In Sri Lanka, GGGI is partnering with the Climate Change Secretariat (CCS) of the Ministry of Environment (MoE) to implement the GCF Readiness project “Mobilizing International and Domestic Climate Finance and Private Investments for Climate Resilience in Sri Lanka”. This project strengthens institutional capacities at national and provincial levels, develops frameworks for mobilizing climate finance, and fosters private sector engagement in climate-resilient investments. 

The Sustainable Banking Consultant will provide technical leadership to strengthen the integration of environmental, social, and climate considerations within Sri Lanka’s financial sector. The consultant will guide the development of green credit instruments, support the operationalization of Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS), and facilitate the alignment of local financial institutions (LFIs) with international standards, including GCF requirements. This consultancy supports both national and subnational climate finance readiness by enhancing the capacity of LFIs, the NDA, and provincial stakeholders to mobilize and manage climate finance through inclusive, climate-aligned financial systems and instruments. 

The consultant will work closely with the NDA (Climate Change Secretariat, Ministry of Environment), the Sri Lanka Bankers’ Association (SLBA), the Sustainable Banking Initiative (SBI), selected LFIs, and provincial governments. The role requires deep experience in sustainable finance frameworks, environmental and social safeguards, green bond structuring, and climate finance access modalities. The consultant is expected to support both strategic and technical aspects of capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and tool development as part of GGGI’s implementation of the GCF Readiness project. 

• Conduct baseline assessments and develop gap-bridging strategies for LFIs related to E&S risk screening, green credit instruments, and blended finance readiness; 

• Provide tailored technical support to two LFIs to operationalize ESMS and prepare thematic bond frameworks aligned with international green bond standards; 

• Strengthen NDA capacity on climate finance instruments and gender-responsive planning, working in close collaboration with GESI consultant; 

• Support national and provincial-level stakeholders in accessing climate finance through PPP models, and contribute to the development of province-level climate finance roadmaps and capacity-building modules. 

The consultant will report to the Project Manager and work in close coordination with the GCF Readiness project team. The consultant will also liaise with relevant focal points from: 

• The Climate Change Secretariat (CCS), Ministry of Environment 

• The Ministry of Finance (as relevant) 

• Sri Lanka Bankers’ Association (SLBA) and Sustainable Banking Initiative (SBI) 

• Selected LFIs and the Colombo Stock Exchange (as relevant) 

• Provincial Councils, PCUs, and SCCs (via GGGI facilitation) 

The consultant will be expected to: 

• Participate in strategic planning and review meetings with GGGI and the NDA. 

• Facilitate technical consultations and workshops with financial sector stakeholders. 

• Coordinate with consultants supporting other outputs of the GCF Readiness project. 

• Ensure that all technical deliverables integrate gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) considerations, aligned with GCF guidance. 

DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Education & Professional Experience 

• Bachelor’s or Masters degree in economy, Finance, Business Administration or other related fields. An advanced degree in Finance, Economics or a relevant field is desired. 

• Minimum 5-8 years of sustainable banking professional experience, preferably matured in client facing roles in financial institutions or development agencies. 

• Prior experience support on the establishment of sustainable banking initiatives/networks/roundtables. 

Functional 

• Strong technical knowledge of environmental and social safeguards, blended finance, and financial structuring. 

• Experience engaging with financial institutions, regulators, and private sector stakeholders. 

• Proven ability to design training modules and facilitate capacity-building workshops. 

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and report-writing skills. 

• Fluent in English and Sinhala 

• Proactive, punctual, and able to meet deadlines under pressure.    
   

Corporate 

• Demonstrates GGGI’s values of integrity, inclusiveness, excellence, and innovation. 

• Commits to integrating gender and social inclusion across all deliverables. 

• Upholds professionalism and ethical standards in all engagements. 

• Works effectively in cross-sector and multi-stakeholder environments.