UNFCCC team/division: Just Transition Task Team, Programmes Coordination
Tasks:
As the only permanent member of the JTWP, which was otherwise comprised of interns and a wider task team of contributors and volunteers from other Divisions, my focus over the year was on providing support to the JTWP in its mandates under Decision 1/CMA.4 and Decision 3/CMA.5 to advance the implementation of just transition pathways in the context of the Paris Agreement. This has involved a range of activities, from administrative tasks, to research and analysis, report writing, stakeholder engagement, and project and event support. For example
- Managing the preparation of synthesis documents on submissions from Parties, UN entities, and non-Party stakeholders (NGOs), ensuring accurate tracking, review, and organization for topic selection for the 2024 Dialogues as well as seamless integration into the JTWP negotiations at SB 60 and SB 61;
- Coordinating the writing and preparation of the 2024 Annual summary report by the Chairs of the subsidiary bodies on Dialogues under the United Arab Emirates just transition work programme;
- Managing the planning and delivery of the Second Dialogue under the United Arab Emirates just transition work programme held in Sharm-el Sheikh, Egypt;
- Coordinating with other UN organizations and IGO Partners to define the thematic focus of the 2024 dialogues, engaging Agenda development and on dialogue support and facilitation;
- Delivering a virtual presentation at the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) Climate Change and Just Transition Summit, Kuala Lumpur, held 11-12 September 2024, on behalf of the JTWP Task Team, on "Just transition and private sector engagement in the Paris Agreement.” This presentation aimed to build capacity and awareness among employers' organizations in Malaysia regarding just transition principles and opportunities for private sector involvement in climate action.
Personal Growth/impact/Knowledge and experience gained
This fellowship has been a transformative experience, significantly impacting my personal and professional development. While my background is in law, with specialisation in trade, this fellowship provided a unique opportunity to step outside of the traditional legal realm and engage in activities in program management and event planning.
From a professional standpoint, I gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of international climate negotiations, particularly concerning Just Transition. My work within the UNFCCC secretariat, supporting the Just Transition team, provided hands-on experience in drafting decision text, navigating complex stakeholder dynamics, and understanding the nuances of UNFCCC processes.
I now possess a deeper understanding of the interplay between trade, environment, and sustainable development, and how these factors influence climate policy, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). My knowledge of the UNFCCC framework, including the roles of the COP, subsidiary bodies, and various negotiating groups, has grown exponentially.
I’ve learned the importance of precise language in decision-making, the power of consensus building, and the challenges of balancing national interests with the global good. I strengthened my analytical, research, and communication skills through drafting reports, attending high level meetings, and engaging in stakeholder consultations.
On a personal level, this fellowship has solidified my commitment to climate action. Witnessing the dedication of individuals from around the world has been inspiring. I have also grown significantly in my ability to adapt to new environments, work effectively in multicultural teams, and build strong professional networks.
Supervisor comments:
Jeniece has been a very valuable asset to the team supporting the JTWP. She joined what was a relatively new work area and was able to quickly pick up the internal processes of the secretariat and contribute ably to support the first year of operation of the JTWP. She was able to work independently with minimum supervision, and recruit train and supervise a team of interns to coordinate delivery of work. Jeniece provided excellent support on preparation of reports and other documents, organisation of dialogues and the high-level ministerial roundtable under the JTWP, and contributions to stakeholder engagement, as detailed in the above sections. We thank Jeniece for her services to the secretariat and contributions to the work on just transition in context of climate change. We hope her experience at the UNFCCC in a multicultural environment will help contribute to her services to her country and her future endeavours. We wish her luck.
Impact of Fellowship:
The UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship Program has been an invaluable experience, providing me with the knowledge, skills, and network necessary to advance my career in climate action. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to the important work of the UNFCCC secretariat on just transition, and to have learned from leading experts in the field. The chance to expand my skillset beyond law has been particularly enriching, and I am confident that the recommendations outlined in this report will further strengthen the program and empower future CAPACITY Fellows to make significant contributions to addressing the global climate challenge. I am grateful to the Government of Italy for their funding which has made this capacity-building initiative possible, and I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for endorsing my application and allowing me this opportunity to represent my country on this international stage. I also in closing wish to express heartfelt appreciation to my supervisors Vintura Silva and Damon Jones for their clear guidance and supportive leadership extended to me and the wider Task Team, and thank the staff of the Programmes Coordination Division, as well as the Mitigation Division team for being my “adoptive” team, as I worked closely with them in 2024; their warm welcome, guidance, and the collaborative environment they fostered were instrumental to my experience and integration in Bonn being positive.
I am eager to apply the knowledge and experience gained during this fellowship to contribute to climate solutions in my home country, Antigua and Barbuda, the wider Caribbean region, and beyond.
