Technical Specialist Climate Finance, Panama City

Job Title : Technical Specialist Climate Finance - Panama

ID : 28021

Location : PANAMA CITY

Date of issue : 04/14/2025

Close Date : (Midnight, Rome Time) 05/06/2025

Organizational Unit : Envir. Climate Gender & Incl.

Full/Part Time : Full-Time

Regular/Temporary : Regular

Assignment Duration : 2 Years

Grade : P-3

Organizational Setting

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. It does so by investing in rural people. IFAD finances programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation.

The Office of Technical Delivery is responsible for providing expert technical guidance to IFAD teams engaged in the design and implementation of projects and programmes to deliver the high technical quality investments that facilitate rural transformation, and which comply with IFAD's mandate and operational policies. The Office ensures IFAD applies and disseminates state-of-the-art knowledge in its investments and evidence on strategic themes and encourages the innovative application of global knowledge and evidence in IFAD investments. This helps countries tackle complex development challenges in fostering inclusive and sustainable rural transformation including mainstreaming areas. The Office of Technical Delivery (OTD) is led by a Managing Director and is comprised of two (2) divisions: the Environment, Climate, Gender and Social Inclusion Division (ECG) and the Sustainable Production, Markets and Institutions Division (PMI).

The Environment, Climate, Gender and Social Inclusion Division (ECG) leads the mainstreaming of cross-cutting themes of environment and climate, gender, nutrition, youth, disability and indigenous peoples into IFAD's portfolio, and the implementation of social, environment and climate safeguards (SECAP), to strengthen the quality of IFAD's operations and programmes. ECG takes the technical lead to strengthen the quality of IFAD's operations and programmes ensuring that IFAD's operations are environmentally sustainable, climate change resilient, nutrition sensitive and inclusive of marginalized groups (particularly women, rural youth, Indigenous Peoples and persons with disabilities). In addition to strengthening the technical quality of operations, ECG provides its technical expertise in corporate strategies, policy engagement, resource mobilization, knowledge generation, and partnerships.

ECG is led by a Divisional Director and is comprised of four clusters: Environment and Climate (ECC), Climate and Environment External funds (CEF), Social Inclusion (SI) and Safeguards (SECAP).

The Technical Specialist (Climate Finance) works under the joint overall strategic, policy and management guidance of the Directors of LAC and ECG, and the direct supervision of the Lead Regional Technical Specialist (Environment and Climate).

Job Role

The Technical Specialist (Climate Finance) is a seasoned professional in the technical area of climate finance. The incumbent independently analyses technical and policy problems of concern to IFAD, intergovernmental bodies, and national authorities and provide substantive technical input to the development of policies, technical strategies and proposals.

The Technical Specialist (Climate Finance), will be responsible for providing expert advice and ensuring the successful design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of climate supplementary funds , with a specific focus on supporting the implementation of the GCF portfolio.

The position is located in IFAD Regional Office in Panama City, hosted by the Latin American and Caribbean Division (LAC),in LAC with a specific focus on supporting the implementation of the GCF portfolio in LAC.

Key Functions and Results

1.SUPPORTING THE MOBILIZATION OF CLIMATE FINANCE The Technical Specialist (Climate Finance) will support IFAD's efforts to mobilize increased levels of climate finance to be blended with IFAD's core investments, with a view to concretely support the implementation of countries' NDCs, NAPs, NBSAPs, etc. Responsibilities will include, inter alia:

• Support IFAD's resource mobilization efforts with GCF and other potential climate and environment funders;
• Support PTLs through the development of concept notes and project proposals, working closely with other relevant IFAD staff involved Review the quality of CNs and FPs, providing systematic assessment of proposals vis a vis GCF requirements and suggesting ways of enhancing their quality
• Support the PDT in responding to comments from GCF Sec and iTAP, when needed.
• Systematize the quality documentation in preparation for proposal submission and for reporting requirements of the approved projects along with GCF and IFAD project cycles
• Provide guidance on key sources of information and tools for project teams when developing their GCF projects and programs.
• Participate in country missions for formulation and implementation support of GCF projects.
• Aid coordination and participate in negotiations of Funding Activity Agreements (FAAs) on GCF projects.
• Support the recruitment of consultants that will be undertaking technical review of GCF projects (as part of interdivisional review) as well as interns that will support the work of the climate finance team.
• Support the development and implementation of an effective processes to manage IFAD's GCF pipeline.
• Screening of GCF project ideas (i.e. Project Screening Forms) and ICF requests.
• Coordinate the development of the IFAD Entity Work program for the GCF and any revisions or updates thereto.
• Review GCF policy and strategic documents.
• Monitor IFAD GCF project pipeline, tracking key metrics and progress on project development.
• Ensure effective coordination and engagement with relevant IFAD departments and divisions in undertaking the above tasks.

2. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT The Technical Specialist (Climate Finance) is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the planning and management of resources available to support the CEF-funded pipeline development and portfolio, including the IFAD Climate Facility, GCF management fees, etc. Responsibilities will include, inter alia:

• Coordinate allocation, oversight, management and reporting of resources available for GCF pipeline development and portfolio management (including the IFAD Climate Facility and CEF management fees), ensuring effective coordination and collaboration with relevant IFAD stakeholders, preparing resource allocation proposals for approval by senior management, and ensuring these resources are used and reported on in line with the policies of IFAD and the respective CEFs;
• Support the IFAD Climate Facility (ICF) divisional allocation annually, as well as coordinate the review project-specific ICF requests for GCF project designs, approval and allocation, and on-off costs related requests.
• Support the establishment of GCF fee divisional allocation and any revisions thereto, and coordinate the management of the GCF fee and liaise with FCD for annual progress report development.
• Coordinate the elaboration of progress report of IFAD grants for the design of GCF projects (e.g. Climate Finance Design Gap grant, GCF PPF, and IFAD Climate Facility)
• Facilitate effective coordination and collaboration within IFAD on GCF pipeline development.
• Support preparation of periodic corporate reports to the GCF.
• Ensure compliance with the accreditation conditions of the GCF.
• Support the reaccreditation exercises with GCF.

3. TECHNICAL AND POLICY ADVICE, KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND CAPACITY BUIDLING The Technical Specialist (Climate Finance) supports promoting high quality design and impact of GCF-funded operations. The incumbent ensures effective processes are in place to enhance the technical quality of CEF programming and to promote continuous generation, dissemination and utilization of lessons learned, good practices and innovations emerging from the design and implementation of GCF projects and new/innovative climate finance mechanisms. Responsibilities will include, inter alia:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of effective quality enhancement and review processes that foster high technical quality of projects funded by GCF.
• Contribute to initiatives to strengthen IFAD's knowledge and capacity to develop and implement GCF projects and new/innovative climate finance mechanisms and instruments.
• Promote the exchange, systematization and application of knowledge (best practices and lessons learned) related to climate finance within and outside IFAD.
• Participate in delivering GCF related trainings or knowledge management (KM) sessions.
• Contribute to the organisation of the inception workshops of IFAD-GCF projects, such as for instance by preparing and delivering jointly with the other divisions involved- the presentation on the specific requirements of GCF projects to IFAD staff in the country, the national counterparts, the Executing Entities and the PMU.
• Provide technical inputs into relevant chapters in IFAD publications (CAR, RIDE, etc.) and/or write technical blogs or other types of KM or communication products to contribute to ECG visibility.

4. PARTNERSHIP BUILDING AND REPRESENTATION The Technical Specialist (Climate Finance) contributes to the development of a network of strategic partnerships that can help advance IFAD's mandate and enhance its profile as a highly competent and reliable partner for countries in mobilizing climate finance through GCF projects and innovative finance mechanisms and instruments. Responsibilities will include, inter alia:

• Contribute to IFAD's strategic partnership building in the climate and environment space with a broad spectrum of partners, including with the CEFs, UNFCCC, CBD, UNCCD, MDBs, bi-lateral development agencies, private sector, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant potential partners and funders;
• Contribute to IFAD's partnership building efforts with Rome Based Agencies on GCF pipeline development and climate finance more broadly;
• Contribute to IFAD's representation at environment- and climate-related international, regional, inter-agency fora, meetings, seminars and conferences, and GCF Boards.
• Participate to the calls and meetings on GCF, with GCF as well as with countries when needed or AEs such as FAO and WFP.

