Project Name: Climate Projects Preparation Facility (CPPF)

Project Description:

About the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA):

Established in 1976, the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) is a premier institute of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, for research and capacity building for the urban sector in India. For more than 40 years now, NIUA has been the vanguard for contributing to and building the urban narrative for a fast-evolving urban India. The Institute has been actively working on transformative urban development including aspects of data driven urban governance, urban planning, urban finance, urban infrastructure and climate-conscious and inclusive urban development. It has utilized its competencies in research, knowledge management, policy advocacy and capacity building to address urban challenges and strives continuously to develop sustainable, inclusive and productive urban ecosystems in the country. It has emerged as a thought leader and knowledge hub for urban development in India and is sought after by both Indian and international organizations for collaborations and partnerships in India’s urban transforming journey. NIUA is committed towards aligning its efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through all its initiatives and programmes. Read more about NIUA at niua.in

About the project:

The Climate Projects Preparation Facility (CPPF) is the first of its kind initiative in the country, aimed at helping Indian cities to design and develop bankable climate- conscious projects. Set up at the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), the CPPF is a collaboration between Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation and NIUA, aimed at supporting Indian cities in delivering climate-focused urban projects through public-private partnerships and other instruments for attracting private capital. The Facility will offer technical and transaction advisory services to cities and states across the entire project development spectrum, covering conceptualization, project design, financial structuring, contract development and successful bid out through appropriate PPP models. This will help open the market for critical infrastructure projects that are otherwise considered risky, non-bankable and untenable from a PPP perspective. Overtime, the Facility hopes to build capacity among state and city-level stakeholders to design and implement climate mitigation and adaptation projects. Key areas of focus include mitigation projects related to solid waste management, wastewater management, low carbon mobility, renewable energy, amongst others. Adaptation projects may also be considered for support over the long term.

Job Description:

About the role:

The Project Financing and Structuring Expert will play a key role in the design and structuring of projects being taken up for support under the CPPF. The expert will be responsible for advising city governments, urban departments or relevant parastatal agencies for creating financially viable climate conscious projects that effectively balance public and private sector risks and obligations. This will include conducting feasibility studies, assessing financial models, and ensuring projects are affordable and financially sound while supporting the government’s fiscal and risk management frameworks.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Project Financing and Structuring

• Advise city governments and other government entities on conducting feasibility studies to demonstrate project viability for climate conscious PPP projects
• Recommend optimal financial structures for projects by assessing market conditions, financing capacity, and the ability to bear risks.
• Guide the development of bankable project proposals and DPRs and provide oversight to the outputs provided by third party transaction advisory firms selected for various projects under the CPPF.
• Provide guidance for accessing various climate funds or other forms of innovative public and private financing.

2. Capacity Building and Knowledge Dissemination

• Conduct workshops and training on climate finance for government stakeholders.
• Collaborate on SOPs, toolkits, and case studies with partners.
• Educate government officials on financing options and PPP models.
• Develop model documents and toolkits

3. Due Diligence and Risk Assessment

• Assess financial models in feasibility studies and proposals to determine affordability, financial sustainability, and appropriate risk allocation
• Advise on risk mitigation instruments, such as government guarantees, Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and other tools

4. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

• Liaise with cities, government authorities, multilateral development banks, and investors.
• Facilitate collaboration for project approval and funding.

5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Track and report project financing and progress.
• Prepare progress updates, financial assessments, and risk evaluations regularly for CPPF leadership
• Align assessments with Indian government missions and schemes

Essential Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field. Certification in Project Management, Infrastructure Finance, Public-Private Partnerships, Climate Financing from a reputed organization is desirable.
2. Minimum 10 years’ experience in project financing and financial structuring (either as part of transaction advisory firms or an equity sponsor/ investment bank), with at least 5 years’ experience of urban infrastructure projects. Experience of  climate financing is desirable.
3. Expertise in structuring and managing financing models - PPPs, Viability Gap Funding (VGF), climate bonds, blended finance
4. Familiarity with Indian government regulations and policies for PPPs and climate financing
5. Desired skills and competencies: Financial structuring and modelling, analytical skills, stakeholder engagement, leadership communication and capacity building
6. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex financial concepts to non-technical audiences.
7. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and contribute to the development of junior team members.

Remuneration: As per NIUA norms

Application Process

1. Applications to be only submitted through NIUA’s portal
2. Only candidates whose applications are complete in all regard and adhere to the prescribed format will be considered
3. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

Last Date to Apply: 20th January 2025

No of Positions:

End Date: 20th Jan 2025

Job Description pdf:Senior Expert - Project Financing & Structuring .pdf