Climate Change International Consultant

Libya faces significant challenges in accessing and mobilizing climate finance to address the pressing impacts of climate change on its economy, infrastructure and vulnerable communities. Despite being a signatory to global climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement (not ratified by the House of representatives yet), the country’s engagement with major climate funds such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Adaptation Fund remains limited. This is largely due to persistent institutional, technical and operational bottlenecks, including a lack of accredited/executing entities, limited capacity for policy and proposal formulation, as well as  fragmented coordination among government agencies and international development partners.

Libya’s key vulnerabilities to climate change demand immediate and sustained attention, particularly given their interconnected nature and compounding effects on socio-economic stability and environmental resilience. Addressing these challenges requires a strategic approach that prioritizes water scarcity, declining agricultural productivity, coastal risks, and public health concerns. These vulnerabilities not only exacerbate Libya’s exposure to climate impacts but also impede its ability to pursue sustainable development.

Water scarcity is among the most pressing issues, with less than 2% of the country receiving adequate rainfall for agriculture. Libya relies heavily on non-renewable groundwater sources like the Great Man-Made River, which are being rapidly depleted. Rising temperatures and prolonged droughts have intensified this stress, necessitating sustainable water management solutions to secure long-term water availability. Similarly, agricultural productivity is declining due to erratic precipitation and increasing heat, with projections indicating a potential 30% reduction in crop yields by 2060. This trend threatens food security and disproportionately affects rural livelihoods, further driving poverty and urban migration.

Coastal regions, home to the majority of Libya’s population, are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Rising sea levels and infrastructure degradation pose significant risks to communities and economic activities concentrated along the Mediterranean coast. Furthermore, public health is increasingly at risk, as higher temperatures and extreme weather events contribute to waterborne diseases and heat-related illnesses, straining the country’s fragile health systems. These vulnerabilities highlight the critical need for targeted climate adaptation measures and international support to bolster Libya’s resilience and safeguard its future.

Effectively addressing Libya’s climate vulnerabilities requires a comprehensive, well-coordinated approach supported by substantial international climate finance. Vertical climate funds are critical for providing the resources needed to implement large-scale adaptation and mitigation measures. However, governance and institutional barriers, including political instability and fragmented institutions, significantly limit Libya’s ability to respond effectively to climate change. These challenges hinder the development of cohesive climate policies, complicate access to international finance, and obstruct the implementation of adaptation projects.

Through targeted investments and strategic engagement with climate funds, Libya can build institutional capacity, strengthen its resilience, and implement sustainable development initiatives to address its most pressing vulnerabilities. Bridging gaps in coordination, funding and expertise will require both technical and financial support, underpinned by a clear and inclusive strategy to enhance the country’s engagement with global climate finance mechanisms. This approach is essential to ensuring Libya can proactively address the escalating impacts of climate change and secure a sustainable future.

The objective of this consultancy is to comprehensively assess Libya’s current engagement with key climate finance mechanisms and multilateral frameworks, identify barriers and challenges hindering effective participation and propose actionable solutions to enhance the country’s access to and utilization of international climate finance. This work aims to establish a clear and strategic pathway for Libya to strengthen its institutional capacities, streamline its processes, and align its climate priorities with the requirements of major climate funds and frameworks.

The Consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive assessment of Libya’s engagement with key climate finance mechanisms and multilateral frameworks, identifying barriers and challenges, and proposing actionable solutions to enhance the country’s access to climate finance. The following are the key duties and responsibilities to be carried out:

1.Develop a detailed workplan for the assignment

The Consultant will prepare a comprehensive workplan outlining the methodology, timeline and key deliverables for the assignment. This will include identifying data sources, stakeholder groups and necessary consultations to ensure a systematic approach. The workplan should also address potential risks and propose mitigation measures to ensure timely and effective delivery of the consultancy outputs. The workplan will be submitted to our client for validation and alignment with project objectives.

2.Map the current engagement landscape

Conduct a thorough review of Libya’s existing engagement with international climate finance mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Adaptation Fund. The Consultant will analyze the country’s alignment with multilateral frameworks, including the NDC Partnership and identify gaps in its current climate finance strategy. This task will include reviewing relevant policies, institutional arrangements and processes to provide a clear picture of Libya’s current standing.

3.Identify institutional and operational barriers

Assess the key barriers hindering Libya’s ability to effectively engage with climate finance mechanisms. This includes identifying systemic, technical and governance-related challenges, as well as gaps in coordination among stakeholders. The Consultant will evaluate institutional readiness, existing policy frameworks, and the capacity of national institutions to meet the requirements of major climate funds.

4.Prioritize strategic entry points

Define and analyze critical areas where Libya can improve its readiness and alignment with the operational frameworks of key climate finance mechanisms. The Consultant will identify actionable opportunities to enhance Libya’s engagement, such as capacity-building initiatives, policy updates and coordination mechanisms. This will involve proposing short- and medium-term priorities to facilitate Libya’s integration into international climate finance processes.

1.Design Action Plan

Develop a clear and actionable framework to guide Libya’s efforts in strengthening institutional capacities, improving stakeholder coordination, and aligning policies with climate fund requirements. This framework will outline key milestones, deliverables, and mechanisms to address identified gaps and ensure a sustainable approach to climate finance engagement. The Consultant will also propose indicators to monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented measures.

The Consultant will be required to undertake an in-country mission to Libya to engage directly with key stakeholders, including government ministries, relevant agencies, civil society organizations and international partners. This engagement will provide critical insights into the institutional and operational context, facilitate the collection of first-hand information, and ensure that the proposed Action Plan is aligned with the priorities and expectations of all stakeholders. The mission will also serve as an opportunity to validate preliminary findings, gather feedback on proposed recommendations, and foster collaborative discussions to ensure the Action Plan is practical, actionable, and tailored to Libya’s specific climate finance needs

The consultancy is estimated to take 30 working days, including one visit mission to Libya. The international consultant is expected to be home based and reporting directly to our client Libya Country Office in Tripoli.

Technical skills: in-depth knowledge of climate finance mechanisms, climate adaptation and mitigation strategies and institutional capacity-building;

Analytical skills: ability to synthesize complex information, identify barriers and opportunities, and develop clear, actionable solutions;

Communication skills: strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex findings in a clear and concise manner;

Stakeholder engagement: proven ability to engage and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, donors, and civil society organizations;

Problem-solving ability: strong capacity to think strategically and propose innovative solutions tailored to specific contexts;

Cultural sensitivity: ability to work effectively in diverse cultural and socio-political settings, demonstrating cultural and gender sensitivity;

      Project management: strong organizational skills, with a proven ability to manage timelines, deliverables   and stakeholder expectations in a complex working environment 

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Proven experience in conducting institutional assessments and developing actionable roadmaps or strategic plans for climate finance engagement;

Strong understanding of the operational frameworks and requirements of major climate finance mechanisms and multilateral frameworks like the Paris Agreement;
Familiarity with the socio-political and economic contexts of fragile or conflict-affected states;