National Consultant - Climate Services Financing Framework and Business Model

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 was established in 1972 and has since grown to encompass a wide range of environmental issues, working with various stakeholders including governments, civil society, and the private sector. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to addressing pressing environmental challenges. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The consultancy is managed by UNEP’s Climate Change Division (CCD), which engages with Member States and Partners to accelerate and support a just transition by addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation through enhancing implementation capacity, provision of data information and knowledge, access to finance and technology, and building resilience.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant - Climate Services Financing Framework and Business Model will work closely with the International Consultant and various stakeholders to support the development of a financial framework and business model for climate services in Timor-Leste. This position is part of a larger project aimed at enhancing early warning systems to build resilience against hydro-meteorological hazards. The consultant will be responsible for identifying and summarizing relevant documentation, organizing stakeholder consultations, facilitating workshops, and ensuring the final review and validation of the financing framework and business model. The role requires a deep understanding of climate services, financing mechanisms, and the specific context of Timor-Leste, as well as the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders to promote the sustainable operation of climate services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Identifying, collecting, reviewing, and summarizing relevant documentation for the inception report.
• Organizing and documenting stakeholder consultations to explore opportunities for utilizing climate services across sectors.
• Co-facilitating and documenting an in-country workshop on the draft financing framework and business model.
• Facilitating the final review and validation of the financing framework and business model by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) and other stakeholders.
• Preparing inputs for the inception report, detailing methodology and timelines.
• Assessing finance requirements for maintaining meteorological infrastructure and delivering climate information services.
• Exploring sustainable funding options, including government allocations, user fees, public-private partnerships, and climate finance.
• Developing a practical action plan to address capacity gaps within the National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (NMHS).
• Identifying potential financial risks and developing mitigation strategies. 1
• Establishing reporting and monitoring mechanisms to track the implementation of the action plan and its impacts on sustainability.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in public policy, economics, finance, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of four years of demonstrated experience in developing national frameworks in the context of donor/development assistance in Timor Leste is required. Experience working with government and development partners in the climate information services sector is desirable, as is experience in developing financing policies, business models, or sustainability and cost recovery plans. Knowledge of climate information services or multi-hazard early warning systems is also desirable, along with experience undertaking similar activities in Timor Leste.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in public policy, economics, finance, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the development of the financing framework and business model.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of demonstrated experience in developing national frameworks in the context of donor/development assistance in Timor Leste. Candidates should have experience working and collaborating with government and development partners in the climate information services sector, as well as experience in developing financing policies, business models, or sustainability and cost recovery plans. Experience in similar activities within Timor Leste is highly desirable, as it indicates familiarity with the local context and challenges.

Languages:
While specific language requirements are not mentioned, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the consultancy and the need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages may be beneficial for engaging with local communities and stakeholders in Timor Leste.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is part-time and expected to last for nine months. The position involves working closely with various stakeholders, including the International Consultant, UNEP Project Management Unit, National Executing Entity, Technical Partners, and development partners. The consultant will be based in Dili, Timor Leste, and will be expected to facilitate stakeholder engagement and contribute to the development of a sustainable financing framework for climate services. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.