Project:

Mainstream actions of the water, energy, irrigation, hydrology, and meteorology sectors articulated in the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP) and National Adaptation Plan (NAP) into existing national plans, policies, regulations, and budgeting processes; develop climate-smart guidelines and knowledge products; and enhance implementation, coordination, monitoring, and reporting for the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

Purpose:
Rising temperatures, erratic monsoon patterns, and accelerated glacial retreat are intensifying Nepal’s climate vulnerabilities, with far-reaching impacts on its hydrometeorological systems and climate-sensitive sectors. Nepal’s rivers, glaciers, and groundwater—lifelines for the nation—are increasingly threatened, disrupting traditional water systems and exposing urgent policy, planning, and institutional gaps. The National Climate Change Survey 2022 reported that climate-induced disasters over the past five years have resulted in economic losses amounting to NPR 415.44 billion. Shifts in seasonal precipitation and declining water availability are already undermining irrigation reliability, with direct consequences for agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

In recognition of these growing risks, the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal has prioritized transforming key sectors by embedding climate resilience into national systems for water, energy, irrigation, hydrology, and meteorology. The proposed project, supported by the NDC Partnership Action Fund and implemented by ADPC, will support the review, modernization, and development of climate-smart sectoral policies and legal frameworks, guided by national strategies such as the NDC Implementation Plan (NDCIP), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and the Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS). The initiative will also strengthen institutional capacities, integrate resilience into planning and budgeting processes, and promote inclusive stakeholder engagement across government, private sector, civil society, and local communities. Gender and social equity will be central principles. At the same time, technical outputs such as climate-smart guidelines, operational manuals, and nature-based solution approaches will further support Nepal’s adaptation and low-carbon development ambitions.

To support this, a National Climate Finance Specialist with the appropriate qualifications and experience will be hired. The specialist will assist in analyzing existing plans, policies, and budgets to identify gaps and opportunities for alignment with climate financing. This role will also support the formulation of updated and new financing instruments and policy measures that enhance access to and effective use of climate finance across relevant sectors.

Expected Outputs:

The Consultant will be expected to produce technical and research-based deliverables in line with the terms of reference of this assignment by performing the specific tasks outlined in the “Responsibilities and Tasks” section of the document.

The objectives of this consultancy service are the following:

1. Analyze the existing climate finance landscape and identify gaps in budgeting, resource allocation, and investment for the mentioned sectors.

2. Develop a report providing recommendations for climate finance Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) to ensure transparency, accountability, and integration into national financial systems and reporting.

3. Identify and map sources of finance from government budgets, the private sector, climate funds, and international development partners.

4. Develop a project concept note with identified international sources of climate finance.

5. Support stakeholder consultations to validate financial strategies and ensure inclusivity in resource mobilization and allocation.

6. Enhance the capacity of government officials to access climate finance, develop projects, and allocate climate budgets.

Responsibilities and Tasks:
The National Climate Finance Specialist will support policy integration, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and research to strengthen climate finance systems for NDC and NAP implementation, ensuring timely, high-quality delivery of project objectives. The specialist will also provide technical and analytical support to project teams and undertake additional tasks as assigned by the Project Director to ensure the timely and high-quality delivery of project outcomes. The specialist will support the following deliverables:

• A comprehensive report will assess Nepal’s climate finance landscape, including budget allocations, expenditure patterns, and institutional frameworks, while identifying gaps in financing for water, energy, irrigation, hydrology, and meteorology sectors. It will also quantify financing gaps for priority climate actions outlined in sectoral plans and provide recommendations to bridge these gaps through suitable financial instruments, ensuring greater efficiency and equity in resource allocation. The consultant shall further offer recommendations for laying out the country's Climate Finance MRV system in the very same report.

• A comprehensive mapping of potential funding sources, including government allocations, international climate funds (e.g., GCF, GEF), bilateral and multilateral donors, and private sector investment opportunities. The resource directory will serve as a practical reference for mobilizing climate finance.

• A consolidated report documenting stakeholder consultations and validation workshops conducted to ensure inclusivity and consensus-building in financial strategies. The report will highlight stakeholder feedback and how it has been integrated into the final outputs.

• Develop one high-impact project concept note aligned with the identified international climate finance source. The consultant will determine a priority adaptation investment, assess suitable funding windows, and draft a fund-specific concept that integrates climate rationale and co-financing potential. The inclusion of social and climate justice, in close coordination with stakeholders and government partners, ensures ownership and alignment.

Working Principles: The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Director of the Risk Governance and Financing Department, ensuring alignment with project objectives and providing weekly progress updates. While maintaining independence in executing assigned tasks, the consultant will collaborate constructively with team members to seek inputs or provide technical support as needed.

Qualifications:

1. Holds a Master’s degree in finance, economics, climate policy, environmental sciences, or related fields with advanced specialization in climate or public finance preferred.

2. Brings at least 5 years of experience in climate finance, policy integration, or adaptation planning across South Asia or similar regions.

3. Demonstrated expertise in designing climate finance strategies aligned with NDCs, NAPs, and sectoral investment frameworks.

4. Proven ability to conduct financing gap assessments, develop tracking frameworks, and integrate climate finance into national budgeting systems.

5. Experienced in stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and facilitating consultations with government agencies, donors, and private sector actors.

6. Strong record of producing technical reports, policy briefs, and knowledge products on climate finance and governance.

7. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in multi-cultural, interdisciplinary teams.

8. Fluent in written and spoken English, with proven ability to present complex information clearly to diverse stakeholders.

Duty Station: Bangkok-Based

Duration: The total time of the assignment and the period would be 12.5 months.

Itinerary: The travel and related costs for transport, seminars, air travel, accommodation etc. will be covered by the project.

Condition of payment: This is time-based consultancy. The consultant is required to submit the monthly timesheet for the inputs provided to the projects. The payment shall be released on a monthly basis upon submission of the timesheets.

Selection Method:

The consultant will be selected in accordance with ADPC’s recruitment process.

How to apply

Interested candidates can submit the completed ADPC application form, (downloadable from www.adpc.net), resume, copy of degrees/certificate(s) together with a cover letter, to:procurement@adpc.net

The email subject should clearly indicate the position being applied for, for example: [NDCNP - Climate Finance Specialist, Name of Candidate].

Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

ADPC encourages diversity in its workplace and supports an inclusive work environment.