Consultant Specialist in Climate Finance

The Consultant Specialist in Climate Finance will contribute to the effective implementation of Outcome 3.4 and related outputs 3.4.2 and 3.4.3 , outcome 3.3, output- 3.3.1 by achieving the following specific objectives: • Establish and coordinate six thematic working groups for forestry, human settlements, energy, biodiversity, coastal management, and circular economy, ensuring balanced representation of relevant ministries, civil society, and private sector actors. • Conduct a screening analysis of thematic-level development plans and budgets against climate change risks across the six NDC adaptation themes, building on existing policies and legal frameworks. • Develop six thematic adaptation mainstreaming strategies with recommendations to integrate adaptation planning into sectoral planning instruments and budgets, incorporating private sector engagement findings from Outcome 3.3. • Organize and facilitate stakeholder workshops for the development and validation of the thematic adaptation mainstreaming strategies, securing buy-in from all relevant stakeholders. • Consult with relevant national and international financing partners, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bilateral development agencies, international funds, multilateral development banks, and private sector representatives to identify opportunities and financial commitments for the implementation of the NAP and Thematic Adaptation Plans. • Develop a comprehensive Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy that identifies funding needs, financing options from government, development partners, and private sector sources, mechanisms to mobilize funding for adaptation, and a process for managing and tracking adaptation-related expenditures in the medium to long term. • Assess barriers and propose recommendations to strengthen and regulate the operations of the National Adaptation Fund of Panama, aligning it with the objectives and priorities of the NAP process. • Coordinate with the Consultant in Private Sector Engagement to integrate findings on financial instruments, policy framework revisions, and blended business models to scale up adaptation investment (Deliverables 3.3.1.2 and 3.3.1.5), ensuring these inputs feed into the Financing Strategy and potential GCF Concept Notes. • Facilitate the validation of the Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy with the NAPC&WG and the National Climate Change Cabinet, securing political buy-in and identifying funding priorities for mainstreaming into national budgets The Consultant Specialist in Climate Finance will contribute to the effective implementation of the project by conducting the following deliverables: - Six thematic adaptation mainstreaming strategies to integrate adaptation planning into planning instruments and budgets for forestry, human settlements, energy, biodiversity, coastal systems, and circular economy. - Validation workshop report and six validated thematic adaptation mainstreaming strategies. - Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy, including an action plan for mobilizing climate adaptation financing according to identified financing options. - Finance strategy validation workshop report and validated technical report with identified adaptation funding priorities. - Report with recommendations for appropriate financial instruments and policy framework to catalyze private sector engagement in adaptation. - Report on blended business models to scale up adaptation investment, which could feed into GCF Concept Notes for public and private sector windows. Output 3.4.3. A Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy Deliverable Product 1: Methodological Framework and Analytical Approach for the Development of the Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy. A comprehensive methodological document that establishes the analytical framework, data collection strategies, and institutional engagement approach for the formulation of Panama's Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy and the six thematic mainstreaming strategies. The document shall provide a solid foundation for the systematic assessment of adaptation finance needs, instruments, and institutional arrangements. The document will include, as a minimum: • National context overview, including a preliminary assessment of Panama's climate adaptation policy landscape, existing financial mechanisms, public budget allocation trends for adaptation, and the institutional framework governing climate finance. • Analytical and methodological framework for the development of the Financing Strategy, detailing the approaches for: o Assessment of adaptation financing needs and gaps across priority sectors. o Mapping and analysis of existing and potential financing instruments (public, private, blended, international cooperation). o Institutional and governance analysis of climate adaptation finance flows and decision-making processes. • Data collection and information-gathering strategy, including: o Identification of primary and secondary