Senior Climate Smart Agriculture Advisor (Home based Retainer) - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Organizational Context

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) supports sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding globally. The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, part of GPO, manages over $500 million in initiatives focused on climate action and environmental conservation. The NDC Partnership, jointly hosted by WRI, UNOPS, and UNFCCC, connects over 260 members to drive ambitious climate action and sustainable development.

Job Purpose

This role provides strategic and technical expertise to Ethiopia's Ministry of Agriculture to enhance climate finance mobilization and develop robust investment pipelines. The advisor will focus on creating high-quality project concept notes and investment packages, strengthening institutional capacity for fundraising and proposal development, and supporting the implementation of agriculture-related climate priorities aligned with Ethiopia's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and national development plans. The objective is to translate policy into actionable, finance-ready projects that address climate risks and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Responsibilities

The Senior Climate-Smart Agriculture Advisor will identify and prioritize climate-smart agriculture investment opportunities across various sub-sectors, preparing bankable project proposals for diverse funding sources. This includes developing climate finance strategies, donor engagement plans, and investor outreach materials. The role involves strengthening the Ministry's capacity in investment planning, proposal development, and fundraising through training and mentorship. Additionally, the advisor will improve institutional systems for project development, coordination, and knowledge management, and integrate climate-smart agriculture into national policies and plans. Stakeholder engagement with government bodies, the private sector, and development partners is crucial for coordination and alignment, ensuring effective implementation and scaling of successful initiatives.

Work Experience

Requires at least five years of progressive experience in climate-smart agriculture, climate finance, agricultural investment planning, or project preparation. Proven experience in developing agricultural investment plans and proposals aligned with national climate strategies (including NDC) is essential. Strong knowledge of climate finance mechanisms and donor requirements is necessary. Experience engaging with climate funds, development banks, or private investors is highly desirable.

Skills

Climate Finance Mobilization, Project Proposal Development, Capacity Building, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Planning, Investment Planning, Donor Engagement, Climate-Smart Agriculture, Risk Management, Fundraising.

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