Needs Assessment and Gap Analyst for Climate Adaptation Project, Maldives

The USAID Climate Adaptation Project implemented by Tetra Tech (www.tetratech.com/intdev) is currently accepting expressions of interest from qualified candidates for the role of Needs Assessment and Gap Analyst for the USAID Climate Adaptation Project in Maldives**.** This is a short-term consultancy position, based in Malé, Maldives.

Position Summary:

The role of the consultant is to conduct a Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis to understand the existing capacity of the SME Development and Finance Corporation (SDFC Maldives), and the compliance of their current financial products related to fisheries, agriculture, and tourism, to enhance climate resiliency. The consultant will also seek to assess the feasibility of establishing a climate financing cell/unit within SDFC Maldives and review the current legislative structure of SDFC Maldives to accommodate such a unit and new climate-resilient financial products.

The Consultant will carry out a desk review based on the available literature, one-to-one interviews, and discussions with SDFC Maldives, and related relevant stakeholders, to understand the existing capacity of SDFC Maldives in providing financial services. This is a 5-year USAID contract being implemented by Tetra Tech and runs through July 2026.

Responsibilities:

*Collect and analyze baseline data that would help generate a baseline for SDFC Maldives’ financial products, and capacity for disbursement, especially in the sectors of tourism, fisheries, and agriculture.

*Collect and analyze relevant information on the capacity of SDFC Maldives’ to establish a climate financing cell/unit.

*Review existing legislative structure, and standard operation procedures (SOPs) within SDFC Maldives – those that limit, enhance, need modification, and need to be developed – to cater to access climate financing.

*Review and analyze the potential of SDFC Maldives to be accredited as a National Implementing Entity (NIE) for Green Climate Fund (GCF), and similar other financial resources. Work with SDFC to review the GCF accreditation checklist and establish needs to become compliant with accreditation requirements.

*Develop a draft Scope of Work (SOW) for a consultant to develop new climate financial products in the sectors of tourism, fisheries, and agriculture.

Minimum Qualifications:

*Masters’ degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, Climate Financing, or any other relevant field. A Ph.D. in the relevant/related field would be an added advantage.

*Minimum of five (5) years in a relevant field or carrying out consultancy work at the national and sub-national levels in the field of socio-economic development, sustainable development, or environmental management.

*Previous experience in working with bilateral or multilateral donor agencies or international organizations is desired.

*Experience in climate-related fiscal, economic, and financial impact reporting.

*Proven knowledge and work to conduct fiscal, economic, and financial desk reviews,

*Sound knowledge of the financial and fiscal systems and structures in developing countries,

including policies, strategies, guidelines, and other related programs.

*Advanced knowledge of operation of Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the National Implementing Entity (NIE) application process.

*Strong knowledge of climate governance issues and identification of climate change risk/opportunity.

*Experience working across different geographies to support the development of climate finance strategies and capacity building within partner financial institutions.