5. CORPORATE ACTIVITIES FOR CLIMATE FINANCE PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT Working in close collaboration with OTD, DCO and other relevant divisions/departments, the Climate Finance Specialist contributes to corporate and strategic initiatives as required. In particular, the incumbent supports a common corporate strategic approach on resource mobilization of climate and environment finance, and leads on select thematic issues of corporate priority related to environment and climate. The incumbent also provides substantive inputs to corporate events, global meetings on climate finance, environment, climate change, and biodiversity as required:

• Finalisation of procedures for the design, review and approval of GCF projects from ECG side.
• Provide technical inputs for and coordinate potential update(s) of the eligibility criteria to be used for the screening of GCF projects for entry into IFAD pipeline;
• Harmonize with the M&E specialist in charge of GCF to create/adjust IFAD's IT systems to handle GCF projects (interface, repository of information, dashboard, M&E, GIS).

6. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS The Climate Finance Specialist is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the personal use of assigned IFAD resources, including equipment, supplies and, as applicable, staff or consultants supervised.

Under the joint overall strategic, policy and management guidance of the Directors ECG and LAC and the direct supervision of the Lead Regional Technical Specialist (Climate and Environment)t and in close coordination/collaboration with the Brazil and Mexico Country Directors (CD),the incumbent will provide expert advice on climate change and contribute to the implementation of LAC's supplementary climate finance strategy by coordinating the implementation and supervision of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Adaptation Fund (AF), and Green Climate Fund (GCF) portfolio, with emphasis on the Brazil Planting Climate Resilience Project (PCRP) and Mexico Basin Approach for Livelihood Sustainability through Adaptation Strategies (BALSAS) projects . The incumbent will:

• Liaise with the GEF/AF/GCF Secretariats, the Executing Entities, relevant government officials, project/programme co-financiers, donors, private sector, UN Agencies, international organizations, and other partners to ensure and strengthen the project implementation processes and contribute to understanding what works in project delivery and what does not;
• Support ECG/LAC's engagement in supervision and implementation support missions of assigned programmes/projects, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties;
• Appraise and finalize project implementation arrangements, and support the country teams in planning project supervision and implementation support work, including mission travel;
• Assist and advise the executing entities on the establishment of project management structure in the recipient country/countries;
• Assist project management to draft terms of reference (TOR) and advise on the selection of experts for implementation;
• Monitor and analyse programme/project development and implementation in an evidence informed manner;
• Identify problems and issues to be addressed, proposing corrective actions and tracking follow-up actions.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of the required implementation and supervision reports
• Identify synergies with other ongoing initiatives and platforms within IFAD, and develop and maintain strategic partnerships for the implementation of the climate supplementary funds programme of work in the region.
• Build strategic and result-oriented partnerships with international, regional, national and local institutions that operate in the LAC region to enhance enabling frameworks, institutional capacities and instruments to support the GEF/AF/GCF co-financed investment portfolio.
• Provide substantive support to climate finance related meetings, conferences, etc., including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.
• Manage environment and climate supplementary fee usage, tracking and planning to ensure efficient use of resources in alignment with regional strategic goals and operating rules of fee sources.

Key Performance Indicators

Assignments require the provision of professional expertise and technical leadership at the global, regional and national levels. The Climate Finance Specialist supports the expansion of the pipeline and portfolio of CCF projects and of innovative climate finance mechanisms and instruments, blended with IFAD's investments, to enhance the impact of the Fund and to increase the flow of climate finance to small-scale producers and rural areas. The incumbent coordinates the establishment of relevant procedures, systems and enabling conditions in IFAD to handle the growing climate pipeline and portfolio. He/she promotes the exchange of knowledge, best practices and lessons learnt, generated during the design and review of projects as well as during their implementation.

