National Climate Finance Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Project is an initiative aimed at enhancing the institutional capacity of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) to design, implement, and finance low emissions and climate-resilient projects. The project is executed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the National Designated Authority (NDA), specifically the Department of Planning and Finance (DPC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE). The GCF project has several objectives, including capacity building, strategic frameworks, pipeline development, and knowledge sharing, all aimed at aligning with global climate commitments and enhancing the country's climate action capabilities.

Job Overview:
The National Climate Finance Expert will play a crucial role in the GCF Readiness Project by undertaking a comprehensive desk review of national policies and the existing GCF Country Programme. The expert will be responsible for producing the updated Country Programme for 2024–2027 and providing technical support for the review and prioritization of the GCF project pipeline. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including national ministries and international experts, to ensure that the climate finance strategies are aligned with national priorities and GCF strategic plans. The expert will also draft a Climate Finance Guidebook and facilitate workshops to gather insights and feedback from stakeholders, ensuring gender-inclusive participation throughout the process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Climate Finance Expert will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Conducting a desk review of national policies and the existing GCF Country Programme, identifying gaps and areas for improvement.
• Producing a comprehensive desk review report and updating the Country Programme for 2024–202
• Mapping existing GCF pipeline concepts and reviewing them against GCF results frameworks and national priorities.
• Drafting the Climate Finance Guidebook, ensuring it is practical and user-friendly for the Lao context.
• Facilitating consultation workshops with national stakeholders, ensuring gender-responsive participation.
• Documenting lessons learned and best practices from workshops and consultations.
• Collaborating with FAO personnel to ensure all communication materials comply with FAO standards and guidelines.
• Contributing to project progress reports and participating in coordination meetings to share insights and feedback.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Natural Resources Management, Economics, Accounting and Finance, Climate Change, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of relevant experience in climate finance, climate change policy, or development finance in Lao PDR is required. Candidates should also have a working knowledge of English at level C and must be nationals of Lao PDR. The role demands strong competencies in results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in fields related to natural resources management, economics, climate change, or finance. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of climate finance and policy development, as well as for effectively contributing to the GCF Readiness Project's objectives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in climate finance, climate change policy, or development finance specifically within the context of Lao PDR. This experience should include familiarity with national policy frameworks, strategic planning processes, and the ability to conduct desk reviews and policy analyses. Candidates should also have experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder consultation workshops and participatory planning processes, which are critical for the success of the project.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for drafting documents, engaging with international stakeholders, and ensuring effective communication within the project team. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of Lao is also beneficial, particularly for drafting materials that are contextually relevant to local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve a contract duration that aligns with the project timeline. The role is focused on national recruitment, specifically targeting candidates who are nationals of Lao PDR. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job description but are typically aligned with FAO standards and policies.