1. Background of Assignment

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. This project will contribute to reducing the vulnerability to the impacts of climate change in Belize by facilitating the coherent integration of climate change adaptation into the public sector, programs, and projects within the country. Belize will create partnerships with the public sector to build resilient livelihoods and minimize climate vulnerabilities of communities; and conserve and increase the resilience of the agriculture sector, academia, NGOs, Government, and within Belize in general. 

2. Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to enhance the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) of PACT, ensuring compliance with current regulatory, donor, and environmental/social standards. The consultant will identify gaps in the existing framework, update it according to best practices, and provide training to PACT staff to ensure effective implementation.

PACT is a statutory body committed to improving environmental and social governance within its operational framework. The need for an updated ESMF arises from evolving standards set by key stakeholders, including the Adaptation Fund and Green Climate Fund. This consultancy aims to align PACT’s practices with these standards while fostering capacity building among its staff.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Inception Report:

• Develop an inception report that includes a detailed workplan for the consultancy.
• Outline methodologies, key activities, and timelines for each phase of the project.

2. Gap Assessment Report:

• Conduct a gap assessment of PACT’s Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), ensuring alignment with revisions for the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund (AF), and relevant national environmental and social policies/frameworks, including gender policy and grievance redress mechanisms (GRM).

3. Stakeholder Consultation:

• Facilitate stakeholder consultations to gather insights on the ESMF, ensuring gender disaggregation in data collection.
• Prepare a report summarizing stakeholder feedback and perspectives.

4. Draft Revised ESMF:

• Develop a draft revised ESMF addressing findings from the gap assessment and stakeholder consultations.

5. Draft Complementing ESMAP:

• Create a draft Environmental and Social Management Action Plan (ESMAP) that includes roles, responsibilities, indicators, and cost estimates for implementation.

6. Validation and Capacity Building Workshops:

• Design and conduct validation workshops to present findings and gather feedback on the revised ESMF and ESMAP.
• Prepare training materials and tools for capacity building during these workshops.
• Conduct 2-day Capacity building workshop for 20 PACT Staff.
• Ensure that workshop outcomes are documented, including attendee lists and evaluation reports.

4. Professional Qualification and Experience Requirements

Candidates must possess a:

Master’s Degree (preferred) or a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Social Economics, and Gender with a focus on environmental and social safeguards or relevant field; and/or
A minimum of 5+ experience working with Policy Development, Environmental and Social Assessment and Risk Management, Gender and Women Studies or related discipline will be an asset
A minimum of 5+ years’ professional experience in developing training programs with a gender, environmental/social and climate change focus at the national level.

Knowledge (not required but considered an asset)

Working knowledge of general guidelines and procedures of international multilateral donors
Working knowledge of the GCF, Adaptation Fund, or other Global Funding Agencies

Skill Requirements

Advanced level of computing literacy (Microsoft Office applications preferred)
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Excellent organizational and planning skills
Excellent analytical skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent decision making and problem-solving skills.

5. Expression of Interest

Candidates should present their signed expression of interest that responds to the requirements of this Terms of Reference, accompanied by Curriculum Vitae, copies of academic certificates, current police record and a list of two recent professional references (names and contact information only) no later than 5:00 pm. on January 10, 2025. The package should be addressed to:

Mr. Radin Santos
Procurement Officer
Protected Areas Conservation Trust
Re: Expression of Interest – ESMF Specialist and Training Services

Soft Copies should be sent via email to:

procurementofficer@pactbelize.org copied to projectcoordinator@pactbelize.org