National Cooling Action Plan Expert for Brazil

Result of ServiceThe consultant will support the development of Brazil’s National Cooling Action Plan (NCAP) by conducting targeted data collection and analysis to inform evidence-based policy recommendations. Working closely with the NCAP coordination team and relevant national stakeholders, the consultant will map the current cooling landscape, including the types of technologies used, energy consumption patterns, refrigerants in use, and the socio-economic drivers of cooling demand. This work will involve gathering and reviewing existing data, identifying critical gaps, and consulting with key public and private actors to validate findings and collect additional qualitative insights. The consultant will also assess projected cooling needs in light of Brazil’s urbanization, climate trends, and development priorities. Findings from this analysis will support the drafting of the NCAP and contribute to defining national priorities for sustainable and climate-friendly cooling solutions. In addition, the consultant may assist in preparing technical inputs, participating in coordination meetings, and supporting the organization of stakeholder workshops and validation events. The overall aim of the assignment is to ensure that the NCAP is grounded in robust, context-specific data and reflects the realities and opportunities of Brazil’s cooling sector. The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs in support of the development of Brazil’s National Cooling Action Plan (NCAP): 1. Data Assessment Report A comprehensive report summarizing the data collected and reviewed across key cooling-demand sectors in Brazil. This should include an overview of technologies used, demand drivers, data gaps, and a proposed strategy for addressing missing information. The report should also define the scope and priority sectors of the NCAP based on evidence and stakeholder input. 2. Sectoral Baseline Models Detailed baseline models for current cooling demand in critical sectors, including residential and commercial buildings, healthcare, food security, industrial processes, and transport. The models should quantify direct and indirect emissions, map existing policies, and establish relevant socio-economic and energy efficiency benchmarks, with projections for 2030 and 2050. 3. Scenario Analysis Report Development of future cooling demand scenarios under various pathways (e.g., business-as-usual vs. sustainable cooling strategies). The report should include environmental and socio-economic impact assessments and align projections with Brazil’s NDCs and Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy. 4. Policy and Technology Assessment A thorough evaluation of Brazil’s current regulatory and policy framework for the cooling sector, identifying gaps and providing actionable policy and technology recommendations. This includes assessing public-private collaboration opportunities, socio-economic impacts, and the cost of inaction. 5. Data Visualization Tools Creation of interactive visualizations (e.g., graphs, dashboards) to present modeling results and support stakeholder engagement and policy decision-making. 6. Final Technical Report An integrated final report that consolidates all findings, baseline data, scenario results, policy recommendations, and institutional mapping. It should include guidance on monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for the NCAP. 7. Training Package and Workshop Delivery Development of training materials and facilitation of a one-day capacity-building session to present key findings and strengthen local capacities for data interpretation and NCAP implementation. Performance indicators The consultant will have supported the achieving of the overall project objectives of mainstreaming efficient, climate-friendly cooling and action on extreme heat into national, state and local policy frameworks, guidelines and plans. The consultant will be responsible for delivering the following tasks and products related to the data collection and analysis in support of the development of Brazil’s National Cooling Action Plan (NCAP): 1. Data Collection, Review and Validation • Collect and review relevant data on cooling demand and technologies across key sectors in Brazil. • Identify and prioritize the most critical cooling-demand sectors (e.g., residential and commercial buildings, healthcare, food security, industry, and transport). • Identify data gaps and propose strategies to address them, including potential sources or methodologies for data generation. • Collaborate with UNEP, the national NCAP focal point, and other stakeholders to define the scope and target sectors of the NCAP based on available evidence. 2. Sectoral Baseline Assessment • Develop baseline models for current cooling demand across Brazil’s major sectors, distinguishing between passive and active cooling solutions. • Quantify direct and indirect emissions from cooling technologies, using appropriate national emission factors where available. • Evaluate the policy landscape and establish energy and emission baselines for subsectors such as air conditioning, cold chain, mobile AC, and refrigerants (HFCs). • Collect and establish socio-economic indicators and baselines related to building stock, energy use, passive cooling strategies, HVAC systems, and refrigeration. • Assess the energy efficiency performance of existing cooling systems and identify benchmarks relevant to the Brazilian context. • Establish future demand horizons (e.g., 2030 and 2050), in alignment with Brazil’s national strategies and international climate commitments. 3. Scenario Development and Analysis • Develop and model future cooling demand scenarios considering trends in population growth, urbanization, and climate change. • Assess environmental and socio-economic impacts of business-as-usual and alternative scenarios. • Model the potential for improvements in energy efficiency, adoption of low-GWP refrigerants, and passive cooling measures. • Align scenario modeling with Brazil’s national targets, including the NDCs and the Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy. 4. Policy and Technology Assessment • Evaluate the current regulatory and policy framework governing the cooling sector in Brazil. • Identify gaps and propose recommendations for policy reforms, incentive mechanisms, and market-enabling conditions for sustainable cooling. • Propose strategies to promote public-private collaboration in implementing NCAP priorities. • Estimate socio-economic impacts such as job creation potential and budget needs across scenarios. • Assess the cost of inaction, including public health impacts, productivity losses, and infrastructure vulnerability to heat. 5. Data Visualization and Reporting • Develop clear and interactive data visualizations to communicate modeling results to stakeholders. • Prepare a comprehensive technical report detailing the methodology, findings, and policy recommendations. • Provide sector-specific analysis, highlighting challenges and opportunities for sustainable cooling in each area. • Map the national regulatory and institutional framework relevant to the cooling sector, and propose monitoring and reporting mechanisms aligned with Brazil’s climate commitments. 