Result of ServiceThe Consultant Specialist in Climate finance will contribute to advancing the strategic financing dimension of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in the Dominican Republic. By achieving the following specific objectives • Analyze the costs of adaptation of climate change in the country, identifying financial needs, existing gaps, and opportunities for adaptation financing. • Prepare and disseminate methodological guides on adaptation budgeting and implementation, with a focus on the priority sectors outlined in the NDC and the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (NAPCC). • Elaboration of a comprehensive Adaptation Finance Strategy to facilitate access to financial resources and mobilize funding, including the identification and analysis of options for scaling up financing through domestic public budgets, public-private partnerships, and international cooperation. • Design a biennial review strategy for the Adaptation Finance Strategy to assess progress and guide necessary updates. • Deliver training and capacity-building sessions targeting relevant national and subnational government stakeholders, to bolster the effective implementation of the Adaptation Finance Strategy. The Consultant Specialist in Climate finance will contribute to the effective implementation of the project by conducting the following deliverables: 1. Assessment on climate change adaptation budgeting for national and local level with attention to the prioritized sectors of the NDC and NAPCC. 2. Methodological (step-by step) guide on climate change adaptation budgeting planning and implementation at regional and local levels. 3. Development of the Adaptation Financing Strategy and the proposal of the periodic review (monitoring and review framework every two years). 4. Capacity building activities to strengthen institutional and stakeholder capacities in climate finance, with a focus on the effective implementation of the Adaptation Financing Strategy. Outputs and deliverables: Output Design work plan, schedule and methodology for the development of the consultancy. Product 1: Work Plan and Methodological Framework A document detailing the consultant’s work plan, including the proposed methodology for the development of all consultancy deliverables. It should outline the timeline, key activities, coordination mechanisms, and the approach for stakeholder engagements such as validation meetings and training workshops. The document must also define the strategy for the socialization of the outputs with relevant national counterparts. Output 5.1.1 Review reports produced on costing adaptation in the Dominican Republic, compile information and identify information gaps for a reliable estimation of costs for implementing climate change adaptation in the medium and long term. Product 2: Analytical Report on Needs, Gaps, and Institutional capacities in Adaptation Financing A comprehensive report analyzing the current climate adaptation financing landscape in the Dominican Republic. The report should include: • A review of identified information related to existing climate finance mechanisms. • Analysis of financing gaps, needs, and barriers for adaptation, including at the national and sectoral levels. • Assessment of institutional capacities to access and manage climate finance. • Evaluation of public investment budget allocations for the adaptation component of the NDC and the NAP. • Overview of adaptation-related private sector investments and opportunities. The analysis should serve as a foundation for the development of the Climate Adaptation Finance Strategy, clearly identifying strategic entry points for scaling up climate finance across stakeholders. Output 3.2.2 Develop and disseminate methodological (step-by-step) guides on climate change adaptation planning and implementation at regional and local levels to enhance capacity for planning, budgeting and implementation of adaptation, with attention being paid to the sectors prioritized in the NDC and NAPCC. Product 3: Methodological Guide for Adaptation planning and implementation (Budget planning and implementation Section) A step-by-step technical guide to guide relevant institutions in the integration of climate adaptation into budget planning and implementation processes. The guide should be tailored to national systems and aligned with the NDC and NAPCC priority sectors, with clear instructions, examples, and recommendations for institutional application. Output 5.1.3 Develop an adaptation finance strategy, including the identification and analysis of options for scaling up financing (e.g. through domestic public budgets, public-private partnerships and international cooperation). 4.2.8 Develop and institutionalize a strategy for the periodic review (every two years) of NAP, including the financing strategy, Product 4: Development of the Climate Adaptation Finance Strategy and proposal of periodic Monitoring and review (every two years) A comprehensive and technically robust document containing the proposed Climate Finance Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in the Dominican Republic. The strategy must include financing instruments and mechanisms, articulation guidelines, the identification and analysis of options for scaling up financing (e.g. through domestic public budgets, public-private partnerships and international cooperation), economic and financial planning tools, and alignment with international commitments and national priorities. It must also integrate elements such as national planning instruments, debt management strategies, fiscal policy, and financial regulation. A glossary of relevant terms must be included. The document will also include a proposed monitoring and review framework for the Climate Adaptation Finance Strategy. This should outline indicators, periodicity (at least every two years), responsible institutions, and mechanisms for ensuring continuous alignment with evolving priorities and financial flows. Output 5.1.2 Develop training toolkits and provide training to strengthen the capacity of relevant government stakeholders (at all levels) to initiate the implementation of the adaptation finance strategy. 