UN Jobs in Panama City

The consultancy will support Outcome 4.1 of the GCF Readiness project "Advancing a Regional Approach to the Green Hydrogen Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean" by preparing three concept notes, one each for Bolivia, Chile and Uruguay, for priority green hydrogen projects identified through the project’s prefeasibility studies. The consultant will prepare three concept notes for consideration by the respective National Designated Authorities and prospective Accredited Entities. UNEP will provide the consultant with the completed prefeasibility studies for the priority green hydrogen projects. The three studies assess the technical, economic, financial, environmental, regulatory and social feasibility of: a green hydrogen pilot in Warnes, Bolivia, including natural-gas blending; hydrogen refueling stations for freight corridors linking Chile’s central ports and airport; and hydrogen, battery and electrification options to decarbonize operations at Montevideo Port, Uruguay, respectively. These studies will serve as the principal technical basis for the concept notes, together with relevant national policies, strategies and other supporting documentation. The assignment will include consultations with the NDAs, government counterparts, prospective Accredited Entities, project proponents, financial institutions and other relevant stakeholders to confirm project ownership, financing needs and alignment with GCF requirements. The consultant will assess the most suitable GCF pathway, including the Simplified Approval Process, the Enhancing Direct Access Request for Proposals and/or Project Preparation Facility support, where applicable. Final submission remains subject to endorsement by the relevant NDA and engagement of an eligible Accredited Entity. Advancing a Regional Approach to the Green Hydrogen Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC-RS-018): Outcome 4.1 An increase in the number of quality project concept notes developed and submitted Output 4.1.A Pipeline of concept note developed and ready for submission to the GCF Across the three activities, the consultant will review the relevant prefeasibility studies and project documentation; identify information gaps and coordinate inputs with UNEP and national counterparts; engage prospective Accredited Entities and other financing partners; assess alignment with national priorities and GCF investment criteria; and incorporate climate rationale, theory of change, project components, implementation arrangements, financing structure, environmental and social considerations, gender responsiveness, risks and sustainability into each concept note, as applicable. • Activity 1 Develop one (1) concept note in Bolivia for priority sectors for submission to the GCF, including under the SAP, EDA RfP and/or those targeted for PPF assistance. • Activity 2 Develop one (1) concept notes in Chile for priority sectors for submission to the GCF, including under the SAP, EDA RfP and/or those targeted for PPF assistance. • Activity 3 Develop one (1) concept note in Uruguay for priority sectors for submission to the GCF, including under the SAP, EDA RfP and/or those targeted for PPF assistance. Deliverables Product No. 1: A report containing a concept note for Bolivia, prepared in English using the applicable GCF template and based on the prefeasibility study provided by UNEP. (Activity 1) Product No. 2: A report containing concept note for Chile, prepared in English using the applicable GCF template and based on the prefeasibility study provided by UNEP. (Activity 2) Product No. 3: A report containing a concept note for Uruguay, prepared in English using the applicable GCF template and based on the prefeasibility study provided by UNEP. (Activity 3) The consultancy will contribute to Outcome 4.1 by producing three GCF concept notes for priority green hydrogen projects in Bolivia, Chile and Uruguay. Each draft will be grounded in the corresponding prefeasibility study, national priorities and consultations with the relevant NDA, government counterparts, prospective Accredited Entities and project stakeholders. Under the direct supervision of UNEP’s Programme Management Officer for Energy Efficiency of the Climate Change Unit for Latin America and the Caribbean Office, the consultant shall perform the following activities: • Review the Bolivia prefeasibility study and supporting national documents; consult the NDA, relevant ministries, project proponents and prospective Accredited Entities; assess the appropriate GCF pathway; prepare concept note using the applicable GCF template and guidance; and revise it in response to consolidated comments from UNEP and national counterparts. • Review the Chile prefeasibility study and supporting national documents; consult the NDA, relevant ministries, project proponents and prospective Accredited Entities; assess the appropriate GCF pathway; prepare concept note using the applicable GCF template and guidance; and revise it in response to consolidated comments from UNEP and national counterparts. • Review the Uruguay prefeasibility study and supporting national documents; consult the NDA, relevant ministries, project proponents and prospective Accredited Entities; assess the appropriate GCF pathway; concept note using the applicable GCF template and guidance; and revise it in response to consolidated comments from UNEP and national counterparts.

Home-Based

3 MONTHS

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). The green hydrogen generation technical potential in Latin America and the Caribbean is significant, estimated at 1,114 EJ of green hydrogen produced at a cost under USD 1.5/kg by 2050. Therefore, green hydrogen can be produced using the clean and renewable energy sources available in the region. Beyond the potential for its production, using hydrogen as an energy source can also result in a myriad of benefits for the region. The transport sector is the highest consumer of fossil fuels and the leading source of fossil-fuel-related GHG emissions (15% of all regional GHG emissions in 2018). Diesel and gasoline are the main fuels used in transport, accounting for 83% of the total energy use. Hydrogen can be used for all transportation electrification, fuel cell electric cars, trucks, buses, forklifts, ferries and ships, and aircraft. Globally, some 8,000 fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) were sold in 2020. The project "Advancing a Regional Approach to the Green Hydrogen Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean" supports seven participating countries in creating enabling conditions for a green hydrogen economy through national planning, regional knowledge exchange, prefeasibility studies and the preparation of project concept notes for climate finance. UNEP therefore requires a GCF Concept Note Development Consultant to prepare three high-quality concept notes for priority green hydrogen projects in Bolivia, Chile and Uruguay, in accordance with the scope and deliverables below. This position is home-based. The consultant will be supervised by the UNEP Programme Management Officer for Energy Efficiency for Latin America and the Caribbean.

ACADEMIC: ● Bachelor's degree in engineering, energy, public policy or a closely related field is required. ● Master’s degree in engineering, energy, transport, urban planning, economics, finance, public policy, environmental or social sciences, sustainability, or a closely related field is required. PROFESSIONAL: ● A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience supporting energy, transport and/or infrastructure projects or policies is required. ● Demonstrated experience preparing GCF concept notes, funding proposals or comparable climate-finance project documents is desirable. ● Experience in green or low-emission hydrogen projects, policies or investment planning is desirable. ● Experience developing and implementing climate change or clean-energy projects in developing countries, preferably in Latin America and the Caribbean, is desirable. ● Experience engaging with National Designated Authorities, GCF Accredited Entities, multilateral development banks and/or private investors is desirable. ● Experience assessing project financial and economic viability, financing structures, public-private partnership options, environmental and social considerations, and gender-responsive approaches is desirable. LANGUAGE: ● Fluent in Spanish (required). ● Fluent in English (required). SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: ● Strong knowledge of GCF programming, investment criteria, project preparation requirements and relevant concept note guidance is desirable. ● Knowledge of climate change mitigation, energy transition, project finance and the policy and regulatory conditions affecting green hydrogen investment is desirable. COMPETENCIES: PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations. TEAMWORK: ● Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: ● Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

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