ABOUT THE NDC PARTNERSHIP
The NDC Partnership is a global coalition, bringing together more than 240 members, including more than 130 countries, developed and developing, and more than 110 institutions to deliver on ambitious climate action that helps achieve the Paris Agreement and drive sustainable development. Governments identify their NDC implementation priorities and the type of support that is needed to translate them into actionable policies and programs. Based on these requests, the membership offers a tailored package of expertise, technical assistance and funding. This collaborative response provides developing countries with efficient access to a wide range of resources to adapt to and mitigate climate change and foster more equitable and sustainable development. The NDC Partnership Support Unit is jointly hosted by the World Resources Institute (WRI), the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the UN Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC). For this project, the Embedded Advisor will be contracted through WRI.
Background
The Malian Agency for the Environment and Sustainable Development (AEDD), mandated by the Government of Mali, plays a crucial role in mobilizing climate finance and coordinating national efforts to combat climate change. Under the Paris Agreement, the AEDD, with support from the NDC Partnership, is actively committed to implementing Mali’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
As part of its operational capacity building, the AEDD is looking for a senior agriculture expert to provide technical assistance for the implementation of the NDC in the agriculture sector. This expert will be responsible for developing concept notes on agriculture projects. They will also provide support in monitoring and evaluating progress in the agriculture sector to inform Mali’s NDC MRV, which is currently under development.
The senior agriculture expert will play a key role in mobilizing stakeholders in the agriculture sector, working closely with institutional, civil society, and private sector stakeholders. He/she will also strengthen the capacity of stakeholders through training and practical workshops and provide strategic advice.
Embedded Advisory Model
The Embedded Advisor position is embedded in the Malian Agency for Environment and Sustainable Development and will be working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Scope of Work and Activities
The Embedded Advisor will be responsible for the following:
-Provide advice and guidance in the field of agriculture in relation to the CDN;
-Provide technical assistance on quality control of deliverables and/or studies commissioned by the AEDD and its partners;
-Provide advice or guidance on project prioritization, development and refinement of concept notes, identification of potential sources of climate finance for the agricultural sector; and outreach to partners.
-Facilitate stakeholder engagement on agriculture and climate matters, particularly in the context of the development of Mali’s NDC 3.0.
Deliverables
Specific deliverables include:
1.Work plan for the duration of the contract, outline expected results, timeline.
-Plan, maximum five pages long, validated by the AEDD Focal Point
-By end of second week of contract
2. Kick-off meeting with AEDD and the Ministry of Agriculture presenting the work plan and objectives of the mission.
-Meeting, presentation
-By end of second week of contract
3.Monthly activity report of a maximum of two pages detailing the activities, stakeholders met, challenges and opportunities to be shared with AEDD, Ministry of Agriculture and the NDC Partnership Support Unit.
-Table of activity, maximum two pages long, validated by the AEDD Focal Point
-By last working day of each calendar month, until 15 December 2025
4.Technical assistance on quality control of deliverables and/or studies commissioned by the AEDD and its partners;
-Written input, presentation, as needed, reported into the monthly activity report
-Continuously until 15 December 2025
5.Identification of climate finance sources for agriculture related projects, in consultation with AEDD and the Ministry of Agriculture, and outreach to potential partners from the private sector, international cooperation actions
-Written recommendations for selection/identification of projects, and evidence of outreach.
-15 December 2025
6.Contribution to the development of Mali’s NDC 3.0 on agriculture-related matters, including on emissions stemming from agricultural sub-sectors, and adaptation & resilience measures.
-Written input, participation in NDC 3.0 development meetings, involvement of Ministry of Agriculture.
-15 December 2025
7.Final meeting and presentation with AEDD and the Ministry of Agriculture on outcomes of the contract.
-Meeting, presentation
-15 December 2025
Contract Terms
Timeframe and Duty Station
This is a full- time position based in Mali for 3.5 months, with possible extension. The expected start date is 1 September.
Qualifications
Academic and Professional Requirements
-Advanced degree in agronomy, public policy (climate/environment), economics, sustainable development, or similar field, with a strong focus on agriculture and land-use management issues.
-At least 7 years of experience in climate/environment and sustainable development; of which at least 5 in agriculture related topics.
-Demonstrable experience working in agriculture and climate change tasks in Mali.
-Demonstrated skills in managing and aligning diverse groups of stakeholders, including development agencies, non-state actors / civil society, financial institutions, the private sector, and others.
-Excellent writing, editing, digital, and oral communication skills.
-Mali national or working permit-holder.
-Proficiency in French is a requirement, English and national languages of Maliis an asset.
EVALUATION AND SELECTION
Evaluation Criteria
The following elements will be the primary considerations in evaluating all proposals submitted in response to this TOR:
-Completion of all required elements;
CV, Cover Letter, Daily remuneration expectation, Conflict of Interest Declaration
-The extent to which the consultant’s proposal fulfills WRI’s stated requirements as set out in the TOR;
-Overall cost of the consultant’s proposal;
-Debarment and sanctions – WRI will not consider proposals from consultants that are presently debarred by the U.S. government or named on any restricted parties lists;
-Sustainability – WRI values sustainability and all other factors being equal, will favor a proposal to more sustainably perform the work.
The applicant offering the best overall value will be selected. For this procurement, the non-price aspect is considered to be of higher importance than the price aspect.
Selection Process
No application/proposal development costs shall be charged to WRI / all expenses are to be borne by the bidders. WRI may award to the bidder offering best value without discussion. However, WRI reserves the right to seek bidder clarifications and to negotiate with those bidders deemed to be within a competitive range.
WRI may, at its discretion and without explanation to the prospective consultants, choose to discontinue this TOR without obligation to such prospective consultants. or make multiple awards under this TOR. Contracts will not be awarded to consultants debarred by the US government or named on restricted parties lists.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a complete application package including Cover Letter, CV, Daily Remuneration Expectation (in USD, expected 40 hours/week), and the completed Conflict of Interest Declaration (see Annex) with the subject ‘Mali – NDC Partnership Agriculture Advisor Application’ to
Nathan Mesnildrey, Country Engagement Specialist, NDC Partnership Support Unit: nathan.mesnildrey@ndcpartnership.org
ndcpaf@ndcpartnership.org
All proposals must be received by 5:00pm CEST on Friday, 15 August 2025 in electronic format to the contacts listed above.