Consultant Specialist in Public Finance

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Panama City supports countries in the Latin America and Caribbean region in implementing climate-resilient and low-emission strategies. This consultancy is part of the Panama National Adaptation Plan (NAP) project, funded by the Green Climate Fund, focusing on strengthening national capacities for adaptation planning and finance.

Job Purpose

The Specialist in Public Finance will contribute to the Green Climate Fund-funded NAP project by developing national adaptation public expenditure estimates and a Climate Change Adaptation Budget Coding Protocol for Panama's public accounts. This role involves conducting a Climate Public Expenditure and Institutional Review (CPEIR), identifying climate-relevant expenditures, assessing alignment with national policies, and evaluating budget systems. The ultimate goal is to strengthen climate-responsive public financial management and mainstream adaptation into national budgets, ensuring effective coordination and implementation of project deliverables.

Responsibilities

Develop a Climate Change Adaptation Budget Coding Protocol for Panama's national public accounts, including conducting interviews and desk reviews of existing protocols. Perform a comprehensive Climate Public Expenditure and Institutional Review (CPEIR) to identify and classify climate-relevant expenditures, assess alignment with national policies, and evaluate budget planning and tracking systems. Map and analyze the institutional architecture for climate finance. Develop national adaptation public expenditure estimates by reviewing sector policies and budgets, analyzing expenditure trends, and reviewing mechanisms for tracking external climate finance. Design and develop materials for a training program on climate public expenditure analysis. Organize and facilitate a CPEIR validation workshop and institutional arrangements review. Prepare a final CPEIR recommendations report and a policy brief for stakeholders.

Work Experience

Requires five (5) years of relevant professional experience in public budget preparation and coding processes, with a proven record in influencing such processes. Experience in institutional analysis, governance frameworks, and climate change financing is necessary. Experience with government organizations, multilevel coordination, and report elaboration is desirable.

Skills

Ability to identify public financial information gaps and propose solutions. Skills in building partnerships, facilitating dialogues, and resolving conflicts in multisectoral settings. Capacity to assess and design financial instruments for adaptation investment. Strong analytical, reporting, and communication skills. Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks. Fluency in Spanish is required; English proficiency is desirable.

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