Climate Finance Expert in Costa Rica – NDC Action Project

Result of Service

UNEP is looking for a consultant for the position of Climate Finance Expert for NDC Action Costa Rica to support three key processes: • Training in the Creation of Climate Investment Plans: o Conduct two open trainings on the implementation of the Guide for the creation of investment plans for adaptation and decarbonization of companies. • Development and socialization of a feasibility study for structuring financial instruments: o Develop a feasibility study targeting the most appropriate financial mechanisms for implementing the adaptation and decarbonization roadmaps for companies in the food and commerce sectors with a session to socialize the results with key stakeholders, to demonstrate interest in this mechanism. This study, considering the current state of the financial system and the needs of companies in these prioritized sectors, will be based on results from the NDC Action Costa Rica project through the development of business financial analyses, adaptation and decarbonization roadmaps for companies, and the strategy for collaboration between the financial sector, government, and private sector to accelerate investment and technological transition. • Assistance to the NDC Action Team: o Assist in developing a concept note for an adaptation project focused on coastal marine ecosystems, including providing expertise on writing up financial mechanisms in Costa Rica aligned with FONAFIFO’s mechanisms, and organise two focus groups to structure the economic activities/alternative sources of income for mollusc farmers and to discuss the ecosystem-based approach for climate adaptation. Finally, to Support the identification of a suitable partner to support the digital component of the adaptation programme. This consultancy is essential for facilitating regional and global coordination, ensuring effective project implementation, fostering regional replication of successful strategies, and enhancing financial mechanisms to support adaptation and decarbonization efforts. NDC Action Output 3: Financial institutions at the national, regional, and global levels are engaged in the development of climate-friendly investment plans led by governments and show the intention to make climate investments that support NDC implementation. Product No. 1: A summary report detailing the results of the trainings on the implementation of the Guide for the Creation of Investment Plans for Adaptation and Decarbonization of Companies. This report will encompass the training materials used, the planning process and a list of attendees, segregated by gender. Additionally, the report will include a survey with an average evaluation on a 5-point Likert scale from participants. The survey statement will be: “This capacity-building training/workshop has increased my capacity for implementing NDC and for applying it in my job.” Product No. 2: A detailed report of the feasibility study focusing on identifying the most appropriate financial mechanisms for implementing the adaptation and decarbonization roadmaps for companies in the food and commerce sectors, and the main results of the socialization workshop. This study, considering the current state of the financial system and the needs of companies in these prioritized sectors, will be based on results from the NDC Action Costa Rica project through the development of business financial analyses, adaptation and decarbonization roadmaps for companies, and the strategy for collaboration between the financial sector, government, and private sector to accelerate investment and technological transition. Product No. 3: A summary report on the support provided in developing a concept note for an adaptation project focused on coastal marine ecosystems, which includes expertise on financial mechanisms and strategies for effective implementation.

Work Location

Home based – Costa Rica

Expected duration

2 months

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. Its mandate is to coordinate 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 project entitled “NDC Action – Facilitating implementation of climate-resilient and low carbon development aligned with national and global goals” has been implemented in Costa Rica from March 2020 by United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) together with the Business Alliance for Development (AED – Alianza Empresarial para el Desarrollo) as National Technical Institution (NTI), and in close coordination with the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE). It is expected to continue until December 2024. To achieve the adaptation and mitigation goals of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), countries need to translate their broad NDCs into specific actions. NDCs typically list these actions, but the descriptions often lack specificity and details and are generally weak on institutional arrangements and transparency. By translating each NDC into sectoral portfolios of policies and programs, the project will bridge the gap between the content of the NDCs and the information and capacity required for their implementation. Aligning with Costa Rica’s own NDC priorities, the NDC Action Project helps bridge this gap. The project aims to secure a multi-stakeholder and high-level engagement; provide the technical support to strengthen the capacity of Line Ministries and Sub-regional government bodies responsible for NDC implementation; support development of a portfolio of sectoral policies and programs for two priority sectors selected in each country; support development of investment plans in these sectors; and facilitate experience- sharing, both among the partner countries and beyond. Key elements of the program include the strengthening of NDC relevant institutions and multi-stakeholder consultation mechanisms, the preparation of a portfolio of policies and programs for two prioritized sectors in the country, the mainstreaming of NDCs into climate friendly investment plans and the support for the development of finance-ready proposals, as well as sharing of lessons learnt across sectors, countries, and regions. NDC Action Project supports countries to accelerate NDC implementation in the following ways: • Build on partner countries’ existing NDC coordination mechanisms and reinforce them where needed. • Help partner countries translate their NDCs into sectoral strategies and actions, including climate- friendly investment plans, ready for financing and implementation. • Build institutional capacity among the ministries and multi-stakeholders through training programs to lead to concrete investments in two priority sectors selected by each partner country. • Facilitate peer-learning at the regional level among partner countries and beyond to foster the uptake of proven

Qualifications/special skills

ACADEMIC • Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, public policy, economics, engineering, or closely related fields (mandatory). • Master’s or higher degree in in sustainability, project management, economics, or a closely related field (mandatory). PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Minimum of 7 years of experience in structuring and promoting responsible investment projects (required). • Experience in conducting training sessions and capacity-building activities is desired. • Experience in engaging and coordinating with government stakeholders and socializing project proposals with them is desired. • Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, and approaches relevant to climate change mitigation and adaptation planning is desired. • Experience working with the private sector, sectoral organizations, and/or other related stakeholders to promote their involvement in NDC implementation is desired. • Experience in understanding adaptation and decarbonization roadmaps for the private sector towards net zero goals and creating climate investment plans is an additional asset. LANGUAGE • Fluency in Spanish (required). • Fluency in English (required). SPECIAL SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE PROFESSIONALISM • Experience in the design, preparation, and execution of proposals related to climate change or the exercise of indigenous rights, following international standards. • Proficient in applying a gender, intercultural, and human rights approach in the context of indigenous peoples. • Strong proficiency in using Office tools and digital platforms. • Excellent writing and teamwork skills. • Demonstrates proactive capacity, responsibility, and commitment. • Comprehensive understanding of national climate change commitments. • Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, and approaches relevant to climate change, indigenous peoples, and adaptation planning. • Ability to identify, analyze, and participate in resolving issues/problems, applying judgment in the context of assignments, and managing conflicting priorities. • Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. • Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. • Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. • Shows persistence when faced with complex problems or challenges and remains calm in stressful situations. TEAMWORK • Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. • Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise. • Willing to learn from others and supports final group decisions, even when they may not entirely reflect own position. • Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING • Develops clear goals consistent with agreed strategies. • Identifies priority activities and assignments, adjusting priorities as required. • Allocates appropriate 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

Not available.

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.