Technical Expert in Climate Finance and GCF processes specialist for the GCF Readiness Project

Consultant Environment Finance & Economy

Overview

Develop a final report on GCF Readiness Funds for Costa Rica.

You have:

• Bachelor's degree in economics, finance, administration, public policy, political science, international relations, engineering, science, or closely related studies is required.
• Master's degree in economics, finance, administration, public policy, political science, international relations, engineering, science, or closely related studies is required.
• Five (5) years of demonstrated work experience in advising climate change-related projects/initiatives in the public or private sector of Costa Rica in areas such as Energy, Finance, Transportation, Carbon pricing and/or MRV systems is required.
• Two years of demonstrated experience with GCF funding planning, processes and operations and/or GCF Readiness matters is desirable.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Package (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) collaborative platforms (i.e., Google Drive) and virtual meeting platforms (i.e. Webex, Zoom, etc.) is desirable.
• Fluent in Spanish is required.
• Fluent in English is required.

Contract

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Result of Service

The purpose of this consultancy is to the develop a final report of the overall diagnosis of the strategic planning of GCF Readiness Funds for Costa Rica in the framework of the 2024-2027 funding cycle. In order to deliver clear information for the NDA. This report must contain: the implementation plan of these readiness projects, next steps, responsibilities and designated tasks per institution, recommendations for next Readiness planning and their implementation. Corresponding to output 2.2.1 of the GCF Readiness Project “Aligning financial flows of the financial sector in Costa Rica with the Paris Agreement climate change goals”: Specific tasks and responsibilities a. Under the guidance of the Project Coordination Unit, maintain strategic and effective communication with the representatives of the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica, prepare follow-up meetings and document the agreements reached in them. b. Prepare the final executive report to the NDA containing the implementation plan of the readiness projects, next steps, responsibilities and designated tasks per institution, recommendations for next Readiness planning and their implementation. As well any other document the agreements reached. c. Participate and provide technical inputs needed for the NDA along the timeframe of the project and any other information that needs validation or clearance from the consultant. d. Prepare any needed support material to communicate the objective and scope of the consultancy with relevant stakeholders, such as technical presentations, abstracts and one-pagers. e. Submit deliverables to the Programme Management Officer on Sustainable Finance for the LAC region, which will be in charge of quality control, well in advance and before submitting them for consideration by any external stakeholders. Outcome 2.2 GCF recipient countries have developed or enhanced strategic frameworks to address policy gaps, improve sectoral expertise, and enhance enabling environments for GCF Programming in low-emission investment Output 2.2.1: Readiness needs assessment to develop an action plan with strategies for Readiness support Product No. 1: A final report of the overall diagnosis of the strategic planning of GCF Readiness Funds for Costa Rica and the road map for implementation. In order to deliver clear information for the NDA. This report must contain: the implementation plan of these readiness projects, next steps, responsibilities and designated tasks per institution. Also, recommendations for next Readiness planning and their implementation.

Work Location

Home-Based

Expected duration

1 Month

Duties and Responsibilities

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. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). The overall objective of the UNEP’s Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities, and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals, and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices, and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. In 2022, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) board approved the GCF Readiness Proposal “Aligning financial flows of the financial sector in Costa Rica with the Paris Agreement climate change goals”. The National Designed Authority (NDA) in Costa Rica, the Minister of Environment and Energy (MINAE), has nominated UNEP to be its Delivery Partner for this proposal, where the funds will be disbursed from the GCF to UNEP to undertake the Readiness grant implementation, in close coordination with the NDA and others relevant country authorities involved in the agreed project governance mechanism. This GCF Readiness aims to provide relevant technical assistance for: (1) the development of its GCF Country Programme, (2) the Readiness needs assessment to develop an action plan with strategies for Readiness support, (3) the assessment of climate finance flows (taxonomy); (4) the identification, measurement, and disclosure of climate-related financial risks; (5) the development of the country Terms of Reference for the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme to be submited to the GCF for approval. This will: (a) improve the contribution of private finance flows to low-emission and resilient development, and (b) strengthen financial stability by incorporating climate factors into investment decision making. To enable a comprehensive and coordinated approach, and in line with new GCF Readiness Support Programme Strategy, the project will support the development of the Terms of Reference of two (2) Readiness Support Projects that the National Designated Authority (NDA) of Costa Rica will present to the GCF in the framework of the 2024-2027 funding cycle. The Terms of Reference will be used by the Project Coordination Unit and the NDA to develop a final report of the overall diagnosis of the strategic planning of GCF Readiness Funds for Costa Rica. In order to deliver clear information for the NDA. This report must contain: the implementation plan of these readiness projects, next steps, responsibilities and designated tasks per institution. Also, recommendations for next Readiness planning and their implementation. Through this process the project recommends a robust governance structure and suggestions for proper execution and monitoring of GCF projects in Costa Rica, which leads to the country achieving its ambitious long-term climate change strategies and plans, particularly those contained in the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the National Decarbonisation Plan (NDP). They should also be consistent with long-term planning aligned with the objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement to stabilise the global average temperature at 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and increase the country's capacity to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change. In this sense, UNEP LACO is looking for a Technical GCF processes specialist for the GCF Readiness Project “Aligning financial flows of the financial sector in Costa Rica with the Paris Agreement climate change goals”. The GCF processes specialist will work under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer on Sustainable Finance for the LAC region and will work in close collaboration with the Project Coordination Unit and the Vice Ministry of Strategic Management of the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica. The incumbent will work from home.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic: • Bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, administration, public policy, political science, international relations, engineering, science, or closely related studies, is required. • Master’s degree in economics, finance, administration, public policy, political science, international relations, engineering, science, or closely related studies, is required. Professional: • Five (5) years of demonstrated work experience in advising climate change-related projects/initiatives in the public or private sector of Costa Rica in areas such as Energy, Finance, Transportation, Carbon pricing and/or MRV systems is required. • Two years of demonstrated experience with GCF funding planning, processes and operations and/or GCF Readiness matters is desirable. • Professional experience in climate and sustainable finance in Costa Rica is desirable. • Experience in engaging with a range of high-level and technical stakeholders and/or officials such as government agencies, policy decision-makers, scientists is desirable. • Experience in positions related to facilitating the participation of government-led stakeholders in setting up program or projects in Costa Rica is desirable. Special knowledge and skills: • Proficiency in using Microsoft Package (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) collaborative platforms (i.e., Google Drive) and virtual meeting platforms (i.e. Webex, Zoom, etc.) is desirable. Skills: • Ability to communicate findings to high-level and mid-senior level management. • Initiative, sound judgment, and capacity to teamwork. • Excellent time management, monitoring and evaluation skills. • Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback. • Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication. • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. • Ability to manage conflict. • Demonstrated informed and transparent decision making. Competencies: • Professionalism: Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. He/she shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Teamwork: Is able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve organizational goals and to take leadership when appropriate; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. • Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Languages

• Fluent in Spanish. (required) • Fluent in English. (required)

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

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