Local Consultant, Shimla, India

Organizational Context

The UN Secretariat's Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is implementing the Integrated Urban Climate Action for Low-Carbon and Resilient Cities (Urban-Act) project. This project aims to strengthen multi-level climate governance and enhance city governments' capacity for climate change dialogue and implementation. The role is based in Shimla, India, supporting the project's pilot phase.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this role is to assess the Enabling Framework Conditions (EFC) for accessing climate finance in Shimla, India, as part of the Urban-Act project. This involves evaluating four key dimensions: Climate Policy and Planning, Budget and Finance, Climate Data, and Vertical and Horizontal Coordination. The consultant will identify gaps and opportunities, provide recommendations aligned with national reports, and suggest a roadmap for improving EFCs. This work aims to strengthen conditions for financing evidence-based urban climate actions, contributing to sustainable development goals and India's climate commitments. The role supports Shimla in developing climate-sensitive urban development plans and facilitating innovative climate measures.

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct desk reviews and primary research to assess Shimla's Enabling Framework Conditions (EFC) for climate finance. This includes identifying gaps and opportunities across climate policy, budget and finance, climate data, and multi-level governance. Responsibilities involve engaging with national and local government stakeholders, organizing and leading multi-stakeholder workshops, and validating data. The consultant will draft EFC reports, provide operational recommendations for capacity building, policy reforms, data enhancement, and coordination, and develop a roadmap for implementation. Additionally, the role requires systematizing data, researching current climate policies, and liaising with city officials and experts to ensure the final reports are accurate and actionable.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of experience in sustainable development or climate finance-related research and technical assistance is required. Demonstrated experience working with governments in the North Indian region on sustainability, climate risk, infrastructure, and climate finance is essential. Experience in sustainable development and urban planning/design in North India is advantageous.

Skills

Research and technical assistance in sustainable development/climate finance, stakeholder engagement, workshop facilitation, data analysis and systematization, policy analysis, report drafting, knowledge of climate policy and planning, budget and finance, climate data management, and multi-level governance coordination. Proficiency in English and Hindi.

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