supporting Ecuador’s shift to a low-carbon economy and fostering sustainability across multiple sectors. By strengthening the capacity of stakeholders to implement policies and practices that contribute to the ecological transition, the position directly supports Ecuador’s national and international climate goals, including its commitment to the Paris Agreement.

As a member of the UNDP team, you will be contributing to global efforts to tackle climate change and promote environmental sustainability, both in Ecuador and beyond. Through your work, you will be helping to build a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for generations to come.

Conclusion

This role is a unique opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking project in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. The challenges ahead are significant, but with the support of a dynamic team and the UNDP’s resources, you will play a pivotal role in shaping Ecuador’s transition to a more sustainable future. The job offers both professional and personal growth, as well as the satisfaction of contributing to a globally relevant cause: fighting climate change and promoting sustainable development.

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Would you like additional details on how to apply or any specific questions about the role

Certainly! Here is a more detailed extension to the role description, further elaborating on the significance of the position, its long-term impact, and how the project aligns with the broader goals of sustainable development. This will include a deeper dive into the context of the project, the specific skills needed, and the global relevance of the ecological transition.

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Detailed Context of the Project

The Ecuador Verde Project represents a significant effort to catalyze Ecuador’s ecological transition. This project aims to address some of the most urgent environmental challenges facing the country today, including the depletion of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, and the impacts of climate change. Ecuador is home to some of the world’s most important ecosystems, including the Amazon rainforest, the Galápagos Islands, and the Andean mountain ranges, making it a biodiversity hotspot. However, it is also highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as flooding, droughts, and ecosystem degradation.

As such, the Ecuador Verde Project seeks to promote policies that shift the country toward a green economy, integrating environmental sustainability into all levels of government, business, and society. One of the core goals of this project is to ensure that Ecuador can meet its obligations under international environmental agreements, while also positioning itself as a leader in sustainable development in Latin America. The role of the Project Associate in this context is integral to ensuring that Ecuador’s transition is not just a national priority but also a model for other countries in the region.

The successful candidate will be a key player in the implementation of policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable land management, and transition the country’s industries toward clean energy and resource efficiency. Your work will directly contribute to the global fight against climate change, a challenge that has far-reaching consequences for future generations.

The Role’s Integration within the UNDP Framework

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) operates in over 170 countries and territories around the world. Its mission is to help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which encompass critical issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The Ecuador Verde Project is in direct alignment with several SDGs, particularly SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, and SDG 15: Life on Land.

The UNDP plays a crucial role in driving global environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation efforts by assisting countries in creating and implementing comprehensive strategies to tackle climate change. Through the Ecuador Verde Project, the UNDP is also emphasizing the importance of inclusive governance—ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities, especially indigenous peoples and rural populations, are heard in the ecological transition process.

As part of a larger, global community committed to sustainable development, the Ecuador Verde initiative is essential in positioning Ecuador as a leader in climate resilience and ecological sustainability in the region. Your role will involve coordinating with other UNDP projects globally to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and ensure that Ecuador remains on track to meet its sustainability objectives.

Key Focus Areas for the Project Associate

In this highly dynamic role, the Project Associate will focus on several key areas of capacity building and knowledge management to support the project’s long-term objectives. These focus areas include:

1. Strengthening Policy and Institutional Frameworks for Ecological Transition

A large part of the role involves supporting the policy development process within Ecuador. The Project Associate will collaborate with national, regional, and local governments to build institutional capacities that support the implementation of climate policies. This will require providing technical expertise on policies related to climate adaptation, clean energy technologies, and green financing mechanisms.

By working on these areas, the Project Associate will help Ecuador align its national policies with global climate agreements and ensure that climate action is integrated into various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, transportation, energy, and tourism.

2. Promoting Climate-Smart Businesses and Sustainable Practices

An important aspect of Ecuador’s ecological transition is transforming its private sector to adopt sustainable business practices. This will involve providing technical support to businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to help them transition to more resource-efficient and green business models. This includes supporting the development of sustainable supply chains, the promotion of green technologies, and encouraging the adoption of renewable energy solutions.

