Consultancy - NCAEP Program Assistant

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 Program Assistant

                                                                                               TERMS OF REFERENCE

GENERAL OBJECTIVE: The general objective of this consultancy is to provide academic and administrative support  for the National Climate Adaptive Education Program currently being developed by Galen University and a Curriculum Development Firm (Anthesis Consulting Group Limited) under BLZ-RS-013.  

DURATION: 12 weeks

BUDGET: $6,000 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 Program Assistant Consultant must monitor the NCAEP’s relevance, quality, and impact by supporting the work of the Program Coordinator in aligning curriculum, research, and outreach with Galen University’s mission and global climate priorities. The Program Assistant will support the review and update relevant aspects of the NCAEP to ensure academic rigor and alignment with international climate change frameworks (e.g., IPCC, UNFCCC).   

3. Scope of Work

The selected consultant will be responsible for the following:

• Support the assessment of the NCAEP development and implementation process under the guidance of the Program Coordinator at Galen University.
• Provide technical support for the implementation and pilot of the NCAEP in alignment with the University's Quality Assurance Standards.
• Monitor the implementation of the NCAEP by ensuring lecturers deliver approved curriculum within the established timeframe.
• Provide technical support to lecturers for assigned courses through Galen University's Moodle platform.
• Maintain a registry of program participants to ensure accountability and reduce the risk of participant dropout.
• Track participant attendance and engagement throughout the pilot phase, identifying and addressing risks of participants falling behind or withdrawing.
• Coordinate course schedules and conduct technical reviews of deliverables for the two course lecturers (Climate Science and Climate Governance).
• Liaise and communicate with project partners, consultants, and participating organizations.
• Support the compilation of relevant case studies for use during the pilot.
• Coordinate logistics for field activities, where applicable.

4. Expected Results

Work must be carried out within (12) twelve weeks upon signing the contract. The following products will be provided by the consultant:

• Carry out all assigned work within twelve (12) weeks of contract signing.
  
• Submit monthly progress reports on the implementation of the NCAEP pilot.
• Submit a comprehensive NCAEP Report at the end of the twelve (12)-week period, detailing:
  • Findings from the pilot phase.
  • Conclusions and recommendations.
  • An assessment of the delivery of the micro-credential course lectures.

5. Qualifications and Experience Requirements

The consultant should possess the following qualifications:

Academic Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in, Environmental Science, Business Administration, higher education
or a related field.     

Experience: 2 years’ experience in assistant post, preferably within higher education administration or capacity building.  Consideration for general experience would be inclusive of internships, and on-the-job training.   

Professional experience in managing stakeholder relationships and handling sensitive administrative agreements (e.g., contracts, letters of commitment). 

Working experience with online educational platforms such as Moodle.   

 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. 

• 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.
  

9.Payment Schedule for Deliverables

• First Monthly Report on the implementation of the NCAEP Pilot – 30%
  
• Second Monthly Report on the implementation of the NCAEP Pilot – 30%
• Comprehensive NCAEP Report, including findings, conclusions, and recommendations on the pilot phase of the NCAEP and the delivery of the micro-credential courses – 40%

                                                                       **Application deadline is 14  August 2026. **