Climate Finance Specialist at The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN)

• The Climate Finance Specialist (CFS) will be a key member of the PIU, responsible for managing DBN’s growing portfolio of climate finance initiatives. This includes securing funding from the GCF and other climate finance mechanisms, identifying suitable projects for financing, ensuring their alignment with DBN’s sustainability goals, and overseeing risk management, monitoring, and evaluation processes to ensure successful implementation.

Objective of the Assignment

• The objective of this assignment is to manage DBN’s climate finance portfolio, ensuring alignment with global climate finance priorities, especially that of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and to secure new funding opportunities. The Climate Finance Specialist (CFS) will identify, screen, and develop a strong pipeline of climate-related projects for financing. Additionally, the role will focus on securing project approval and funding, ensuring proper risk management, and overseeing the monitoring and evaluation of funded projects.
• The CFS will also coordinate climate finance activities, develop operational frameworks, and support DBN in its efforts to become a leading institution in climate finance, particularly through successful accreditation and engagement with multiple global climate funds. This role will be key in strengthening DBN’s capacity to implement climate finance initiatives, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and organizational goals.

Scope of Work

GCF Accreditation Management & Oversight

• Ensure Ongoing Compliance: Oversee DBN’s compliance with the GCF accreditation standards, ensuring that all ongoing and future climate finance projects adhere to GCF guidelines and regulations.
• Leverage GCF Accreditation: Build on DBN’s existing status as a Direct Access Entity (DAE) under the GCF to facilitate the successful implementation and financing of climate-related projects in Nigeria.
• Prepare for Accreditation with AF and GEF: Assist DBN in preparing for future accreditation with the Adaptation Fund (AF), and Global Environment Facility (GEF), including conducting assessments, identifying necessary actions, and gathering required documentation.
• Accreditation Maintenance: Ensure the accreditation with the GCF is continuously up to date, participating in any necessary processes for re-accreditation or ensuring alignment with new requirements from the GCF.

Project Identification, Development, & Proposal Management

• Project Identification & Screening: In collaboration with the Nigerian Climate Change Commission (NCCC) and relevant stakeholders, identify viable climate projects that align with both Nigeria’s climate goals and GCF priorities.
• Proposal & Concept Note Development: Lead the development of detailed concept notes and funding proposals for projects that will be submitted to the GCF, ensuring they are compliant with GCF’s guidelines and contribute to meeting the country's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Financial Structuring: Develop financial models for projects, ensuring alignment with climate finance principles, GCF priorities, and donor requirements.

Project Implementation & Monitoring

• Manage Project Execution: Oversee the implementation of climate finance projects, ensuring they are executed efficiently, on time, and in line with GCF funding agreements.
• Develop Operational Frameworks: Design and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the operational management of climate projects funded by GCF, ensuring smooth project delivery.
• M&E and Collaboration with M&E Team: Establish and oversee M&E mechanisms to track project progress, measure impact, and ensure compliance with GCF metrics. Collaborate with the M&E team to track outcomes, ensure accountability, and evaluate project performance.
• Consultant and Partner Management: Develop TORs for consultants and service providers, screen for suitability, and monitor deliverables to ensure projects are implemented effectively.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

• Foster Relationships with Global Partners: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders such as the GCF, national government agencies (NCCC), and other relevant development partners to strengthen DBN's climate finance network.
• Represent DBN in Global Dialogues: Represent DBN in high-level discussions and negotiations with GCF and other climate finance organizations, ensuring DBN’s position in global climate finance discussions is reinforced.
• Partnership Development: Establish partnerships with national and international organizations to enhance DBN’s capacity to deliver impactful climate finance projects

Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing 

• Internal Capacity Building: Develop and deliver training programs for DBN staff and key partners/stakeholders to strengthen their understanding of climate finance processes and compliance with GCF standards.
• Promote Knowledge Sharing: Encourage cross-departmental knowledge sharing to enhance DBN’s internal capacity for managing climate finance projects and adhering to GCF funding conditions.
• Develop Readiness Programs: In collaboration with the Nigerian Climate Change Commission (NCCC), design and support the GCF Readiness Program, including the development of a comprehensive workplan. This program will focus on enhancing the capacity of Nigeria’s institutions to effectively execute climate finance projects and prepare for future GCF funding cycles.

Reporting, Risk Management & Financial Audits

• Ensure Financial Compliance: Oversee financial reporting and ensure all project expenditures and disbursements are in compliance with GCF and DBN’s internal policies.
• Coordinate with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team to track project outcomes, financial performance, and adherence to agreed milestones.
• Risk Management: Identify risks associated with funded projects and ensure that mitigation strategies are in place to safeguard project outcomes and funds.
• Periodic Reporting: Prepare regular reports on the status of ongoing projects, funding disbursements, and DBN’s compliance with GCF terms. These reports will be shared with DBN leadership, GCF, and other stakeholders as required.
• Conduct Financial Audits: Oversee independent audits of funded projects to ensure the appropriate use of climate finance resources and compliance with GCF requirements.

Conduct of Work and Duration of Assignment

• The Consultant will be offered a contract with a duration of twelve (12) months on a full- time basis, renewable based on satisfactory performance and need. The Consultant will be required to report at the DBN Head Office based within the DBN approved work hours.

Reporting Obligations

• The Climate Finance Specialist Project Manager – GCF Desk will work under the direct supervision of the PIU Project Coordinator/Manager and report to both the PIU Management Team and DBN. The Climate Finance Specialist is expected to submit regular progress reports in formats and according to reporting periods to be determined.

Payment Schedule

• For the duration of the engagement, the Consultant shall be renumerated on a monthly basis with an amount yet to be agreed.  This yet to be agreed amount multiplied by the intended 12-month engagement period shall cumulate and form the total contract sum.

Required Qualification and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Project Management, Business Administration, Finance, Business, Economics or related disciplines. Relevant trainings and professional certifications in project management such as a PMP Certification is a strong plus.
• Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Climate Finance, Environmental Economics, Sustainable Development, Finance, Business Administration, or related fields.
• Relevant certifications, such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Climate Finance certifications (e.g., CAPM, Climate Finance Essentials), or CFA designation, are preferred.
• Minimum of eight (8) years in climate finance, with at least four (4) years focusing on DFIs, multilateral climate funds, or relevant sectors.
• Proven experience with GCF accreditation and project development, and familiarity with AF and GEF.
• In-depth understanding of Nigerian NDCs and how they influence climate finance projects, ensuring alignment with the country’s climate goals.
• Experience in fundraising, proposal development, impact modelling and managing large-scale climate finance projects.
• Strong knowledge of climate finance instruments and international frameworks like the Paris Agreement and national climate policies, particularly as they relate to Nigeria’s NDC targets.
• Expertise in climate finance mechanisms, M&E systems, and global climate funds.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage complex issues, present and negotiate effectively, and engage stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and navigate cross-functional challenges with tact and integrity.
• High level of professionalism, judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive, confidential material and maintaining strong business relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira).