Mission and objectives

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, working with national counterparts on solutions to global and national development challenges. In Bhutan, over last 50 years, UNDP has been supporting the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) to attain its national priorities. In 2024, UNDP started implementation of the Country Programme Document 2024-2028, aligning to the country’s 13th Five Year Plan.

Context

The UNDP Climate Promise Program is the largest initiative supporting over 120 countries, including Bhutan, in implementing their national climate pledges, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), under the Paris Agreement. The program focuses on enhancing climate resilience and achieving carbon neutrality combining sustainable development and environment conservation, institutional strengthening, and climate finance to support Bhutan’s climate ambition. At COP29, Bhutan, together with Madagascar, Panama, and Suriname, launched the G-ZERO (G-0) Forum under Bhutan’s leadership, with policy advisory support from the UNDP through a UNDP-RGoB joint project, Bhutan Opportunities for Leadership Development (BOLD). The G-0 Forum brings together carbon-negative and carbon-neutral nations to strengthen efforts in protecting and enhancing carbon sinks, promoting nature-positive development, and boosting climate resilience. It aims to amplify member countries’ voices in global climate policy, mobilize innovative financing for conservation, and advocate for ambitious emissions reductions by 2035 in line with the 1.5°C pathway. Aligned with the Paris Agreement, the Summit of the Future’s Pact for the Future, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Forum will foster collaboration on policy, technical expertise, and knowledge sharing. With a rotating presidency and a permanent Secretariat based in Bhutan, the Forum seeks a highly motivated and skilled individual to drive its objectives and secure resources for sustained impact.

Task Description

Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Resident Representative, direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative, and working closely with the UNDP’s Environment and Livelihoods and Governance Portfolio Managers, the Climate Policy Specialist will work closely with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) of Bhutan on the implementation of the Climate Promise agenda encompassing G-0 component of the BOLD project. The task involves developing and implementing a strategic plan focused on policy advice, advocacy, communication, resource mobilization, and outreach. He/she will support the PMO in facilitating discussion and dialogue among the Forum members. The role requires a strong background in climate diplomacy and climate finance, as well as prior experience in facilitating inter-agency, and inter-governmental forums, networks, and compacts. Duties and Responsibilities: • Support the Development and implementation of a strategic work plan focused on policy engagement, institutional strengthening, communication, advocacy and outreach, climate financing opportunities, and resource mobilization under the guidance of the PMO and Forum members. • Leverage the expertise and resources of UNDP’s Global Policy Network (GPN) to enhance the effectiveness and reach of these initiatives. • Provide technical and advisory services on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience initiatives. • Support the development and review of the NDC strategies aligned with national priorities and the Paris Agreement • Coordinate with global, regional, and country office colleagues to ensure cohesion and leverage UNDP’s internal coordination capacity in support of the G-0 Forum, given its multi-country and regional scope. • Identify and strengthen partnerships with but not limited to multilateral organizations, financial institutions, and private sector and research organizations. • Co-design and develop project concepts and proposals for identified donors to support the forum. • Support the PMO in facilitating discussion and dialogue among Forum members. • Support the organization of the Forum’s high-level events and consultations with stakeholders • Upon request, support the operationalization of the Forum Secretariat. Results/expected outputs: Strategic Work Plan Developed under the guidance of the PMO and the Forum members • A comprehensive work plan developed for the Forum, outlining key milestones for policy engagement, advocacy, communication, partnership development, resource mobilization, and outreach. • Implementation roadmap developed ensuring alignment with Forum objectives and priorities of the member countries. Partnerships and Ideas for Resource Mobilization Developed • Identified and established strategic partnerships towards the Forum’s resource mobilization efforts. • Co-designed and developed project concepts and proposals for identified donors. High-Level Events and Consultations Supported • Successful execution of high-level events, workshops, and consultations of the Forum supported. • Increased stakeholder participation and engagement in Forum activities. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination Enhanced • Consultations and coordination meetings with Forum members supported in close collaboration with the RGoB. • Effective participation of the Forum in international and regional dialogues in global climate discussions supported. Policy and Advocacy Materials Developed • Develop policy briefs, reports, and communication materials to support the decision-making and advocacy efforts of the Forum and its members. • Knowledge products disseminated to stakeholders, ensuring informed policy dialogue. Operationalization of the Forum Secretariat Supported (Only Upon Request) • Functional coordination mechanisms to facilitate effective implementation of Forum activities supported. • Development and implementation of governance and operational guidelines for the Forum Secretariat supported.

Competencies and values

• Systems Thinking • Strategy • Resource Mobilization • Creativity • Stakeholder Engagement and Co-Creation • Adaptability and Resilience • Effective Communication

Living conditions and remarks

Bhutan is a lower middle-income country, landlocked between China and India, with an estimated population of 770,0002. A Human Development Index of 0.666 (2021) places it in the medium human development category, ranked 127 out of 189 countries. Rapid economic growth averaging 7.5 percent per annum was experienced since the 1980s. Between 2010 and 2021, the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita increased by 22.3 percent to USD 11,3005. Poverty rates reduced sharply from 23 percent in 2007 to 8 percent in 20176, with 12.4 percent recorded in 2022. Significant gains in human development, poverty reduction, and living standards have been guided by Bhutan’s gross national happiness philosophy of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, inclusive social progress, and cultural vibrancy, underpinned by good governance. Despite the positive momentum, socio-economic vulnerability remains, primarily due to difficult geographical conditions, a narrow economic base, dependency on the limited international market for trade, and increased emigration of the productive population in recent years. Bhutan is a relatively stable and peaceful country. The capital, Thimphu, is located at an elevation of 2,334 meters where the summers are warm, and winters are chilly. The Bhutanese currency Ngultrum is pegged with the Indian Rupees and one USD is equivalent to 82 Ngultrums approximately. In the capital, rented flats range from Nu.7000-17,000 (96 to 250 USD) while furnished apartments cost around 300 to 700 USD. Public transportation including taxis is cheap starting from 0.3 USD to 5 USD. Groceries and other food items would amount to around 300 dollars a month. Bhutan provides free basic health and education and as per Article 9 of the Constitution of Bhutan, access to universal basic health services is free to all individuals living in the country. The country’s national language is Dzongkha but the local populace is comfortable in using English which makes day-to-day conversations easy. Entitlements of International UN Volunteer include Entry Lump Sum Allowance (USD4,000); Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) (USD2,734.93*), Entitlement Travel for UN Volunteer and eligible dependents (Authorized in writing by UNV HQ): Flight tickets (entry on duty & repatriation); Insurance Coverage (Comprehensive health, life, and malicious acts insurance); Annual Leave of 2.5 days per month; Access to UNV’s learning and career development resources; and Exit Lump Sum Allowance (USD225 per month served) payable upon successful completion of the assignment. For further information on the full entitlements, please refer to the Unified Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers (COS) at app.unv.org/explore *VLA will be specified when the Offer of a UN Volunteer assignment is issued.