GCF Projects Specialist Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has been instrumental in coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, works closely with the 33 countries of the region, integrating its activities into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). UNEP's mission includes enhancing transparency frameworks for climate action, particularly in developing countries, to ensure compliance with the Paris Agreement and support national governments in their commitments to combat climate change.

Job Overview:
The GCF Projects Specialist Consultant will play a crucial role in the implementation and orderly closure of two significant GCF Readiness projects: 'Capacity Building in Carbon Markets and Article 6' (LAC-RS-019) and 'Advancing a Regional Approach to the Green Hydrogen Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean' (LAC-RS-018). This position requires the consultant to provide technical information related to project implementation and budget expenditure, analyze procurement and hiring processes, and review technical reports prepared by local consultants. The consultant will guide both local and international consultants in project delivery, particularly focusing on the technical implementation of the green hydrogen project in Bolivia, Chile, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay. The consultant will also contribute to the H2LAC platform, which aims to develop capacity and knowledge in green hydrogen through research and training activities. The role demands a proactive approach to collecting information on hydrogen and sustainable energy innovations, transforming this data into actionable recommendations for stakeholders in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks including:

• Preparing technical information on carbon markets and Article 6 based on existing studies and analyses.
• Supporting the review of technical products prepared by consulting firms and providing input for project team consideration.
• Participating in team and stakeholder meetings as required and summarizing activities in monthly reports.
• Collecting and organizing information on private sector stakeholders and potential Article 6 initiatives in participating countries.
• Reviewing technical reports and prefeasibility studies for Block B countries, providing comments and organizing feedback.
• Assisting in the development of concept notes for GCF submission, ensuring quality and clarity in the documentation.
• Collaborating with the project manager to enhance south-south cooperation through the H2LAC platform.
• Providing technical support for the preparation of Project Completion Reports and ensuring all necessary documentation is compiled and reviewed for project closure.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, engineering, economics, finance, administration, political science, international relations, or related fields. A Master’s degree in engineering, public policy, economics, energy systems, or natural resources management is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of experience in climate change projects, environmental sciences, or related fields, with a strong preference for those with experience in data processing, budget planning, and monitoring, as well as familiarity with GCF projects and carbon markets.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as environmental sciences, engineering, economics, or international relations. A Master’s degree in a related discipline is considered an asset, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex environmental and economic issues.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of two years of professional experience in climate change projects, environmental economics, or related fields. Experience in data processing and analysis, budget planning, and the preparation of Terms of Reference (ToRs) for procurement processes is desirable. Familiarity with low-emission hydrogen projects and experience working within multilateral organizations or the public sector will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English is required for this position, as the consultant will be working in a bilingual environment and will need to communicate effectively with stakeholders across different countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is home-based and is expected to last for six months, requiring a commitment of 40 working hours per week from Monday to Friday. The consultant will be supervised by UNEP’s Programme Management Officer for Energy Efficiency of the Climate Change Unit for Latin America and the Caribbean Office. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.