NDC Partnership Climate Finance Expert (Technical Specialist - Environmental) – Morocco (Homebased, Retainer)

To support mobilizing financial resources for mitigation and adaptation projects, Morocco seeks to mobilize a climate finance expert to assist the Climate change and Biodiversity Direction (DCDB) of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development (MTEDD), and work closely with the Climate Unite of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF). 

The expert will help enhance Morocco’s climate finance access, he/she should play a pivotal role in bridging technical capacities gap, provide specialized expertise and assist in advancing national climate finance related strategies and initiatives.

The expert will work closely with the MTEDD and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) to align efforts and ensure the successful implementation of Morocco climate finance strategies. He/she will also ensure coordination with the NDC Partnership Support Unit and the Partnership in-country Facilitator.  

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

The following responsibilities are part of the expert role to support the formulation and implementation of climate finance mechanisms in Morocco, specifically through the following key actions: 

Enhance access to Climate Finance Sources: 

• Research and identify potential sources of climate finance, including government grants, international climate funds, private sector investments, and other relevant funding mechanisms. 

• Provide expert guidance on mobilizing international climate finance and support leveraging private sector investments. 

• Evaluate the eligibility and suitability of different climate finance sources for specific projects in Morocco.

• Support the sectorial investment plan for NDC 3.0 projects.

• Draft and share a monthly progress report comprising work plan for next month. The report will be shared with the MTEDD, the MEF and the NDC Partnership Support Unit.

Support the MTEDD and work closely with the MEF/Climate Unit: 

• Provide technical assistance and policy recommendations for the MTEDD and enhance the coordination with the initiatives led by the MEF Climate Unit, particularly on: 

  • Green taxonomy development. 

  • Sovereign green bonds. 

  • Climate-related pricing and budget programming. 

  • Sectoral planning for climate financing. 

• Advise and assist in the design of innovative financial mechanisms for priority projects from the updated NDC (2025-2035), collaborating with national and international partners, public and private.

Support accessing Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness grants: 

• Support the preparation and submission of funding proposals for climate-related projects aligned with Morocco's NDC3.0 and other aligned climate policies. 

• Enhance Readiness activities for accessing GCF funding, in harmony and alignment with GCF readiness ongoing support.

• Develop 1 to 2 proposals to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) tailored to Morocco’s climate priorities from the country program and NDC 3.0 of Morocco.

Operationalization of the Climate Finance Working Group: 

• Provide strategic and technical advice to establish and streamline the operations of Morocco’s institutional Climate Finance Working Group involving also concerned partners for coordination purposes.

• Create a report outlining the operational framework for the Climate Finance Working Group, comprising a work plan for the upcoming 2 years.  

A summary report at the end of the assignment, reporting on the results delivered, lessons learned and recommendations for a follow up support (technical assistance, capacity building, partnerships development, etc) is expected. Sub-deliverables will be determined and adapted to the MTEDD and MEF needs and should be listed under the monthly report after a work plan established with government focal points and the Country Engagement Specialist.

• Advanced degree (Master or equivalent) preferably in finance, environmental economics, or a related field.

• Bachelor’s degree in a similar field and two additional years of experience (7 years in total).

Required

• With a Master’s degree, minimum of 5 years of experience in climate finance, projects financial structuring, and engagement with international funding mechanisms. 

• Knowledge of the country’s context of policy frameworks, national plans and strategies related to climate change is required.

Assets

• Strong knowledge of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) processes and requirements. 

• Proven expertise in developing green finance instruments (e.g., green bonds, taxonomies, carbon markets, etc). 

• Proficiency in French and English is required.