Climate Finance Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP plays a crucial role in addressing global environmental challenges and fostering sustainable development through various initiatives and partnerships. It was established in 1972 and has since grown to encompass a wide range of environmental issues, working with governments, civil society, and the private sector across multiple countries. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable resource management.

Job Overview:
The Climate Finance Specialist will support the Government of Costa Rica, specifically the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), in developing a portfolio of investable climate projects and facilitating inter-ministerial coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning (MIDEPLAN). This role is critical in promoting coherence between climate priorities and the country's macroeconomic, fiscal, and development planning. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders to translate technical inputs into actionable steps for resource mobilization and investment. The position aims to strengthen climate investments in Costa Rica and serve as a model for other countries in the region. The consultant will be responsible for consolidating a prioritized portfolio of climate investment projects, proposing an interministerial coordination framework, designing partnership models, and developing methodologies for project development. The role also includes training national institutions on climate finance basics and ensuring that the outputs align with international funding requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare a detailed work plan with timelines and responsibilities, validating it with relevant stakeholders.
• Support MINAE in coordinating with the Ministry of Finance and MIDEPLAN to ensure coherence between climate priorities and national planning.
• Facilitate coordination between the Senior Climate Finance Advisor and national institutions, ensuring timely access to information and technical inputs.
• Provide advisory support for the Prioritized Portfolio of Climate Investment Projects, ensuring technical inputs are translated into investment proposals.
• Design an interministerial coordination framework on climate finance, facilitating meetings and documenting agreements.
• Establish ongoing dialogues with financial partners and public sector actors, preparing records of agreements and financing opportunities.
• Participate in the NDC Act & Invest project, supporting the implementation of climate finance actions in Costa Rica.
• Compile monthly reports on deliverables, identifying good practices and challenges, and preparing a roadmap for continuity after the consultancy concludes.

Required Qualifications:
● Minimum five (5) years of professional experience in climate finance, sustainable investment, green finance, or related areas. ● Minimum three (3) years of relevant professional experience in climate finance issues. ● In-depth knowledge of Costa Rica’s climate change regulatory and planning framework, including hands-on involvement in projects addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation at the national level (Desirable). ● Demonstrated experience working with public institutions or in Costa Rica's public financing system, focusing on the coordination and/or implementation of climate finance, fiscal, or planning policies (Desirable).

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in environmental science, finance, economics, or a related field is typically required for this position. Advanced degrees or specialized training in climate finance or sustainable development would be advantageous and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in climate finance or related fields, with at least three years specifically focused on climate finance issues. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with public institutions and understanding the climate finance landscape in Costa Rica, including experience in project implementation and policy development.

Languages:
Excellent writing skills in both Spanish and English are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 12 months, with a hybrid work model that includes working at the MINAE office in San José, Costa Rica, at least three days a week. The consultant will be supervised by UNEP’s NDC Act & Invest Global Coordinator and will work full-time. The role involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, including government ministries, financial institutions, and international partners. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.