The PDO will support in the development of climate change–related concept notes and proposals by conducting targeted research on climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, reviewing relevant policies and technical documentation, and assisting in the drafting and refinement of project documents.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

TERMS OF REFERENCE

1. THE OPPORTUNITY

The CCCCC is seeking applications for the position of Project Development Officer:

2. ABOUT CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY CLIMATE CHANGE CENTRE

Officially opened in August 2005, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) is mandated by the CARICOM Heads of Governments to lead the region's response to managing and adapting to the impacts associated with anthropogenic-driven climate change in addition to serving as the main repository for regional and national information on climate change.  The CCCCC was established by an Inter-Governmental agreement among the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States and is driven by the philosophy established and nurtured by foundation-setting activities such as that of 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 to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) as a Regional Accredited Entity that allows it to access and manage, on behalf of CARICOM Member States, projects up to USD 50 million per project and support larger-scale interventions under GCFs updated accreditation framework. The CCCCC, since April 2022, is also accredited as a Regional Implementing Entity to the Adaptation Fund. In addition, the CCCCC is currently implementing projects with other donors and bilateral partners that include the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), United Kingdom - Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK-FCDO), Adaptation Fund, World Bank, and the Caribbean Development Bank.   

The work of the CCCCC is guided by the CARICOM Revised Regional Framework (RRF) for Achieving Development Resilient to Climate Change, which provides the high-level strategy, identified by its Member States, to systematically address the challenges posed by climate change for the Caribbean and by the CCCCC’s Strategic Plan (2021-2025) “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 seeks 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 the delivery of this strategic objective, the CCCCC is desirous of recruiting a Project Development Officer (PDO) within the Programme Development and Management Department (PDMD) to lead the project preparation process ensuring quality and timeliness in proposal submissions.

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.

3. ABOUT THE JOB

Under the supervision of the Lead Senior Project Development Specialist (LSPDS), the Project Development Officer (PDO) works within the Project Development Unit (PDU) in the Programme Development and Management Department (PDMD), collaborating closely with the Technical Services Department (TSD), sector experts, and national authorities.

The PDO will support the PDU team in the development of climate change–related concept notes and proposals by conducting targeted research on climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, reviewing relevant policies and technical documentation, and assisting in the drafting and refinement of project documents. This includes supporting the design of initiatives, such as those focused on reducing greenhouse gas emission and enhancing community and ecosystem resilience to climate impacts.

The PDO must employ a collaborative approach and engage closely with Member States and their focal points on Climate Change, ensuring that project initiatives align with national and regional frameworks while being innovative, transformative, and impactful.

4. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide research-driven support to the development and diversification of the CCCCC project portfolio by generating evidence-based inputs for climate mitigation and adaptation project concepts.
• Assist in the development of the theory of change and support the collection and analysis of relevant data and information, including gender considerations and environmental and social safeguards, working collaboratively with the TSD.
• Contribute to the preparation, review, and refinement of concept notes and full proposals to ensure they are well-informed, technically sound, and aligned with strategic climate priorities. This entails:
  • Engagements with Member States to identify their development resilience priorities, nested within their national development strategies, plans, or public sector investment programmes to combat climate variability and change.
  • Supporting the research, collation, and preparation of necessary Preparatory Technical Studies and Reviews, with input from national counterparts, to inform the formulation of projects.  
  • Supporting the stakeholder analysis and consultation processes. 
• Submit Expected Deliverables. These include, but is not limited to:
  • Literature reviews or synthesis reports on climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. 
  • Data summaries and analyses that inform project concepts.
  • Evidence-based recommendations for project design or portfolio diversification
  • Flowcharts, logic models, or impact pathways showing expected outcomes and impact.
  • Documentation linking interventions to expected results, including gender and social considerations.
• Support Technical Studies such as:
  • Databases, spreadsheets, or dashboards compiling relevant climate, social, and gender-disaggregated data.
  • Analytical reports highlighting trends, risks, opportunities, and gaps for project planning.
• Conduct Stakeholder Analysis, including:
  • Summaries of stakeholder consultations or interviews.
  • Presentations or briefings for internal teams and partners.
  • Collaborative documentation demonstrating alignment with portfolio priorities
• Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time for the effective and efficient delivery of services within the PDU.

5. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

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

Qualifications:

• A Master’s Degree in Development Studies, Finance, Environmental Science/Management, Economics, Agriculture, Biology, or related discipline.

Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years experience working, researching or producing papers/technical reports/documents related to the areas of Project Deign/Planning/Development, Finance, Climate Change, Environment Science/Management, Economics, Energy, Engineering, preferably for countries in CARICOM.
• Knowledge and/or familiarity with climate change threats, development imperatives, and socio-cultural dynamics in the Caribbean. 
• Experience in synthesizing baseline/situational analysis project development and articulating project theory of change.
• Work experience in the Caribbean region preferred. 
• Proven experience engaging and working with a wide cross-section of stakeholders at the national and regional level.
• Proven experience to work independently and within a multi-disciplinary team of experts involved in project/programme design.
• Proven experience in conducting stakeholder consultations and engaging in meaningful participatory processes.

 Key Skills/Competencies:

• Proven ability to build strong relationships with clients, ensuring their meaningful engagement and participation
• Ability to work independently and within a multi-disciplinary team of experts to design and develop project/programme designs
• Solid writing, editing, and oral communication skills in English
• Integrity by modeling the CCCCC’s values and ethical standards
• Sensitivity and adaptability to cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age differences
• Fulfills obligations to gender sensitivity and maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and diplomatic skills with the ability to work effectively in a team
• Openness to change and ability to receive and integrate feedback
• Ability to work under pressure and in stressful situations
• Strong analytical, reporting, and writing abilities
• Strong technical writing skills
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills

6. KEY BEHAVIOURS

• Accountability
• Transparency
• Integrity
• Respect
• Excellence

7. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Strict adherence to:

1. CCCCC policies and procedures.
2. CCCCC Confidentiality Agreement and Code of Conduct
3. CCCCC’s Programme Development and Management policies and manual.

8. REMUNERATION PACKAGE

9. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

The Project Development Officer (PDO) reports to the Lead Senior Project Development Specialist.

10. COMMENCEMENT AND PLACE OF WORK

The Project Development Officer will be contracted full-time to the CCCCC’s Headquarters in the City of Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize. The initial contract duration is for one (1) year with a probationary period of three (3) months, and subject to extension and/or renewal, contingent on performance and availability of funding.

11. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION:

• Eligible candidates shall submit the following application package:

1. A Motivation letter outlining how your experience, skills, qualifications, and professional associations fit with the required terms of reference.
2. A detailed Curriculum Vitae or Résumé with full details of experience, achievements, official or certified copies of highest academic degree, and training certificates.
3. Completed Applicant Information Form (see form).

• How to Apply: Applications should be clearly identified as: “Vacancy for Project Development Officer” 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 & Support Services

Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC)

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

City of Belmopan, Belize

• Application Deadline: Friday, 15 May 2026
• Incomplete and late packages will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 
• 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.

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