International Consultant, Climate Services Financing and Sustainability

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it operates in over 150 countries with a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. UNEP's mandate includes coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus, keeping the global environment under review, and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant, Climate Services Financing and Sustainability, will work closely with UNEP, the UNEP Programme Coordinator, National Programme Implementation Managers, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS), regional technical partners, and development partners to develop essential outputs including a 17-month workplan, National Climate Services Financing Policies for five Pacific Island countries (Cook Islands, Niue, Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu), and National Sustainability Plans. This role is crucial in implementing portions of the USD 49.9 million GCF programme aimed at enhancing climate information and knowledge services for resilience in these island nations. The consultant will ensure that accurate, timely, and actionable climate information is utilized in policy, planning, and response actions, enabling sectors and communities to adapt to increasing climate variability and change. The consultant will report to the Programme Coordinator of the Pacific Programme Management Unit, UNEP, based in Apia, Samoa, and will engage with various stakeholders to develop financing policies and sustainability plans that address the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for producing a detailed 17-month workplan, developing National Financing Policies for the five countries, creating National Sustainability Plans for NMHS, and compiling a Recommendations Report and Final Presentation. Specific tasks include reviewing relevant documentation, consulting with stakeholders, drafting financing policies based on market assessments, facilitating workshops, developing action plans, and identifying funding mechanisms. The consultant will also assess the current financial situation of NMHS, identify funding gaps, explore sustainable funding options, conduct cost-effectiveness analyses, and develop a sustainability framework. Additionally, the consultant will engage with regional and international partners to ensure the financing policies are tailored to the realities of the Pacific SIDS and will finalize the National Financing Policy after government approval.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in financing, public policy, climate information services, economics, or a related field. A first-level degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of 7 years of demonstrated experience in developing institutional or national financing policies, sustainability plans, or cost recovery plans in climate-related or Early Warning System areas is required. Candidates should have demonstrated knowledge of climate information services or multi-hazard early warning systems and experience working with governments, development partners, and NMHS in the Pacific region is highly desirable. Previous work experience in similar activities in the Pacific region is also highly desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in financing, public policy, climate information services, economics, or a similar related field is required. A first-level degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree, which is highly desirable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of demonstrated experience in developing institutional or national financing policies, sustainability plans, or cost recovery plans in climate-related or Early Warning System areas. Experience in working and collaborating with governments, development partners, and NMHS in the Pacific region is desirable, and previous work experience undertaking similar activities in the Pacific region is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this consultancy. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and expected to last for 17 months. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.