4.2.2 Train technical staff of relevant government institutions in the use of these guidelines at the national and local level. 3.2.2 Develop and disseminate methodological (step-by-step) guides on climate change adaptation planning and implementation at regional and local levels to enhance capacity for planning, budgeting and implementation of adaptation, with attention being paid to the sectors prioritized in the NDC and NAPCC. Product 5: Training Workshop Report A final report summarizing the development and delivery of at least four training workshops for technical staff from relevant institutions. The workshops will focus on the Step-by-Step Technical Guide, the Periodic Monitoring and Review Strategy, and the Adaptation Financing Strategy for local and regional adaptation plans. The report must include: • Workshop training materials • List of participants • Feedback from attendees • Recommendations for future capacity-building initiatives related to climate finance and the implementation of the strategy. Specific tasks and responsibilities The Consultant Specialist in Climate Finance must develop and conduct the following tasks to fulfill the objectives, products and deliverables of the consultancy, as well as any other activity that the UNEP Sub programme of Climate change coordinator, the project management unit of the directorate of climate change from MMARN required. a. To carry out a work plan that contains at least: (i) methodological description, (ii) list of actors to be included in the participatory processes (iii) work schedule that details the deadlines for the development of the corresponding activities, deliveries of each product and temporary dedication. b. Review relevant information for the development of the strategy, including guides, methodologies and reports, regulations and planning related to costs and access to financing for adaptation to climate change in the Dominican Republic. c. Compile information to identify challenges and opportunities for access to climate financing and identify information gaps for a reliable estimate of implementation costs of the adaptation measures contemplated in the PNACC-RD and the NDC-RD 2020 and others in the medium long term d. Fill information gaps by conducting a detailed economic study that estimates the costs of implementing prioritized adaptation interventions at the national, sectoral, and local levels and the barriers of cost estimation e. Prepare a preliminary document for the Climate Financing Strategy for adaptation measures climate financing for adaptation measures contemplated in the PNACC-RD and the NDC-RD 2020. The content of said strategy must appropriately address, among others, the following: i. Introductory framework: (i) Dominican Republic in the context of Climate Change and adaptation (ii) Political, legal and governance framework, (iii) national efforts to address adaptation to climate change ii. Identification of national and international financing mechanisms for adaptation to CC. iii. Identification and description of the main barriers to access financing for the implementation of Climate Change Adaptation actions in the Dominican Republic. iv. Principles, vision and objective of the Financing Strategy for adaptation to climate change in the Dominican Republic. v. Formulation of the strategic framework: (i) strategic guidelines/actions, (ii) description of the actions and expected results, (iii) alignment of the financing strategy with the END-2030, the PNACC-RD, and the NDC-RD , (iv) costs associated with the implementation of strategic guidelines and actions. vi. Institutional structure and governance arrangements to centrally and systematically manage all climate change related funds and channel them effectively across sectors and regions. vii. Feasibility of financing the selected strategic options. viii. Establish a governance model for the periodic review (every two years) of the financing strategy. f. Organize and carry out a broad consultation process with stakeholders from the central government, local governments, the private sector, civil society and other relevant stakeholders in order to enrich and agree on the guidelines of the document. g. Development of the final document of the Financing Strategy for adaptation to climate change in the Dominican Republic. This document should consider the inputs and feedback received in these workshops, ensuring that they reflect the consensus on the guidelines of the document. h. Create a methodology to train the technical team of government institutions and other relevant actors for the implementation of the financing strategy and potential donors. This methodology must be shared with the project management team and other relevant stakeholders. i. Carry out technical training for representatives of central government institutions, local governments, the private sector, civil society and other relevant actors to strengthen their capacities to access national and international financing for adaptation to climate change. Work LocationHOME-BASED Expected duration4 MONTHS Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional levels. 