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's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to encompass a wide range of environmental issues and operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of staff and collaborating with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector. UNEP's Climate Change Division (CCD) specifically focuses on addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation, enhancing implementation capacity, providing data and information, and building resilience against climate-related challenges.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant - Climate Services Financing Framework and Business Model will play a crucial role in supporting the development of a financial framework that ensures the sustainability of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (NMHS) in Timor-Leste. This position involves working closely with the International Consultant and various stakeholders to implement portions of a significant project aimed at enhancing early warning systems and climate information services. The consultant will be responsible for identifying and reviewing relevant documentation, organizing stakeholder consultations, facilitating workshops, and ensuring that the financial framework is tailored to the local context. The consultant will also explore opportunities for public-private partnerships and private investment in climate services, ultimately aiming to develop a comprehensive Financing Action Plan that supports the ongoing operation of climate services beyond the project's duration.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify, collect, review, and summarize relevant documentation for the international consultant's inception report.
• Organize and document stakeholder consultations to identify opportunities for sectors to utilize climate services.
• Co-facilitate and document an in-country workshop on the draft Financing Framework and business model.
• Facilitate the final review and validation of the Financing Framework and business model by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) and other stakeholders.
• Prepare inputs to the inception report detailing methodology and timelines.
• Assess finance requirements for maintaining meteorological infrastructure and delivering climate information services.
• Explore sustainable funding options, including government allocations, user fees, public-private partnerships, and climate finance.
• Develop a practical action plan to address capacity gaps within the NMHS related to financial management.
• Identify potential financial risks and develop mitigation strategies. 1
• Establish reporting and monitoring mechanisms to track the implementation of the Action Plan.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in public policy, economics, finance, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. The candidate must have a minimum of 4 years of demonstrated experience in developing national frameworks in the context of donor/development assistance in Timor Leste. Experience in collaborating with government and development partners in the climate information services sector is desirable, as is experience in developing financing policies, business models, or sustainability plans. Knowledge of climate information services or multi-hazard early warning systems is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in public policy, economics, finance, or a related field. A first-level university degree may be accepted if combined with additional qualifying experience. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of climate finance and policy development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of demonstrated experience in developing national frameworks related to donor and development assistance in Timor Leste. Candidates should have experience working with government and development partners in the climate information services sector, as well as experience in developing financing policies, business models, or sustainability 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 also be beneficial for engaging with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is part-time and expected to last for 9 months. The position is managed by UNEP’s Climate Change Division and involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including the National Executing Entity, Technical Partners, and development partners. The consultant will report to the Chief Technical Advisor in the Project Management Unit in Dili, Timor Leste. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be aware that the organization does not request information regarding bank accounts.