Position Title: Consultant – Green Finance Specialist
Duty Station: Homebased
Classification: Consultant, Grade Other
Type of Appointment: Consultant, six months
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 06 April 2025
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
Project Context and Scope
IOM and UNHCR provide LPG to over 900,000 Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, a cleaner and safer alternative to firewood, but requiring a regular and reliable supply chain and sustained funding. Solar lamps and solar streetlights ensure safe access to services for all and reduce protection risks but are severely underfunded. In parallel, IOM and other partners have invested in other green shelter and settlement initiatives like a bamboo treatment facility, improved cooking stoves and equipment, waste management activities, the solarization of community facilities, the substitution of cement by lime in infrastructure and the implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS), including tree plantation for disaster risk reduction and environmental restoration. In the host community, around the Rohingya camps, several partners implement also green interventions for improving access to energy and cooking fuel, reforestation, Disaster Risk Reduction, etc. considering the needs in the host community and understanding the linkages between the camps and the surrounding areas in terms of the continuity of the blue green networks and social cohesion considerations.
The SAFE+ coordination mechanism was first established in 2018. Today, the SAFE+2 mechanism brings together the four UN agencies working on energy and environment interventions in the Cox’s Bazar response namely FAO, IOM, UNHCR and WFP. The current program will run until 2025 and requires annual funding of approximately USD 32 million only for the LPG distribution and additional 28 million a year for other partner’s interventions under SAFE+2 including interventions for DRR and environmental restoration inside the camps and the surrounding hots community.
Fundraising for such programs has become more complex over the years as humanitarian funding shrinks, posing the risk of halting the program despite its various benefits. Considering the difficulties maintaining funding levels in a protracted crisis such as the Rohingya response, SAFE+2 partners have been highlighting the need to identify alternative financing mechanisms to ensure the provision of LPG amongst other key humanitarian services. Currently IOM, UNHCR and the GPA-UNITAR are engaged in different coordinated initiatives that include:
- UNHCR´s feasibility assessment of the potential financing of LPG provision through carbon credit finance.
- GPA-UNITAR pilot project on the feasibility of e-cooking technologies.
- IOM innovation project on Sustainable financing for Shelter and Settlements interventions which seeks to identify alternative financing mechanisms to ensure the continuity and scalability of green interventions.
IOM´s Innovation Norway funded project for Sustainable financing for Shelter and Settlements interventions will focus on developing innovative business models to tap into financing mechanisms to mobilize climate and green financing and other diversified funding sources. By piloting the application of financing instruments and monetizing carbon emission reductions, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and/or natural capital restoration achieved through the green interventions, the project seeks to generate additional resources to support humanitarian responses and enhance the resilience of affected communities. The project builds on the success of the previous IOM initiative, “A New Approach to Building a Participatory and Inclusive Marketplace for Sustainable Energy Solutions” (IOM Mozambique) and will also seek to contribute to building an institutional approach for IOM to engage in green finance globally.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Settlement Planning and Development Officer from the IOM Shelter and Settlement Unit in HQ (i.e. Project Manager for the project). The consultant will contribute to the implementation of the project “Sustainable finance for green shelter and settlements interventions” funded by Innovation Norway (CH10P1376 / SN0302).
Reporting:
The consultant (category B) will also work in close collaboration and with support from the Shelter and the Site Development teams in IOM’s Cox’s Bazar office and with the IOM team in the Dhaka office managing the Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Risk Reduction (MECR) portfolio. The incumbent will also work in close collaboration with the “Ecosystem assessment and market dialogue for sustainable financing for shelter and settlements interventions in Cox´s Bazar, Bangladesh Consultant” currently engaged and supporting the implementation of the same project.
Tasks to be performed under this contract
A. First Deliverable: Desktop research report
Due date: 30th April 2025 (submitted by email)
The research report will identify financing models to support sustainable shelter and settlement interventions. The report will include:
- An analysis of the context, relevant policies for green finance in Bangladesh.
- Overview of the potential bottlenecks from IOM´s systems in engaging with green finance mechanisms.
- An overview of existing and potential new financing mechanisms related to green finance, including but not limited to carbon finance (e.g. carbon credits), loans, guarantees, green bonds, biodiversity credits, renewable energy certificates, blended finance solutions, and other relevant investment products.
- A preliminary analysis of the feasibility, adequacy, and relevance of the identified financing mechanisms in supporting green interventions already identified by the IOM project team.
The documentation on the green shelter and settlement interventions implemented by IOM and other organizations in Cox’s Bazar refugee camp and the surrounding host community including the potential interventions to be financed will be provided to the consultant. The research report will primarily be compiled from desktop research and the consultant´s expertise and no primary data collection is expected for the first deliverable.
Following the report’s submission, the IOM project team will select in coordination with the consultant the most promising green financing mechanisms for further detailed analysis in subsequent deliverables.
B. Second Deliverable: Stakeholder Consultations (online or in-person)
Due date: 15 May 2025
Consultations will be conducted with key stakeholders and government representatives through focus group discussions and bilateral meetings, to refine research findings, assess feasibility, and evaluate risks and market conditions. The consultations will focus on:
- Identifying barriers to the identified green finance mechanisms for green shelter and settlement interventions in Cox’s Bazar.
- Analyzing financing and policy gaps and proposing solutions to address them.
- Reviewing institutional arrangements and policies, identifying gaps that hinder the development of green financing mechanisms at IOM and/or in Bangladesh.
The format of these consultations might be online or in-person (with limited travel) if some require in-person meetings / events. The offer might detail different alternatives and the decision on the modality of the consultations can be subject to further discussion with the project team. Consultations will be based on and complement available preliminary research on the policy environment conducted by the IOM project team.
