Consultant in Private Sector Engagement for Climate Change

The consultant in Private sector engagement for climate change will contribute to catalyze and strengthen private‑sector engagement in climate change adaptation planning in Panama by achieving the following specific objectives: - Conduct a baseline analysis to characterize the private sector landscape in Panama, identifying key actors, vulnerabilities, barriers, opportunities, and potential resources for engagement in adaptation across the NDC adaptation themes. - Assess the potential role of the private sector in adaptation, including the identification of adaptation innovations, technologies, financial instruments, and blended business models to scale up adaptation investment. - Develop a sustainable private sector engagement strategy that proposes mechanisms to mainstream adaptation in private sector planning, investments, and decision-making, and identifies climate-resilient investment opportunities and public-private partnerships for adaptation action. - Develop guidelines and capacity-building materials to strengthen the capacities of private sector actors to integrate climate-related risks and adaptation options into their decision-making processes. - Generate robust analytical inputs, identifying investment opportunities, and designing actionable strategies that support the effective implementation of Panama’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). - Provide technical and policy guidance to foster Private-Public Partnerships for adaptation. - Develop evidence‑based recommendations to mobilize private capital and foster an environment conducive to resilient business models. - Develop tailored communication materials to raise private sector awareness on national adaptation priorities, climate scenarios and risks, and climate-resilient investment opportunities. - Support organization and documentation of private sector workshops, including reports and participant lists. - By bridging technical analysis with strategic outreach, the consultant will ensure that private‑sector stakeholders are equipped and motivated to integrate climate adaptation into their operations, investments, and long‑term planning. - Liaise with national government institutions, private sector actors, and project partners. The consultant in Private sector engagement for climate change will contribute to the effective implementation of the project by conducting the following deliverables: 1. Technical Report of Baseline of Private Sector Engagement in Adaptation 2. Private Sector Guideline for Awareness & Capacity Building 3. Training & Workshop Report on the Awareness Guideline 4. Proposal of Private Sector Engagement Strategy 5. Private Sector Integration Inputs for the NAP and Thematic Adaptation Plans 6. Private Sector engagement strategy Workshop and drafts proposal of cooperation Agreements Package 7. Communication Pieces for Private Sector Engagement in Climate Change Adaptation Output 3.3.1 — Private sector investments in adaptation promoted Deliverable: Product 1: Inception Work Plan & Private Sector Engagement Methodology A detailed work plan for the execution and elaboration of all products. The consultant´s work plan will include as minimum: o Proposed methodology for the development of all consultancy deliverables o 12 month Gantt (timeline) with milestones and interdependencies. o The approach for stakeholder engagement, roles & coordination mechanisms with government, NAPCP&WG, private actors. o Methods for market landscaping, pipeline origination, bankability assessment, and transaction support. o Stakeholder map (chambers, SMEs, corporates, banks/DFIs, insurers, utilities, agribusiness, health providers, infrastructure operators). o Data strategy (access, QA/QC, confidentiality protocols for commercially sensitive information). o Validation/socialization plan (sector clinics, investor roundtables, public private dialogues). o Risk register (policy, market, fiduciary, E&S, gender) and mitigation actions. o The product should be delivered in: PDF + editable files Output 3.3.1 — Private sector investments in adaptation promoted Activity 3.3.1.1 and 3.3.1.2 Deliverable: Product 2: Technical Report — Baseline of Private Sector Engagement in Adaptation (Deliverable 3.3.1.1) A comprehensive and in-depth assessment of private sector engagement in climate change adaptation, including current initiatives, readiness levels, and current investments. The report should include as minimum content: o Mapping of key private sector actors and stakeholders o Minutes of private stakeholder workshops o Sector snapshots for water, agriculture & food security, health, and infrastructure: hazards, impacts, current practices. o Assessment of current adaptation initiatives and practices being implemented by the private sector, including sectoral examples and lessons learned. o Private sector readiness assessment, including technical, financial, and institutional capacities to engage in adaptation actions. o Identification of financial instruments and revisions to the legal and policy framework needed in Panama to support private sector engagement and investment in adaptation o Identification of barriers and