Background Information - Job-specific
WEC Background:
The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna, and with offices based globally is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolio Office. The Portfolio has built strong partnerships and is effectively managing a portfolio of over 500 million USD over the last 15 years to support key initiatives with fund management, project implementation and administrative support. WEC effectively operationalizes partners' agendas with global approaches, as well as regional and country specific activities focused on climate action, protection and conservation of the environment. Partners profit from WECโs ability to operationalize and/or scale up their important substantive agendas, including in support of key multilateral environmental and climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, the Cartagena Convention as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.
The NDC Partnership:
The NDC Partnership is a global coalition of countries and institutions collaborating to drive transformational climate action through sustainable development. In 2015, the world endorsed the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Nations signal their commitments to the Paris Agreement through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) - each countryโs strategy to cut its own greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience against the negative effects of a changing climate. The Partnership advances the goals of the Paris Agreement by bringing together nearly 200 countries and institutions in new ways to accelerate NDC implementation and enhance ambition over time. The Partnershipโs work through 120 partners supporting almost 80 countries produces many examples of impact, lessons learned and ideas for the future. The Partnership is governed by a Steering Committee, co-chaired by two country representatives. The Partnershipโs work is facilitated by a Support Unit based at World Resources Institute in Washington DC and the UNFCCC Secretariat in Bonn, Germany. UNOPS supports the NDC Partnership and its Support Unit through the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC).The NDC Partnership works in close collaboration with the Pacific Regional NDC Hub.
Country Context
Fiji is a member of the NDC Partnership and as part of Paris Agreement, Fiji has submitted its first Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2015 committing to reduce its Green House Gas emissions (GHG) by 30% by 2030 with major focus in energy sector. Building on to the target, Fijiโs NDC Implementation Roadmap in 2017 focuses on electricity and transportation sector. Fiji's NDCs are based on the energy sector and the Roadmap focuses on three energy subsectors and highlights short (2018-2020), medium (2021-2025) and long (2026-2030) term actions required in these subsectors to achieve the 30 % emissions reduction target.
Fiji submitted an updated NDC in 2020. The updated NDC confirmed Fijiโs commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by the year 2050 while reaffirming to achieve 30% Business as Usual (BAU) emissions reduction from a Business as Usual (BAU) scenario. Of the 30% reduction of BAU baseline carbon dioxide emissions, Fiji envisions to achieve 10% emission reductions which will be achieved โunconditionallyโ using available resources in the country and 20% achieved โconditionally โand further committed to reduce domestic maritime shipping emissions by 40% . It also aims to derive 100% of national electricity production from renewable energy sources by 2030.
Fiji has published its NDC Investment Plan in 2022 that entails program pipelines for the transport (land, maritime, and aviation) and energy efficiency sectors. The NDC Investment Plan identifies options for low carbon development and possible financing options. Based on these options, the most promising investment opportunities will be further developed into a project pipeline of concept notes. This plan is our bridge between climate policy-makers and investors, providing all multilateral and bilateral partners and private sector stakeholders the clear, confidence-boosting signal they need to invest in Fiji in support of our transition towards a low carbon economy consistent with the Paris Agreementโs 1.5-degree guardrail.
Fiji is in the process of developing its NDC3.0, with the intention of submission by end of 2025. Fiji is also preparing for next steps after submission, including planning for the development of a Costed Implementation Plan.
Working Arrangements:
The Specialist will work with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (Climate Finance Unit), collaborating closely with the Ministry of Finance (Budget Division, Strategic Planning Office, Fiscal Policy and Treasury Division), Department of Energy in the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport and line ministries to ensure whole-of-government coordination.
This is a retainer national vacancy/position, with a maximum of 220 days per year until March 2027. The position is advertised as home-based meaning it is not working from a UNOPS office, but from the government facilities. The incumbent will need to use his/her own laptop and software.
** As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of Fiji or have a valid residence permit in the Country.
*** Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Functional Responsibilities
The Climate Finance Specialist is specifically tasked with operationalizing Fiji's climate finance ambitions as articulated in its NDC and related national strategies. This will be achieved by providing targeted expertise and leadership to enhance the capabilities and capacity of the Climate Finance Unit (CFU) within the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. The core function of the specialist is to support the CFU in identifying, structuring, and attracting finance for decarbonisation projects that align with Fiji's NDC, thereby directly contributing to the acceleration of project implementation and strengthening national capacity in climate finance project development and execution.
A primary responsibility of the Climate Finance Specialist shall be to translate Fiji's high-level climate goals into concrete, bankable, and investment-ready project pipelines. This involves rigorous technical and financial structuring of potential decarbonisation initiatives across key sectors. The specialist will guide the CFU in developing detailed project documentation, including robust financial models and feasibility studies, that meet the stringent requirements of international climate funds, multilateral development banks, and private sector investors. The focus is on creating de-risked project proposals that clearly articulate climate impact, financial viability, and implementation readiness to unlock necessary capital flows.
In executing this mandate, the Climate Finance Specialist shall proactively leverage and build upon Fiji's existing, policy and strategic frameworks. This includes ensuring all project development and financing efforts are fully aligned with the objectives and pathways identified in the National Climate Finance Strategy, NDC Investment Roadmap, Low Emissions Development Strategy, National Adaptation Plan 2.0, and the overarching National Development Plan. The specialist is required to integrate these national priorities into the practical steps of project preparation and financial structuring, ensuring coherence and maximizing the impact of climate finance interventions. Furthermore, a critical task of the Climate Finance Specialist is to explore and implement innovative strategies for mobilizing domestic financial resources to complement international climate finance. Recognizing the significant pent-up liquidity within the Fijian financial sector (exceeding 1.9 billion Fijian Dollars), the specialist will design and structure blended finance solutions that effectively combine domestic capital with international public and private finance. This includes investigating and proposing mechanisms such as sovereign thematic bonds, targeted fiscal incentives or taxation solutions, and the establishment or utilization of de-risking and credit guarantee mechanisms to channel local investment towards climate-aligned projects.
