National Climate Finance/Resource Mobilization Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. FAO operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees worldwide. The organization is committed to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly through its strategic framework that emphasizes the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. In Sierra Leone, FAO is actively involved in various projects aimed at enhancing climate resilience and adaptation in the agricultural sector, particularly through the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) initiative funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

Job Overview:
The National Climate Finance/Resource Mobilization Expert will play a crucial role in the implementation of the NAP readiness project in Sierra Leone, which aims to strengthen climate-risk management in key adaptation sectors. This position requires the expert to formulate a Strategic Resource Mobilization Plan for climate adaptation, develop a Climate Adaptation Concept Note, and establish a monitoring system for adaptation actions and finance. The expert will work closely with various stakeholders, including government institutions, NGOs, and the private sector, to ensure that the resource mobilization plan aligns with national climate policies and the full NAP. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of climate finance, resource mobilization strategies, and the ability to analyze the national and global climate financing landscape. The expert will also be responsible for generating recommendations for establishing a climate Trust Fund and ensuring effective stakeholder engagement throughout the process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The expert will be tasked with analyzing the national and global climate financing landscape, identifying potential domestic and international funding sources, and quantifying sector-specific investment requirements aligned with the full NAP. They will develop timelines for investments, identify financing gaps, and propose appropriate financial instruments to mobilize resources. The expert will facilitate discussions on investment timeframes and sector priorities, organize consultation workshops for the development of the concept note, and compile stakeholder inputs into a comprehensive resource mobilization plan. Additionally, they will provide technical expertise for setting up the Climate Trust Fund, prepare detailed reports and presentations on the plan and workshop outcomes, and ensure that the resource mobilization plan aligns with national climate policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in financial management or business development, along with at least 5 years of experience in financing/resource mobilization, environmental management, and climate finance. A strong working knowledge of English (level C) is required, and candidates must be nationals of Sierra Leone or residents with a valid work permit. The role demands strong analytical, strategic planning, and coordination skills, as well as knowledge in capacity development in climate finance and resource mobilization. Experience working with inter-governmental bodies and multidisciplinary teams is essential, and familiarity with Sierra Leone’s environmental sector is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree in financial management or business development. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of climate finance and resource mobilization, as well as for developing effective strategies to secure funding for climate adaptation initiatives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in financing/resource mobilization, environmental management, and climate finance. This experience should include working on projects related to climate adaptation and resource mobilization, particularly in contexts similar to those present in Sierra Leone. Previous involvement in projects funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) or similar initiatives is highly desirable.

Languages:
A strong command of English is mandatory for this position, with a proficiency level of C. This is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders at various levels. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be full-time and may involve collaboration with international and national stakeholders. The expert will work under the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative Programme in Sierra Leone and will collaborate closely with the National Project Coordinator and National Technical Project Specialist. The role may also involve travel within Sierra Leone to engage with various stakeholders and facilitate workshops.