[Hiring] Climate Finance Specialist @United Nations Office for Project Services

Role Description

This is a pivotal opportunity for a Climate Finance Specialist to significantly enhance Togo’s climate finance access, bridge technical capacity gaps, and advance national climate finance strategies and initiatives. The role involves working closely with key government ministries and the NDC Partnership, contributing directly to Togo's ambitious climate objectives and sustainable development goals. This retainer national position offers a unique chance to make a tangible impact in a home-based setting, with strong encouragement for female candidates to apply.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (or equivalent) preferably in finance, environmental economics or related fields with 5 years of relevant experience OR
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) preferably in any of the above or related fields with 2 additional years of relevant experience is required

Requirements

• Relevant experience in the public and/or private sector with a focus on climate change, project management, stakeholder and donor engagement and/or preparation of cross-cutting work plan/proposal development or related areas.
• Experience in multilateral, national and grassroots governance and processes related to climate change, policy and/or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Knowledge of the country’s context of policy frameworks, national plans and strategies related to climate change is required.
• Working knowledge of GCF readiness and project cycle processes, and familiarity with other relevant climate finance mechanisms such as the GEF and Adaptation Fund.

Benefits

• This is a retainer national vacancy / position for twelve months, maximum of 220 working days, with possibility of an extension depending on satisfactory performance and on availability of funds.
• This is a Homebased position, meaning that the incumbent will not work from a UNOPS office but from the government facilities. Therefore, the incumbent will need to use his/her own laptop and software.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Enhance access to Climate Finance Sources:
• Research and identify potential sources of climate finance, including government grants, international climate funds, private sector investments, and other relevant funding mechanisms.
• Provide expert guidance on mobilizing international climate finance and support leveraging private sector investments.
• Evaluate the eligibility and suitability of different climate finance sources for specific projects in Togo.
• Collaborate with the NDC Partnership In-Country Facilitator, key sectors and the National Climate Directorate to construct a list of key projects documents for NDC implementation.
• Draft and share a monthly progress report comprising work plan for next month.
• Organize consultation meetings with key sectors and actors to discuss the NDC priorities.
• Ensure continuous support to key stakeholders to prepare concept Notes for identified priority projects.
• Support the MERFPCCC/TGF and work closely with the MFB:
• Provide technical assistance and policy recommendations for the MERFPCCC/TGF.
• Enhance the coordination with the initiatives led by the MFB Climate Unit.
• Advise and assist in the design of innovative financial mechanisms for priority projects.
• Support accessing Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness grants:
• Support the preparation and submission of funding proposals for climate-related projects.
• Enhance Readiness activities for accessing GCF funding.
• Develop concept notes for flagship projects within the national climate project pipeline.
• Operationalization of the Climate Finance Working Group:
• Provide strategic and technical advice to establish and streamline the operations of Togo’s institutional Climate Finance Working Group.
• Create a report outlining the operational framework for the Climate Finance Working Group.
• Develop and maintain a climate finance pipeline and resource mobilization strategy:
• Identify and prioritize financing opportunities for the national portfolio of climate projects.
• Assess the financing readiness, eligibility, additionality, co-financing potential and financial structuring needs of priority projects.
• Develop and maintain a financing matrix mapping priority projects to potential funding sources.
• Strengthen partnerships and co-financing:
• Support engagement with bilateral and multilateral development partners.
• Identify opportunities for blended finance and private-sector participation in priority climate investments.
• Strengthen institutional capacity and knowledge management:
• Develop practical tools, templates and guidance for climate finance project development.
• Establish a simple system for tracking proposals, financing commitments, co-financing, donor engagement and lessons learned.

Skills

• Climate
• Financial Modeling
• Partnerships
• Policy Analysis
• Project Management
• Mobilization
• Strategic Thinking

Competencies

• Develops and implements sustainable business strategies.
• Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences.
• Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit.
• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners.
• Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others.
• Open to change and flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions.
• Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner.

Experience Requirements

• Strong knowledge of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) processes and requirements.
• Proven expertise in developing green finance instruments.
• Experience with multilateral and bilateral climate/environment funds.
• Experience in financial structuring, blended finance, public-private partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to translate project pipelines into bankable/investable financing opportunities.

Language Requirements

• English: Fluent (Required)
• French: Fluent (Required)