3. Leveraging International Partnerships and Resources

A key element of this project is the mobilization of international resources to finance Ecuador’s ecological transition. The Project Associate will play a pivotal role in building partnerships with international development agencies, donors, and financial institutions. Through these partnerships, the Project Associate will help secure funding and technical expertise for the project. This will include green bonds, climate finance, and investment in renewable energy projects.

4. Developing Capacity Building Programs for Local Communities

One of the most important dimensions of the ecological transition is ensuring that local communities—especially those in rural and indigenous areas—are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to climate change and adopt sustainable livelihoods. The Project Associate will work with local communities to design and implement capacity-building programs that empower them to become active participants in the transition to sustainability. This could include training on sustainable farming techniques, climate-resilient water management, and the development of local green businesses.

5. Research and Data-Driven Decision Making

The Project Associate will also be tasked with gathering and analyzing climate data to inform policy decisions and track progress on the ecological transition. This includes coordinating research efforts related to climate change adaptation, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity conservation. By providing decision-makers with accurate data and research, you will help ensure that policies are evidence-based and aligned with the latest scientific findings.

6. Community Engagement and Public Awareness

Raising public awareness about the importance of the ecological transition is critical for the long-term success of the project. The Project Associate will be responsible for creating and implementing communication strategies to engage the public, youth, and civil society in sustainability efforts. This could involve organizing public awareness campaigns, media outreach, and environmental education initiatives. These efforts will help foster a culture of sustainability and inspire collective action for a greener Ecuador.

7. Supporting Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Systems

The Project Associate will support the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system to track the effectiveness of the project. This will involve setting clear indicators for impact assessment, tracking performance data, and preparing reports for key stakeholders, including UNDP headquarters, government agencies, and donors. By maintaining a robust M&E system, the Project Associate will ensure that the project’s goals are being achieved and that lessons learned are integrated into future initiatives.

Skills and Competencies for Success

The following skills and competencies are essential for ensuring success in the role of Asociado/a de Proyecto:

1. Strong Project Management Skills

Given the complexity of the Ecuador Verde project, the Project Associate must have strong project management capabilities, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and coordinate with various stakeholders across different sectors. Proficiency in time management, budgeting, and resource allocation will be critical for meeting deadlines and staying within the project’s financial limits.

2. Expertise in Climate Change and Sustainabilityhttp://UNDP Job Posting – Proyecto Ecuador Verde

A deep understanding of the science of climate change, climate mitigation strategies, and sustainability frameworks is necessary. Familiarity with international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and SDGs, will be important for ensuring that the project aligns with global climate objectives.

3. Analytical and Data Interpretation Skills@vacancyspaces.com

The Project Associate should have the ability to analyze large volumes of data, interpret trends in climate science, and use this information to inform policy recommendations and capacity-building strategies. Skills in using data visualization tools and climate modeling software will be valuable assets.

4. Cross-Cultural Communication and Teamwork

As the project involves working with various partners, including international agencies, local governments, and civil society organizations, the ability to communicate effectively across cultures and sectors is vital. A collaborative approach to teamwork will help foster synergies and ensure the successful implementation of project activities.

5. Commitment to Sustainable Development

A passion for sustainable development and a strong commitment to tackling climate change and protecting the environment will be crucial to your success. The role requires an individual who is not only technically proficient but also deeply motivated to make a positive impact on Ecuador’s ecological transition and global environmental sustainability.

Conclusion: A Catalyst for Change

This position offers a unique opportunity to play a vital role in one of the most pressing global challenges—climate change and sustainable development. As a Project Associate, you will contribute to creating a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for Ecuador and the world. Through capacity building, policy development, and international collaboration, you will help shape Ecuador’s green future and set a powerful example for other nations in the region.

By joining the UNDP team in this critical role, you will be helping to create lasting positive change and supporting the global transition to a more sustainable and equitable world.