NDCP Climate Investment Advisor (Technical Specialist - Environmental) – Lesotho (Retainer Homebased)

The embedded Advisor is also expected to support and coordinate the following tasks: 

Development of Lesotho’s costed NDC Implementation Plan

1. Develop a results-based framework that includes outcomes, outputs, performance indicators, activities, timelines, milestones, and targets. This framework should address needs related to policy and planning, measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems, capacity building, and climate finance. 

2. Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses to evaluate the contribution of prioritized actions towards achieving Lesotho’s NDC targets.

3. Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses to evaluate the contribution of prioritized actions in achieving NDC targets.

4. Perform a situational assessment covering:

•  Provide an overview of processes specific to climate action, including policy and regulatory frameworks.

• Analyze existing climate investment strategies and project pipelines.

• Identify national economic and development indicators linked to the NDC and sector action plans.

• Conduct a comprehensive mapping of climate investment-related projects and programs across line ministries, sub-national entities, the private sector, and development partners to assess the availability of existing support.

• Identify relevant stakeholders, their roles, and responsibilities, including the CSOs, vulnerable groups and the private sector in a stakeholder mapping report. Highlight inter-ministerial coordination and development partner mechanisms for climate investment.

• Assess the capacity gaps within relevant line ministries and sectors, focusing on issues related to climate finance and investment.

Development of Lesotho’s NDC Investment Plan

1. Identify and prioritise climate investment projects.

2. Identify budgets or estimated costs of priority actions and projects for implementation.

3. Support sectors in preparation of concept notes for resource mobilization.

4. Support the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, in collaboration with LMS, to convene climate investor roundtables/coordination meetings. 

5. Solicit input from the line ministries and other expertise from agencies within the Government and private sector to develop a pipeline of climate investment projects.

6. Conduct initial due diligence of project proposals and assessment of bankability through the preparation of Project Information Notes (PINs).

7. Identify potential sources of finance including climate finance or blended finance windows and support the development of suitable funding proposals and proposals to access project preparation facilities. 

8. Submit quarterly reports summarizing the support provided, quality control efforts, and progress on mobilizing climate finance and implementing the NDC Investment Plan.

9. Review and provide feedback on the NDC Implementation Plan and NDC Investment Plan developed by the expert team to ensure alignment with national priorities and technical soundness.

Capacity building for stakeholders on climate finance

1. Develop and implement a capacity building program on climate investment planning and mobilization. Conduct a capacity needs assessment to identify knowledge gaps among stakeholders and design a program to address these gaps through workshops and training sessions, ensuring a clear understanding of climate investment planning and mobilization objectives. Operationalize the program with follow-up support to enable practical application.

2. Support the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning in accessing technical assistance: Facilitate technical assistance for the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to strengthen its capacity to supervise and implement climate finance initiatives effectively. Provide mentoring and on-the-job training to ensure long-term institutional capacity development.

3. Document success stories and organize learning events: Capture and document success stories, best practices, and lessons learned to create accessible knowledge products. Organize inclusive learning events for ministries, CSOs, and private sector stakeholders to promote peer learning and enhance their engagement.

4. Develop an Annual Work Plan with the Country Engagement Specialist and the relevant government officials to structure work timelines and planning.

Logistics and Reporting 

The Advisor will work with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry under the Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS), collaborating closely with the Director and will report to the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist. S/he will collaborate closely with the NDC focal points and the NDC Partnership Support Unit. 

This is a retainer national vacancy/position for twelve 12 months, maximum of 220 working days, with the possibility of an extension based on performance and the availability of funds. 

* This is a Home-based position, meaning the incumbent will be expected to work from government offices in Lesotho and not work from a UNOPS office or home. Additionally, the incumbent will need to take their own laptop, equipped with all the relevant software, to government facilities.

** As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of Lesotho or have a valid residence permit in the Country.

*** Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.