Chargé (e) d’investissement sur le Climat (San-Pedro)
Organizational Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the global environmental authority, setting the agenda and promoting sustainable development within the UN system. In Côte d'Ivoire, UNEP, alongside UNDP, ILO, and UNIDO, is implementing the "Local Investment for Innovation and Green Transition" program, funded by the Joint SDGs Fund. This initiative aims to strengthen sub-national financing for local investments, focusing on revenue mobilization, operationalizing the Local Authorities Support Fund (FACOT), and establishing a territorial financing governance mechanism.
Job Purpose
This role supports the "Local Investment for Innovation and Green Transition" program in Côte d'Ivoire, funded by the Joint SDGs Fund. The program aims to enhance sub-national financing for local investments, particularly in climate resilience and SDG alignment. The volunteer will provide technical assistance to structure projects from identification to investment maturity, including feasibility studies, business plans, financial structuring, and environmental/social screening. The goal is to bridge the gap between project potential and bankability, enabling local authorities and SMEs to access financing for green and climate-resilient initiatives, thereby boosting local economies and supporting territorial transitions towards sustainable food systems and green economies.
Responsibilities
The Climate Investment Officer will analyze and identify climate investment opportunities by prioritizing projects from territorial development plans and regionalized NDCs. Responsibilities include maintaining a portfolio register, managing calls for proposals, applying bankability criteria, and providing technical assistance for project structuring. The role involves supporting the design and structuring of bankable projects with high SDG impact, contributing to innovative financing mechanisms like green bonds and blended finance, and participating in negotiations with financial institutions. Additionally, the officer will accompany project holders (local authorities, SMEs, cooperatives) in developing business models, financial projections, and ESG/climate metrics, and facilitate interfaces with banks and microfinance institutions. Coordination with UNEP, regional investment ecosystem actors, and UN agencies is crucial, alongside organizing capacity-building workshops and managing knowledge on development finance innovations.
Work Experience
A minimum of 3 years of professional experience at the national or local level in rural development, agricultural economics, entrepreneurship, private sector engagement, public-private partnerships, or investment is required. Experience in project implementation at the local level is essential. Experience with the UN or other international development organizations is an asset. Familiarity with climate finance, guarantee mechanisms, IFI environmental/social standards, and the Ivorian decentralization framework is desirable.
Skills
Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, trust-building, client orientation, commitment, continuous learning, communication, creativity, empowerment, ethics, integrity, knowledge sharing, leadership, performance management, planning, organization, professionalism, respect for diversity, self-management, technological awareness, vision, and teamwork. Specific expertise areas include finance, accounting, climate change, environment, and community development.