The Technical Specialist (Climate Finance) maintains the standards for IFAD's competence in the development of their assigned portfolio and specialization. The incumbent of the position demonstrates technical expertise and credibility in portfolio management and creates the foundation for IFAD's capacity and reputation for programme delivery and enhances its recognition as a reliable development partner. The incumbent provides substantive support in the development of country strategy, project design, partnership building and policy development and the foundation for enhancing sustainable government strategies and policies to improve the livelihoods of the poor and other disadvantaged groups

Working Relationships

The work relationships of the Climate Finance Specialist involves the provision of technical support for policy, programme development, resource mobilization, and the negotiation and resolution of problems that arise in mission planning, technical project appraisal or the preparation of studies and reports. Information-gathering and exchange in support of studies and thematic assignments may also include identifying reliable sources and establishing guidelines for obtaining information on national and sub-regional; conditions and to convey methodological approaches and operational experience for implementation of activities undertaken on behalf of the Fund.

In the context of programme development and delivery, the Technical Specialist (Climate Finance) ensures the exchange of information, advocates for programme and policy enhancements and ensures consistency and reliability in the provision of development assistance to the government. In collaboration with other members of the UN country team, bi-lateral development agencies, multilateral agencies, NGOs and country programme counterparts, the incumbent establishes and maintains professional relationships and projects the image of IFAD as a credible and reliable partner striving for harmonization of development activities.

Job Profile Requirements

Organizational Competencies:

Level 1:

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• Strategic thinking and organizational development: Strategic leadership and direction
• Demonstrating Leadership: Leads by example; initiates and supports change
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating: Challenges, innovates and contributes to a learning culture
• Focusing on clients: Contributes to a client-focused culture
• Problem solving and decision making: Solves complex problems and makes decisions that have wider corporate impact
• Managing time, resources and information: Coordinates wider use of time, information and/or resources
• Teamwork: Fosters a cohesive team environment
• Communicating and negotiating: Acquires and uses a wide range of communication styles and skills
• Building relationships and partnerships: Builds and maintains strategic and operational partnerships internally and externally

Education:

• Level - Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in a technically relevant area.
• Areas - Agriculture, Rural Development, Natural Resource Management, Environment, Climate Change, Economics etc.
• Degree must be an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php.

(*) Note: For internal candidates, this requirement will be assessed in line with the provisions set forth in the IFAD's Human Resources Implementing Procedures.

Experience:

• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in, and demonstrated understanding of international frameworks and initiatives related to environment and climate finance, climate change, biodiversity and environment.
• Three (3) years preferably in the United Nations or an international financial institution, or another multi-cultural organization or institution or a national organization providing support on a global scope.
• At least fire (5) years of experience in designing, implementing and/or portfolio management of GCF, GEF and/or AF projects and programmes in developing countries; Proven experience in climate finance, and nature related financing instruments; Experience in policy engagement and negotiation at the national, regional and global level on climate finance, climate change, environment, natural resource management and rural development is an asset;
• Experience in representing an organization at international fora, including requisite negotiation and communication skills, and interacting with donors and countries; Demonstrated experience and success in managing at a programme scale; Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds, and of diverse technical and professional backgrounds;

Languages:

• Required: English, Spanish (4 - Excellent)
• Asset: Portuguese (3 - Good)

Skills:

