Specialist in Ecosystem-based Adaptation financial mechanisms

Result of ServiceNature4 Cities Project Output 4.1.1: five project concept notes developed of a fundable quality. Output 1. Define business models and financing solutions to enhance outcome 2 of GCF SAP proposal to increase the project’s potential to generate access to financing and to reduce the risk of investment in climate-resilient productive schemes, and to strengthen the project’s exit strategy establishing synergies with public and private sector actors to ensure a continuous flow of financing to the communities targeted by the project. Project Activity 4.1.1.4: Develop seven national concept notes on Urban Nature based Solutions. This consultancy regards the concept note of Panama, and will provide inputs as follows: Responsibility: Design business models that consider (sustainable) blended finance solutions targeting beneficiaries in the study areas and for the proposed project activities in the GCF concept note. The business models should: a) Align with the requirements of financial institutions and that address their investment risks; b) Meet the borrower profile of project beneficiaries. The following needs to be considered whilst conducting this task: • Identify main entities in the finance value chain and landscape in the areas selected for project implementation, both national and international investors, the role they play and their minimum financing requirements. • Of the interventions in the GCF note, identify interventions that could generate revenue streams. • Identify entry points for communities to engage, including the beneficiaries who might be potential buyers of ecosystem services; and with the carbon market to fund Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), assessing options to leverage additional finance from investors based on existing initiatives. Potential collaborations could take the form of co-investment with GCF funds propitiating enabling environment, technologies and/or capacity building and partner investors. • Assess insurance landscape and identify gaps that need to be addressed to enable smallholder access to financial services. • Assess potential for off-take agreements between beneficiaries (through cooperatives when appropriate) and relevant national and regional companies to strengthen access to markets. • Analyze how the business models proposed takes into account urban and rural contexts, considering the mainstreaming cities approach of Nature4Cities project and integrating the needs of the new areas of intervention identified. Propose financing solutions that enable the beneficiaries of the project to access credit mechanisms under the EbA approach or other approaches that contribute to the climate resilience of the socioecological landscapes. As part of this task, at least two local financial partners are to be identified, willing to drive the business model (s) and to provide concessional finance. Additionally, where possible, facilitate discussions and negotiations between main stakeholders (commercial banks, microfinance institutions, private investment funds, public private partnerships for financing, among others). At a minimum, the models should include: • The approach including scaling-up • Payment terms • What happens when concessional credit is no longer available • How should payment be made. E.g. digital solutions in place • How will the potential revenue streams be calculated (sustainability of the model) • How will the business models be monitored during implementation • Which activities generate more revenues, and how can these be bundled together with those that are not (cross-subsidization) • What level of maintenance and technical input is needed to ensure the models work • Recommendations on the implementation of such business models, i.e. the financing mechanism by which they could be used either linked together or separately. Product 1. Report presenting the business models and financing solutions to enhance outcome 2 of GCF SAP proposal. The document will include the process and methodology used to identify/propose the business models and financing solutions to enhance outcome 2 of GCF SAP proposal. For each business model and financing solution the document will include a complete characterization, and the information presented above in the description of the output to later assess the better options for the adjustment of outcome 2 of GCF SAP proposal. Output 2. Develop pre-feasibility analysis to select the most suitable options of business model and financing solution and adjust concept note accordingly to enhance Outcome 2 of GCF SAP proposal. After selecting business models and financing solutions appropriate to generate access to ensure a continuous flow of financing to the communities targeted by the project, provide an assessment of which business model is likely to work the best and why, along with an assessment of which financing solution is likely to work best with the business model and why. The output include the development of a pre-feasibility analysis to ensure that the proposed models and mechanisms are aligned with the reality of the territory, the financial needs of the beneficiaries and the financial “landscape” of the country, i.e. to analyze the capacities of the financial sector to identify possible opportunities to work with private banks, with existing green investment funds and with climate finance mechanisms that are already operational in the country. Project Activity 4.1.1.4: Develop seven national concept notes on Urban Nature based Solutions. This consultancy regards the concept note of Panama, and will provide inputs as follows: Responsibility: With the inputs of prefeasibility analysis adjust the adaptation component of GCF SAP proposal by providing detail of the business model and financing solution that would allow project beneficiaries to have greater access to climate finance and increase the project's potential to generate access to financing and to reduce the risk of investment in climate-resilient productive schemes. The enhancement of the concept note will