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 in developing countries. The GCF, in fulfilling its mandate, 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. The GCF has made available several windows for financing and technical support for a programmatic approach to engage the GCF for the implementation of climate actions. This includes 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, and regional, public, and private entities.

PACT received accreditation in October 2018 by the GCF 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) as National Designated Authority (NDA) of Belize to the GCF, PACT has received approval for financing from the GCF 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 eighteen-month implementation period. This project will contribute to reduce 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, conserve and increase the resilience of the agriculture sector, academia, NGO’s, GOB 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.
• With complementing Environmental and Social Management Action Plan (ESMAP) that includes roles, responsibilities, indicators, and cost estimates for implementation.

5. 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.

6. Consultancy Closure Report:

• Prepare a consultancy closure report summarizing all deliverables, outcomes achieved during the consultancy period, and recommendations for future actions.

4. Professional Qualification and Experience Requirements

Candidates must possess a:

Academic Qualifications

A Master’s Degree in Environmental Economics, Development Studies, Gender Studies, Environmental Management, or a relevant field with a focus on environmental and social safeguards.

Professional Experience

A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in areas such as policy development, environmental and social assessment, risk management, or gender and women’s studies.

At least 5 years of professional experience in developing and delivering training programs with a focus on gender, environmental/social safeguards, and climate change at the national level.

Knowledge 

Working knowledge of the guidelines and procedures of international multilateral donors

Familiarity with the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund, or other global funding agencies.

Skill Requirements

Advanced computer literacy, particularly with Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong organizational and planning capabilities.
Demonstrated analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.

5. Expression of Interest

Candidates should present their signed expression of interest that responds to the requirements of this Terms of Reference, Technical Proposal, Financial Proposal, accompanied by Curriculum Vitae, copies of academic certificates and a list of two recent professional references (names and contact information only) no later than 5:00 pm. on April 25, 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  and accountsclerk3@pactbelize.org