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 and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and coordinates 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 4.1 of the GCF Readiness project titled 'Advancing a Regional Approach to the Green Hydrogen Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean.' The consultant will be responsible for preparing three concept notes for priority green hydrogen projects identified through the project’s prefeasibility studies in Bolivia, Chile, and Uruguay. The consultant will utilize completed prefeasibility studies provided by UNEP, which assess the technical, economic, financial, environmental, regulatory, and social feasibility of various green hydrogen initiatives. The role involves consultations with National Designated Authorities (NDAs), government counterparts, prospective Accredited Entities, project proponents, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to confirm project ownership, financing needs, and alignment with GCF requirements. The consultant will also assess the most suitable GCF pathway for each project, ensuring that the final submissions are endorsed by the relevant NDA and engage an eligible Accredited Entity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will perform several key activities, including: reviewing the prefeasibility studies and supporting national documents for Bolivia, Chile, and Uruguay; consulting with NDAs, relevant ministries, project proponents, and prospective Accredited Entities; assessing the appropriate GCF pathway for each project; preparing concept notes using the applicable GCF template and guidance; and revising the notes based on feedback from UNEP and national counterparts. The consultant will develop one concept note for each country, ensuring that each draft is grounded in the corresponding prefeasibility study, national priorities, and stakeholder consultations. The deliverables include three reports containing the concept notes for Bolivia, Chile, and Uruguay, prepared in English using the applicable GCF template.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in engineering, energy, public policy, or a closely related field, with a Master's degree in a relevant discipline being highly desirable. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience supporting energy, transport, and/or infrastructure projects or policies is required. Demonstrated experience in 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, as well as experience developing and implementing climate change or clean-energy projects in developing countries, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, is also desirable. Candidates should have experience engaging with NDAs, GCF Accredited Entities, multilateral development banks, and/or private investors, as well as assessing project financial and economic viability, financing structures, public-private partnership options, environmental and social considerations, and gender-responsive approaches.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes 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 required to enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

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

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English is required for this position. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both languages, as the role involves engaging with various stakeholders and preparing documentation in both languages.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for three months and is home-based. The consultant will work 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 position does not require any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and the United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.