strengthen the project's exit strategy and establish synergies with public and private sector actors to ensure a continuous flow of financing to the communities targeted by the project. Product 2. Pre-feasibility analysis to ensure that the proposed models and mechanisms are aligned with the reality of the territory, the financial needs of the beneficiaries and the financial “landscape” of Panama. The document will present the results of the analysis, conclusions and recommendations to ensure that the proposed models and mechanisms are aligned with the reality of the territory, the financial needs of the beneficiaries and the financial “landscape” of the country. Product 3. Report including the adjustment to enhance Outcome 2 of the Concept Note of the GCF SAP proposal. The report will present the summary of the adjustments applied to GCF SAP proposal, including the business model and financing solution that would allow project beneficiaries to have greater access to climate finance, as well the enhancement of sections of GCF SAP proposal: theory of change; logical framework; project-related barriers; project objective and structure; implementation arrangements; indicative financing information; and exit strategy. Specific tasks and responsibilities The consultant shall perform the following tasks: • Design a business model and identify corresponding financial solutions that can contribute to an ecosystem-based adaptation approach in the selected area of implementation of Panama SAP GCF project. • Develop interviews with key stakeholders to collect information and ground truth proposed solutions. Stakeholders will include relevant ministries and territorial authorities, beneficiaries of the project and associated grouping structures, financial institutions (international, national and rural; commercial and development banks); non-bank financial institutions, contributing NGOs and academic institutions, implementing partners, and private sector players (including micro and SMEs). • Design business models that consider (sustainable) blended finance solutions targeting beneficiaries of the project in the study areas and for the proposed project activities in the GCF concept note. • Propose financing solutions that enable the target group of beneficiaries of the project to access credit mechanisms. • Develop pre-feasibility studies to ensure that the proposed models and mechanisms are aligned with the reality of the territory, the financial needs of the beneficiaries and the financial “landscape” of the country, i.e. to analyze the capacities of the financial sector to identify possible opportunities to work with private banks, with existing green investment funds and with climate finance mechanisms that are already operational in the country. • Develop a report for the adjustment of the concept note of GCF SAP proposal to enhance Outcome 2, aiming to increase the potential of the project to generate access to financing to strengthen the project's exit strategy and the synergies with public and private sector stakeholders to ensure a continuous flow of financing to the communities targeted by the project. Work LocationHOME-BASED Expected duration3 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. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama, works closely with the 33 countries of the region, and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). In 2015, the world endorsed the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These historic agreements presented countries with an unprecedented opportunity to align climate plans and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to spur economic growth and improve the livelihoods of all people. To signal their commitments to the Paris Agreement, nations submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)— each country's strategy to cut its greenhouse gas emissions and build resiliency against the adverse effects of a changing climate — on a cycle every five years. In line with international agreements to enhance climate resilience, governments in the region need to shift from an adaptation “reactive approach” to a “proactive approach” in which vulnerability and risk can be lowered through more climate-oriented investments to increase resilience while fostering development in priority sectors and territories, this involves to make more informed decisions about adaptation to climate change planning and financing, according with the goals set in national planning instruments such as the National Adaptation Plan and the NDCs. For Panama, ranking 14th among countries most exposed to multiple hazards based on land area, the transition to a more proactive approach is one of the key areas in the climate change management, part of the continuous effort of the government to address the existing and projected climate change vulnerability and risk levels and strengthen its efforts to reduce poverty and promote territorial development. According to the Climate Change Vulnerability Index, published by the government of Panama, a high proportion of the national territory and many municipalities are currently vulnerable to the detrimental effects of climate change, activities such as agriculture exert intense pressure on ecosystems and the country’s forests. From 2012 to 2019, Panama lost nearly 2% (the equivalent of about 8,000 ha) of its forest cover; deforestation, coupled with climate change effects between 1990 and 2010, resulted in a net loss of about 8 million ha, and losses have continued to accrue in recent years. This has severely increased the vulnerability of the country’s ecosystems and the communities who rely on them for their lives and livelihoods. Moreover, climate change impacts in Panama have already translated into significant economic losses and damages in the past due to a higher frequency and more intensified occurrence of extreme weather events and slow onset events. Available public funding has often not been sufficient to address these impacts and the root causes that exacerbate their magnitude. For example, in 2011, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) requested