Description

The J-USE project addresses urgent environmental and social challenges in Jamaica's urban areas by implementing nature-based solutions (NBS). Urbanization in Jamaica is significant, with approximately 56% of the population residing in urban areas, and over 60% of city dwellers living in slums, according to the UN-HABITAT World Cities Report (2024) and World Bank (2021) estimates. However, urban poor communities are disproportionately vulnerable to climate change impacts, compounded by the Caribbean's heightened susceptibility to natural disasters.

Notably, women, young men, and girls face unique vulnerabilities during climate events, as highlighted by an IDB Study (Study of the Impacts of Climate Change on the Women and Men of the Caribbean: Caribbean Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience Countries, 2020) and the World Bank 2023 Gender Assessment report on Jamaica. Yet, the integration of gender and human rights perspectives is crucial for effective climate resilience and biodiversity conservation efforts, as marginalized groups bear a disproportionate burden. The J-USE project adopts an integrated partnership approach to address these challenges, emphasizing financial sustainability, capacity development, and gender responsiveness. By integrating NBS into urban spaces, the project aims to enhance climate resilience and biodiversity while promoting inclusive and sustainable development. This approach, unexplored in Jamaica, seeks to transform urban areas into vibrant, resilient, and nature-friendly spaces that benefit both people and the environment.

Successful implementation requires collaboration among government entities, local communities, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders. Public-private partnerships will leverage resources and expertise for sustainable funding, while government support is crucial for policy enactment, disaster risk reduction, and gender-responsive initiatives. Civil society and academia will serve as change agents, ensuring the efficacy of strategies and fostering community engagement.

The J-USE project is aligned with Canada's G7 2021 climate finance commitment and will be managed by the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) in coordination with Global Affairs Canada. EFJ, as a grant-making entity, will oversee project development and fund management, focusing on poverty reduction, gender empowerment, climate resilience, and cultural protection. The inclusion of NBS in Jamaican government policies reflects aspirations for community well-being and sustainable development.

Overall, the J-USE project seeks to build social, ecological, and economic resilience in Jamaica's urban areas through NBS implementation, contributing to poverty reduction, gender equality, climate adaptation, and natural resource protection.

Objectives of the Consultancy:

The main objective of the Financing Mechanism Specialist consultancy is to support the EFJ in building a sustainable financial mechanism for the J-USE initiative. The J-USE project has a targeted minimum of Cdn$1.5 million, in cash, to be raised from partners and stakeholders. It is expected that the Financial Mechanism Specialist will explore a variety of funding mechanisms for the project and ultimately recommend a designated pathway to raise the minimum targeted amount.

In sum, the Finance Mechanism Specialist will be responsible for designing, implementing and managing the financial mechanism pathway of the J-USE Project. This includes establishing a transparent and inclusive system for resource mobilization, financial management and sustainability of the project. The specialist will also work closely with stakeholders to ensure the integration of gender-responsive practices in financial management. 

Requirements

Phase 1: Initial Landscape Assessment and Framework Development

1. Conduct a Financial Landscape Assessment
2. Develop a Resource Mobilization Framework
3. Conduct a Cost Benefit Analysis
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building
5. Develop Financial Policies and Guidelines
6. Risk Management
7. Draft Initial Report

Phase 2: Resource Mobilization and Implementation

1. Resource Mobilization Execution
2. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of Resource Mobilization
3. Capacity-Building for Fundraising
4. Collaborate with Key Stakeholders
5. Resource Mobilization Reports
6. Final Resource Mobilization Report