The specialist shall execute their duties in a highly collaborative manner, ensuring effective coordination with relevant government agencies and stakeholders. A key requirement is to leverage existing technical and support roles embedded in other ministries and entities, thereby avoiding duplication of efforts and maximizing the efficient use of national resources. The overarching objective is to provide focused, expert support that empowers the CFU and facilitates the flow of finance required to operationalize Fiji's ambitious decarbonisation plans and transform national climate aspirations into funded, implemented projects on the ground.
The following responsibilities are part of the embedded Specialist role:
Strategic Project Pipeline Development & Prioritization:
Identify, vet, and screen potential decarbonisation projects across key sectors (e.g., renewable energy, transport, waste, energy efficiency) based on their alignment with Fiji's NDC targets, National Climate Finance Strategy, NAP 2.0, and new National Development Plan.
Develop comprehensive project profiles and concept notes that outline technical feasibility, potential climate impact (emissions reduction), preliminary cost estimates, and potential financing structures.
Establish and maintain a prioritized pipeline of climate projects ready for further development, based on criteria including technical readiness, financial viability potential, social and environmental safeguards, and readiness for implementation.
Bankable Project Structuring and Financial Modelling:
Lead the development of detailed business cases and feasibility studies for prioritized projects, including technical, economic, financial, environmental, social, and legal aspects required to meet international investor standards.
Develop robust financial models and projections that demonstrate the financial viability and return on investment for projects, suitable for presentation to diverse investors (including public funds, MDBs, private sector, etc.).
Design innovative and blended finance structures (combining grants, concessional loans, commercial debt, equity, results-based finance, etc.) that de-risk projects and improve their attractiveness to private sector investment.
Resource Mobilization and Investor Engagement:
Map and analyze potential sources of climate finance relevant to Fiji's decarbonisation priorities, including multilateral climate funds (e.g. GCF, Mitigation Action Facility, Climate Investment Fund etc), bilateral donors, international financial institutions, development banks, and private sector impact investors.
Prepare high-quality, tailored funding proposals and applications that meet the specific requirements of target financiers, clearly articulating project impact, financial structure, implementation plan, and alignment with fund objectives.
Proactively engage with potential investors and funding entities, represent the CFU/Ministry in discussions, presentations, and negotiations to effectively pitch projects and secure necessary finance commitments.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategy Development:
Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for climate projects, identifying financial, technical, environmental, social, political, and regulatory risks that could impact project implementation and financial returns.
Develop detailed risk mitigation strategies and management plans for identified risks, outlining specific actions, responsibilities, and timelines to address potential challenges.
Structure project documentation and financing arrangements to appropriately allocate and mitigate risks, enhancing project bankability and providing comfort to potential investors and lenders.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer within CFU & Government:
Develop and deliver targeted training programs and workshops for CFU staff and relevant officials from other line ministries on key aspects of climate finance, project development, financial modeling, proposal writing, and investor engagement.
Mentor and coach CFU team members through practical application on specific project development and financing processes, fostering hands-on learning and building internal expertise.
Develop and institutionalize standard operating procedures, templates, and best practice guidelines for project identification, appraisal, structuring, and financing within the CFU.
Policy Analysis and Enabling Environment Contribution:
Analyze existing national policies, regulations, and legal frameworks to identify barriers or bottlenecks that may hinder the development and financing of climate projects, particularly those involving private sector participation.
Provide expert technical input and recommendations to relevant government ministries and agencies on potential policy and regulatory reforms needed to create a more conducive environment for climate investment (e.g., related to tariffs, permitting, incentives, investment protection).
Support advocacy efforts within the government for the implementation of policies and incentives that can accelerate the deployment of low-carbon technologies and attract domestic and international investment.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Learning for Financial Performance:
Support the development of financial monitoring frameworks for funded climate projects, tracking disbursement of funds, expenditures, revenue generation (where applicable), and adherence to financial covenants agreed with financiers.
Prepare regular financial performance reports for the CFU, Ministry leadership, project stakeholders, and financiers, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of climate finance.
Document lessons learned from successful (and unsuccessful) project financing efforts, analyse reasons for outcomes, and integrate these insights back into the project development pipeline and capacity-building initiatives to continuously improve the CFU's effectiveness.
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
An advanced degree (Masters or higher) preferably in either finance, economics, commerce, public policy, public finance, development studies, environment management, or any other relevant field of study.
A Bachelorโs degree in a similar field and two years of additional experience (7 years in total)
Experience
Required
With a Masterโs degree, at least 5 yearsโ experience in either international development, development finance, public finance, climate change mitigation and adaptation, project management, or any related field;
Knowledge of the countryโs context of policy frameworks, national plans and strategies related to green growth and climate change.
Asset
Experience in accessing and structuring finance for climate investments, including technical and financial development, particularly those that engage the private sector and development institutions.
Portfolio management experience, understanding of risk mitigation, project planning monitoring, and evaluation.
Language
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Local ICA retainer
Contract level: LICA 10
Contract duration: 12 months, max 220 days, with possibility of extension.
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.