Climate Finance International Advisor – Costa Rica

Result of ServiceThe Consultant’s ultimate result of services will be to strengthen institutional and strategic frameworks for climate finance aligned with Costa Rica's NDC 3.0. This includes the development of a diagnostic on institutional capacities and investment needs, the design of 2–4 priority financial strategies, the conceptualization of a system to monitor the impact of climate finance on NDC targets, and the delivery of a final report with key findings and recommendations to support sustainability and long-term implementation. These deliverables will contribute to the operationalization of climate finance frameworks and provide a foundation for long-term planning and monitoring of climate-related investments. Deliverables/outputs December 2025: First progress report: Methodological work plan Report: A report outlining the consultancy’s work plan, including the proposed methodology and a detailed schedule for the mission in Costa Rica. The report should specify the information to be requested, the strategic stakeholders identified, and the tentative dates for meetings with government entities and other relevant actors in the country. February 2026: Second progress report: Initial Diagnostic of climate finance in Costa Rica: An initial diagnostic report, that includes the assessment of institutional capacities in climate change financial management, for MINAE and Ministry of finance aligned with NDC 3.0, as well as analysis of key investment needs for its effective implementation. April 2026: Third progress report: Proposal for priority financial strategies: A proposal that includes the design of between 2 and 4 strategic financial instruments to support the implementation of NDC 3.0, including priority actions and, if applicable, the drafting of technical documents for their mobilization and management. May 2026: Fourth progress report: A report that includes: • A preliminary proposal of the Climate Finance Monitoring System that includes an analysis of experiences of other Financing Monitoring Systems in the Region and the initial definition of the system's objectives, components and indicators socialized with the Government of Costa Rica. • The results of the socialization with the currently Government of Costa Rica, describing the findings and main inputs collected. • A methodological proposal for the in-person dissemination of the advances of this consultancy with the new Government of Costa Rica. September 2026: Fifth progress report containing: The results of the socialization of this consultation with the new Government of Costa Rica, describing the findings and main inputs collected. October 2026: Sixth progress report: A final version of the Climate Finance Monitoring System that includes the conceptualization of an efficient system to assess the impact of climate finance on the achievement of NDC targets and a roadmap for its implementation. November 2026: A Final Report containing: 1. Compilation of products generated during the assistance, including reports and technical proposals.2. Analysis of the challenges faced based on the experience in meetings and consultations. 3. Formulation of practical recommendations for the continuity of the inputs developed. 4. Report of the presentation of the final report to key institutions for validation, with a list of participants disaggregated by age and gender. 5. Report on the support provided to the NDC Act & Invest Project Work LocationHome-based Expected duration12 MONTHS (Part-time) from November 2025 to November 2026 Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Paris Agreement on Climate Change represents a milestone in global efforts to address the climate crisis. As a vulnerable country to the effects of climate change, Costa Rica faces significant risks to its ecosystems, economy, and communities. Extreme weather events such as droughts, heatwaves, and forest fires have intensified, threatening biodiversity, water resources, and agricultural productivity. Coastal areas are also at risk due to rising sea levels, impacting infrastructure and livelihoods. Costa Rica is currently updating its NDC 3.0 and already considering the means of implementation necessary to meet its updated climate commitments. The urgency of this request stems from the need to immediately strengthen national capacities in climate finance in order to timely design the instruments and mechanisms that will accompany the implementation of the NDC in alignment with other public policy frameworks. Under the direction of the technical teams of the Climate Change Directorate (DCC) of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) and the Ministry of Finance, and in consultation with the Ministry of Planning (MIDEPLAN) as a strategic actor, the advisor will be responsible for coordinating and executing activities aimed at: (i) diagnosing capacities and needs, (ii) designing priority financial instruments, (iii) conceptualizing a climate finance monitoring system, and (iv) consolidating the results in a final report with recommendations. These activities will include opportunities for dialogue and consultation with key actors from the public and private sectors and civil society. In this sense, UNEP is recruiting a Climate Finance International Advisor for Costa Rica to support the work of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE). This support will consist of technical assistance to support the country in strengthening its institutional capacities by developing strategic inputs that facilitate more efficient management of climate finance in line with NDC 3.0 and other national and international policies. This consultancy will also support the strengthening of the collaboration of MINAE with the Ministry of Finance (Ministerio de Hacienda) and the Ministry of Planning (MIDEPLAN). The consultant will be supervised by UNEP’s NDC Act & Invest Global Coordinator and will work from home, developing at least three in-person missions around the country to conduct meetings with stakeholders and the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) located in San José, Costa Rica. Specific tasks and responsibilities 0. Methodological work plan Report: 0.1 Prepare a work plan for an in-person mission to Costa Rica to collect primary information on the current climate finance situation in the country. 