CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – Project Development Specialist
Background and Purpose:
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a multilateral financing mechanism established to support climate action in the Caribbean and, by extension, developing countries. In fulfilling its mandate, the GCF responds to climate change through strategic investments in actions that will result in low-emission and climate-resilient development. These strategic investments will limit or reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in developing countries and help vulnerable societies adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change. Several windows for financing and technical support for a programmatic approach are available to engage the GCF for the implementation of climate actions. These include funding windows for mitigation and adaptation, the Private Sector Facility, the Readiness and Preparatory Support Program, a REDD+ results-based payment program, and an Enhanced Direct Access Program designed to enhance funding access by sub-national, national, regional, public, and private entities.
In 2018, the GCF accredited the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) as a national Direct Access Entity. This role requires PACT to take on several responsibilities associated with the delivery of impactful projects within the priorities of the Fund, of PACT, and of Belize’s National Climate Change Policy & Plan, and related frameworks. In collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development (MED), Belize’s National Designated Authority (NDA) to the GCF, PACT has received approval for financing under a Readiness and Preparatory Support Project titled, “Strengthening technical and institutional capacities of Galen University, BLPA, PACT, BNPAS and the Government of Belize to access Climate Finance.” This project is to be executed over an 18-month implementation period and is expected to contribute to the reduction of vulnerabilities and the impact of climate change in Belize.
Within the framework of the above-mentioned project, PACT in partnership with the CCCCC is committed to support the expansion of the Belize Portfolio of projects to the Green Climate Fund. Supporting this objective PACT is recruiting a Project Development Specialist for embedding within the CCCCC’s Project Development Unit. Once recruited the project development Specialist will be responsible for the development of two (2) concepts notes, align with the priorities outlined in Belize’s GCF Country Programme and in coordination with the Ministry of Economic Transformation, over a six (6) months period.
Key Responsibilities:
The Project Development Specialist supports the development of climate change projects and readiness and preparatory support project as well as assist the project development process by conducting research, contributing to requisite technical studies, risk assessments, proposal preparation, budget drafting, and the integration of social, environmental, and gender safeguards, under the guidance of senior team members to ensure alignment with national priorities and donor requirements.
Scope of Work:
The consultant will undertake the following tasks:
1. Project Development and Technical Support
- Work under the guidance of senior team members (LPDS/SPDS) within CCCCC PDU to prepare and submit concept notes while ensuring compliance with donor guidelines and coordination with the Ministry of Economic Transformation.
- Perform problem analysis using tools like Problem Tree Analysis
- Assist in identifying and defining project objectives, scope, deliverables, and timelines, ensuring alignment with national goals.
- Support research, feasibility studies, and technical assessments, including basic climate vulnerability and risk assessments, to contribute to the technical and financial soundness of concepts.
- Provide support in cost estimation for project budgets
- Work with the CCCCC’s project development team in the integration of social and environmental safeguards and gender considerations into the development process.
2. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination
- Conduct stakeholder mapping and develop a stakeholder engagement plan.
- Lead in coordinating meetings and consultations with project stakeholders, including local authorities, technical partners, community groups, and donors
- Facilitate communication and information sharing between various stakeholders, ensuring that expectations and project goals are understood
- Organize and facilitate a validation session with key stakeholders to review and validate the findings of the pre-feasibility report.
Deliverable | Timeline | Payment Schedule |
1. Project Idea Note | End of Week 1 |
16 % Second instalment at the end of Month 1 upon CCCCC review and acceptance |
| 2. Project Idea Note | End of Week 1 | |
3. Concept development workplan | End of Week 2 | |
4. Stakeholder Mapping & Engagement Strategy | End of Week 3 | |
5. Problem Analysis (Problem Tree) | End of Week 4 | |
6. Preliminary ES and Gender Risk Screening | End of Week 5 |
16 % Second instalment at the end of Month 2 upon CCCCC review and acceptance |
7. Draft situational Analysis and Theory of change | End of Week 7 | |
8. Draft Concept Note | End of Week 8 | |
9. E &S and Gender Risk Screening | End of Week 10 |
16 % Third Instalment at the end of Month 3 upon CCCCC review and acceptance |
10. Final validated Concept Note | End of Week 12 | |
Concept 2 | ||
11. Project Idea Note | End of week 13 | 16% Fourth Instalment at the end of Month 4 upon CCCCC review and acceptance |
12. Concept development workplan | End of Week 14 | |
13. Stakeholder Mapping & Engagement Strategy | End of Week 15 | |
14. Problem Analysis (Problem Tree) | End of Week 16 | |
15. Preliminary ES and Gender Risk Screening | End of Week 17 |
16% Fifth instalment at the end of Month 5 upon CCCCC review and acceptance |
16. Draft situational Analysis and Theory of change | End of Week 19 | |
17. Draft Concept Note | End of Week 20 | |
18. E &S and Gender Risk Screening | End of Week 22 |
20% Sixth instalment at the end of Month 6 upon CCCCC review and acceptance |
19. Final validated Concept Note | End of Week 24 | |
Deliverables and Payment Schedule:
The consultancy will be executed over a period of 6 months, with each concept note developed over a 3-month timeframe. Below is the consolidated table of deliverables and payment schedule, clearly distinguishing between Concept Note 1 and Concept Note 2.
Qualifications and Experience:
The Project Development Specialist should meet the following qualifications:
- A Master’s degree related to social, environmental or applied sciences, and at least 2 years’ proven development experience.
Or
A Bachelor’s in related to social, environmental or applied sciences, and five (5) years proven experience related to areas of Project Deign/Planning/Development, Finance, Climate Change, Environment Science/Management
- A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in research, technical report writing, project administration, coordination, or support, preferably in climate change, environmental sustainability, or related sectors.
- Experience in grant writing for international climate funds (e.g., GCF, Adaptation Fund) will be considered an asset.
Competencies
- Strong organizational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
- Proactive approach to problem-solving, with an ability to identify potential issues and provide solutions.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong analytical abilities, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in creating logical frameworks (log frames) that outline project objectives, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts.
- Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders, including government entities, civil society, and private sector actors.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, contributing to a positive and collaborative work environment.
Reporting Structure:
The Project Development Specialist will report directly to a functional manager within PACT (Project Coordinator) in relation to contract management and the Lead Project Development Specialist of the CCCCC on issues associated with deliverable development, submission and certification.
The Specialist is also expected to work closely with PACT and CCCCC staff, NDA, and other stakeholders throughout the process to ensure alignment with national priorities and compliance with GCF requirements.
Expression of Interest:
Expression of Interest package should be submitted no later than 15th October 2025 and contain:
- Cover letter briefly explaining interest, relevant work experience, and expertise of the consultant.
- Copy of academic certificates.
- Recent Police report
- List of two (2) professional references (names and contact information only).
The package should be addressed to:
Mr. Radin Santos
Procurement Officer
Protected Areas Conservation Trust
Re: Expression of Interest: Project Development Specialist
Soft Copies should be sent via email to:
procurementofficer@pactbelize.org and projectcoordinator@pactbelize.org
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PACT is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against protected characteristics (gender, age, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability).
PACT is not liable for any costs incurred by Consulting Teams in submission of their application.