a contingency loan of US$ 66 million to compensate for unforeseen emergencies related to natural disasters, which had to be partially used to respond to the negative impacts of a substantial drought in 2016 that affected most of the territory and in particular the Dry Arc region where the agricultural sector is prominent (USD 25 million). To support the Latin America and the Caribbean region to build the capacity of city governments to identify opportunities for nature-based solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation, the Nature4Cities project —funded by the Green Climate Fund and Euroclima+— is implemented by UNEP in 7 countries, including Panama. The project supports national and local governments to accelerate city-based climate action by protecting and/or restoring ecosystem services through Nature-based Solutions (NbS). This initiative promotes: (a) planning tools for urban adaptation using climate vulnerability and risk analysis in cities; (b) the identification of urban NbS for adaptation and their integration into urban development planning; (c) the strengthening of policies and institutional frameworks for the implementation and scaling up of NbS in cities; (d) the strengthening of partnerships between key public and private actors to accelerate the adoption of NbS; and (e) the definition of climate finance strategies through innovative public, private and mixed financial mechanisms for the implementation and sustainability of NbS. In addition, the Ministries of Environment, and Economy and Finance of Panama with UNEP have been working together in the ideation and development of project proposal to apply to the Simplified Approval Process of GCF. From the process a concept note was developed to strengthen the approach to planning territorial development of the country and allocation of public resources towards climate resilience, so that business-as-usual development financing can be realigned towards climate-proof investments that contribute to the achievement of nationally identified climate change goals. The project would enable the Government of Panama to increase the resilience of vulnerable communities, through two interconnected outcomes: Outcome 1. Adoption of climate-proof Strategic Territorial Development Plans and operationalization of climate-responsive SINIP leads to improved planning and development at the local level, and for national public investments to be aligned with adaptation needs; and Outcome 2. Enhanced ecosystem management frameworks at the landscape and local levels result in vulnerable communities in the district of Capira better adapted to climate change. Based on the above, the purpose of this consultancy is to collaborate with the Climate Change Unit in delivering an adjusted concept note, product of the integration of the urban approach of Nature4Cities project and the identification of a financial mechanism that would allow project beneficiaries to have greater access to climate finance through low concessional financial services. Aligned with the UNEP Medium Term Strategy (2022-2025), the consultancy will contribute to the adjustment of a proposal to incorporate climate change criteria into public financing / investment systems and develop innovative market-based financial instruments to improve the alignment of public funding with climate change goals to ensure that, by 2030, “governmental and non-governmental development actions are compatible with the long-term mitigation and resilience goals of the Paris Agreement.” In this sense, UNEP`s LACO Climate Change Unit is recruiting a specialist in Ecosystem-based Adaptation financial mechanisms. The incumbent will be supervised by Regional Subprogramme Coordinator for the Climate Change Unit in the Latin American and Caribbean Office and will work home-based. Qualifications/special skillsACADEMIC: - Bachelor´s degree in environmental sciences, biology, engineering, economics, political sciences, public policy, natural sciences, international cooperation, or areas related to climate change, sustainability, national development, or a related field is required. - Master’s degree in environmental sciences, engineering, economics, business administration, management, or related field is desirable. PROFESSIONAL: - Five (5) years of experience in environment, engineering, international relationships, economics and social sciences, natural resources management, climate change, or a closely related field is required. - Two (2) years of specific work experience in green finance, developing investment and development opportunities, market studies, business, financial or economic models, or financing mechanism is desired. - Experience in the development and/or implementation of climate change projects and relations with national governments in the LAC region is desirable. LANGUAGE: - Fluency in Spanish (required) - Fluency in English (required) SKILLS: - - Excellent understanding of global and national climate change commitments is desirable. - Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, and approaches relevant to climate change mitigation and adaptation planning is desirable. COMPETENCIES: PROFESSIONALISM - 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. - Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. - Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. - It is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. - Shows persistence when faced with complex problems or challenges. - Remains calm in stressful situations. TEAMWORK - Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. - Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise. - Is willing to learn from others; supports and acts in accordance with a final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect one’s position. - Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING - Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. - Identifies priority activities and assignments. - Adjusts 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. LanguagesNot available. 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.