The Climate Finance/Carbon Markets Expert will play a critical role in advising,
supporting, facilitating and coordinating the mobilization climate finance as well as
supporting and facilitating the generation of high quality and high integrity emission
reductions associated with ASCENT’s energy access investment and their monetization
through carbon markets to support the project’s objectives.
He/She will facilitate access to climate finance, and support and facilitate the
implementation of carbon market mechanisms to help mobilize additional sources of
concessional and non-debt financing which would enhance the impact of the ASCENT
Project. The expert will also build capacity within COMESA and among project
stakeholders in support of the integration of carbon market/climate finance elements in
ASCENT-supported energy access operations. He/she will liaise with the World Bank’s
carbon market/climate finance experts supporting ASCENT.
The Climate Finance/Carbon Markets Expert shall perform the following tasks:
I. Climate Finance Strategy and Implementation:
a. Develop and implement a comprehensive climate finance strategy for the ASCENT
Regional Energy Access Acceleration Platform.
b. Identify and help mobilize funding from bilateral, multilateral, and private sector
sources.
c. Provide strategic guidance on leveraging climate finance to support the project’s
goals.
II. Carbon Market Advisory and Implementation Support:
a. Support and advise on the design and implementation of market-based approaches
for monetizing climate benefits associated with energy access interventions through
carbon markets and/or other financial instruments.
b. Working with the World Bank and relevant stakeholders, support the assessments,
development, and implementation of regional and/or national frameworks for carbon
credit generation and trading.
III. Proposal Development and Fund Mobilization:
a. Lead the preparation of high-quality funding proposals for climate and energy access
projects.
b. Facilitate collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to gather necessary
data and support for proposals.
c. Work closely with potential funding agencies and partners to secure financial
commitments.
IV. Financial Management and Compliance:
a. Establish robust financial management systems to track and report on the use of
climate finance.
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b. Ensure compliance with donor requirements, including the World Bank’s financial
management regulations.
c. Prepare and submit detailed financial reports to donors and stakeholders, as required.
V. Capacity Building and Training:
a. Conduct, facilitate and help organize training sessions and workshops for COMESA
staff and project partners on climate finance and carbon markets.
b. Develop, maintain and disseminate educational materials and resources to support
capacity building.
c. Provide ongoing technical assistance and support.
VI. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination:
a. Engage with national and regional stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and
private sector entities.
b. Represent the ASCENT Project at relevant forums, conferences, and meetings.
c. Foster partnerships and collaborations to enhance project outcomes.
VII. Research and Analysis:
a. Monitor and conduct research on emerging trends and opportunities in climate finance
and carbon markets (both compliance – under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement – and
voluntary carbon markets).
b. Provide analysis and strategic recommendations to inform project planning and
implementation.
c. Monitor and evaluate the impact of financial and market interventions on project goals.
d. Compile data, draft briefs and other updates on a regular and need-to basis.
6.2 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
a. Bachelor’s Degree in economics, environmental finance, business administration,
environmental engineering, sustainable development or any related filed.
b. Possession of a Masters degree in any of the above fields or related fields will be an
added advantage.
c. At least 8 years of experience in climate finance including carbon finance, carbon markets,
or related areas and knowledge of the nexus carbon finance, Nationally Determined
Contributions and the Paris Agreement.
d. Strong knowledge of climate finance instruments, carbon markets, and renewable energy
finance.
e. Proven experience in developing successful funding proposals and managing climate
finance projects.
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f. Experience with clean energy / energy access project implementation.
g. Experience working in Africa is an asset.
h. Familiarity with World Bank funding processes and regulations is an asset.
i. Familiarity with international development issues, including understanding of technical
and regulatory matters in the areas of climate change.
j. Familiarity with the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement
k. Have experience in organizing/leading discussions, facilitating a variety of events, and
workshops, working with government, local authorities, and community groups as well as
providing analysis and reporting.
6.3 SKILLS
a. Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
b. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
c. Have an excellent understanding of the policies and strategies of Africa Eastern and
Southern regions about climate finance and markets.
d. Demonstrate knowledge of the institutional arrangements, key stakeholders, and existing
policy instruments in climate finance/markets in the Africa Eastern and Southern regions
and at international level.
e. Good command of IT applications such as MS Office and other basic computer skills.