International Expert on Private-Public Partnerships

Background

Climate change is happening with unprecedented speed and intensity throughout the world, threatening continued economic growth and development progress. This has become a serious and major challenge to the Central Asian region, specifically Uzbekistan whose land is extremely vulnerable to drought caused by the climate change. With this in mind, the country needs to put climate change adaptation at the heart of its agenda.

The population with lowest income of Uzbekistan lives in the most arid parts of the country, is dependent on subsistence agriculture, and is facing increased vulnerability to changes in climate conditions and natural resources availability. Given this, the government has recognized the urgent need for climate change adaptation measures.

The proposed project, as part of Uzbekistan’s response to address the above challenges, has as its objective to advance the adaptation planning process for priority climate-sensitive sectors and regions in Uzbekistan through implementation of three flows of activities that need to be coordinated and consolidated in climate change adaptation context that shall produce main expected outcomes by the project. In particularly, Outcome 3: An adaptation financing and investment strategy for Uzbekistan is developed seeks to identify options to sustainably finance the NAP process in Uzbekistan and engage the private sector in supporting adaptation.

The main beneficiaries of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) financing support will be the Center of Hydrometeorological Services (Uzhydromet), Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade (MIFT as National Designated Authority) as well as stakeholders from 5 key sectors (agriculture, water, health, housing and emergency management) and administrations in the three target provinces of this project (Republic of Karakalpakstan, Bukhara and Khorezm).

Gender inclusiveness is at the centre of the NAP process. The proposal highlights the need for gender mainstreaming in climate change adaptation planning and budgeting and recognizes that adaptation cannot be successful without the involvement of all Uzbeks, particularly women. During the implementation process, gender concerns will be brought to the forefront through all three of the project outcomes.

The project is planning to recruit an International Expert on Private-Public Partnerships, who will take the lead in strengthening the system of building private sector engagement in climate change adaptation processes.

Under the overall operational supervision of the of the Project Manager, and in cooperation with the National Climate Finance Analyst, the International Consultant will be responsible for formulation of recommendations on workable options on establishment of the public-private partnerships for climate change adaptation efforts with consideration of economic environment of Uzbekistan for the 5 key project sectors (agriculture, water, health, housing, and emergency management) and 3 target provinces (Republic of Karakalpakstan, Khorezm and Bukhara regions) that are under the project consideration, for that the sectoral National Adaptation Plans are being developing. The International Consultant will work closely with the project team and project partners to share information, ensuring reliable delivery of services and achieving satisfactory project outcomes through fulfilling the following tasks

Duties and Responsibilities

Task 1. Development of draft report on public-private partnership incentive tools and financial products to engage private sector in climate change adaptation activities:

Maintain regular and constructive contact with the project National Consultant on Public-Private Partnerships and other relevant national and international consultants of the project upon the request of the Project Manager or project national Climate Finance Analyst;
Analyze the status and national experience related to public-private and prioritization of private sector involvement in strategies and PPP options as regard the adaptation to climate change in Uzbekistan by:

studying relevant legislation and reports prepared both by national and international consultants;
providing an overview of international experiences and approaches to engage private sector in climate change adaptation measures, including lessons learnt and deriving recommendations for Uzbekistan;
studying various relevant guidelines developed by other countries, in particular in the region of the Eastern Europe and CIS countries, working on issues pertaining to PPP cases related to adaptation to climate change;

Provide guidance and support (upon request) to the National Expert on Public and Private Partnership and relevant stakeholders from the key sectoral ministries responsible for conducting thorough appraisal of selected adaptation options for each key project sector;
Develop a draft report on workable public-private partnership incentive tools and financial products to attract private sector (including farmers, homeowners, SMEs, etc) in 5 key sector and 3 target provinces in climate change adaptation activities, taking into account gender inclusiveness;
Submit a draft report to 5 consultations workshops, which will be organized by the project team, and participate online (via Zoom) in its discussion;

Task 2. Development of final report on public-private partnership incentive tools and financial products to engage private sector in climate change adaptation activities:

Finalize draft report by taking into account feedback, comments and proposals by participants of 5 consultation workshops.

Participate online in/ facilitate (upon request) the corresponding meetings of the Inter-Agency Working Group of the project for the validation of developed deliverables that will be organized by the project team.

Competencies

Excellent interpersonal, collaborative and communication skills. Ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with other partners, within and outside UNDP;
Ability to plan, develop and implement project and programme activities;
Ability to transfer analytical results into simple and workable solutions;
Excellent organizational skills, interpersonal communication skill, self-motivated, proactive and reliable with good communication and ability to work in harmony with staff members of different national backgrounds;
Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
Ability to work in close collaboration with national and international experts, to meet strict deadlines and plan the work according to priorities;
Ability to use information and communication technology as a tool and resource;
Computer proficiency; especially related to professional office software packages (MS Office);
Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications:

Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent; PhD an asset) in finance, economics, environment studies, development studies, public policy, or related fields of study. Background in other areas may be considered based on experience and performance in previous positions.

Experience:

At least 5 years professional experience of conducting or managing research on private-public partnership developments in climate change activities;
Proven experience in development of public-private partnership options within the development of climate change adaptation plan;
Progressing experience of working with and/or guide international and national expert groups in climate change action;
Experience in reviewing and analysing changes related to national and/or sub-national policy/laws/legal frameworks;
Strong track record of experience in innovative leadership in climate change related issues, and proven experience in producing demonstrable results;
Experience in working in climate change adaptation related projects in Central Asia and/or CIS countries. Working experience in Uzbekistan is an asset;
Proven working experience focused on climate adaptation with international development organization, IFIs and donors;
Good knowledge of UNFCCC, IPCC manuals and guidelines will be a distinctive advantage

Language requirements:

Proficiency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of Russian is an asset.