Climate Finance Consultant

Result of ServiceImproved transparency and understanding of climate finance flows in Somalia, the identification of critical funding gaps relative to climate risks and national priorities (National Adaptation Plan, National Transformation Plan), actionable recommendations for mobilizing climate finance, including a draft proposal for vertical funds, and evidence-based inputs to guide future programming and donor engagement in Somalia. The consultant will report to the head of the Climate Security Unit with direct supervision by the JOSP Project Manager. Work LocationHome based Expected duration5 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 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. UNEP works with national and local authorities, civil society, other UN organizations, research institutions and the private sector to catalyze the efficient use of the region’s natural assets and reduce the degradation of the environment. The Disasters and Conflicts Branch of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) work to minimize environmental risks before, during, and after conflicts and disasters. The branch provides scientific assessments, policy guidance, and capacity-building support to help countries strengthen environmental resilience and integrate sustainable natural resource management into peacebuilding and recovery efforts. Through partnerships with governments, UN agencies, and civil society, UNEP’s Disasters and Conflicts Branch support initiatives in post-crisis recovery, disaster risk reduction, and climate security to promote long-term environmental sustainability and stability in fragile and conflict-affected regions. The Jowhar Off-stream Storage Program (JOSP) is a multi-agency initiative aimed at enhancing water storage, environmental resilience, and climate adaptation in Hirshabelle State, Somalia. The program focuses on rehabilitating critical irrigation infrastructure, integrating ecosystem-based approaches, and strengthening governance frameworks to improve long-term water security and conflict prevention. The program is implemented by a consortium comprising FAO, IOM, UNEP, UNHABITAT, UNIDO, World Vision and local partners targeting approximately 1.5 million beneficiaries in Somalia’s Middle and Lower Shabelle regions. UNEP’s 3 outcomes under the RESTORE Project in the JOSP Programme are: Outcome 1: The water resource is managed in a sustainable manner Outcome 2: The reservoir ecosystem and biodiversity management arm strengthened Outcome 3: The natural resource management capacity of Somali government offices and institutions is strengthened The consultant is required to provide technical and strategic assistance to UNEP and government counterparts to strengthen Somalia’s access to, coordination, and use of climate and nature finance. This includes conducting a comprehensive climate finance landscape analysis, identifying gaps and opportunities, facilitating stakeholder consultations and workshops, producing a consolidated report with actionable recommendations, and delivering capacity-building activities for government officials. The consultant will ensure that outputs are delivered on time, meet UNEP quality standards, and reflect stakeholder inputs and national priorities. The consultant will report to UNEP Disasters and Conflicts Branch, Climate and Environmental Advisor to Somalia. Work Assignments and Outputs: The consultancy will include a comprehensive Climate Finance and Nature Finance Landscape Analysis in Somalia, mapping sources, flows, and allocations across sectors and regions, and identifying gaps relative to national climate, nature and development priorities. The Consultant will undertake a focused case study on the Jowhar Off-Stream Storage Program (JOSP) and Jowhar area, highlighting opportunities for investment in resilience, adaptation, water management, and nature-based solutions. The Consultant will also facilitate stakeholder consultations and workshops with ministries and partners to validate gaps, identify priorities, and inform both the report and capacity-building activities. From these consultations, they will develop a consolidated Somalia Climate and Nature Finance Report integrating landscape analysis, gap analysis, Jowhar/JOSP case study, and actionable recommendations, including a forward-looking plan for strengthening access to vertical funds. Further, the consultant will design and deliver tailored capacity-building activities for government ministries, informed by the stakeholder consultations and report findings, focusing on proposal development, project prioritization, and scaling access to climate and nature finance. As part of this capacity-building, the consultant will prepare training and workshop materials (presentations, handouts, reference guides) and event reports summarizing content, participation, and outcomes. The consultant must maintain regular communication with UNEP and government counterparts to coordinate activities and provide updates. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in environmental economics, climate finance, development studies, environmental policy or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Operational competencies • Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback; • Ability to plan, organize, implement, and report on work; • Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines; • Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards; • Positive, constructive attitude to work • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability • At least 10 years of professional experience in climate finance, development finance, or related analytical and capacity-building work, preferably in fragile or conflict affected contexts is required. • Proven experience in preparing and supporting proposals for vertical funds (GCF, GEF, Adaptation Fund) is desired • Strong analytical, report-writing, facilitation, and stake-holder engagement skills is desired. • Experience designing and delivering capacity-building activities for government institutions is required. • Knowledge of Somalia’s climate, development, and environmental context is desirable. LanguagesFluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of Somali is an advantage. 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.