Climate Finance Expert

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 funding over the last 15 years, WEC supports initiatives in fund management, project implementation, and administrative support. It operationalizes partners' agendas with global and regional approaches focused on climate action and environmental conservation, aligning with key multilateral agreements like the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Job Overview:
The Climate Finance Expert will support the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) in Papua New Guinea in designing and operationalizing the Climate Change and Green Growth Trust Fund. This role involves developing a comprehensive White Paper and associated instruments to establish a credible national climate finance vehicle. The expert will work closely with the government and the NDC Partnership Support Unit, ensuring alignment with PNG's climate finance architecture and the Climate Investment Planning and Mobilization Framework (CIPMF). The position is home-based, requiring the incumbent to use their own laptop and software, with potential travel for country missions to PNG.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a work plan in agreement with the government Focal Point and NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist within the first month.
• Conduct a desk review of existing documentation, including PNG’s climate strategies and relevant legal instruments.
• Analyze legal and regulatory frameworks for the Fund, identifying gaps and proposing reforms.
• Assess existing institutional mandates and operational arrangements within CCDA.
• Conduct a risk analysis for the fund’s incorporation and execution.
• Propose governance structures aligned with international standards.
• Define the fund’s capitalization pathways and design fund allocation models.
• Draft a preliminary investment strategy aligned with PNG’s climate plans.
• Propose fiduciary policies for financial integrity and environmental safeguards. 1
• Develop a robust monitoring and evaluation framework. 1
• Facilitate inclusive consultations with stakeholders and assess private sector engagement opportunities. 1
• Develop a comprehensive White Paper incorporating all elements above and present findings for stakeholder validation.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree or higher in climate finance, economics, public policy, environmental management, or a related field.
• A Bachelor's degree in a related discipline with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in climate finance instruments, preferably including national or regional trust funds.
• Knowledge of fiduciary standards and governance systems used by international climate funds.
• Experience developing investment strategies and co-financing mechanisms in developing countries.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or higher in climate finance, economics, public policy, environmental management, or a related field is preferred. A Bachelor's degree in a related discipline combined with additional relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of experience in the design, implementation, or evaluation of climate finance instruments is required. Experience should preferably include work with national or regional trust funds, and familiarity with fiduciary standards and governance systems used by international climate funds is essential. Prior work with government agencies or international development organizations, especially in SIDS or Pacific countries, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is required for this position. Additional language skills may be advantageous but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is ICA retainer, with a level of IICA 2 / LICA 10, depending on the nationality and location of the candidate. The contract duration is 10 months, with a maximum of 185 working days and the possibility of extension. This position is open to both nationals and international candidates, with a preference for those already residing in Papua New Guinea. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The role is home-based, and the incumbent must use their own laptop and software. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.