Climate Finance Expert (Home based Retainer) - Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Organizational Context

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) supports sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding globally. The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio within GPO manages significant funds for climate initiatives. The NDC Partnership, jointly hosted by WRI, UNOPS, and UNFCCC, is a coalition of countries and institutions working towards climate action and the Paris Agreement.

Job Purpose

The Climate Finance Specialist will provide expert advisory services to the Kyrgyz Republic's Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision (MNRETS) and Climate Finance Center. The primary goal is to facilitate access to international climate finance and funds from Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to support the implementation of the country's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS). This role is crucial for strengthening the Kyrgyz Republic's climate project portfolio and enabling the transition from climate policy planning to effective implementation, ultimately contributing to achieving national climate targets.

Responsibilities

The Climate Finance Specialist will identify and develop a pipeline of climate-related investment projects, preparing concept notes for international climate funds and MDBs. This includes conducting sector analysis, assessing investment needs, and ensuring project concepts meet funder requirements. The role involves tracking funding opportunities, facilitating resource mobilization, and supporting the development of a climate finance monitoring tool. Strategic inputs will be provided to MNRETS and the Climate Finance Center regarding financing requirements and gaps. Coordination and communication with key stakeholders, including donors, climate funds, and MDBs, are essential for mobilizing partner support and aligning country strategies with climate priorities. Capacity building for MNRETS staff on project development and accessing climate finance modalities will also be a key responsibility.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of experience in international development and development finance, with a focus on structuring, designing, and implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation projects. Familiarity with the modalities and investment criteria of MDBs and major climate funds (e.g., GCF, GEF) is essential. Knowledge of UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, NDCs, and SDGs is required. Experience in mobilizing resources for NDC implementation is desirable.

Skills

Capacity Building, Climate Change, Concept Development, Negotiation, Project Planning, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning, Effective Communication, Development Finance, Project Implementation.

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