GCF Concept Note Development Consultant

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. Established in 1972, UNEP has a mission to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review 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, Panama, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and integrates its activities into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

Job Overview:
The consultancy will support Outcome 4.3 of the GCF Readiness project "Advancing a Regional Approach to the Green Hydrogen Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean" by preparing one concept note for Trinidad & Tobago, for a green hydrogen project identified through the project’s prefeasibility studies. The consultant will prepare one concept note for consideration by the respective National Designated Authorities and prospective Accredited Entities. UNEP will provide the consultant with the completed prefeasibility study for the green hydrogen projects, which assesses the technical, economic, financial, environmental, and regulatory feasibility of integrating green hydrogen into Trinidad and Tobago’s natural-gas transmission system. This includes examining an electrolyzer powered by solar energy and supplied with desalinated water, along with hydrogen production and blending options, infrastructure compatibility, safety, costs, emissions reductions, financing, and implementation requirements. The assignment will involve consultations with NDAs, government counterparts, prospective Accredited Entities, project proponents, financial institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to confirm project ownership, financing needs, and alignment with GCF requirements. The consultant will assess the most suitable GCF pathway, including the Simplified Approval Process, the Enhancing Direct Access Request for Proposals, and/or Project Preparation Facility support, where applicable. The final submission remains subject to endorsement by the relevant NDA and engagement of an eligible Accredited Entity. The consultancy will contribute to Outcome 4.3 by producing one GCF concept note for a green hydrogen project in Trinidad & Tobago, grounded in the corresponding prefeasibility study, national priorities, and consultations with the relevant NDA, government counterparts, prospective Accredited Entities, and project stakeholders. Under the direct supervision of UNEP’s Programme Management Officer for Energy Efficiency of the Climate Change Unit for Latin America and the Caribbean Office, the consultant shall perform the following activities: review the Trinidad & Tobago prefeasibility study and supporting national documents; consult the NDA, relevant ministries, project proponents, and prospective Accredited Entities; assess the appropriate GCF pathway; prepare the concept note using the applicable GCF template and guidance; and revise it in response to consolidated comments from UNEP and national counterparts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for developing one (1) concept note in Trinidad & Tobago for submission to the GCF, including under the SAP, EDA RfP, and/or those targeted for PPF assistance. The deliverable product will be a report containing a concept note for Trinidad & Tobago, prepared in English using the applicable GCF template and based on the prefeasibility study provided by UNEP. The consultant will review the relevant prefeasibility study and project documentation; identify information gaps and coordinate inputs with UNEP and national counterparts; engage prospective Accredited Entities and other financing partners; assess alignment with national priorities and GCF investment criteria; and incorporate climate rationale, theory of change, project components, implementation arrangements, financing structure, environmental and social considerations, gender responsiveness, risks, and sustainability into the concept note, as applicable.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering, energy, public policy, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in engineering, energy, transport, urban planning, economics, finance, public policy, environmental or social sciences, sustainability, or a closely related field is also required. A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience supporting energy, transport, and/or infrastructure projects or policies is required. Demonstrated experience preparing GCF concept notes, funding proposals, or comparable climate-finance project documents is desirable. Experience in green or low-emission hydrogen projects, policies, or investment planning is also desirable. Additionally, experience developing and implementing climate change or clean-energy projects in developing countries, preferably in Latin America and the Caribbean, is desirable. Experience engaging with National Designated Authorities, GCF Accredited Entities, multilateral development banks, and/or private investors is desirable. Furthermore, experience assessing project financial and economic viability, financing structures, public-private partnership options, environmental and social considerations, and gender-responsive approaches is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background needed for the position includes a Bachelor's degree in engineering, energy, public policy, or a closely related field as a minimum requirement. A Master’s degree in engineering, energy, transport, urban planning, economics, finance, public policy, environmental or social sciences, sustainability, or a closely related field is preferred and considered essential for this role.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the position is a minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience supporting energy, transport, and/or infrastructure projects or policies. This experience should ideally include demonstrated experience in preparing GCF concept notes, funding proposals, or comparable climate-finance project documents. Additionally, experience in green or low-emission hydrogen projects, policies, or investment planning is highly desirable, as is experience in developing and implementing climate change or clean-energy projects in developing countries, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. The candidate should also have experience engaging with National Designated Authorities, GCF Accredited Entities, multilateral development banks, and/or private investors, as well as experience assessing project financial and economic viability, financing structures, public-private partnership options, environmental and social considerations, and gender-responsive approaches.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as the concept note and related documentation will be prepared in English. Fluency in Spanish is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with stakeholders in the region and enhance the consultant's ability to engage with diverse audiences.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 3 months. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of UNEP’s Programme Management Officer for Energy Efficiency for Latin America and the Caribbean. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview meetings, processing, or training. The organization does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.