National Consultant on Climate Finance to Food Systems

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional commission of the United Nations established in 197

• Its mission is to promote economic and social development in the Arab region through regional cooperation and integration. ESCWA works with member states to formulate policies and strategies that address the challenges facing the region, including climate change, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and sustainable development. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab region and has a diverse workforce dedicated to improving the lives of people in the region.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant on Climate Finance to Food Systems will play a crucial role in supporting the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests of Morocco in developing a national capacity-building plan aimed at enhancing the ministry's ability to access and mobilize financing for food production-related sectors. This position is vital in addressing the interlinked challenges of climate change and food systems, which are increasingly affected by rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and other climate-related shocks. The consultant will be responsible for creating a background paper that outlines the finance landscape relevant to Morocco's food systems, identifying opportunities and challenges for mobilizing finance, and providing practical recommendations to strengthen institutional capacity. Additionally, the consultant will design and deliver a tailored capacity-building program that includes a three-day workshop focused on unlocking finance for climate-resilient food systems in Morocco. This role requires collaboration with various ministries and stakeholders to ensure that the capacity-building efforts align with national priorities and effectively address the needs of the food systems sector.

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

• Developing a background paper on finance for food systems in Morocco, which will serve as a reference document for the capacity-building program. This paper should cover the climate, national, and complementary financing mechanisms, governance and institutional arrangements, and practical recommendations for mobilizing finance.
• Conducting consultations with the Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant ministries to identify priority capacity-building needs and refine the workshop agenda.
• Designing the methodology and preparing materials for at least one practical session during the workshop, ensuring alignment with the Ministry's priorities.
• Implementing the three-day workshop, facilitating participant engagement, and preparing an outcome document that captures key discussion points, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Collaborating with ESCWA and other stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of the capacity-building program and the achievement of its objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in food security/food systems, economics, finance, public policy, agriculture, climate change, sustainable development, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of professional work experience in research and analysis related to food systems or climate change financing is required. Experience in food systems or climate change policymaking in Morocco is highly desirable, as it will enhance the consultant's ability to navigate the local context and effectively contribute to the project.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as food security, economics, finance, public policy, agriculture, climate change, or sustainable development. Candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree as part of their application, and incomplete applications will not be considered.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in research and analysis related to food systems or climate change financing. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to engage with complex issues surrounding climate finance and food systems, as well as their capacity to contribute to policy development and capacity-building initiatives. Experience specifically related to food systems or climate change policymaking in Morocco is considered an asset, as it will provide valuable insights into the local context and enhance the effectiveness of the consultant's work.

Languages:
Fluency in French, English, and Arabic is required for this position. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, while Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. This linguistic proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders and participants in the capacity-building program.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of four months. The consultant will be engaged in a full-time capacity, working closely with ESCWA and the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization is committed to ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.