data sources (financial, budgetary, and policy information). o Data access protocols, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures, and strategies to address potential data gaps. • Coordination approach with the Consultant in Private Sector Engagement for the joint development of Deliverables 3.3.1.2 and 3.3.1.5, specifying roles, responsibilities, and integration points between both consultancies. • Consultation and validation approach, including technical workshops, bilateral meetings, and validation sessions with key stakeholders to ensure ownership and robustness of the Strategy's foundations. • Risk identification and mitigation measures, addressing key risks related to institutional coordination, data availability, political dynamics, and fiduciary considerations. The product should be delivered in: PDF + editable files. Output 3.4.2 — Thematic adaptation mainstreaming strategies Output 3.4.3 — Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy Deliverable Product 2: Baseline Assessment of Adaptation Financing and Establishment of Thematic Working Groups (Deliverable 3.4.2.1) A comprehensive baseline assessment of current adaptation financing across the NDC adaptation sectors, including the four NAP priority sectors (water resources, agriculture and food security, health, and infrastructure) and the six additional NDC sectors (forestry, human settlements, energy, biodiversity, coastal management, and circular economy). The assessment will also support the establishment of thematic working groups to guide the development and implementation of adaptation strategies. The report should include as minimum content: o Baseline analysis of current adaptation financing flows, funding sources, financial management systems, and performance monitoring mechanisms across all ten NDC adaptation sectors. o Mapping and assessment of existing financial instruments, as well as identification of funding gaps and investment needs for adaptation at both national and sectoral levels. o Identification of key stakeholders and financing partners at national and international levels. o Establishment of six thematic working groups for forestry, human settlements, energy, biodiversity, coastal management, and circular economy, including representatives from relevant ministries, government entities, NGOs, civil society, and the private sector. o Workplan for each of the six thematic working groups, including clear objectives, roles, and coordination mechanisms. o o Final list of representatives for each working group, ensuring balanced representation of men and women. o o Annexes: stakeholder lists, consultation records (if applicable), and supporting data sources. The product should be delivered in: PDF + editable files Output 3.4.2 — Thematic adaptation mainstreaming strategies Deliverable Product 3: Thematic Screening Workshops with Working Groups (Deliverable 3.4.2.2) This will include reports of three-day workshop (60 people) facilitated with the six thematic working groups established under Product 2 to screen thematic-level development plans and budgets against climate change risks across all NDC adaptation themes, building on existing laws and policies for each thematic area. • Minimum contents: o Workshop methodology, agenda, and materials. o Screening exercise of thematic-level development plans and budgets against climate change risks in forestry, human settlements, energy, biodiversity, coastal management, and circular economy and the four thematics NAPS. o Identification of entry points for integrating adaptation into existing planning instruments and budget allocation processes. o Workshop report with executive summary, gender-disaggregated attendance list, screening findings, and recommendations for each thematic area. (Deliverable 3.4.2.2) Workshop report, including the screening exercise and findings of the NDC adaptation themes (Deliverable 3.4.2.2). Format: PDF + editable files Output 3.3.1 — Private sector investments in adaptation promoted Deliverable Product 4: Report on Financial Instruments and Blended Business Models (Deliverables 3.3.1.2 and 3.3.1.5) In close coordination and collaboration with the Consultant in Private Sector Engagement, development of comprehensive reports on financial instruments and blended business models aimed at catalyzing private sector investment in climate change adaptation in Panama. The strategy shall include, at a minimum: o Assessment of existing financial instruments and enabling frameworks for adaptation finance in Panama, building on previous experiences and initiatives, including those developed with UNEP FI and the International Development Finance Club (IDFC). o Recommendations for appropriate financial instruments and required policy and regulatory framework revisions to strengthen private sector engagement and investment in adaptation (Deliverable 3.3.1.2). o Identification and analysis of opportunities for blended finance approaches, combining public and private funding sources to scale up adaptation investments. o Development of blended business models tailored to priority