CSESI Climate Finance Consultant – Pacific Region

• Short-term consultancy
• July to November 2026
• Home-based (Pacific Region)

SAVE THE CHILDREN AND 54 REASONS: A PLACE WHERE YOUR PURPOSE MATTERS.

It takes all types of personalities and talents to drive our organisation- yours included. We value a healthy work-life balance and ensure our people feel connected to each other and our impact. Learn from inspiring people and grow from a connection to our strong local and global networks. From our programs to our support services - this is the place to realise your purpose.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Climate Smart Education Systems Initiative (CSESI) Pacific is an 18-month regional project (May 2025–November 2026) funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) to enhance the climate resilience of education systems across the Pacific. CSESI Pacific is part of a wider global initiative, led jointly by Save the Children (SC), UNESCO and UNESCO-IIEP, and implemented in close coordination with national Ministries of Education and regional bodies.

CSESI seeks to enhance countries’ capacities to mainstream climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability into education sector plans, budgets, and strategies, as well as strengthen cross-sectoral coordination on climate-related policy and programming. The initiative also supports Ministries of Education to build readiness to access climate finance. The current phase of CSESI Pacific is focused on translating regional education investment priorities, identified by Pacific Ministries of Education, into funder-aligned concept notes.

A PLACE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Save the Children is seeking a consultant to support Pacific Ministries of Education to move from climate finance priorities to practical, fundable investment concepts. This consultancy will focus on developing and progressing a small number of priority climate finance concepts, working closely with governments, regional partners and climate finance actors to shape viable, funder-aligned project designs and pathways to access climate finance.

IN THIS CONSULTING ASSIGNMENT YOU WILL:

For detailed information, the full Terms of Reference are available separately.

THIS CONSULTANCY WILL INVOLVE:

• Working closely with the CSESI team and Pacific partners to translate climate finance roadmap priorities into a small number of viable concept ideas;
• Designing and facilitating a regional workshop (expected between 20 July and 7 August) to prioritse and shape concept ideas;
• Supporting countries to define feasible funding pathways, including engagement with relevant accredited entities and national focal points;
• Facilitating targeted follow-up sessions and workshops to further develop and refine selected concepts;
• Leading the development of up to two climate finance concept notes aligned with funder requirements;
• Supporting early engagement with funders and partners to test and strengthen concept viability.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical expertise in climate finance with the ability to work across governments and partners to shape practical, credible investment concepts.

• Over 10 years of experience designing and delivering climate finance, climate change, DRR, or resilience programs, particularly in the Pacific, with at least 5 years in climate finance;
• Knowledge and experience working with governments and Ministries on climate change and climate financing processes;
• Experience in program and project design, including development of concept notes or proposals;
• Experience engaging with national governments, UN agencies, international bodies and/or donors;
• Strong understanding of climate finance mechanisms and processes (e.g. GCF, GEF, Adaptation Fund);
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate workshops and engage diverse stakeholders in multi-country contexts;

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE THE PLACE FOR YOU?

We’d love to hear from you. To apply please use the ‘Apply Now’ option to submit:

• A cover letter
• A CV (or organisational profile, if applying as a firm)
• Contact details of at least two referees

The closing date for this is 4pm AEST, Sunday 14^th June 2026 but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with interviews to be scheduled subsequently. We would encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Save the Children Australia is a child-safe organisation. All consultants are required to undergo relevant checks and agree to our Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.