0.2 Propose tentative dates for meetings with government entities and other relevant stakeholders in the country, in coordination with MINAE. 0.3 Develop an intervention methodology that includes a survey format to be administered to government entities and relevant stakeholders. 1. Initial diagnostic report: 1.1 Hold strategic in person meetings with MINAE, the Ministry of Finance, and MIDEPLAN to gather technical input and coordinate institutional criteria. 1.2 Interview key actors from the public and private sectors and civil society to identify existing capacities, challenges, and priorities (at least 15 interviews). 1.3 Propose prioritization criteria and a hierarchy of investment needs linked to NDC 3.0. 1.4 Prepare a technical document consolidating findings, analysis and priorities, serving as a basis for the following products. 1.5 Collaborate with the NDC Act & Invest project team in developing a technical assistance strategy aimed at promoting climate finance for NDC implementation under the NDC Act & Invest project. 2. Proposal for priority financial strategies: 2.1 Analyze relevant experiences with applicable financial instruments. 2.2 Design financial strategies and instruments aligned with NDC 3.0. 2.3 Formulate between 2 and 4 proposals in coordination with key institutions (Ministerios de Hacienda y MINAE) 2.4 Document the proposals with technical, institutional, and financial support. 2.5 Assist in the drafting, editing, and consolidation of other technical documents required for the management and mobilization of climate finance under the NDC Act & Invest project. 2.6 Hold strategic in person mission with the currently Government of Costa Rica, to present the consultancy's progress and define the next steps to finalize the required products. 3. Socialization with the new Government of Costa Rica: 3.1 Hold strategic in-person dissemination of the advances of this consultancy with the new Government of Costa Rica. 3.2 Validate with a representative of the new government the proposals for financial instruments and climate finance monitoring systems 4. Climate finance monitoring system: 4.1 Analysis of experiences of other Financing Monitoring Systems in the Region 4.2 Define the system's objectives, components and indicators. 4.3 Review existing tools and methodologies for data monitoring. 4.4 Prepare a technical document with the conceptualization of the system and a roadmap for its implementation. 5. Final report: 5.1 Compile the products generated during the assistance, including reports and technical proposals. 5.2 Analyze the challenges faced based on the experience in meetings and consultations. 5.3 Formulate practical recommendations for the continuity of the inputs developed. 5.4 Present the final report to key institutions for validation. 5.5 Participate in meetings, workshops, webinars, and other activities required to strengthen the implementation of the NDC Act & Invest project. Qualifications/special skillsACADEMIC • Bachelor's degree in Economics, Finance, Public Policy, administration or a closely related field (Required). • Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, Public Policy, Environmental Economics, Climate Change, project management related (Required). PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Minimum eight (8) years of professional experience in economic analysis, climate finance, sustainable investment, or related areas. (Required). ● Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience in implementation of development initiatives, policies and programs related to climate change, analysis and/or design of financial strategies, economic and financial instruments, in Latin America countries. (Required) ● In-depth knowledge of Costa Rica’s climate change regulatory and planning framework, including hands-on involvement in projects addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation at the national level (Desirable). ● Demonstrated experience working with public institutions in Costa Rica or Latin America, with a focus on bridging research and policy to advance sustainable development (Desirable). SPECIAL SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE PROFESSIONALISM ● Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with technical expertise in economic and finance ● Expertise in climate change frameworks, investment planning, and the international climate finance landscape. ● Comprehensive knowledge of theoretical concepts, analytical methodologies, and practical applications for policy and planning. ● In-depth understanding of national and international climate change policy and commitments ● Excellent writing skills in both Spanish and English. ● Proactive capacity, responsibility and commitment to achieving objectives and meeting deadlines. ● Ability to identify, analyze and participate in resolving issues/problems. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work, and manage conflicting priorities. ● High ethical standards prioritizing team success over personal advancement. ● Experience working with diverse stakeholders from the public, private, and/or financial sectors in the development of public policies is desirable. ● Experience in the development of climate change policies is desirable. ● Cost estimation of environmental or climate change actions and their integration into national planning and sector budgets is desirable. ● Experience working with international organizations, and multilateral or bilateral funds development of international cooperation projects is desirable. ● Previous experience and knowledge of climate change issues, public sector and climate financial architecture is desirable. TEAMWORK ● Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. ● Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise. ● Willing to learn from others and supports final group decisions, even when they may not entirely reflect own position. ● Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING ● Develops clear goals consistent with agreed strategies. ● Identifies priority activities and assignments, adjusting priorities as required. ● Allocates appropriate time and resources for completing work. ● Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. ● Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. ● Uses time efficiently. Languages● Fluency in Spanish (Required) ● Confidence in English (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.