adaptation sectors, including potential structures, stakeholders, and financing mechanisms (Deliverable 3.3.1.5). o Consideration of barriers, risks, and enabling conditions for the implementation of proposed financial instruments and blended business models. The findings from these reports will serve as key inputs for the development of the Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy (Product 5). The products should be delivered in: PDF + editable files Output 3.4.3 — Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy Deliverable Product 5: Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy (Deliverable 3.4.3.2) Development of a comprehensive Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy to support the mobilization, allocation, and tracking of financial resources for the implementation of Panama's National Adaptation Plan and associated Thematic Adaptation Plans. The report should include as minimum content: o Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy including: ((Deliverable 3.4.3.2). o Identification of funding needs for the implementation of the NAP and Thematic Adaptation Plans. o Identification of financing options from government, development partners, and private sector sources, including new financial products, blended finance approaches, and service markets. o Mechanisms to mobilize funding for adaptation from a wide range of sources, including engagement with banks for microcredit and low-risk investment products. o A process for managing and tracking all adaptation-related expenditures in the medium to long term. o Assessment of barriers and recommendations to strengthen and regulate the operations of the National Adaptation Fund of Panama, aligning it with NAP priorities. o Integration of private sector engagement findings under Outcome 3.3, ensuring alignment between financing strategies and investment opportunities. The product should be delivered in: PDF + editable files Output 3.4.2 — Thematic adaptation mainstreaming strategies Act. 3.4.2.3 Deliverable Product 6: Six Thematic Adaptation Mainstreaming Strategies (Deliverable 3.4.2.3) Development of six thematic adaptation mainstreaming strategies to integrate climate change adaptation planning into national and sectoral planning instruments and budgeting processes. Each thematic strategy shall include, as a minimum: o Sector-specific context analysis, including an assessment of climate vulnerabilities, existing policy and planning frameworks, and institutional capacities relevant to adaptation mainstreaming in the respective sector. o Identification of entry points for integrating adaptation into sectoral planning instruments, regulatory frameworks, and budget allocation processes. o Proposed adaptation mainstreaming actions, instruments, and institutional arrangements, including roles and responsibilities of key sectoral stakeholders. o Incorporation of climate risk data and information from the analyses conducted under Outcome 3.3, including potential adaptation approaches and investment opportunities relevant to the private sector in each thematic area. o Alignment with the NAP’s strategic priorities and with the Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy (Deliverable 3.4.3.2), ensuring coherence between mainstreaming actions and available financing mechanisms. o Monitoring and evaluation framework, including indicators to track progress on adaptation mainstreaming within each sector. The product should be delivered in: PDF + editable files Output 3.4.3 — Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy Output 3.4.2 — Thematic adaptation mainstreaming strategies Deliverable Product 7: Validation Workshops (Deliverables 3.4.3.1, 3.4.3.3, and 3.4.2.4) Organize and facilitate validation workshops to present and validate the Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy and the six thematic adaptation mainstreaming strategies with the NAPC&WG, the National Climate Change Cabinet, and the thematic working groups, securing political buy-in for their implementation. The Report of the NAP financing workshop will include: o Initial two-day finance strategy workshop (60 people) with the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and national and international financing partners to discuss opportunities and financial commitments. (Deliverable 3.4.3.1) o One-day validation workshop (60 people) with the NAPC&WG and the National Climate Change Cabinet to validate the Financing Strategy and identify funding priorities for mainstreaming into national budgets. (Deliverable 3.4.3.3) o Three-day validation workshop (60 people) to present the six thematic adaptation mainstreaming strategies to the working groups for validation and stakeholder buy-in. (Deliverable 3.4.2.4) o Workshop methodologies, agendas, and materials for each workshop. o Workshop reports with executive summaries, gender-disaggregated attendance lists, feedback analysis, and validated outcomes. Final deliverable: Report of the NAP financing workshop (Deliverable 3.4.3.1). Finance strategy validation workshop report with identified funding priorities (Deliverable 3.4.3.3). Validation workshop report for thematic strategies (Deliverable 3.4.2.4). Format: PDF + editable files Output 3.4.3 — Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy Output 3.4.2 — Thematic adaptation mainstreaming strategies Deliverable Product 8: Final Deliverables Climate adaptation finance strategy and six thematic mainstreaming strategies (Deliverable 3.4.3.2.and Deliverables 3.4.2.3 and 3.4.2.4). Consolidation of all feedback from validation workshops and delivered in a final approved package of documents. o Final Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy incorporating all feedback from the validation process, ready for inclusion in the NAP implementation workplans. (Deliverable 3.4.3.2) o Six validated thematic adaptation mainstreaming strategies to integrate adaptation planning into planning instruments and budgets for the six NDC themes. (Deliverables 3.4.2.3 and 3.4.2.4) Final deliverables shall be in : PDF + editable files Specific tasks and responsibilities The Consultant Specialist in Climate Finance will contribute to the effective implementation of the project by guaranteeing the following tasks: Output 3.4.3 — Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy elaborated to effectively mobilise public and private sector financing for implementation of priority adaptation measures • Organize and facilitate finance strategy workshop (60 people) with the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives from national and international financing partners, including relevant ministries, local authorities, ambassadors, bilateral development agencies, international funds (GEF, GCF, Adaptation Fund), multilateral development banks (WB, IDB, CAF), United Nations agencies (UNEP, UNDP, WHO), and representatives of CONEP, to discuss opportunities and financial commitments for the implementation of the NAP and Thematic Adaptation Plans. (Activity 3.4.3.1) • Elaborate a comprehensive Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy to be included in the NAP as part of the implementation workplans. The Strategy shall: i) identify funding needs, ii) identify financing options from government, development partners, and other relevant sources, iii) mobilize funding for adaptation including a wide range of sources, iv) set a process for managing and tracking all adaptation-related expenditures in the medium to long term, and v) strengthen and regulate the operations of the National Adaptation Fund of Panama. (Activity 3.4.3.2) • Facilitate a one-day validation workshop (60 people) with the NAPC&WG and the National Climate Change Cabinet to present and validate the Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy • Elaborate a technical report with identified funding priorities, securing political buy-in for its implementation. (Activity 3.4.3.3) The Consultant Specialist in Climate Finance will be responsible for delivering a robust, evidence-based, and actionable Financing Strategy that identifies clear funding pathways for the implementation of the NAP and Thematic Adaptation Plans and secures institutional and political endorsement through the validation process. Output 3.4.2 — Thematic adaptation mainstreaming strategies developed for six NDC adaptation themes to support investment into adaptation • Establish six thematic working groups for forestry, human settlements, energy, biodiversity, coastal management, and circular economy, with representatives from relevant ministries and departments including the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Social Development, Secretary of Energy, Ministry of Public Works, Panama Aquatic Resources Authority, and members of relevant NGOs, civil society groups, and representatives of the private sector. (Activity 3.4.2.1) • Facilitate screening workshop (60 people) with the six thematic working groups to gather information and screen thematic-level development plans and budgets against climate change risks, building on existing laws and policies for each thematic area. (Activity 3.4.2.2) • Elaborate six thematic adaptation mainstreaming strategies to integrate adaptation planning into planning instruments and budgets for forestry, human settlements, energy, biodiversity, coastal systems, and circular economy, incorporating data and information from the analyses conducted under Outcome 3.3 on climate risks and potential adaptation approaches for the private sector. Submit the strategies to the National Climate Change Cabinet for their consideration. (Activity 3.4.2.3) • Facilitate validation workshop (60 people) to present the six thematic adaptation strategies to the working groups for validation and to secure buy-in of all stakeholders before presenting them in the public forum under Output 3.2.4. (Activity 3.4.2.4) The Consultant Specialist in Climate Finance will be responsible for the technical quality, coherence, and timely delivery of the six thematic adaptation mainstreaming strategies, ensuring alignment with national priorities, cross-sectoral linkages, and integration of private sector engagement findings.