6. Stakeholder Engagement • Engage with national and subnational stakeholders throughout the data collection and analysis process to validate findings and ensure relevance. • Present interim results and draft findings to government officials, technical experts, and other key actors. • Incorporate stakeholder feedback into the final analysis. • Assess current governance structures and propose an effective governance and implementation framework for the NCAP. 7. Capacity Building Support • Develop and deliver training materials for a one-day interactive session summarizing key findings and outputs. • Ensure participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the data analysis process and its implications for NCAP development and implementation. Work LocationBrasilia, Brazil Expected duration8 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesCooling demand is growing rapidly, driven by rising population, increasing incomes, and higher global average temperatures. Cooling is essential for sustainable development, but growth in demand will drive further climate change, creating a vicious cycle of more cooling and emissions. To avoid this future, this report lays out sustainable measures in three areas: passive cooling, higher energy efficiency standards, and a faster phase down of climate warming refrigerants used in the cooling industry. Getting cooling right with these measures would cut at least 60 per cent off predicted 2050 sectoral emissions, provide increased access to life-saving cooling, take the pressure off energy grids, and save trillions by 2050. The Global Cooling Pledge (GCP), launched at COP28 by its host UAE, has over 72 signatories Member-states, supported by COP30 President and Co-Chair of the GCP, Brazil. More recently the COP30 Presidency and UNEP Cool Coalition have launched ‘Beat the Heat’ implementation drive on sustainable cooling. Through Beat the Heat, the goal is to turn cities into engines of adaptation and drive implementation of the Global Pledge. Brazil will be the first to deploy this programme in the country, while promoting it abroad through working with the sub-nationals and also through a national cooling action plan. UNEP is seeking to hire a consultant on Cooling Policy and Engagement to support Brazil’s efforts to develop a National Cooling Action Plan (NCAP) to tackle extreme heat as a multi-ministry effort, deploy beat the heat projects on cooling, and prepare the 2nd Global Cooling Pledge Ministerial Roundtable in Belém. The selected consultant will work, under the guidance of UNEP’s Brazil Country Office and UNEP Cool Coalition Head of Secretariat in Paris, and the Brazilian National Secretariat of Urban Environment, Water Resources and Environmental Quality (GCP’s Co-Chair), to strengthen delivery capacity and promote the Global Cooling Pledge and the Cooling agenda towards COP30 and beyond. The consultant will support the development of Brazil’s National Cooling Action Plan (NCAP) by leading the data collection and analysis process, providing a robust evidence base to inform the plan’s technical and policy recommendations. Under UNEP’s coordination and in close collaboration with national stakeholders, the consultant will gather and validate data on current and projected cooling demand across key sectors, including buildings, healthcare, food security, industry, and transport. This includes identifying critical cooling needs, assessing the energy consumption and emissions of existing technologies, and evaluating the policy landscape. The consultant will develop baseline models for each sector and quantify direct and indirect emissions, using available national emission factors. Future cooling demand scenarios will be created, taking into account Brazil’s urbanization, population growth, climate change projections, and international commitments, including its NDCs and long-term climate strategies. These scenarios will assess the impacts of business-as-usual pathways and the potential benefits of adopting energy-efficient, climate-friendly, and passive cooling solutions. In addition, the consultant will evaluate current policies and technologies, identify gaps, and recommend measures to promote sustainable and inclusive cooling. This will include economic analysis of investment needs, potential job creation, and the cost of inaction. The consultant will also produce visual tools and a comprehensive report outlining findings, methodologies, and strategic recommendations. Stakeholder engagement will be central throughout the assignment. The consultant will present interim findings, gather feedback, and ensure that the final outputs align with national priorities. A one-day capacity-building session will also be delivered to strengthen local understanding of the analysis and support NCAP implementation. Ultimately, this consultancy will ensure that Brazil’s NCAP is grounded in reliable, context-specific data and supports the development of climate-resilient and energy-efficient cooling strategies. Qualifications/special skillsAcademic • Advanced University degree (Masters or equivalent) in public administration; economics; building engineering; architecture; urban planning; environmental studies; law; political science; or a similar discipline is preferable. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Professional Experience • A minimum of five years’ experience in field relevant to climate change and sustainable cooling, energy efficiency, with strong experience in data collection and analysis, and in engaging government officials and industry actors. • Knowledge of national policies on climate change and/or cooling in Brazil is required. • Excellent written and oral communications skills on energy, urban planning, buildings and environmental related topics. • Demonstrated ability to conduct data collection and analysis to support evidence-based policy development and provide technical inputs to governments and other stakeholders. • Demonstrated ability in multi-stakeholder process and stakeholder engagement. • Experience in sustainable cooling in buildings and cities, especially passive cooling, energy efficiency and Nature-based Solutions, is desirable. Language • Fluency in written and oral Portuguese and English is required. Special skills/knowledge: Specific knowledge: Has knowledge of public administration, urban planning, energy efficiency, cooling and green building norms, including technology, policies and city management, real estate finance, and experience in policy and regulatory framework development in coordination with many multi-stakeholders. Possesses strong skills in data collection and analysis, and the ability to proactively seek inputs and lead consultations with a variety of stakeholders. Has experience engaging officials and industry at a senior level. Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence and flexibility when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly, concisely and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify perceptions, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates proactivity and openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. Considers outputs achieved according to effectively delivery, as opposed to the amount of time given to tasks. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues across institutions to achieve organizational and strategic goals; is willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. A minimum of five years’ experience in field relevant to climate change and sustainable cooling, energy efficiency, with strong experience in data collection and analysis, and in engaging government officials and industry actors. LanguagesNot available. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.