National Climate Finance Advisers

Job Description

Location: Countries in Africa, Asia, Caribbean and Pacific Regions

Duration: One year with the potential for extension

Closing date 28 August 2020

Fee: £55,000 plus allowances and benefits

Evidence indicates that Small States and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are already suffering the impacts of climate change in a disproportional way. Their vulnerability is exacerbated by a lack of critical capacity to address those impacts. Although climate finance is being made available to developing countries through a number of international initiatives, these countries often do not have the capacity to access these funds. This was the finding of the 2013 Commonwealth Expert Group on Climate Finance.

The Commonwealth Secretariat is looking to refresh a pool of consultants to be considered for National Climate Finance Adviser opportunities, scheduled to take place in numerous Commonwealth countries in Africa, Asia, Caribbean and Pacific regions. Any future assignments would be for an initial 12-month period with a possibility of extension.

The National Adviser will have overall responsibility for the main activities of Capacity Building; Knowledge Management; and Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

NOTE: Full details of these activities are provided in the Terms of reference, but activities under the Terms of Reference will vary depending on the circumstances of the government agency and country where the Adviser is placed.

• A post-graduate qualification (Master degree is essential) in any of the following: Climate Change, Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management; Energy; Environmental Economics; Project Management; Business Studies; or any other relevant subject.

• At least 8 years of work experience in climate policy development and management of projects in the area of climate change, energy, forestry, biodiversity, agriculture and technical assistance initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in climate finance readiness, grant proposal writing and/or climate change capacity building or technology transfer.
• Demonstrated experience in resource mobilization, stakeholder relationship building and collaboration with government agencies, donors and/international development partners, and non-government organisations.
• Developing country experience, particularly in Africa, Asia, Caribbean and Pacific regions is a strong advantage.

• Fluency in both written and spoken English is essential.
• Knowledge of an additional relevant language is desirable.

Please download/refer to the terms of reference below for full details about this role.

We should receive your application by 17:00 BST on 28 August 2020.

To be considered, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country and be able to thrive in our multi-cultural environment.

About the Organization

The Commonwealth Secretariat is the principal intergovernmental body of the Commonwealth, responsible for advancing and achieving the shared goals of the association’s 54 member governments in advancing democracy, development and respect for diversity. The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General who, as the Chief Executive of the organisation, is responsible and accountable for overall leadership, management and delivery.