Climate Finance Advisor (Home base Retainer) - Freetown, Sierra Leone

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) is dedicated to delivering impactful solutions worldwide by leveraging diverse expertise. Established to support sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding, GPO operates through hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and collaborates with global partners, including governments and international financial institutions. With a presence in over 130 countries, GPO focuses on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and UNOPS’ strategic priorities through project management, fund management, and HR support.

Job Overview:
The Climate Finance Advisor position is pivotal in contributing to Sierra Leone’s climate action agenda by enhancing institutional systems for climate finance within the Ministry of Finance. The Advisor will work closely with government institutions and partners to improve coordination, enhance climate finance tracking systems, and align efforts with national climate and development priorities. This role involves embedding within the Ministry of Finance, providing technical advisory support, and facilitating engagement with various stakeholders to strengthen the management and tracking of climate finance, thereby supporting the implementation of national climate commitments.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive climate finance landscape and gap assessment, mapping domestic and international climate finance sources, identifying gaps, and providing prioritized investment recommendations.
• Develop a climate finance mobilization roadmap that outlines priorities, roles, and a time-bound coordination plan for mobilizing climate finance and engaging partners.
• Create a transition coordination pack for climate budget tagging (CBT) within the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), including functional requirements and governance notes.
• Implement a targeted capacity-building program for the Ministry of Finance and relevant agencies, including training materials and mentoring plans.
• Establish a coordination matrix to align ongoing partner support and document progress through quarterly summaries.
• Provide technical assistance for climate budget tagging and institutional capacity building, ensuring alignment with national planning and budgeting systems.
• Prepare advisory notes on climate finance instruments and processes to support decision-making within the Ministry of Finance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in finance, economics, climate policy, or a related field, along with at least 5 years of relevant experience in climate finance or public financial management. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of experience (totaling 7 years) may be accepted. Experience in advisory roles with Ministries of Finance/Planning and knowledge of climate budget tagging and tracking systems is essential. Familiarity with UNFCCC processes and experience in diverse national contexts related to climate finance mobilization are desirable.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in finance, economics, climate policy, environmental economics, or a related field is required. A Bachelor’s degree may be accepted with additional relevant work experience. Candidates should have a strong academic background that supports their understanding of climate finance and public financial management.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in climate finance and/or public financial management is required. This includes advisory roles with Ministries of Finance or Planning, knowledge of climate budget tagging, and experience with green public financial management reforms. Familiarity with international climate finance sources and the ability to foster networks for cooperation among various stakeholders is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This is a retainer national vacancy for a duration of 12 months, with a maximum of 220 working days and the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The position is home-based, meaning the incumbent will work from government facilities and must provide their own laptop and software. Candidates must be nationals of Sierra Leone or possess a valid residence and work permit in Sierra Leone. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, welcoming applications from underrepresented groups.