Job Information
Abt Global Inc. Resilience Finance Lead - Caribbean Resilient Economies and Sectors Activity in Bridgetown, Barbados
The World at Abt
Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.
We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.
To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.
Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.
Opportunity
Abt seeks a qualified Resilience Finance Lead (Disaster Risk Finance- DRF) to support the USAID-funded Caribbean Resilient Economies and Sectors (RESET) Activity. The purpose of this activity is to reduce systemic constraints to climate and disaster finance and increase investments in resilience across priority sectors. The activity is has the following objectives:
Objective 1: Increased capacity of the public sector to develop, update and implement financial instruments for climate and disaster-related fiscal risk management and investment in key sectors for resilience.
Objective 2: Improved private sector investment in resilience.
Objective 3: Productive partnerships for resilience established and strengthened.
The Resilience Finance Lead will lead the development of interventions to increase the capacity of the public sector of supported countries to develop, update and implement financial instruments for climate and disaster-related fiscal risk management and investment in key sectors for resilience. These will include interventions to update/develop DRF tools to cover the entire spectrum of risk (from small, frequent events to rare, extreme events), as well as interventions to support the development of viable climate resilience projects that are ready to receive financial resources from the private sector and international climate funds.
The position is anticipated to be full-time for the five-year duration of the activity and be based in Barbados.
Core Responsibilities
Assist government agencies to develop and implement Disaster Risk Finance Strategies to adequately cover the spectrum of frequencies and severity of climate-related shocks being faced now and in the future.
Lead and oversee the provision of technical assistance to support the development of public wholistic DRF strategies, structuring of specific risk-management products, and readiness for/access to mechanisms like contingent-credit facilities.
Help design financial mechanisms (e.g., grants) to mobilize public and private capital towards the launch or uptake of new instruments at a regional and national level (e.g., premiums for regional DRF products, grants for research and development of national insurance products, including for specific sectors).
Provide guidance and oversee financial advisors supporting the public sector in the development of initiatives to help manage the fiscal risks related to climate change.
Lead the development of interventions to improve the enabling environment for climate finance.
Lead and oversee the provision of technical assistance to develop climate resilience projects that are ready to be funded and that are aligned with country priorities, as described in National Adaptation Plans, Nationally Determined Contributions, and national climate-related strategies.
Lead and oversee the provision of technical assistance to build the capacity of the public sector to develop and manage new investment vehicles.
Collaborate with the RESET team on interventions to enhance the public sector’s capacity to make investments and adopt public policies that benefit underrepresented communities, women, youth, indigenous populations, and people with disabilities.
Contribute to cross-cutting activities, such as private sector engagement; building productive partnerships for resilience; gender and social inclusion; monitoring, evaluation, and learning; and collaborating, learning, and adapting.
What We Value
Bachelor’s Degree + Fifteen years of relevant experience, or Master’s Degree + Twelve years of relevant experience, or PhD + Ten years of relevant experience
Master’s degree in economics, finance, international development, business, or a related field.
At least 7 years of experience in climate finance
At least 4 years working in the development and implementation of DRF strategies for the public sector or blended finance mechanisms
Knowledge of financial instruments for climate adaptation/mitigation activities and to attract private sector funds
Demonstrated track record of mobilizing finance from the public and/or private sectors, preferably for investments in areas related to climate change and/or disaster risk management, including through the use of grants, loans, and other mechanisms provided by specialized climate finance sources (e.g., Green Climate Fund).
In-depth knowledge of Public-Private Partnerships, including the legal and regulatory requirements for developing them in relevant Caribbean countries.
In-depth understanding of Caribbean countries’ policies and political context, and of the challenges and opportunities that these create for the adoption and/or strengthening of DRF strategies for the public sector.
Demonstrated ability to develop collaborative working partnerships with a wide variety of stakeholders, including national and sub-national governments, the donor community, private sector, civil society, and academia.
In depth understanding of ESC context
Excellent interpersonal, intercultural, diplomacy, and leadership skills, including the ability to manage high-level relationships and motivate subordinates.
Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
Strong skills in verbal and written communication required
Fluency in English required.
What We Offer
We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits and professional development.
Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.
Abt is committed to creating a safe and inclusive work environment. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate background checks,which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Abt Associates also participates in the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (https://misconduct-disclosure-scheme.org/) . In line with this Scheme, we will request information from jobapplicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of theserecruitment procedures.
Around the world, vulnerable populations face an array of complex problems. At Abt Global, we’re committed to making fundamental societal change in these disproportionately affected communities. We help wherever we’re needed. Here, you’ll collaborate with an international network of talented colleagues as you design and implement solutions for critical health, climate, economic, and governance issues. In partnership with local and indigenous communities you will help to improve lives and livelihood. All the while having the support and encouragement of leaders who always put your career and wellbeing first. Come make a World of Difference with us.
At Abt, our commitment to creating a more equitable society for populations around the world starts from within. We understand how communities can flourish when people are given the right resources and support, and at Abt we continuously strive to cultivate a culture where there are no barriers to personal and professional fulfilment. Our welcoming and inclusive environment, our stance on employee wellbeing and flexibility, our deliberate approach towards expanding our talent representation, and our Employee Networking Groups are just some of the ways we ensure that everyone at Abt can thrive. With an eye towards continuous improvement, we know there’s always more to be done. And we’re set on doing it.