Consultations will be carefully documented by the consultant as they will serve as a basis for the third deliverable.
C. Third Deliverable: Financing Models Report
Due date: 15th June 2025 (submitted via email)
This deliverable will provide a comprehensive assessment of at least three financing models for green finance mechanisms that could be pursued to sustainably support the implementation of shelter and settlement interventions. The report will evaluate in detail each of the financing options considering feasibility, policy, and institutional frameworks. For each proposed financing mechanism, the report will:
- Conduct a risk assessment identifying potential financial, socio-cultural, and environmental risks associated with each model, along with mitigation strategies.
- Assess market applicability and compliance and recommend applicable standards and methodologies for measurement.
- Evaluate technical and financial viability, outlining key challenges and opportunities for implementing green financing mechanisms for the selected interventions.
- Recommend monitoring frameworks to track financial performance (e.g., return on investment, market attractiveness, premium aspect) and environmental impact (e.g., carbon reduction and other sustainability metrics) of the suggested financing mechanism.
- Identify potential buyers and investors for carbon credits, biodiversity credits, and other financing instruments, mapping out demand and transaction pathways.
D. Fourth Deliverable: Knowledge and Results Compilation (4 pages)
Due date: 30th June 2025
This document will serve as a starting point for organizations like IOM to implement green finance solutions in humanitarian and other displacement settings. The knowledge product will synthesize key findings from the assignment in terms of the process for the identification of alternative financing mechanisms and provide recommendations to IOM, private sector project developers, humanitarian partners, and governments to establish sustainable business and financing models for green shelter and settlement interventions. Based on the lessons and experience evaluating green finance mechanisms for such interventions, the knowledge product will outline:
- Summary of the green financing models assessed, including feasibility, relevance, risks, and recommended approaches for shelter and settlement interventions.
- Key steps to take to evaluate the green financing mechanisms and the interventions’ potential.
- Strategic recommendations for engaging private sector partners, structuring financing mechanisms, and integrating green finance into humanitarian responses and in other displacement settings.
To ensure the successful delivery of the products mentioned above, the consultant might be required to:
- Attend other relevant national, regional or global events related to carbon markets and projects, as required.
- Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with key stakeholders relevant to the project.
- Work in collaboration with other consultants and external stakeholders to ensure seamless integration with other initiatives and effective delivery. This includes working together with and integrating the findings of Global Platform for Action on sustainable energy in displacement settings (GPA) e-cooking pilot and UNHCR’s Refugee Environmental Protection (REP) Fund study on carbon financing in Cox’s Bazar.
- Coordinate and share the work with SAFE+ 2 partners through the monthly coordination meetings and / or other coordination mechanisms as required.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
- Deliverables and activities outlined in the ToRs are delivered in a timely manner in line with the workplan
- Potential financing models or mechanisms identified and evaluated: 3 (at least)
- Knowledge product and recommendations on engaging on green finance mechanisms in humanitarian settings: 1 (at least)
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education:
The consultant should hold Master’s degree in one or more of the following areas: finance, sustainable finance, climate finance, business, business administration, economics, international development, or any other relevant field.
Experience:
The consultant should have minimum 7 years of experience in the relevant areas mentioned above as well as the following:
- Experience of systems thinking and design thinking approaches
- Experience with biodiversity credits and other emerging financing instruments related to natural capital
- Knowledge and experience in energy economic analysis, energy markets, energy instruments (e.g. renewable energy certificates) climate financing including carbon financing (e.g. carbon credits), and other emerging financing instruments related to energy and climate change mitigation
- Demonstration of an elevated level of professionalism and an ability to work independently and in situations of high pressure, with tight deadlines
- Experience working on climate, energy and environmental sustainability sectors in humanitarian and development contexts would be an asset
- Experience working with UN agencies and/or other international organizations
- Experience working in Bangladesh would be an asset
Skills:
- Strong interest in innovation in climate, energy and environmental sectors and innovative financing models in the humanitarian sector.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communications skills both in written and spoken forms
- Multi-tasking, proactive and hands-on approach
Languages
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be
fluent in one of the three languages.
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another
official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process,
which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Notes
The consultant must adhere to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Data Protection Principles (IN/138) and maintain confidentiality.
The consultant will be responsible to follow IOM writing guidelines and latest glossaries in all given assignments for accurate translation.
Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).
Required Competencies:
Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
- Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
- Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
- Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators
- Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
- Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
- Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
- Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.
Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.
Other:
- The appointment is subject to funding confirmation.
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.
- Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.
How to apply
IOM is looking for a Green finance specialist for shelter and settlements interventions.
If you have a background on sustainable finance and experience with climate financing, carbon credit, biodiversity credits and other emerging financing instruments related to biodiversity, energy and climate change mitigation, please check the ToRs attached.
If you are interested, please send your offer to shelterrecruitment@iom.int including:
- Technical offer showcasing the understanding of the methodologies suggested, scope of works and deliverables, and providing a preliminary identification of relevant financing models for green shelter and settlement initiatives. The technical offer should also show the understanding of the specific challenges in the humanitarian sector for the application of the financing models including the operating modalities of organizations such as IOM and the context.
- CV and demonstrated experience of the consultant in the sector, including a list of the relevant publications (public or internal) and consulting work delivered for organizations in similar projects and identifying for each of the financing models pre-identified the relevant previous experience of the team members working on those.
- Financial offer including the cost to produce the deliverables indicating the estimated number of working days per deliverable. Travel costs should not be included as travel will be covered by IOM should it be required.