Climate Change Policy Research Junior Officer

Details

Mission and objectives

UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet. We help countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships and institutions so they can sustain their progress.
UNDP is the United Nations’ lead agency on international development. We support countries and communities as they work to eradicate poverty, implement the Paris Agreement on climate change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. We advocate for transformative change, and we connect countries to the resources they need to help people build a better life.
UNDP plays a pivotal role in international development as a knowledge broker, capacity builder, innovator, and facilitator of exchanges in the global development debate.
We connect countries to the knowledge, resources and networks they need to achieve development breakthroughs. Our work is summed up in our six signature solutions, adapted to context and powered by three potent enablers for greater impact.
Responding in an integrated and coherent manner, we are determined to end poverty and hunger, protect the planet from degradation, ensure that all people have prosperous lives, with growth that occurs in harmony with nature, and to foster peaceful and inclusive societies.
We are committed to mobilizing the means to implement the 2030 Agenda through a revitalized Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, based on a spirit of strengthened global solidarity.

Context

Panama enhanced its mitigation ambition from the first NDC. It provided specific greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets for the energy and forestry sectors, committing a 24% reduction in total emissions from the country’s energy sector by 2050 (and 11.5% by 2030), and the restoration of 50,000 hectares of forest by 2050 nationwide, compared to business as usual. The updated NDC adds specific objectives in several key areas such as management of water-sheds, marine-coastal system, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, livestock and aquaculture, resilient human settlements, public health, sustainable infrastructure and circular economy. It also includes a well-developed adaptation component in the format of an adaptation communication.
Adaptation and resilience areas in the NDC:
• Agriculture
• Ecosystem
• Energy
• Health
• Infrastructure
• Measurement, Reporting and Verification
• Water
Climate Change Impact:
Climate change significantly affects Panama, facing issues such as prolonged droughts, increased flooding, and rising temperatures. These changes have profound implications for key regions like Bocas del Toro, Ngäbe Buglé, and the Guna Yala region, which are particularly vulnerable to flooding and other climate-related hazards (Third National Communication on Climate Change).
Panama Canal Challenges:
The Panama Canal, a critical artery for global trade, is experiencing operational challenges due to climate change. Drought conditions have led to restrictions on the depth at which ships can transit, forcing vessels to carry lighter loads and impacting the canal’s revenue and efficiency. The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has implemented various water-saving measures to address these challenges, such as reusing water in lock chambers and optimizing transit schedules. Furthermore, Panama is implementing integrated watershed management to guarantee water and livelihoods. Thus, people who inhabit the watershed improve their quality-of-life conditions while at the same time protecting and creating nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation.
Climate Action and NDCs:
Panama is committed to combating climate change through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These commitments include carbon neutrality by 2050, although maintaining carbon-negative conditions based on its forest coverage and blue sinks. Panama is also implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector. As one of the few carbon-negative countries, Panama emphasizes preserving its extensive forest cover and enhancing its natural carbon sinks.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Nature, Climate Change and Energy National Programme Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
– Assists in Literature Reviews: Gather and review existing research, policy documents, and reports on climate change and environmental policies relevant to Panama.
– Supports data analysis: collect, organize, and analyze data on climate trends, greenhouse gas emissions, and the effectiveness of climate policies relevant to Panama.
– Contributes to preparing reports: Draft reports, policy briefs, and research papers that summarize findings and provide actionable recommendations for Panama.
– Collaborates with detailed records of research activities, data sources, and analytical methods for transparency and future reference.
– Assist Senior Staff: Provide support to senior researchers and policy analysts in complex projects, including managing project timelines and coordinating with other team members.