Climate Finance & GCF Readiness Specialist

Job Description

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Climate Finance & GCF Readiness Specialist 
Sector: International Development
Position Type (full/part time): Short term consultant
Duration/Level of Effort (long/short term): 9 months
Position Location (e.g. city, country, remote): Remote, with potential travel to Jordan for in-person training. 

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
The Global Affairs Canada (GAC) funded project Sustainable Energy and Economic Development in Jordan (SEED II) in partnership with Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund (JREEEF) and Cities and Villages Development Bank (CVDB), aims to enhance the socio-economic well-being and empowerment of women and youth in the RE&EE sector in the Jordan valley. Building on the successful interventions of SEED I project, SEED II will replicate these achievements across new implementation sites while addressing key gender-specific barriers to economic participation. SEED II will address the challenges of low labor force participation, high unemployment rate, and gender inequality, particularly for Jordanian women, who face disproportionate obstacles in the labor market. By leveraging Jordan’s renewable energy resources and aligning with the country’s Comprehensive National Energy Sector Strategy, SEED II seeks to promote inclusive economic growth, reduce energy dependency and contribute to poverty reduction efforts, particularly in the Jordan Valley. The project started in 2024 and will be completed in September 2029. 

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

Under the framework of SEED II, this assignment aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of CVDB to develop, structure, and submit high-quality GCF Concept Notes and Funding Proposals. In coordination with Cowater the Consultant will work closely with CVDB to enhance internal systems, skills, and processes for translating national climate priorities and investment plans into GCF-aligned, bankable project proposals that meet the Fund’s investment criteria, safeguards requirements, and results management standards. 

Specifically, the Consultant will provide targeted instruction and training (remote and in person as needed and agreed with Cowater), hands-on coaching, and end-to-end mentorship to a designated CVDB team. This support will guide them through the complete process of drafting a high-quality, submission-ready funding proposal.  

The ultimate objective is to equip CVDB with the sustainable internal capability to independently develop compelling proposals for international donors, thereby enhancing the bank’s ability to generate funds and invest in Jordan’s sustainable development. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Needs Assessment & Training Plan: Conduct a brief needs assessment of the CVDB team’s current project origination, concept note, and proposal development processes and skills related and institutional gaps. Submit a detailed work plan, capacity-building approach and delivery modalities, curriculum, and implementation schedule.
• Development of Proposal Toolkit (Concept Notes and Funding Proposals): Create tailored, practical training materials, templates, and guides covering the core components of a donor-standard proposal (e.g., problem analysis, climate rationale, paradigm shift and impact potential, theory of change, logical framework/results framework, monitoring & evaluation plan, indicative and detailed financing structures, environmental and social safeguards; gender considerations, implementation and governance arrangements narrative drafting, and budget preparation and justification).
• Delivery of Training Workshops : Design and facilitate a series of interactive, practical training sessions (primarily virtual) on the core modules of concept note and proposal development. The training will move from theory to applied practice using the real concept note and proposal as a case study.
• Coaching & Guided Proposal Drafting : Provide direct, iterative coaching to the CVDB team as they apply the learned skills to draft a concept note and later a complete proposal. This will include regular one-on-one and group feedback sessions, hands-on drafting clinics, document reviews and structured feedback, and revisions.
• Final Proposal Package & Handover Report : Funding Proposal package developed under structured mentorship. Submit a final handover report summarizing the capacity-building process, competencies strengthened across the full project cycle, lessons learned, and practical recommendations for institutionalizing GCF project development, internal review, and quality assurance processes within CVDB.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education:

• Advanced degree in a relevant field (International Development, Communications, Business, etc.). 

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum of 7-10 years of direct, hands-on experience in writing and developing successful project proposals for major international donors, financial institutions, or climate funds.

Essential Skills:

• Proven expertise as a trainer and coach in proposal writing, with demonstrable experience in transferring skills to clients or partners. 
• Expert-level knowledge of project design tools (Logical Framework Approach, Theory of Change, Results-Based Management) that respond to GCF funding requirements. 
• Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills in English.  
• Experience in and familiarity with the Jordanian context and public sector institutions is a significant asset. 

Language Proficiency: English
Employment Conditions: The assignment will be conducted over a nine-month period. The estimated level of effort is 60 working days. Work will be conducted remotely, with the possibility of short-term missions to Jordan for in-person workshops and engagements, to be determined in consultation with Cowater.  


APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply by 23 January 2026.

For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

About the Organization

ABOUT US

Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 2017.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.