Lead Senior Project Development Specialist

The LSPDS drives the CCCCC's project pipeline growth, providing strategic oversight in resource mobilization and project preparation. They manage project developers, builds relationships with stakeholders, and ensures timely submission of high-quality proposals for successful project delivery.

Lead Senior Project Development Specialist (LSPDS) 

Terms of Reference (TOR) 

Job Title:          Lead Senior Project Development Specialist

Type of Position:     Contract

Duty Station:Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre’s (CCCCC) Headquarters, City of Belmopan, Cayo, Belize 

Duration of Appointment:     To start immediately, for a duration of three (3) years in the first instance, with the possibility for renewal depending on performance and availability of funding.

Reports To:     Head of Programme Development and Management Department

Requirement:          CARICOM Nationality 

BACKGROUND 

Officially opened in August 2005, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) is mandated by CARICOM Heads of Governments to lead the region's response to managing and adapting the impacts associated with anthropogenic-driven climate change. Additionally, it serves as the main repository for regional and national information on climate change. The CCCCC was established by an intergovernmental agreement among the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States and is guided by the philosophy established and nurtured through foundational activities such as that contained within the Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change (CPACC) project, Adapting to Climate Change in the Caribbean (ACCC) project, and Mainstreaming Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) project. The CCCCC manages its portfolio of responsibilities through its network of national, regional, and international collaborating agencies and institutions.  

The CCCCC is accredited by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) as a Regional Accredited Entity, allowing it to access and manage projects up to USD 50 million per project, on behalf of CARICOM Member States. Since April 2022, the CCCCC has also been accredited as a Regional Implementing Entity by the Adaptation Fund (AF) and serves as a Public International Organization for United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Furthermore, the CCCCC is currently implementing projects with various donors and bilateral partners, including the European Union (EU), USAID, Government of Italy (GoI), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and Global Affairs Canada (GAC).  

The work of the CCCCC is guided by the (i) CARICOM Revised Regional Framework (RRF) for Achieving Development Resilient to Climate Change, which provides the high-level strategy identified by its Member States for systematically addressing the challenges posed by climate change in the Caribbean, and (ii) the CCCCC’s Strategic Plan (2021-2025), titled “Building Resilience. Securing Our Future.”  

The CCCCC’s Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) outlines five inter-related Strategic Objectives that, when achieved, will support the achievement of the CCCCC vision of a “Resilient and Sustainable Caribbean region for all”. The Strategic Objectives outlined in the SIP include:  

• Strategic Objective #1: Scale up actions to manage the effects of climate change.  

• Strategic Objective #2: Strengthen strategic partnerships for sustained climate change results within the Region.  

• Strategic Objective #3: Increase the uptake of climate data and innovative tools for socio-economic development and evidence-based decision-making across the region.  

• Strategic Objective #4: Increase the Caribbean’s public ability to make informed decisions in responding to climate change and its impacts.  

• Strategic Objective #5: A strong and sustainable Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre delivering on its mandate and providing added value to the Region.   

Strategic Objective #5 aims to transform the CCCCC into a fit-for-purpose institution that has the internal capacity to deliver on its mandate and deliver the outcomes of its SIP. To assist in delivering this strategic objective, the CCCCC is recruiting a full-time Lead Senior Project Development Specialist to lead and oversee the growth and maturity of the CCCCC’s pipeline of projects/programmes in accordance with the CCCCC’s financial and strategic needs. 

The CCCCC aims to create a fair, transparent, and results-oriented system that aligns with its strategic goals and fosters a culture of continuous improvement, responsive to its business needs as a self-financed institution. 

OBJECTIVES 

The Lead Senior Project Development Specialist (LSPDS) at the CCCCC is responsible for leading the planning, development, and approval of the CCCCC, climate change-related projects and programmes. The LSPDS ensures that all projects developed by the CCCCC are country-owned, aligned with national climate change plans and strategies of Member States, and are aligned with the CCCCC's strategic objectives and standards. The LSPDS will oversee the entire project lifecycle, from the assignment of the appropriate project development personnel, from ideation/conception to funding approval, ensuring that all projects are developed efficiently and submitted to development partners and donors such as the GCF, AF, and bilateral partners in a timely manner. 

The LSPDS plays a strategic role in managing the development of a diverse project portfolio, consistent with the criteria and requirements of the donors/funders and Member States, which will include inter-alia overseeing financial modeling, and the provision of quality assurance and acceptance of feasibility studies, technical assessments, and the integration of gender considerations and social and environmental safeguards. The LSPDS leads the development of comprehensive project strategies, budgets, and plans to ensure the successful delivery of funded projects/programmes that contribute to CCCCC’s resource mobilization targets, strategic implementation plan implementation and long-term climate resilience goals for CARICOM member states. This role requires a high level of leadership, strategic thinking, and demonstrable experience in successfully developing large-scale international development projects/programme and partners as well as experience managing relationships with these partners. 

