Senior Climate Finance Officer (Home based Retainer) - Nairobi, Kenya

Organizational Context

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) supports sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding globally. Within this, the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio manages significant funds for climate initiatives. The NDC Partnership, jointly hosted by WRI, UNOPS, and UNFCCC, is a coalition of over 260 members focused on achieving climate action goals. This role supports the NDC Partnership's institutional efforts.

Job Purpose

The Senior Climate Finance Officer will provide crucial technical expertise and support to Kenyan government counterparts, specifically the National Treasury's Climate Finance and Green Economy Unit. The role's purpose is to enhance the unit's capacity to mobilize, access, and effectively utilize climate finance, thereby advancing national climate action priorities and fostering green economic development. This involves analyzing financial flows, identifying resource mobilization opportunities, and supporting the development of climate-related policies and strategies to ensure sustainable development and effective climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include supporting the development and review of climate and green finance policies, aligning national priorities with international climate finance opportunities, and preparing policy briefs. The role involves assisting the National Treasury in its roles as the National Designated Authority for the Green Climate Fund and focal point for Climate Investment Funds. This includes supporting the development of bankable projects, providing capacity building on project formulation and financial structuring, and facilitating partnerships. The officer will also contribute to climate finance tracking, reporting, and knowledge management, develop training materials, and support the development of climate finance data systems. Additionally, the role involves advising on innovative finance instruments, supporting climate finance diplomacy and negotiations, and providing advisory services on carbon markets and trading.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of general experience in environment, green growth, climate change, or climate finance is required. Additionally, at least two years of specific experience in climate finance within Kenya is necessary, demonstrated through prior work with climate financing mechanisms. Proven experience working with national or county governments on climate finance matters is essential. Strong knowledge of Kenya’s climate policies, institutional frameworks, and financing mechanisms is also required.

Skills

Climate Change, Policy Analysis, Project Management, Resource Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Mobilization, Effective Communication, Climate Finance, Green Growth, Disaster Financing.

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