CSTEP - Climate Finance Expert (4-8 yrs)

The climate finance and carbon market specialist would be primarily responsible for providing technical expertise and support in identifying, accessing, and mobilising climate finance resources, and exploring carbon market opportunities in the agriculture sector. By strategically leveraging financial mechanisms and carbon markets, the expert will contribute to the project's objective of promoting climate-smart agricultural practices/technologies and sustainable land management.

Responsibilities:

- Develop and leverage climate finance strategy for climate-smart agriculture, aligning with state's policies and national and international climate finance frameworks.

- Identify opportunities to secure climate finance resources from diverse sources such as national and international climate funds, development banks, bilateral agencies, and private sector investors.

- Analyse and explore carbon market mechanisms and opportunities (e.g., carbon credits, offsets, emission reductions) relevant to the agriculture sector, and develop project concepts to enable access to these markets.

- Establish and maintain partnerships with relevant state stakeholders, including financial institutions, carbon market platforms, project developers, government agencies, and NGOs to facilitate collaboration in leveraging climate finance for climate smart agriculture initiatives.

- Provide technical advice and guidance to project team members and other stakeholders on climate finance mechanisms and financial instruments.

- Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track the progress, impact, and financial performance of activities within the project.

- Be involved in capacity-building activities, workshops, and training programmes to enhance understanding and knowledge among stakeholders and beneficiaries about climate finance mechanisms and carbon market opportunities.

- Prepare regular reports and updates on these activities.

Qualifications:

- Master's degree in Economics, Finance, Environmental Economics, Sustainable Development, or a related field.

Experience:

- 3 to 5 years of experience in climate finance, carbon markets, or related fields, preferably within the agriculture or land management sectors.

- Familiarity with international climate finance mechanisms, instruments, and institutions.

- Knowledge of carbon market mechanisms, including carbon credits, offsets, and emission reductions.

- Understanding of climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land management concepts.

Skill Set:

- Excellent analytical, research, and strategic thinking skills.

- Ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

- Fluency in English with strong presentation skills, and proficiency in Odisha/Hindi desirable.

- Willingness to travel domestically, as required.