Overview
The consultant will develop a National Climate Change Adaptation Research and Development Programme for Panama, including an assessment of research needs and capacities, and a strategic framework for knowledge generation and application.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct a comprehensive desk review of existing national and sectoral policies, plans, and strategies related to climate change adaptation, research, innovation, and development.
- Collect, organize, and analyze information and data required for the assessment of climate change adaptation research and innovation needs, gaps, barriers, and opportunities in Panama.
- Review existing national and international studies, databases, and academic publications relevant to climate adaptation.
- Map and analyze the current landscape of research institutions, academic actors, innovation hubs, and relevant stakeholders engaged in climate adaptation research in Panama.
- Identify existing research capacities, institutional strengths, and gaps in scientific production related to adaptation themes.
- Coordinate and facilitate stakeholder engagement and coordination processes.
- Prepare detailed minutes, summaries, and records of discussions of stakeholder consultations and interviews.
- Analyze barriers limiting the production and application of knowledge.
- Identify opportunities for innovation.
- Ensure that the diagnostic incorporates gender and inclusivity considerations.
- Prepare a comprehensive diagnostic report summarizing findings.
- Design the overall structure and framework of the National Research and Development Programme.
- Prepare technical inputs, background materials, and documentation supporting the development of the National Adaptation Research and Development (R&D) Programme.
- Define cross-sectoral and thematic research priorities.
- Identify and structure research lines, thematic areas, and priority topics for adaptation.
- Develop implementation mechanisms, including governance arrangements, institutional roles, and coordination mechanisms.
- Propose methodologies and approaches for research development, knowledge generation, and dissemination.
- Generate evidence of different adaptation approaches.
- Identify opportunities for technological innovation and development of new tools.
- Integrate Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) and nature-based solutions into the research priorities.
- Propose mechanisms and initiatives for collaboration between government, academia, private sector, and civil society.
- Develop an implementation roadmap.
- Ensure integration of gender considerations and inclusive participation.
- Prepare a draft R&D Programme document for review and validation.
- Coordinate and facilitate the organization of validation workshops, public forums, and stakeholders roundtables meetings.
- Design the methodology, agenda, and materials for the validation workshop.
- Identify and coordinate participation of key stakeholders.
- Present the diagnostic findings and the proposal of R&D Programme.
- Facilitate discussions, collect feedback, and encourage active participation.
- Document all discussions, inputs, and recommendations.
- Incorporate stakeholder feedback into the revision and finalization of the R&D Programme.
- Prepare a comprehensive workshop report.
- Provide technical and logistical coordination for a high-level national forum.
- Identify and coordinate participation of financing institutions, development partners, and relevant stakeholders.
- Present key elements of the R&D Programme.
- Facilitate discussions on potential funding mechanisms, partnerships, and investment opportunities.
- Identify and document potential commitments, partnerships, and financing opportunities.
- Develop recommendations for mobilizing financial resources and sustaining implementation.
- Prepare a forum report.
- Integrate all components into a coherent and consolidated final R&D Programme document.
- Ensure consistency, quality, and technical rigor.
- Prepare a policy brief summarizing key findings, priorities, and recommendations.
- Incorporate all stakeholder feedback and validation results.
- Submit final deliverables in accordance with UNEP standards and requirements.
- Track progress of tasks and identifying bottlenecks and solutions.
Required Experience
- Seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in climate change adaptation planning, research programme development, environmental management, natural and social sciences, adaptation policies or initiatives frameworks including demonstrated experience in the design and implementation of research or innovation frameworks is required.
- Relevant experience in institutional analysis, facilitating technology and knowledge transfer processes between academia and the productive (public and private) sector) is desirable.
- Relevant knowledge of the national science, technology, and innovation ecosystem in Panama, including familiarity with SENACYT, national universities, and research centers is desirable.
- Good understanding of climate change adaptation planning processes, particularly with regard to cross-cutting thematic areas such as gender, environment, sustainable development and climate vulnerability assessment methodologies and the design of evidence- based adaptation is desirable.
- Working experience with government institutions, academic or research organizations would be an added advantage.
- Demonstrated experience in multilevel coordination (at national, subnational and/or sectoral levels) in research, planning, or environmental policy processes is desirable.
- Demonstrated experience in the elaboration of technical reports and official documents for high-level meetings and decision-making processes is desirable.
- Experience in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region is highly desirable; previous work with the UN system or international organizations is a strong asset.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, engineering, natural resources, climate change, law, internation studies, development studies, social or political sciences or another closely related field is required.
- Master’s degree in climate change, adaptation planning, sustainable development, environmental management, economy, technology and innovation, public policy from a recognized university or a closely related field is required.
