Organizational Setting

The Government of Mauritius is undertaking its readiness activities for accessing Green Climate Fund (GCF) resources to address national climate change and sustainable development priorities. Within these activities, the Ministry of Finance of Mauritius is coordinating with FAO on the implementation and monitoring of the GCF-approved FAO-implemented Readiness Proposal (project) titled “Advancing the agriculture, water and energy pipeline, with increased awareness of key stakeholders and strengthening capacities of the National Designated Authority (NDA) and direct access applicants in the Republic of Mauritius.”

The goal of this Readiness project is to support Mauritius to catalyse climate financing from the GCF for climate adaptation and mitigation projects in the agriculture, water and energy sectors. This will be achieved through strengthening Mauritius NDA’s capacities and operational systems to support formulation, monitoring and evaluation of climate projects, support Direct Access Entity (DAE) applicants in Mauritius to establish capacity to meet GCF accreditation standards, strengthen Mauritius’ key stakeholders’ capacities and systems to support planning, programming and implementation of GCF activities, support the development of the evidence base to strengthen strategic frameworks, develop quality Concept Notes (CN) in priority sectors and submit them to the GCF for consideration and share best practices to strengthen pipeline development in adaptation and mitigation.

The Technical Project Expert will provide technical support to enhance the capacity of the NDA and key stakeholders to improve interinstitutional coordination and engagement with GCF; to formulate, develop and implement climate change adaptation and mitigation concept notes and funding proposals; and raise awareness and facilitate understanding in the country of the GCF funding windows, policies and processes and facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development among local stakeholders and communities. The expert will also mentor NDA and focal points in the requirements and best practices for project monitoring and evaluation. The expert will oversee the technical aspects of the pipeline development and implementation of the respective deliverables.

Reporting Lines

The Technical Project Expert will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles and direct administrative supervision of the FAO Mauritius National Project Coordinator and the Ministry of Agro Industry, Foos Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries (Implementing Partner).

Technical Focus

Programme management and Leadership/team management.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Technical Project Expert will provide guidance, support and technical support to the Implementing partner, NDA and key stakeholders for all activities related to GCF processes and undertake the following:

•    Provide overall technical backstopping, operational guidance and support to the PMU to ensure effective implementation of the project objectives within agreed deadline and under high technical standards;
•    Support Project Coordinator in planning the implementation of project activities, and in any adjustment to project workplans and budgets as required and in line with GCF requirements;
•    Provide quality assurance and technical review of projects outputs such as technical reports, studies, assessments, training materials, and knowledge products;
•    Provide support with the hiring of staff and affiliate workforce.
•    Participate in interview panels for the recruitment of affiliate personnel (but not staff members)
•    Provide technical input and review assistance to ongoing studies and reports commissioned by the project;
•    Support the Project Coordinator in the preparation of GCF Interim Progress Reports (IPRs), other M&E reports and reviews required by FAO, GCF and implementing partner, Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries;
•    Provide technical advice to strengthen the capacities of the NDA staff, the key stakeholders and focal points of relevant ministries and authorities on the GCF processes, climate investment instruments, and criteria of the GCF;
•    Design and deliver training programmes, in collaboration with other project consultants, including the development of supporting materials and resources related to the access to GCF resources and submission of projects;
•    Provide technical advice in preparation of GCF accreditation application and supporting documents to the potential DAEs;
•    Support the design of project concepts in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, water resources management, or others in line with project deliverables.
•    Liaise with relevant FAO units (and other organizations, as needed) to obtain guidance and advice in the formulation of the Concept Notes relevant to access climate finance;
•    Lead field missions including coordinate with all project stakeholders, government agencies, local communities and private sector actors.
•    Ensure the timely delivery of project reports to the Project Steering Committee and Project Team;
•    Submit an end-of-assignment report detailing contributions and outcomes; and
•    Perform any other related duties and activities as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in climate change/environmental science, climate economics/finance, project finance, natural resource management, or a related field; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•    At least ten (10) years of relevant experience in climate mitigation/adaptation and/or agriculture, water and energy related work.
•    Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Very good organizational skills and ability to meet tight deadlines.
•    Ability to prioritize tasks.
•    Ability to work in a harmonious and efficient manner in a multidisciplinary team.
•    Excellent writing and analytical skills.
•    Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective working relationships with the project team.
•    Relevance of experience in writing high-quality written materials for a wide variety of audiences.
•    Experience working with GCF and UN agencies is an advantage.

Selection Criteria

•    Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in GCF Readiness projects/grants monitoring or implementation and GCF reporting processes;
•    Good understanding of results-based projects management, reporting, and evaluation;
•    Experience in developing and implementing capacity building activities for multiple stakeholders;
•    Experience working in developing countries and advising government and non-government stakeholders; and