[Hiring] International Consultant for Development of a GCF Concept Note and Prefeasibility Study @AGORA

Role Description

UNICEF Tajikistan seeks an international consultant to lead the identification and refinement of a child-sensitive climate investment idea and prepare a technically coherent Green Climate Fund (GCF) Concept Note and supporting pre-feasibility study. The assignment will align with UNICEF's mandate and current programmes, Tajikistan's climate priorities and the priorities of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, in its capacity as National Designated Authority (NDA), and the applicable GCF investment criteria.

• The project idea, sector focus, intervention locations, beneficiaries, financing scale and implementation partners will be determined through evidence-based analysis and consultation (e.g sectors; education, climate-resilient WASH and resilient communities).
• The consultant will compare viable options, develop a strong climate rationale, and facilitate agreement on a preferred outline with UNICEF and the NDA, seeking and incorporating GCF Secretariat feedback before full drafting.
• The consultant will lead technical design and drafting, coordinate inputs from a separately engaged national consultant and relevant specialists, support country validation and submission through the authorized entity, and revise both documents in response to GCF comments.
• The assignment comprises 50 working days, including two one-week missions, with 10 days reserved for post-submission revisions.

Qualifications

• Master’s or equivalent in climate change, environmental science, engineering, economics, climate finance, public policy, international development or another relevant discipline.
• A first university degree combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Requirements

• At least eight years of progressively responsible experience in climate adaptation, climate finance or investment-project development, including international consultancy work and leadership of multidisciplinary technical inputs.
• Candidates with a first university degree accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree must have at least ten years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated lead or substantive technical-author experience preparing at least two GCF Concept Notes or Funding Proposals, including associated feasibility or pre-feasibility work.
• Strong knowledge of GCF investment criteria, current submission requirements, climate rationale, results frameworks, environmental and social safeguards, gender requirements and NDA/Accredited Entity roles.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret observed and projected climate and sector data, appraise adaptation options, develop theories of change, cost projects, and conduct proportionate economic/financial analysis with transparent assumptions.
• Experience facilitating government and multi-partner consultations and integrating gender, disability inclusion, child-sensitive approaches and measurable adaptation results into project design.
• Excellent research, English drafting, technical coordination and quality-assurance skills; ability to deliver coherent Concept Notes, feasibility reports and editable analytical workbooks within agreed deadlines.
• Fluency in English, with excellent technical drafting and presentation skills, is required. Russian or Tajik is an asset; local-language consultation support will be coordinated with the national consultant and UNICEF.

Desirables

• Experience with climate-resilient education, WASH, essential services or community adaptation, and with UNICEF or other UN agencies, is an asset.
• Experience in Tajikistan or Central Asia, climate-vulnerable mountainous countries, NDA engagement and GCF review-response processes is an asset.

Benefits

• Diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.
• Attractive compensation and benefits package.