International Consultancy for Development of a GCF Concept Note and Prefeasibility Study

Lead the identification and refinement of a child-sensitive climate investment idea and prepare a technically coherent Green Climate Fund (GCF) Concept Note and supporting pre-feasibility study aligned with UNICEF's mandate and Tajikistan's climate priorities. Coordinate technical design, inputs, country validation, and submission processes for the GCF funding proposal.

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification and refinement of a child-sensitive climate investment idea aligned with UNICEF's mandate and Tajikistan's climate priorities.
• Prepare a technically coherent Green Climate Fund (GCF) Concept Note and supporting pre-feasibility study.
• Determine project idea, sector focus, intervention locations, beneficiaries, financing scale and implementation partners through evidence-based analysis and consultation.
• Compare viable options, develop a strong climate rationale, and facilitate agreement on a preferred outline with UNICEF and the NDA.
• Seek and incorporate GCF Secretariat feedback before full drafting.
• Lead technical design and drafting, coordinate inputs from a national consultant and relevant specialists.
• Support country validation and submission through the authorized entity.
• Revise documents in response to GCF comments.
• Complete assignment within 50 working days including two one-week missions and 10 days for post-submission revisions.

Requirements

• Master’s or equivalent in climate change, environmental science, engineering, economics, climate finance, public policy, international development or another relevant discipline.
• A first university degree combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• At least eight years of progressively responsible experience in climate adaptation, climate finance or investment-project development, including international consultancy work and leadership of multidisciplinary technical inputs.
• Candidates with a first university degree accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree must have at least ten years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated lead or substantive technical-author experience preparing at least two GCF Concept Notes or Funding Proposals, including associated feasibility or pre-feasibility work.
• Strong knowledge of GCF investment criteria, current submission requirements, climate rationale, results frameworks, environmental and social safeguards, gender requirements and NDA/Accredited Entity roles.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret observed and projected climate and sector data, appraise adaptation options, develop theories of change, cost projects, and conduct proportionate economic/financial analysis with transparent assumptions.
• Experience facilitating government and multi-partner consultations and integrating gender, disability inclusion, child-sensitive approaches and measurable adaptation results into project design.
• Excellent research, English drafting, technical coordination and quality-assurance skills; ability to deliver coherent Concept Notes, feasibility reports and editable analytical workbooks within agreed deadlines.
• Fluency in English, with excellent technical drafting and presentation skills, is required.
• Russian or Tajik is an asset; local-language consultation support will be coordinated with the national consultant and UNICEF.
• Experience with climate-resilient education, WASH, essential services or community adaptation, and with UNICEF or other UN agencies, is an asset.
• Experience in Tajikistan or Central Asia, climate-vulnerable mountainous countries, NDA engagement and GCF review-response processes is an asset.

Skills

• Climate Change Adaptation
• Climate Finance
• Investment-Project Development
• International Consultation
• GCF Concept Note Development
• Funding Proposals
• Feasibility Studies
• GCF Investment Criteria
• Environmental and Social Safeguards
• Gender Inclusion
• Disability Inclusion
• Child-Sensitive Project Design
• Economic Analysis
• Financial Analysis
• Theory of Change
• Government Consultation Facilitation
• Multi-Partner Consultation
• Technical Coordination
• Quality Assurance
• Technical Drafting
• Climate Data Interpretation

Languages

English, Russian, Tajik