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). In terms of addressing climate change, UNEP aims to support countries in compliance with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the priority actions defined in the countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions. The overall objective of UNEP´s Sub-programme on Climate Change is to strengthen the ability of countries to move towards climate-resilient and low-emission strategies for sustainable development and human well-being. The expected accomplishment regarding climate change adaptation is that adaptation approaches, including 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 ensuring that crosscutting issues such as gender equity and women empowerment are effectively undertaken in the development of its tasks to guarantee equitable development in line with its adaptation objectives. In this context, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of the Dominican Republic and UNEP have agreed on the implementation of the project “Building capacity to advance in the National Adaptation Plan Process in the Dominican Republic” framed within the Readiness program of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The project aims to sustainably build country capacity in identifying, prioritizing, planning and implementing measures that address medium- and long-term adaptation needs taking into account the decisions 1/CP.16 and 5/CP.17 and all elements of the NAP Technical Guidelines in order to reduce the vulnerability of the country to the impacts of climate variability and change, by building adaptive capacity and resilience through the integration of climate change adaptation into planning and implementation within all relevant sectors and at different levels. The project seeks to achieve its objective through four components: • Strengthened institutional capacity • Increased availability and crucial information • NAP Implementation is facilitated • Increased capacity to review, monitor and communicate adaptation planning • Increased capacity to mobilize financial resources To fulfill the objectives of the project, UNEP LACO is recruiting a Consultant Specialist in Climate Finance to collaborate with the Project Management Unit and develop the Climate Change Adaptation Finance Strategy, including identifying and scaling up financing options, establishing a framework for periodic review, and preparing a methodological guide for regional and local adaptation budgeting. The Consultant Specialist in Climate Finance will operate home-based, under the overall supervision of the Regional Subprogramme Coordinator for the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO. Additionally, he/she will work in close collaboration with UNEP´s Adaptation team, the Directorate of Climate Change of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in the Dominican Republic, other national consultants, and government and non-governmental counterparts. Travel might be needed for consultation processes. Qualifications/special skillsACADEMIC: • Bachelor's degree in professional economics, finance, policy science, administration, planning, environment, natural resources, sustainable development or a closely related area is required. • Master’s degree in climate change, economy, finance, political sciences, planning, project management or a closely related field is required. PROFESSIONAL: • Two (2) years of relevant working experience in development projects, economics, finance, political sciences, international relations or closely related field is required. • Experience in 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. • 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. LANGUAGE: • Fluency in Spanish is required. • Confident level in English is desirable. SKILLS: · Excellent political, advisory and facilitation skills. Ability to facilitate technical discussions and participatory processes with multiple stakeholders in multicultural environments. · Demonstrated understanding of development planning and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations. · Excellent technical leadership and understanding of climate change adaptation and climate finance concepts, principles, and policies. Ability to provide guidance on climate change adaptation and climate finance, especially as it relates to development and strategic planning. · Proficiency in MS Office (MS Word, Excel, and Outlook) software applications. · Ability to communicate complex issues in a language and format that is appropriate to specific target audiences. · Demonstrate ability to build partnerships, facilitate dialogues, resolve conflicts and work in multisectoral settings. · Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality practical advisory reports and knowledge products. · Excellent interpersonal communication skills, experienced in stakeholder engagement, and public relations. COMPETENCIES: • 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 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: Can 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 under 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. 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.