The LSPDS works under the supervision of the Head of the Programme Development and Management Department (PDMD) but is accountable for providing oversight for the day-to-day operations of the Programme Development Unit (PDU). The LSPDS provides guidance and direct support to a project development team to ensure the delivery and continued growth of the CCCCC's project portfolio and ensures the successful preparation and timely submission of Funding Proposals to donors/funders. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The LSPDS is responsible for leading the growth and maturity of the CCCCC’s pipeline of projects/programmes, providing strategic oversight in resource mobilization, project preparation, mentoring, guiding, directly supporting and managing a team of project developers, building relationships with donors and partners, governments, and other stakeholders, ensuring the timely submission of high-quality, bankable project proposals, coordinating, guiding and providing quality assurance  for the successful delivery of the requisite technical studies and project preparation requirements as well as   overseeing team management, project/programme, tasks delegation, and performance evaluations in accordance with the CCCCC’s performance appraisal requirements.  

Project Planning and Development 

• Lead the identification, origination and development of projects aligned with the CCCCC’s goals and Member States' priorities. 

• Develop comprehensive project strategies, including the Theory of Change, financial models, scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, resource allocation, and risk management strategies for complex projects. 

• Oversee the preparation of the requisite technical studies and financial assessments to assess project viability and risks, ensuring projects are strategically positioned for success. 

• Oversee the development and management of project preparation grants and funding applications, ensuring that proposals adhere to the countries’ needs, CCCCC’s strategic objectives, donor expectations, and financial guidelines. 

• Ensure the effective integration of social and environmental safeguards (e.g., GCF, AF) and gender considerations into project design and planning to meet the requirements of donors and ensure compliance with CCCCC gender and environmental policies. 

• Facilitate cross-functional coordination across teams within the CCCCC (e.g., project managers, procurement and finance), stakeholders, and external partners, ensuring that the technical, financial, and social components of projects are aligned for successful delivery. 

• Liaise with country focal points and CCCCC’s internal review committee to secure timely endorsement of concept notes and funding proposals for submission to donors/funders.   

• Lead the continued growth and development of the CCCCC’s Project Preparation Facility (PPF) (e.g., USAID, SIDAR) and ensure the timely utilization of the PPF resources to advance project maturity, while complying with donor requirements and grant agreement. 

• Oversee the planning and maturity of the Project Portfolio and use of project preparation facility resources to ensure timely delivery of targets outlined in grant agreements between the CCCCC and the donor.  

Leadership and Team Management 

• Serve as a Member of the Senior Management Team to assist the CCCCC to realize its mandate and meet its strategic objectives. 

• Serve as a liaison, as a Member of the Senior Management Team, between the PDU and the management team. 

• Lead, mentor, support, and manage a high-performing team of project developers and support staff, fostering a collaborative, results-driven work environment. 

• Provide strategic oversight to the PDU, ensuring the efficient delegation of tasks, assignment of pipeline projects and working group leads, and provision of expert support in the project development cycle/process. 

• Provide management oversight to the development team to ensure that the requisite financial modelling, technical studies and assessments are completed on time and in alignment with the requirements of the CCCCC and donor.  

• Support the preparation of annual work plans and budgets aligned with the Strategic Implementation Plan, including the preparation of the PDU’s annual budget. 

• Strategically support CCCCC’s resource mobilization targets by identifying and pursuing funding opportunities from bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors and financing institutions. 

• Provide strategic guidance to the CCCCC’s internal review committee, Office of Executive Director and the CCCCC Board of Governors (BoG) to finalize funding agreements. 

• Lead the mobilization of resources to maintain or expand the project development team 

• Lead the development and updating of the GCF’s Entity Work Program and make required presentations to the BoG for endorsement/approval, as required.  

• Represent the Executive Director/CCCCC, as required, at key engagements with member States, donors, and other stakeholders. 

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting 

• Prepare high-level project status reports for senior management and donor agencies, including highlights on progress with project preparation grants, the progression and maturity of the project pipeline against planned targets, challenges and risks to the pipeline of projects, and achievements and make adjustments, as necessary, to ensure timely progression/maturity of funding proposals. 

• Monitor team performance, conduct evaluations in accordance with the CCCCC’s performance appraisal system, and ensure professional development opportunities for team members. 

