Climate and blue finance consultant

Result of ServiceTechnical assistance to the Government of the Maldives to establish a policy, institutional and governance framework to boost the potential for blue carbon project financing in the country. Work LocationMaldives Expected duration05/05/25-30/09/25 Duties and ResponsibilitiesESCAP’s technical assistance aims to provide support to the Government of the Maldives to establish a policy, institutional and governance framework to boost the potential for blue carbon project financing in the country, with the goal of developing a sustainable, equitable and efficient carbon value chain. The project strategy includes the following components: • To contribute to a pilot project to develop blue carbon credits which would provide information about the environmental, technical, institutional, and financial elements that are relevant for mobilizing financial resources for blue carbon projects. • To provide guidance on policy, legal and institutional support to strengthen the blue carbon value chain and develop a suitable financial and investment strategy. • To implement capacity building workshops in a hands-on manner, basing them partly on the experience to be gained from the pilot project. Under the guidance from the ESCAP Chief of Environment and Development Policy Section and the oversight of the Economic Affairs Officer responsible for the activity and ESCAP’s team at the Financing for Development Section, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division, and in close collaboration with the national focal point in the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Maldives, the consultant will undertake the following tasks: • The consultant will act as the in-country focal point, liaising with government officials and other stakeholders to support the project's implementation in the Maldives. • The consultant will facilitate consultations and meetings with country stakeholders and collect relevant information and data. The consultant will also facilitate the preparation of a project mission, working closely with the project team. • The consultant should have previous experience in stakeholder engagement and supporting the preparation of reports on climate/blue financing issues. • The consultant would provide a mapping of key stakeholders and institutions for engagement with climate/blue finance in the Maldives. • In the area of climate/blue finance the consultant will conduct the following activities: o Gather inputs for reports: The consultant will work closely with the ESCAP project team by assisting in the data collection, analysis and feedback from stakeholders, supporting the review institutional, policy and regulatory frameworks proposed in the reports. o Advice on materials, workshops and communications with relevant officials and other stakeholders: The consultant will provide advice, given the Maldives context, on materials prepared to ensure that they are of relevance to stakeholders. o Facilitate stakeholder engagement and online meetings as needed. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree in economics, finance, environmental studies, or a related area. The consultant must have at least 3 years of experience in policy analysis, project management, and analytical work on financing for development and/or environmental/climate policy issues in the Maldives. Proficient in word processing software (i.e. MS Office suite). LanguagesFluency in English is required. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.