Exciting Fully Remote Role, Open to Candidates based in the Global South – Climate Finance Specialist, Lead Author at UNEP (Duration: 5.5 months)
Climate Finance Specialist, Lead Author (Global South)
Organization: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Duty Station: Remote (Global South)
Contract Type: Consultant
Duration: 5.5 months
Application Deadline: 3 June 2025
Background
Climate change is increasingly impacting developing countries, causing significant loss and damage. To address this, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is developing comprehensive guidelines to assist developing countries in implementing loss and damage strategies.
These guidelines will provide practical, actionable advice, best practices, and case studies to support climate finance, capacity building, data monitoring, and policy integration tailored for vulnerable populations.
The guidelines will cover critical themes such as definitions, national frameworks, stakeholder engagement, access to international support, implementation modalities, and funding mechanisms. The goal is to equip developing countries with coherent strategies to report loss and damage effectively in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and strengthen their financial and institutional capacities.
Objective of the Assignment
The Climate Finance Specialist will lead the development of the chapters focusing on financial mechanisms, funding strategies, and international support for loss and damage in developing countries. The specialist will ensure the guidelines comprehensively address climate finance challenges and opportunities, delivering practical and high-quality content for use by developing country stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the drafting of chapters 3.2.2 (“Access to finance / Hard limits to adaptation”), 4 (“Current Financing and Political Landscape for Loss and Damage”), and 8 (“Accessing International Support”).
- Contribute to chapters 5 (“Data Collection and Monitoring”) and 6 (“Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building”).
- Collaborate closely with co-authors and UNEP program officers to maintain consistency and coherence across all climate finance content.
- Integrate feedback from diverse stakeholders and experts to refine financial strategies and recommendations.
- Develop case studies showcasing successful climate finance models and innovative funding solutions.
- Compile a concise policy brief summarizing the climate finance guidance for wider dissemination.
- Ensure all outputs align with international climate finance mechanisms and frameworks, including UNFCCC, Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund, and other relevant funds.
Expected Outputs
- Submission of first and final drafts of assigned chapters within agreed timelines.
- Contribution to cross-cutting sections in other chapters as needed.
- A policy brief summarizing key climate finance messages and guidance.
- Case studies illustrating best practices and innovation in climate finance.
Performance Indicators
- Timely delivery of high-quality, well-structured chapter drafts and final documents.
- Comprehensive and technically accurate climate finance content.
- Effective integration of climate finance into national loss and damage strategies.
- Inclusion of diverse stakeholder perspectives and needs.
- Clarity, usability, and practical applicability of financial recommendations.
- Innovation and relevance of proposed financing mechanisms and strategies.
- Alignment with international climate finance policies and frameworks.
- Adaptability of guidance to varying national contexts in the Global South.
- Contribution to strengthening climate finance strategies for loss and damage.
Reporting
The consultant will report directly to Jessica Troni, UNEP Program Officer, ensuring close coordination and quality control throughout the assignment.
Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s degree or equivalent in Climate Finance, Environmental Economics, Environmental Policy, or related field.
- Between 2 and 5 years of relevant professional experience in climate finance, particularly focused on loss and damage.
- Strong knowledge of international climate finance mechanisms, including but not limited to the Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund, Climate Investment Funds, and bilateral climate finance initiatives.
- Proven experience developing innovative financing solutions to enhance climate resilience in developing countries.
- Demonstrated capacity for drafting clear, policy-relevant technical documents.
Skills and Competencies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with strong editing and synthesis capabilities.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams across regions and sectors.
- Strong analytical skills and familiarity with climate finance data and monitoring methodologies.
- Capacity to engage with diverse stakeholders including governments, civil society, and development partners.
- Knowledge of loss and damage issues, climate adaptation finance, and capacity-building frameworks.
Work Arrangement
The position is fully remote, open to candidates based in the Global South, allowing flexibility and regional accessibility.
Additional Information
- UNEP does not charge any fees during recruitment.
- Applicants should be wary of fraudulent solicitations and report suspicious recruitment activity to UNEP.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly before the deadline of 3 June 2025. Applications typically require submission of a CV, cover letter, and financial proposal as specified in the application instructions.