• Ensure all project documentation complies with CCCCC’s internal policies, donor and regulatory requirements. 

• Monitor the climate finance landscape to ensure continued engagement with the result management objectives of key donors.   

Stakeholder Engagement, Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing 

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government partners, donor agencies, private sector and civil society organizations, and development partners. 

• Lead consultations, meetings, and presentations to ensure alignment with requirements of key partners and enhance project visibility. 

• Oversee the stakeholder engagement strategy for projects, ensuring that consultations and inputs are integrated into the project development process. 

• Lead the development of capacity-building strategies to enhance the project development capabilities of CARICOM Member States, ensuring the integration of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies into national and regional frameworks. 

• Promote knowledge sharing and foster partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including government ministries, civil society, and international organizations, to create synergies for project execution. 

• Oversee the development of training programs, workshops, and technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of project development team and national counterparts in project formulation and implementation. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION, EXPERTISE AND COMPETENCIES 

Eligible candidates should have the following minimum qualifications, experience, and competencies. 

 Qualifications and Experience: 

• Minimum of a Master’s degree related to social, environmental or applied sciences.   

• At least (5) years of proven experience in large-scale project/programme development, resource mobilization, and project cycle management in a regional or international development organization. 

• Demonstrated success in leading and developing projects with a value of at least US$30 million. 

• Solid expertise in development and climate change and management of donor expectations and practices, including familiarity with institutions like the GCF, Adaptation Fund, Caribbean Development Bank, World Bank, Global Environmental Facility, and IADB; experience and familiarity with bilateral partners such as the UK, USAID, Canada will be an asset. 

• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams, delegate tasks, and deliver on strategic goals within tight timelines. 

• Knowledge of climate change landscape and threats, socio-economic and cultural dynamics, and development imperatives in the Caribbean. 

• Strong expertise in the application of environmental and social safeguard policies/standards in large-scale project development. 

• A strategic mindset in identifying opportunities, crafting long-term strategies, and prioritizing actions for project success. 

 Competencies: 

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide multidisciplinary teams. 

• Demonstrate integrity by modeling CCCCC’s values and ethical standards. 

• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and diplomatic skills, with the ability to engage with senior-level stakeholders. 

• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic thinking capabilities. 

• Ability to manage the development of multiple large-scale projects in parallel, ensuring that timelines and quality standards are met. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a clear and persuasive communication style. 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, demanding environment while maintaining high standards of performance and quality. 

• A commitment to gender equality and inclusive development in all project aspects. 

• Strong proficiency in Excel and/or other data analysis tools 

Performance Standard: 

Strict Adherence to: 

1. CCCCC policies and procedures. 

2. CCCCC Confidentiality Agreement and Code of Conduct. 

PLACE OF WORK 

The Lead Senior Project Development Specialist will be contracted full-time to the CCCCC’s Headquarters in the City of Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize C.A. The initial contract duration is for thirty-six (36) months with a probationary period of three (3) months, and subject to extension and/or renewal, contingent on performance and availability of funding. A hybrid modality will not be considered for this role. 

The Lead Senior Project Development Specialist is expected to assume assignment in March 2025, or earlier, if possible. 

MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS  

The Lead Senior Project Development Specialist will report to the Head of the Programme Development and Management Department, who reports to the Assistant Executive Director 

SUBMISSION OF PACKAGE  

Eligible candidates wishing to signal their interest in undertaking the prescribed work are asked to email the following: 

• A Motivation letter outlining how your experience, skills, qualifications, and professional associations fit with the required job description. 

• A Detailed Curriculum Vitae or Résumé with full details of experience, achievements, and qualifications (include copies of Degrees and certificates). 

• Proof that nationality is that of a CARICOM Member State. 

• Three (3) professional references from past employers, including name, title held, entity/company, contact number, and email address.  

How to Apply: 

Applications should be clearly identified as: “Vacancy for Lead Senior Project Development Specialist” in the subject matter of the email and be submitted as ONE PDF package (in the order listed above) via an email to: 

Caryn Guerrero 

Human Resources Unit 

Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) 

3rd Floor, David L McKoy Business Center, Bliss Parade 

Belmopan City, Belize 

Phone: +(501) 822-1094 or 1104 

Deadline for submission of application:   

Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. Belize Time (GMT-6). 

Incomplete packages and late applications will be rejected. 

 Additional notes: 

• Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted. 

• The CCCCC is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture.  

• The CCCCC is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. 

• The successful candidate will be required to submit a valid Police Record (no older than six months). 

• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.  

• All qualified individuals are equally encouraged to apply.