Climate Investment Advisor (Technical Specialist)

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Position Title: Climate Investment Advisor (Technical Specialist)
Location: Maseru
Country: Lesotho
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolio Office, based in Vienna with global offices. Established to manage over 500 million USD in initiatives over the last 15 years, WEC focuses on climate action and environmental conservation. It operationalizes partners' agendas through global and regional activities, supporting multilateral environmental agreements like the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. The NDC Partnership, a coalition of countries and institutions, aims to drive climate action through sustainable development, supporting nearly 200 countries and institutions in implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Job Overview:
The Climate Investment Advisor will provide strategic economic advisory support to develop Lesotho’s NDC Implementation Plan and NDC Investment Plan. This role is crucial for enhancing the country’s institutional capacity to achieve climate and sustainable development goals, focusing on economic planning, resource mobilization, and investment strategy development. The Advisor will work closely with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, ensuring that the plans align with national climate priorities and sustainable development objectives. This position is home-based, requiring the incumbent to work from government offices in Lesotho and bring their own laptop. The role is a local position, open to nationals of Lesotho or those with a valid residence permit.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Climate Investment Advisor will coordinate and ensure quality control of the NDC Implementation Plan and NDC Investment Plan, oversee economic aspects of climate investment, and support recruitment processes for experts. The Advisor will facilitate climate finance mobilization, strengthen institutional capacities, engage stakeholders, and monitor progress towards NDC implementation goals. Specific tasks include developing a results-based framework, conducting qualitative and quantitative analyses, performing situational assessments, identifying stakeholders, and assessing capacity gaps. The Advisor will also support the development of Lesotho’s NDC Investment Plan, prioritize climate investment projects, and conduct due diligence on project proposals. Additionally, the Advisor will implement a capacity-building program on climate investment planning and mobilization, document success stories, and develop an Annual Work Plan with government officials.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in climate change, economics, finance, natural resources, environmental sciences, or a related field. A Bachelor's degree combined with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience is acceptable. Candidates should have at least 5 years of multi-sectoral professional experience, including work with climate funds or Multilateral Development Banks, and substantial experience in business development and capital raising. Proven expertise in developing project proposals and managing relationships with senior leaders is also required.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as climate change, economics, finance, natural resources, or environmental sciences is preferred. A Bachelor's degree in a related discipline, combined with 7 years of relevant work experience, is also acceptable.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in climate finance activities, business development, and developing public-private partnerships. Experience working with government stakeholders on climate change policy development is essential, along with familiarity with international policy debates in climate finance and economics.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as requirements.

Additional Notes:
This is a local ICA retainer position for a duration of 12 months, with a maximum of 220 working days and the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The position is home-based, requiring the incumbent to work from government offices in Lesotho. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.