In Country Facilitator (Home based Retainer) - Apia, Samoa

### General Information Position Title In Country Facilitator (Home based Retainer) - Apia, Samoa Job Category Partnerships Duty Station(s) Home based Seniority Level Mid Level ICS Level ICS 10 Contract Type ICA - LICA - Specialist - Retainer Contract Level LICA 10 Posting Start Date 17-Sep-2026 Posting End Date 16-Oct-2026 Duration 12 months, maximum of 220 working days, with possibility of an extension depending on satisfactory performance and on availability of funds ### Job Highlight This position presents an excellent opportunity to contribute to the implementation of Samoa Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and the advancement of national climate action priorities. The role offers a unique platform to work closely with government institutions, international development partners, and national organisations to strengthen coordination, mobilise resources, and track progress towards Samoa’s climate and development goals. ### About the Region The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS’ strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support. ### About the Country/Multi-Country Office From Geneva, UNOPS facilitates the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), working with governments, other United Nations (UN) agencies and partners by providing quality servces, integrated solutions and management support through strategic, cost-effective and results-oriented approches. This includes supporting platforms and hosting high-profile, flagship initiatives and funds focusing on health, nutrition, water and sanitation, sustainable cities, environment, energy, climate and trade. UNOPS is a recognized resource for the UN system in Geneva – from fund management and oversight and advisory services, to providing hosting solutions to a range of global initiatives, as well as operational support to partner organizations. ### About the Project Office WEC Background The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna, and with offices based globally is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolio Office. The Portfolio has built strong partnerships and is effectively managing a portfolio of over 500 million USD over the last 15 years to support key initiatives with fund management, project implementation and administrative support. WEC effectively operationalizes partners' agendas with global approaches, as well as regional and country-specific activities focused on climate action, protection and conservation of the environment. Partners profit from WEC’s ability to operationalize and/or scale up their important substantive agendas, including in support of key multilateral environmental and climate agreements,  such as the Paris Agreement, the Cartagena Convention as well as the Sustainable Development Goals. ### About the Group The NDC Partnership The NDC Partnership is a global coalition advancing the Paris Agreement by strengthening capacity and collaboration for country-owned climate and development action. With over 270 members, including over 140 countries and more than 120 institutions, the NDC Partnership aligns partner support behind country priorities, builds shared knowledge and generates evidence to inform effective NDC implementation, sustained investment and higher ambition that drives sustainable development. Working through a country-driven model, countries set the agenda by identifying their NDC priorities, and partners deliver coordinated, high-impact support that increases efficiency and reduces duplication. The NDC Partnership has unmatched insight into on-the-ground climate realities, drawn from diverse expertise and collaborative learning across its membership. Grounded in country action, these insights shape the global climate agenda. The NDC Partnership Support Unit is jointly hosted by the World Resources Institute (WRI), the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the UN Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC). ### Job Specific Context Samoa is a member of the NDC Partnership, and submitted its Second NDC to UNFCCC in July 2021. Samoa also launched its NDC Implementation Roadmap and Investment Plan in 2021, which is used as the guiding document for implementation and resource mobilization. Samoa has submitted several requests for support through the NDC Partnership, receiving support from members of the Partnership as well as through the Partnership Action Fund. In December 2023, Samoa requested support for embedded coordination/facilitation support – through the recruitment of an In-Country Facilitator. The National NDC Coordinator will implement all tasks under the supervision of the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist based in Fiji (aligning with a work plan approved by both the NDC Partnership and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) and will work in close collaboration with the different ministerial offices and in-country stakeholders. The candidate is expected to work as an embedded facilitator, working within government facilities with officials on a day-to-day basis. - This is a retainer national vacancy/position for twelve 12 months, maximum of 220 working days, with possibility of an extension depending on satisfactory performance and on availability of funds. - This is a Home based position, meaning that the incumbent will not work from a UNOPS office but from the government facilities. Therefore, the incumbent will need to use his/her own laptop and software. - As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of Samoa or have a valid residence and work permit in Samoa. - Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. ### Role Purpose The incumbent will closely support the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and serves as the NDC Partnership’s interface and liaison between the country and the NDC Partnership Support Unit and membership. The role is one of coordination and supportive facilitation. He/she plays a key role in ensuring the smooth implementation of the Country Engagement Process. He/she will employ a whole of government and whole of society approach to NDC coordination - meaning they will coordinate across all Government agencies, civil society, academia, private sector and other stakeholder groups. He/she will be responsible for strengthening national coordination in terms of coordination mechanisms, communication, resource mobilization and monitoring the implementation of the NDC. He/she will support Samoa’s nominated Focal Point and nominated Day to Day Contact to the Partnership in his/her daily tasks of implementing the NDC and other forms of support for the NDC implementation. He/she will also support the Government’s engagement with the Regional Pacific NDC Hub. ### Functions / Key Results Expected 1. Coordination and communication with key stakeholders - Support with stakeholder mapping and management of a stakeholder and contacts database. - Support with Government-led dissemination of information to stakeholders. - Ensure that communications about the NDC Partnership's engagement in the country are shared with relevant stakeholders (local, national, and international). - Facilitate periodic coordination and information exchange among partners in the country, with the aim of leveraging their respective