Consultancy - NCAEP Climate Science Lecturer

NOTE: Any requests for clarification or questions regarding this Terms of Reference (ToR) should be submitted in writing to procurement-desk@pactbelize.org
and projectmanager2@pactbelize.org. 

Click here to download complete ToR in pdf: Consultancy - NCAEP Climate Science Lecturer

                                                                                               TERMS OF REFERENCE

GENERAL OBJECTIVE: The general objective of this consultancy is for the academic delivery of lectures/training, expert facilitation, and assessment of learner groups based on the NCAEP modules on Climate Science including the “Foundations of Climate Change and Adaptation in Belize” micro-credential course.  

DURATION: 10 weeks

BUDGET: $4,000 BZD

1. Background

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 (BLZ-RS-013) 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 a 29-month implementation period ending January 5, 2027. 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. 

One of the key Outcomes is to establish adequate capacity systems and networks to support planning, programming and implementation of GCF funded activities by relevant country stakeholders (including executing entities, community service organizations and private sector entities).  Under BLZ-RS-013 a Curriculum Development Firm (Anthesis Consulting Group Limited) has been engaged to develop a National Climate Adaptive Education Program (NCAEP) at Galen University which will include priority thematic clusters including Climate Governance and Climate Finance Project Development and Implementation.  It is expected that Galen University will pilot two micro-credential courses and assess the initial NCAEP with a cohort of selected professionals that play an active role in the country’s mitigation and adaptation actions including professionals from the Belize National Protected Areas System.    

2. Objectives and Responsibilities

The Climate Science Lecturer must review the NCAEP educational material developed by the Curriculum Development Firm (Anthesis Consulting Group Limited) to ensure they remain current, practical and responsive to emerging climate risks.  Provide technical recommendations and expert guidance on the curriculum development and implementation for the modules focused on Climate Science priority thematic areas.  Deliver lectures and training based on the approved curriculum for the “Foundations of Climate Change and Adaptation in Belize” micro-credential course within the specified timeframe. 

3. Scope of Work

The selected consultant will be responsible for the following:

• Serve as a member of the NCAEP Independent Expert Group, contributing expert knowledge on climate science, adaptation and mitigation strategies, and sustainable development to support the development and implementation of the NCAEP.
  
• Facilitate interactive learning sessions, case study discussions, and practical exercises that enable participants to apply climate science concepts to real-world project development.
• Deliver lectures for the "Foundations of Climate Change and Adaptation in Belize" micro-credential course in accordance with the approved curriculum and established schedule.
• Coordinate with the Climate Governance Lecturer to ensure a cohesive and integrated learning experience across course modules.
• Maintain accurate attendance and participant engagement records to support the Program Coordinator's efforts to mitigate participant dropout.
• Administer and grade participant assignments, quizzes, and final projects using the approved assessment rubrics.
• Provide timely and constructive feedback to participants to strengthen their understanding of climate science and climate finance concepts.
• Prepare and submit a final course completion report, including participant performance, attendance metrics, class dynamics, and recommendations for future program iterations, in accordance with Galen University's requirements.
• Engage with key stakeholders participating in Cohort 1 of the Pilot, including stakeholders from the Belize National Protected Areas System.

4. Expected Results

Work must be carried out within (10) ten weeks upon signing the contract. The following products will be provided by the consultant:

• Deliver lectures for the "Foundations of Climate Change and Adaptation in Belize" micro-credential course in accordance with the approved curriculum and established timeframe.
• Submit a Final Course Completion Report no later than nine (9) weeks after contract signing, including:
  • Participant performance.
  • Attendance metrics.
  • Overall class dynamics.
  • Learner group assessments.
  • Recommendations for future iterations of the program.

5. Qualifications and Experience Requirements

The consultant should possess the following qualifications:

Academic Qualification:
Possess an advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in Climate Science, Environmental Science, Earth Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Sustainable Development, or a closely related discipline.
Evidence of continuous professional development in climate finance, climate policy, or related disciplines.   Professional certification in pedagogy will be considered an asset. 

Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in climate science, climate data analysis, climate research, climate modeling  , with a specific understanding of developing sound science-based projects for multilateral climate funds (e.g., GCF, GEF, Adaptation Fund). 

Proven experience in teaching, training, or facilitating high-level capacity-building programs for professionals or graduate-level students. 

Familiarity with the Belizean or broader Caribbean socio-economic and climate vulnerability context is highly desirable. 

Must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of climate change, climate risk identification and assessment, analysis of climate data, climate change sectorial planning, mitigation and adaptation strategies to help society respond effectively to climate change.  

Must demonstrate knowledge of the local climate finance architecture, GCF funding windows, accreditation processes, and the financial appraisal of adaptation/mitigation projects. 

Proficiency in adult-learning facilitation methodologies, including leading case study discussions and practical workshops.

 6. Skill Requirements

The selected consultant will need to have or show: 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with university officials, lecturers, government stakeholders, and students. 

• Strong analytical, planning
  and problem-solving skills. 

• Presentation and facilitation skills in a digital environment. 

• Flexibility and adaptability. 

7. Coordination

The technical focal point and main counterpart for this consultancy is Galen University.  The administrative focal point for this consultancy is the Project Coordinator of the GCF Readiness 13. 

8. Application Procedures

• Interested candidates should submit one (1) PDF file containing their signed expression of interest that responds to the requirements of these Terms of Reference, Curriculum Vitae, and copies of academic certificates.
  

                                                                        **Application deadline is 14  August 2026. **