Senior Climate Finance Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The consultancy is part of the 'PAF24Q2-RMI-UNEP-014' initiative funded by the NDC Partnership Action Fund (PAF), led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Climate Change Capacity (UNEP-CCC) in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). The organization focuses on enhancing climate resilience and sustainable development through strategic partnerships and capacity building in vulnerable regions. The UNEP was established in 1972 and operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental sustainability and climate action.

Job Overview:
The Senior Climate Finance Consultant will play a pivotal role in supporting the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) in achieving its climate finance objectives as part of the NDC 3.0 initiative. This position involves providing strategic and technical support to enhance the country's climate finance frameworks, develop necessary policies, and build institutional capacities for low-carbon, climate-resilient development. The consultant will be responsible for designing and delivering tailored climate finance training sessions, reviewing existing policies, and preparing concept notes for priority climate action projects. The consultant's work will directly contribute to the implementation of the revised Development Assistance Policy and mobilization of climate finance to accelerate national climate ambitions. The role requires a deep understanding of climate finance, policy development, and the unique challenges faced by small island states like the RMI, particularly in the context of climate change.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including conducting a desktop review of the existing Development Assistance Policy, facilitating consultations with the Climate Finance Task Force, and providing technical support for additional tasks that may arise during the project. Specific duties include:

• Conducting a desktop review of the 2019 Development Assistance Policy to streamline donor coordination and align external support with RMI’s climate finance needs.
• Supporting the facilitation of consultations with the Climate Finance Task Force.
• Designing and delivering climate finance training sessions for government stakeholders.
• Conducting a needs assessment to identify capacity gaps in climate finance within government institutions.
• Preparing investment concept notes and a resource mobilization strategy.
• Ensuring the quality and timeliness of deliverables, including technical notes, training materials, and reports.
• Engaging with stakeholders to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in finance, public finance, economics, development studies, business, management, administration, or a related field. A Master's degree in policy or finance, economics, development studies, or a relevant field is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of work experience in development project implementation, particularly with national public institutions or the private sector. Those with a Master's degree should have at least 4 years of relevant experience. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in sustainable finance taxonomies, climate risk management, and policy development related to climate finance.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as finance, economics, or development studies. A Master's degree is preferred and would enhance a candidate's qualifications. The educational background should reflect a strong understanding of climate finance, public policy, and economic development, particularly in the context of small island states.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in development project implementation, particularly in roles that involve collaboration with national public institutions, private sector associations, or banking sectors. Candidates with a Master's degree should have at least 4 years of relevant experience. Experience working with central banks on climate risk management and sustainable finance is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the unique challenges faced by small island states in relation to climate change.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication. Knowledge of Marshallese is considered desirable, as it would facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of training and capacity-building efforts.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is full-time and expected to last for 9 months. It involves a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for both home-based and in-person work. The role includes one planned local travel to conduct climate finance training for key government stakeholders. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and equitable hiring process.