Call for Experts: Programme for Innovation in Climate Adaptation and Resilience Building Solutions (Global Coordination)

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is pleased to announce a call for experts to submit written grant proposals for the Programme for Innovation in Climate Adaptation and Resilience Building Solutions (PARS), a project financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This call seeks to identify qualified partners to execute two key components of the GEF/UNIDO project, aimed at fostering climate adaptation and resilience solutions, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

As the climate crisis accelerates, innovative solutions for adaptation and resilience are critical to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The PARS programme is designed to unlock the potential of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in LDCs, empowering them to drive sustainable, innovative climate solutions. UNIDO seeks to support the creation of a conducive policy environment and financial instruments that will accelerate climate adaptation efforts globally.

Key Objectives of the Call for Proposals

The PARS programme focuses on two main components:

1. Creating a Conducive Policy Environment
   The first component aims to establish an enabling environment for the development and deployment of innovative climate adaptation solutions. This involves policy reforms that can stimulate investment in climate resilience and adaptation, particularly focusing on MSMEs that play a crucial role in developing on-the-ground solutions.
2. Developing Innovative Financial Instruments
   The second component centers around the development of innovative financial instruments that can facilitate the funding and scaling of climate adaptation and resilience-building solutions. These instruments are intended to ensure that financial resources flow efficiently toward impactful, sustainable climate projects, particularly in the context of LDCs.

Target Beneficiaries

The PARS programme is designed to engage key stakeholders in the fight against climate change, with a particular focus on MSMEs in LDCs. These enterprises, often at the forefront of local innovation, are critical to developing tailored solutions for climate adaptation and resilience. By fostering the growth of MSMEs, the programme hopes to build a bottom-up approach to climate resilience, ensuring that solutions are locally relevant, scalable, and sustainable.

Why It Matters

As the impacts of climate change intensify, LDCs are among the most vulnerable, facing rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation. These countries often lack the financial and technical capacity to adequately address climate challenges, making innovative solutions even more critical.

The PARS programme seeks to empower local businesses, governments, and financial institutions to play a more active role in climate adaptation and resilience building. By supporting MSMEs, UNIDO aims to stimulate innovation, increase access to financing, and enhance the capacity of LDCs to cope with the impacts of climate change.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

Who can apply?

UNIDO invites experts and organizations with experience in the following areas to submit proposals:

• Climate adaptation and resilience
• Policy development for climate action
• Innovative financing mechanisms
• Support for MSMEs in LDCs

Applications should include a detailed proposal, demonstrating the applicant’s capacity to contribute to the objectives of the PARS programme, particularly in the context of climate resilience and MSME development.

Submission Deadline:

• 6 January 2025 (23:59 GMT)

Late submissions will not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to submit proposals well in advance of the deadline.

How to Apply

To submit a proposal, applicants should follow the instructions provided in the official call for proposals document. Detailed information regarding eligibility, proposal guidelines, and evaluation criteria can be found on the official UNIDO website.

🔗 For more information and to apply

Collaborating Partners

The PARS programme is a collaborative effort, supported by prominent organizations in the field of climate adaptation, finance, and sustainable development:

• UNIDO Environment
• Accelerate-to-Demonstrate (A2D) Facility
• Climate-KIC
• United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)
• Global Adaptation & Resilience Investment Working Group (GARI)
• International Institute for Sustainable Development

Together, these organizations are committed to creating innovative solutions that will drive climate resilience across the globe, with a special focus on the most vulnerable regions.

Conclusion

The PARS programme offers an exciting opportunity for experts and organizations to be part of a transformative initiative that empowers micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to lead the way in climate adaptation and resilience building. By promoting policy reforms and developing financial instruments, this programme aims to make a tangible impact on climate change adaptation in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), supporting local businesses and communities to thrive in the face of climate challenges.

This call for proposals is an invitation to be part of a global movement working toward innovative and sustainable solutions to the climate crisis. We encourage all eligible experts and organizations to apply and join this critical effort.