Home-based

10 MONTHS

The 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, 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). The office works towards the implementation of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the new Paris Agreement and the priority actions defined in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and National Adaptation Plans (NAP) of the region. In terms of supporting countries in the region attain the global commitments signed within the framework of the Paris Agreement, the Latin America and the Caribbean UNEP Sub-programme on Climate Change aims at strengthening the ability of countries to move towards climate-resilient and low emission strategies for sustainable development and human well-being. In this framework, the UNEP Sub-programme on Climate Change, through its Climate Change Unit, leads and supports several initiatives oriented at designing, promoting and implementing innovative mitigation and adaptation solutions at the national and subnational level, and strengthening the transparency framework of the countries. The expected accomplishment regarding climate change adaptation is that adaptation approaches, including the Nature based Solutions with an ecosystem-based approach, are implemented and integrated into key sectoral and national development strategies to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience to climate change impacts. Furthermore, the UNEP’s Sub-programme on Climate Change is also committed to ensure that cross-cutting issues such as gender equity and women empowerment are effectively integrated in the development of its tasks to guarantee an equitable development in line with its adaptation objectives. In this context, the Ministry of Environment of Panama and UNEP, have agreed on the implementation of the project Building capacity for the development of the National Adaptation Plan in the context of the NDCs adaptation themes in Panama, framed within the Readiness program of the Green Climate Fund. The project is aimed at building sustainable country capacity and strengthen stakeholder engagement to plan, finance, implement, monitor, and report strategic adaptation processes and communicate knowledge about climate change adaptation. The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process will cover ten adaptation themes in total, which are in accordance with Panama’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (presented to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change - UNFCCC in 2020) to ensure alignment with national climate change strategies and priorities. The project seeks to achieve its components and objective through: • Adaptation planning, governance and institutional coordination strengthened. • Evidence basis produced to design adaptation solutions for maximum impact. • Private sector engagement in adaptation catalyzed; and • Adaptation finance increased. To fulfill the objectives of the project, the UNEP LACO Office is recruiting a Consultant Specialist in Climate Finance to provide technical expertise and knowledge for the development of a comprehensive Climate Change Adaptation Financing Strategy, including the identification of funding needs, financing options, and mechanisms to effectively incorporate public and private sector resources for the implementation of Panama's National Adaptation Plan and Thematic Adaptation Plans, within the framework of the Green Climate Fund funded project as set in the funding proposal document. The Consultant will bring international best practices in climate finance, blended finance approaches, and adaptation funding mechanisms while ensuring strong contextualization to the Panamanian institutional, legal, and fiscal context. The Consultant Specialist in Climate Finance will operate home based, under the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Director UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office. Additionally, he/she will work in close collaboration with UNEP´s Adaptation team, the Directorate of Climate Change of the Ministry of Environment in Panama, Project Management Unit, other national consultants and government and non-governmental counterparts. Travel might be needed for consultation processes.

ACADEMIC • Bachelor’s degree in economy, finance, policy science, planning, administration, environmental, natural resources or another closely related field is required. • Master’s degree in economics, finance, climate finance, climate change, project, public policy or a closely related field is desired. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE ● Five (5) years of relevant working experience in climate finance mobilization including elaborating financing strategies and involving public, private and / or external (international) financing resources or closely related field is required. ● Experience in climate finance, adaptation climate finance and/or project development is desirable. ● Experience in developing at least two (2) high-level strategies, technical documents meeting quality standards is desirable. ● A good understanding of the public budget preparation and expenditure reporting processes; particularly with regard to cross-cutting thematic areas such as gender, climate and environment sectors is desirable; ● Demonstrated experience working with diverse stakeholders from the public, private, and/or financial sectors in the development of public policies is desirable. ● Demonstrated experience in the development of climate change policies is desirable. ● Cost estimation of environmental actions or climate change adaptation actions and their integration into national planning and sector budgets is desirable. ● Experience in areas of work related to the development of adaptation of climate change and mitigation policies 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. SPECIAL SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE SKILLS • Ability to identify public financial information gaps and propose alternative solutions, calculations, and/or new information to achieve goals and scope • Demonstrate ability to build partnerships, facilitate dialogues, resolve conflicts and work in multisectoral settings. • Ability to assess and design financial instruments and blended finance mechanisms for adaptation investment. • Ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships across diverse sectors. • Strong knowledge of gender integration approaches within climate or development projects. • Excellent analytical, reporting, and communication skills, with proven capacity to transform complex information into accessible deliverables. • Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and deliver high‑quality outputs within deadlines. • High degrees of professionalism, discretion, initiative, and responsibility. PROFESSIONALISM Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. He/she shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. COMMUNICATION Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. TEAMWORK Is able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve organizational goals and to take leadership when appropriate; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own 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 amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses efficiently.

● Fluency in Spanish is required ● Confidence in English is desirable

Not available.

THE 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.