The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and North Region Development publishes a public advertisement for a National Expert for Reporting on the Implementation of the Montenegrin Climate Change Strategy 2030 (aligned with MRV-E framework) on the project "Strengthening the Montenegrin Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and actions to adjust transparency through the Transparency Capacity Building Initiative (CBIT)".

Briefly about the project

The Strengthening Montenegro’s Nationally Determined Contribution and Adaptation Activities Transparency Framework (CBIT) project represents an important opportunity to enhance Montenegro’s capacities to meet new international obligations to monitor, report, and verify climate change-related actions. In addition to supporting Montenegrin institutions in fulfilling transparency requirements under Article 13 of the Paris Agreement, the project will also contribute to strengthening institutional and regulatory frameworks in line with the European Union’s Monitoring Mechanism Regulation for Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Emissions Trading System. At the same time, Montenegro remains committed to implementing its National Climate Change Strategy until 2030 (NSCC 2030) and the corresponding Action Plan, which define national priorities for greenhouse gas mitigation, climate change adaptation, and EU acquis alignment. To meet these commitments, Montenegro must regularly prepare progress reports on the implementation of the Strategy, in accordance with national reporting guidelines as well as UNFCCC and Paris Agreement transparency requirements. Strengthening monitoring, reporting, verification, and evaluation (MRV-E) systems is therefore crucial for tracking implementation, improving transparency, and ensuring compliance with both international and EU obligations.

Within this framework, the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Region Development is seeking a qualified expert to prepare a comprehensive report on the implementation of the NSCC 2030 for period 2022-2024, aligned with the MRV-E framework, during October – November 2025.

The mentioned expert will be hired under a consulting contract from October 2025 to November 2026 (20 working days).

Objective of the task

To prepare the official Implementation Report of the National Climate Change Strategy until 2030 for the period 2022-2024 with recommendations, ensuring consistency with national reporting guidelines, MRV-E principles, and international transparency requirements.

Duties

Under the direct supervision of the project manager, the expert will be in charge of the activities that are given in the description of the project task attached to this competition.

Education and experience

• University degree in environmental sciences, engineering, economics, law, or related fields (Master’s degree preferred).

 Professional Experience

• At least 7 years of professional experience in climate change, environmental policy, or related areas.
• Proven experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of strategic documents, including assessment of implementation frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience in the preparation of strategic documents, preferably on climate strategies, GHG mitigation/adaptation plans, or related policy frameworks.
• Experience in sustainable development reporting and/or the establishment of MRV systems (indicator setting, data collection, and monitoring).
• Familiarity with UNFCCC processes, the Paris Agreement, EU climate policy framework, and the national climate policy context.
• Experience working with government institutions, agencies, and stakeholders in Montenegro (experience in the Western Balkans region is an asset).

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent analytical, drafting, and synthesis skills, with a proven track record of producing high-quality reports.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, including experience with consultations and validation workshops.
• Excellent command of Montenegrin and English (oral and written).

How to apply

Applicants should submit:

• Application in the prescribed form (attached to the announcement);
• CV;
• List of references related to relevant experience;
• Confirmation of availability for the estimated time of engagement (attached to the announcement);
• Statement on the veracity of the data (attached to the announcement).

Note for applications of civil servants

Hiring a civil servant is possible only in the case of a very justified short-term engagement of civil servants from: state universities, research institutions and specialized state institutions with unique expertise. For such cases, decisions on the possibility of engagement will be made after the approval of UNDP.

The shortlisted candidate is obliged to provide a letter of approval from the institution in which he is employed, proving that the institution gives consent to the engagement and confirmation that he is no longer employed by the institution in question.

Evaluation of applications

The evaluation of received applications will be carried out by the expert commission of the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and North Region Development.

Conclusion of the contract

Once the applications are evaluated by the expert commission of the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and North Region Development, the Ministry will sign a contract with the selected candidate for the purpose of his/her engagement within the project.

Application submission

The application with complete documentation, in Montenegrin and English, is sent exclusively electronically by October 14, 2025 at 11 AM to the e-mail address andrijanacukovic@gmail.com with copy to kabinet@mers.gov.me , nenad.vitomirovic@mers.gov.me and drobnjakjovana@ymail.com .

The application documents in Montenegrin language can be downloaded at:

Javni oglas za nacionalnog eksperta za izvještavanje o implementaciji Strategije Crne Gore

The contact person in the Ministry is Andrijana Ćuković, e-mail andrijanacukovic@gmail.com.

Applications that do not meet all the requirements of this announcement will not be taken into consideration.