challenges to private sector engagement policy, regulatory, financial, and information-related constraints. o Identification of priority areas and potential pipelines for near-term adaptation investments. o Integration of gender considerations, including analysis of differentiated roles, needs, and opportunities for men and women within the private sector. o Benchmarking of private sector engagement experiences in climate change adaptation from other countries, highlighting relevant best practices and lessons learned applicable to the national context. o Annexes: survey tools, interview guides, stakeholder consultation minutes, stakeholder lists, data sources. The baseline findings on private financial instruments and policy frameworks shall serve as a key input for the consultancy in climate finance. Both consultants are expected to work in close coordination and collaboration on the development of deliverables related to financial instruments (Deliverable 3.3.1.2) and blended business models to scale up adaptation investment (Deliverable 3.3.1.5). o The product should be delivered in: PDF + editable files Output 3.3.2 — Capacities of the private sector strengthened Activity 3.3.2.1 Deliverable: Product 3: Private Sector Guideline for Awareness & Capacity Building (Deliverable 3.3.2.1) This will include a practical guideline aimed at raising awareness and strengthening the capacities of private sector actors to integrate climate risks and adaptation measures into their decision-making processes. • Minimum contents: o Introduction to climate change adaptation, including key concepts, relevance for the private sector, and links to national priorities (NAP). o Overview of climate risks and impacts, including physical risks and their implications for business operations and value chains, aligned with international standards such as TCFD, IFRS, among others. o Methodologies to identify, assess, and manage climate risks, including physical risk identification, assessment, management, and disclosure practices. o Integration of adaptation into business decision-making, including practical steps to incorporate climate risk considerations into planning, operations, and investment decisions. o Sector-specific examples and case studies (water, agriculture and food security, health, infrastructure), illustrating practical adaptation measures and good practices. o Tools and practical guidance for private sector actors, including simplified approaches suitable for SMEs. o Gender and social safeguards considerations, including guidance on integrating inclusive approaches and social safeguards into adaptation planning and implementation. o Recommendations for strengthening private sector engagement in adaptation, including entry points and opportunities aligned with national frameworks. o Outputs: o Guideline document (PDF) and supporting materials+ editable templates; dissemination brief. Output 3.3.2 — Capacities of the private sector strengthened Activity 3.3.2.2 Deliverable: Product 4: Training & Workshop Report on the Awareness Guideline Delivered at least two trainings workshops. (Deliverable 3.3.2.2) The Report will include: the summary of the training materials; participant lists (gender disaggregated); pre/posttests; feedback analysis; recommendations for institutionalization with chambers/associations, private sector representatives and financial sector institutes. Output 3.3.1 — Private sector investments in adaptation promoted Activity 3.3.1.3 Activtiy 3.3.1.2 Output 3.2.4: National Adaptation Plan and thematic adaptations plans for the water resources, agriculture and food security, health and infrastructure developed. Deliverable: Product 5: Proposal of Private Sector Engagement Strategy, and Private Sector Integration Inputs for the NAP and Thematic Adaptation Plans (Deliverable 3.3.1.3 and intermediate Deliverable 3.3.1.2) Private sector engagement strategy: Development of a targeted strategy to strengthen private sector engagement and investment in climate change adaptation, based on the findings of the baseline assessment and stakeholder consultations. The strategy shall include, at a minimum: o Mechanisms to mainstream adaptation into private sector planning, investments, and decision-making processes, both at a general level and tailored to priority sectors (agriculture and food security, water, health, and infrastructure), as well as to different private sector segments (e.g., SMEs, large corporates, utilities, agribusiness, health, infrastructure, finance), including value propositions and incentives. o Identification of climate-resilient investment opportunities, including priority sectors, aligned with the NAP. o Approaches to facilitate private sector participation in adaptation-related investments, including enabling conditions, entry points, and tailored approaches by private sector segment (e.g., SMEs, large corporates, financial institutions), considering incentives and barriers. o Framework to catalyze public–private partnerships (PPPs) for adaptation actions, including coordination with relevant public institutions and platforms (e.g., NAP CP&WG). o Recommendations for appropriate financial instruments and policy framework revisions needed