Climate Finance Specialist (Retainer modality, home based in Lome, Togo)

Job Posting Organization:
The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, part of the UNOPS Global Portfolio Office, is based in Vienna and operates globally. Established to support key initiatives with fund management, project implementation, and administrative support, the WEC portfolio has managed over 500 million USD in funding over the last 15 years. It focuses on climate action, environmental protection, and conservation, aligning with global environmental agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Climate Finance Specialist will play a crucial role in enhancing Togo's access to climate finance, bridging technical capacity gaps, and advancing national climate finance strategies. This position involves collaboration with key government ministries and the NDC Partnership to contribute to Togo's climate objectives and sustainable development goals. The specialist will independently manage projects related to climate finance mobilization and implementation, adapting policies to meet emerging needs and providing authoritative advice on established procedures. This role is pivotal for supporting the Togo Green Fund and relevant ministries in mobilizing financial resources for climate projects, ensuring effective implementation of climate finance strategies, and strengthening institutional capacity and partnerships.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Enhance access to Climate Finance Sources: Research and identify potential sources of climate finance, including government grants and international climate funds. Provide expert guidance on mobilizing international climate finance and leveraging private sector investments. Evaluate eligibility and suitability of different climate finance sources for specific projects in Togo. Collaborate with the NDC Partnership to construct a list of key project documents for NDC implementation. Draft and share monthly progress reports with relevant stakeholders. Organize consultation meetings with key sectors to discuss NDC priorities and identify actions for climate change integration. Support stakeholders in preparing concept notes for identified priority projects.
• Support the MERFPCCC/TGF and work closely with the MFB: Provide technical assistance and policy recommendations for the MERFPCCC/TGF, enhancing coordination with the MFB Climate Unit. Advise on green taxonomy development, sovereign green bonds, and climate-related budgeting. Assist in designing innovative financial mechanisms for priority projects.
• Support accessing Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness grants: Prepare and submit funding proposals for climate-related projects aligned with Togo's NDC. Enhance readiness activities for accessing GCF funding. Improve project documents to align with financial institutions’ requirements. Develop concept notes for flagship projects.
• Operationalization of the Climate Finance Working Group: Provide strategic advice to establish Togo’s Climate Finance Working Group. Create a report outlining the operational framework and work plan for the upcoming two years.
• Develop and maintain a climate finance pipeline and resource mobilization strategy: Identify financing opportunities for climate projects, assess financing readiness, and develop a financing matrix mapping projects to funding sources.
• Strengthen partnerships and co-financing: Engage with development partners and financial institutions to secure co-financing and complementary investments.
• Strengthen institutional capacity and knowledge management: Develop tools and guidance for climate finance project development and organize capacity-building sessions for stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Master's degree (or equivalent) in finance, environmental economics, or related fields with 5 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with 2 additional years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in public and/or private sectors focusing on climate change, project management, stakeholder engagement, and proposal development is required. Knowledge of national climate policies and frameworks is essential, along with familiarity with GCF readiness and project cycle processes.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in finance, environmental economics, or related fields is preferred. A Bachelor's degree in the same or related fields is acceptable if accompanied by additional relevant experience. Candidates should have a strong understanding of climate finance mechanisms and policies.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience for those with a Master's degree, or 7 years for those with a Bachelor's degree. Experience in climate change governance, project management, and stakeholder engagement is essential. Familiarity with GCF processes and climate finance instruments is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a retainer national position for a maximum of 220 working days over 12 months, with 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 use their own laptop and software. Candidates must be nationals of Togo or possess a valid residence or work permit in Togo. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.