• Evidence-based policy, Know-how in the formulation of concrete and actionable policy recommendations based on hard evidence (going beyond simple data interpretation)
• Synthesis, Outstanding ability to synthesize and simplify complex technical information for a variety of (non-technical) audiences
• Written communication, Clear, succinct and convincing written communication in the language needed for specific role ; highly professional, balanced and diplomatic language (e.g. for drafting of position papers, briefings, etc.)
• Interpersonal skills, Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with others (e.g. visitors, clients, callers, etc.), including senior individuals (e.g. high-level meeting participants)
• Adaptability, Adaptability and flexibility when facing new or unexpected situations, and to specific constraints and circumstances and managing complex processes
• Corporate approach, Ability to bring in corporate vision and priorities into one's area of work (e.g. budgeting going beyond simple budgetary considerations, taking into account strategic priorities)
• Verbal communication, Clear, succinct and convincing verbal communication; highly professional, balanced and diplomatic language
• Problem solving, Strong systemic and structured thinking, ability to identify and dissect problems into components and formulate a comprehensive set of creative viable and sustainable solutions and strategies;
• Project/Programme management (incl. coordination, design, development), Know-how in Project design and evaluation
• Climate Finance, Finance that aims at reducing emissions, and enhancing sinks of greenhouse gases and aims at reducing vulnerability of, and maintaining and increasing the resilience of, human and ecological systems to negative climate change impacts (specifically GCF, but also keeping a close sight of GEF and/or AF, and other sources);
• Cross-cutting themes - Environment & climate change, Expertise specific to the environment and climate change cross-cutting theme (e.g. climate and environmental policy, biodiversity, agroecology);
• Knowledge strategy & management, Expertise in knowledge management & dissemination strategies; technical expertise related to roles in Knowledge Management (e.g. conceptualization, Technical expertise related to roles in Knowledge management).
• Programme/Project development, management, Know-how in Programme/Project development, implementation, management.
• Advocacy, Ability to leverage IFAD knowledge and/or communication materials to maintain and promote constructive dialogue around IFAD's vision and strategic priorities to external actors.
• Policy dialogue, Know-how in the representation of IFAD as a trusted and strategic partner; effective consultations with IFAD counterparts line ministries and governmental bodies at all administrative levels, donors, civil society.
• Political acumen, Ability to conduct sound political analysis and understand complex environments, providing options and advice.
• Collaboration, Successfully work toward a common goal with others by communicating clearly, actively listening to others, taking responsibility for mistakes, and respecting different perspectives of stakeholders.
• IFAD governance & mandate, In depth knowledge of IFAD's governance structure, mandate, strategic priorities and technical work.
• Analytical skills, Outstanding ability to analyse and synthesize qualitative and/or quantitative information from a variety of sources and filter out key insights and recommendations;
• Basic ICT & digital fluency, Expertise relevant to the specific role (e.g. in-depth, computer information systems, including micro-computer operating systems software, hardware and applications software and other office technology equipment), end-user computing configuration management;
• IFAD partners: Knowledge of IFAD's partners' functioning and mandate, such as the public sector (e.g. governments and policy, institutions, and system), non-state actors (NGOs, CSOs, Foundations, etc.) and private sector actors.
• Analytical skills: Outstanding ability to analyse and synthesize qualitative and/or quantitative information from a variety of sources and filter out key insights and recommendations.
• Time management: Adherence to deadlines under time constraints and pressure (e.g. to deliver governing body documents on time); ability to coordinate and manage complex workflows and in-house and external teams.
• Initiative and good judgment: High sense of proactive initiative-taking and good judgement (including on security matters).
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with others (e.g. visitors, clients, callers, etc.), including senior individuals (e.g. high-level meeting participants).
• Verbal communication: Clear, succinct, and convincing verbal communication; highly professional, balanced, and diplomatic language.
• Written communication: Clear, succinct, and convincing written communication in the language needed for specific role; highly professional, balanced, and diplomatic language (e.g. for drafting of position papers, briefings, etc.)
• Loans & grants: Know-how in designing loan and grant operations and managing loan and grant preparation process.
• Policy dialogue: Know-how in the representation of IFAD as a trusted and strategic partner, advocating and promoting.
• IFAD's mandate and vision; effective consultations with IFAD counterparts - like ministries and governmental bodies at all administrative levels, donors, civil society.
• Topical expertise - Programme Management for Agricultural Development: Expertise relevant to the specific role (e.g. For ethics office assistant, procedures outlined in the Code of Conduct, Discipline and Anti-harassment provisions of applicable rules and guidelines).
• Project/Programme management (incl. coordination, design, development): Know-how in Project design and evaluation.

Other Information

Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD. In accordance with IFAD's Human Resources Policy, the President can decide to assign them to any of the activities of the Fund. All International Professional staff members are required to be geographically mobile and positions in the professional category are subject to changes in location at any time in line with strategic priorities and reform initiatives in IFAD.

In the interest of making most cost-effective use of funds and resources, we are only able to respond to applicants who are short-listed for interview. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful. Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.

IFAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic, social or political background, colour, nationality, religion, age, gender, disability, marital status, family size or sexual orientation.

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In accordance with IFAD's provisions, all new staff members will normally be placed at the first step in the grade level for which they have been selected. For information on IFAD's remuneration package, please visit IFAD's compensation and benefits page on our website. Applicants are invited to use the ICSC compensation calculator to estimate the salary and benefit entitlements. See here.