to catalyze private sector engagement and investment in adaptation, including the identification of blended business models to scale up adaptation investment. These recommendations serve as a key input for the individual consultant in climate finance and CPEIR. (Deliverable 3.3.1.2) o Consideration of gender and social inclusion aspects in private sector engagement. o Summary of stakeholder consultations informing the strategy. Private sector integration inputs for the NAP and thematic adaptation plans shall include, at least: (Intermediate deliverable for output 3.2.4.)) • Private sector roles, priority investments, enabling measures, indicative budgets, and sequencing. • Cross-sectoral linkages and investment across thematic areas. • Implementation modalities (corporate, PPP, utility capex, blended finance) and monitoring indicators for private investment mobilization and resilience results. o The products should be delivered in: PDF + editable files Output 3.3.1 — Private sector investments in adaptation promoted Activity 3.3.1.4 Deliverable: Product 6: Private Sector engagement strategy Workshop and drafts proposal of cooperation Agreements Package (Deliverable 3.3.1.4) Design and deliver a two-day national workshop with the private sector and the NAPCP&WG to encourage participation and investment in climate change adaptation technologies and strategies to mobilize partnerships. Deliverable Components: 1. Workshops Methodologies- Agenda and Materials: Two-day agenda workshop addressing related themes such as the value of ecosystem goods and services, Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) solutions, and climate resilient investment opportunities across priority sectors. Includes presentations, technical briefs, and sector breakout sessions if needed. 2. Workshop Reports: Executive summary, Gender-disaggregated attendance list with institutional representation feedback analysis of the private sector strategy, identified mechanisms for mainstreaming adaptation in private sector planning and investments, and linkages with the adaptation financing strategy (Outcome 3.4). 3. Draft Cooperation Agreements Package: Minimum of 2 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and/ or draft MoUs/LoIs to encourage investment in climate change adaptation technologies and strategies. Output 3.3.2 Capacities of the private sector strengthened to understand and respond to climate vulnerability and risk Activity 3.3.2.3 Deliverable: Product 7: Communication Pieces for Private Sector Engagement in Climate Change Adaptation (Deliverable 3.3.2.3) • Development of tailored communication materials aimed at raising awareness and strengthening engagement of private sector actors in climate change adaptation, based on the findings of Deliverables 3.3.1.1, 3.3.1.2, and 3.3.2.1. The communication materials at least shall include: • Two communication pieces targeting private sector audiences. Key messages tailored to the private sector, including: o National adaptation priorities and sectoral focus areas. o Climate change scenarios, risks, and potential impacts on business operations. o Available adaptation solutions, including sector-specific examples where relevant. o Opportunities for climate-resilient investments. • The materials shall consider: o Integration of findings from the private sector baseline and guideline, ensuring consistency and alignment of messaging. o Incorporation of gender considerations, including key findings where relevant. o Alignment with the project outreach and communication strategy (Output 3.1.2). Outputs: Policy briefs and comms assets. Specific tasks and responsibilities The consultant in Private sector engagement for climate change must develop and conduct the following tasks to fulfill the objectives, products and deliverables of the consultancy, as well as any other activity that the Deputy regional director of UNEP LACO, the project management unit of the directorate of climate change from Ministry of environment of Panama required: • Develop a comprehensive baseline analysis to identify key actors, barriers, needs, and opportunities to foster private sector engagement in adaptation planning. • Prepare tailored communication materials targeting the private sector, including key messages on climate change scenarios, risks, adaptation solutions, and investment opportunities. • Produce a technical report assessing the potential role of the private sector in advancing climate change adaptation, including current practices, challenges, and opportunities. • Design and facilitate sensitization and capacity-building workshops with relevant private sector stakeholders to present climate risks, adaptation opportunities, and practical approaches to enhance resilience. • Develop a Private Sector Engagement Strategy to strengthen and scale up the participation of private sector actors in adaptation planning and implementation. • Design and deliver a national two-day workshop with private sector stakeholders and the NAPC&WG to promote investment in climate change adaptation, including the preparation of agendas, materials, workshop reports, and draft cooperation agreements (e.g., EOIs, MoUs, or LoIs) to catalyze partnerships.

