UNICEF is the world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS.

Background and Justification

The East and Southern Africa Region (ESAR) is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to the impacts of climate change with children bearing the brunt of the burden. UNICEF has an essential role to play in closing this gap and protecting children’s rights in the climate crisis. In order to deliver on the ambition of the SCAP, UNICEF plans to expand the capacity and support to Country Offices (COs) to access and explore climate finance opportunities. This aims to support children being the focus of an increased number of climate interventions at scale.

The Climate Finance Specialist will be instrumental in driving this agenda forward. By supporting the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) Climate Hub and Partnerships team to increase capacity and experience in the support to 21 COs and key sectors. The consultant will enhance UNICEF’s ability to secure climate finance, develop proposals, and build capacity in climate finance for children efforts. The consultant will ensure that developed interventions maintain a UNICEF lens and are responsive to children’s needs whilst enhancing their climate narrative and strategic approach. By following the SCAP framework for implementation, the Climate Finance Specialist will contribute to protecting children’s rights in the climate crisis and building a sustainable future for the most vulnerable populations in the region.

Scope of Work

• Enhance and strengthen the understanding and capacity on climate and innovate financing and partnerships in UNICEF ESARO and ESAR Country Offices.
• Increased and improved quality of climate finance concept notes and proposals especially linked to the unique profile (narrative) and positioning of UNICEF in the climate finance space.
• Capacity and understanding of climate finance improved among UNICEF ESARO and ESAR CO staff, both among climate, Partnerships, and specific sector colleagues.
• Hands-on support provided, and quality improved of climate finance and partnerships opportunities, for specific Country Offices and ESARO, to improve chances of securing climate finance for children.

Requirements:

• Education: Master’s Degree in Environment, Sustainability or Climate Finance, Climate Change, Economics, International Development, or a related field. (A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.)
• Minimum 8 years of relevant work experience in climate finance or related fields.
• Experience in developing and managing climate finance projects.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate and submit high-quality climate finance proposals to international donors.
• Experience in designing and delivering training sessions and webinars is preferred.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing climate finance projects, including monitoring and evaluation.
• Prior experience working in the African region is strongly preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Languages: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French or any of the UN languages is an asset.