Home-based

8 MONTHS

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP, through its Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LAC Office), located in Panama City, Panama works closely with the 33 countries of the region – including 16 small island developing States – with a population of about 588 million people. The office works to serve the needs of the region, and its activities are integrated into the work programs approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly of UNEP (UNEA). The office works towards the implementation of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the new Paris Agreement and the priority actions defined in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and National Adaptation Plans (NAP) of the region. In terms of supporting countries in the region attain the global commitments signed within the framework of the Paris Agreement, the Latin America and the Caribbean UNEP Sub-programme on Climate Change aims at strengthening the ability of countries to move towards climate-resilient and low emission strategies for sustainable development and human well-being. In this framework, the UNEP Sub-programme on Climate Change, through its Climate Change Unit, leads and supports several initiatives oriented at designing, promoting and implementing innovative mitigation and adaptation solutions at the national and subnational level, and strengthening the transparency framework of the countries. The expected accomplishment regarding climate change adaptation is that adaptation approaches, including the Nature based Solutions with an ecosystem-based approach, are implemented and integrated into key sectoral and national development strategies to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience to climate change impacts. Furthermore, the UNEP’s Sub-programme on Climate Change is also committed to ensure that cross-cutting issues such as gender equity and women empowerment are effectively integrated in the development of its tasks to guarantee an equitable development in line with its adaptation objectives. In this context, the Ministry of Environment of Panama and UNEP, have agreed on the implementation of the project Building capacity for the development of the National Adaptation Plan in the context of the NDCs adaptation themes in Panama, framed within the Readiness program of the Green Climate Fund. The project is aimed at building sustainable country capacity and strengthen stakeholder engagement to plan, finance, implement, monitor, and report strategic adaptation processes and communicate knowledge about climate change adaptation. The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process will cover ten adaptation themes in total, which are in accordance with Panama’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (presented to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change - UNFCCC in 2020) to ensure alignment with national climate change strategies and priorities. The project seeks to achieve its components and objective through: • Adaptation planning, governance and institutional coordination strengthened. • Evidence basis produced to design adaptation solutions for maximum impact. • Private sector engagement in adaptation catalyzed; and • Adaptation finance increased. To fulfill the objectives of the project, the UNEP LACO Office is recruiting a Consultant in Private sector engagement for climate change to provide technical expertise in the design and the delivery of private sector engagement activities for the implementation of the Green Climate Fund funded project as set in the funding proposal document. The Consultant will bring international best practices while ensuring strong contextualization to the Panamanian institutional and market context. The Consultant in Private sector engagement for climate change will operate home based, under the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Director UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office. Additionally, he/she will work in close collaboration with UNEP´s Adaptation team, the Directorate of Climate Change of the Ministry of Environment in Panama, Project Management Unit, other national consultants and government and non-governmental counterparts. Travel might be needed for consultation processes.

ACADEMIC • Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, economics, finance, Environmental Sciences, engineering, climate change, international relations, Social Sciences, or another closely related field is required. • Master’s degree in economics, finance, climate change, Sustainable Development, business administration, sustainability, or a related discipline relevant to climate adaptation and private-sector engagement is required. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE ● A minimum of (3) three years of relevant professional experience and expertise in working with Private sector, in stakeholder engagement, environment- related activities or climate change actions and investment is required. ● Demonstrated experience adaptation planning, including vulnerability assessments, private‑sector diagnostics in climate risks or climate-resilient investment analysis is required. ● Proven experience in climate finance, including familiarity with financial instruments, blended finance models, and market mechanisms to incentivize private-sector investment in adaptation is desired. ● Experience developing or contributing to strategies, policies, or guidelines, preferably related to private sector in climate change, sustainability, or resilience assessment is desired. ● Knowledge of the institutional and policy environment regarding private sector engagement in environmental and/or climate change in Latin America and the Caribbean. ● Experience in preparing technical reports, analytical assessments, policy recommendations, or similar high‑quality written deliverables is desired. ● Experience designing or supporting capacity‑building activities, such as workshops, trainings, or stakeholder consultations is desired. ● Experience in the LAC region is highly desirable; previous work with UN system or internation organizations is a strong asset. SPECIAL SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE SKILLS • Strong knowledge of private-sector engagement methodologies, including market assessments, stakeholder mapping, and partnership development. • Solid understanding of climate adaptation concepts, climate risk, resilience planning, and the enabling environment for private-sector participation. • Ability to assess and design financial instruments and blended finance mechanisms for adaptation investment. • Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working with: Private companies, Chambers of commerce, Government institutions, Development partners, Civil society and community stakeholders. • Ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships across diverse sectors. • Strong knowledge of gender integration approaches within climate or development projects. • Excellent analytical, reporting, and communication skills, with proven capacity to transform complex information into accessible deliverables. • Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and deliver high‑quality outputs within deadlines. • High degrees of professionalism, discretion, initiative, and responsibility. PROFESSIONALISM Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. He/she shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining trust and respect; identifying clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. COMMUNICATION Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. TEAMWORK Is able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve organizational goals and to take leadership when appropriate; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses efficiently.

● Fluency in Spanish is required ● Confident English is desirable

Not available.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.