Financing Expert (Consultant)
I. BACKGROUND
Clean Air Asia is an international non-governmental organization leading the regional mission for better air quality, and healthier, more livable cities throughout Asia. Our mission is to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in Asia and contribute to the development of a more sustainable, equitable and healthier region. We empower governments and cities by inspiring action and focusing efforts on the planning and implementation of solutions at scale, fostering regional cooperation to address issues of mutual concern, and ensuring the integration of air quality management across sectors and institutions. Our work focuses on implementing solutions that reduce air pollution, its detrimental health impacts and mitigate the climate crisis. We do so by providing policy guidance, building capacity, and making a compelling case for action among stakeholders at city, national, and regional levels. Since 2008, we have been a United Nations-recognized partnership comprised of more than 250 organizations in Asia and internationally, with six Country Networks (Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam). Our headquarters are in Manila, Philippines, and we have offices in Beijing, China, and New Delhi, India.
About The Project
Establish a Lower Mekong Regional Hub for Clean Air to enhance harmonized national regulatory capacity in Thailand, Lao PDR and Cambodia
Thailand, Lao PDR, and Cambodia have developed national policies and programs to address air quality management and climate change mitigation. Thailand's policies include the Climate Change Master Plan and the National Environmental Quality Act, focusing on reducing emissions and enhancing air quality through stricter regulations and promoting renewable energy. Lao PDR has integrated air quality management in its National Climate Change Strategy and is prioritizing sustainable forestry and clean energy. Cambodia's efforts are guided by the National Strategic Plan on Green Growth and Climate Change, emphasizing renewable energy, forest conservation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Pollution Control Department (PCD) of Thailand possesses both the technical expertise and available technology necessary to effectively reduce air pollution and SLCP emissions from open burning and forest fires. Through the “Clear Sky Strategy,” PCD is extending its support to neighbouring countries by providing capacity building and technological assistance, including mobile monitoring equipment, to Laos and Cambodia. As these countries work on developing their own clear air plans, these collaborative efforts will collectively enhance the region's capacity to address transboundary air pollution more effectively.
The project aims work to towards air pollution and SLCP mitigation and sustainability of related national and regional policy frameworks and initiatives of Thailand, Lao PDR, and Cambodia.
The existing national policies and regional collaborative efforts serve as basis for recommendations on strengthening of national frameworks, operationalization of regional hub activities, and development of a comprehensive data management system.
The Project, Supported By The Climate And Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) And Jointly Implemented By Clean Air Asia And The Asian Institute Of Technology, Is Designed To Achieve The Following
Ii. Responsibilities And Scope Of Work
Under the direct supervision of Clean Air Asia’s Air Quality and Climate Change Science Lead and in close collaboration with the project team, the primary duties of the Consultant include:
The Financing Expert (consultant) will be appointed from May until November 2026 on an output-based and fixed-term consultancy contract.
The remuneration is competitive but may vary, subject to the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience.
Clean Air Asia is an international non-governmental organization leading the regional mission for better air quality, and healthier, more livable cities throughout Asia. Our mission is to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in Asia and contribute to the development of a more sustainable, equitable and healthier region. We empower governments and cities by inspiring action and focusing efforts on the planning and implementation of solutions at scale, fostering regional cooperation to address issues of mutual concern, and ensuring the integration of air quality management across sectors and institutions. Our work focuses on implementing solutions that reduce air pollution, its detrimental health impacts and mitigate the climate crisis. We do so by providing policy guidance, building capacity, and making a compelling case for action among stakeholders at city, national, and regional levels. Since 2008, we have been a United Nations-recognized partnership comprised of more than 250 organizations in Asia and internationally, with six Country Networks (Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam). Our headquarters are in Manila, Philippines, and we have offices in Beijing, China, and New Delhi, India.
About The Project
Establish a Lower Mekong Regional Hub for Clean Air to enhance harmonized national regulatory capacity in Thailand, Lao PDR and Cambodia
Thailand, Lao PDR, and Cambodia have developed national policies and programs to address air quality management and climate change mitigation. Thailand's policies include the Climate Change Master Plan and the National Environmental Quality Act, focusing on reducing emissions and enhancing air quality through stricter regulations and promoting renewable energy. Lao PDR has integrated air quality management in its National Climate Change Strategy and is prioritizing sustainable forestry and clean energy. Cambodia's efforts are guided by the National Strategic Plan on Green Growth and Climate Change, emphasizing renewable energy, forest conservation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Pollution Control Department (PCD) of Thailand possesses both the technical expertise and available technology necessary to effectively reduce air pollution and SLCP emissions from open burning and forest fires. Through the “Clear Sky Strategy,” PCD is extending its support to neighbouring countries by providing capacity building and technological assistance, including mobile monitoring equipment, to Laos and Cambodia. As these countries work on developing their own clear air plans, these collaborative efforts will collectively enhance the region's capacity to address transboundary air pollution more effectively.
The project aims work to towards air pollution and SLCP mitigation and sustainability of related national and regional policy frameworks and initiatives of Thailand, Lao PDR, and Cambodia.
The existing national policies and regional collaborative efforts serve as basis for recommendations on strengthening of national frameworks, operationalization of regional hub activities, and development of a comprehensive data management system.
The Project, Supported By The Climate And Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) And Jointly Implemented By Clean Air Asia And The Asian Institute Of Technology, Is Designed To Achieve The Following
- The Governments of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos each endorse individualized recommendations for strengthening national regulatory frameworks for clean air during the project.
- The Government of Thailand secures political and financial support (national and/or international) for long-term operations of the Lower Mekong Regional Hub for Clean Air.
- The Governments of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos endorse project concepts/proposals for submission to international funding sources for high-quality air quality monitoring systems.
Ii. Responsibilities And Scope Of Work
Under the direct supervision of Clean Air Asia’s Air Quality and Climate Change Science Lead and in close collaboration with the project team, the primary duties of the Consultant include:
- Review the proposed mandate, functions, and priority programs of the Lower Mekong Regional Hub for Clean Air.
- Estimate short-, medium-, and long-term investment needs for the hub’s operations and key programs, including capacity building, monitoring systems, data platforms, and coordination functions.
- Assess existing and potential funding streams at national, regional, and international levels relevant to air quality management and climate change mitigation.
- Identify funding gaps and financial risks affecting the sustainability of the hub beyond the project period (post-2027).
- Analyze feasible financing mechanisms, including but not limited to:
- National budget allocations and public financing
- International climate and environment funds
- Bilateral and multilateral donor financing
- ASEAN and regional financing mechanisms
- Public–private partnerships (PPPs) and private sector engagement
- Prepare a Financial Assessment Report outlining cost projections, financing options, and recommended pathways to secure long-term financial support for the hub.
- Support the identification and prioritization of key programs of the regional hub with strong financing potential (e.g., air quality monitoring systems, data platforms, capacity-building initiatives).
- Advise on innovative financing approaches and co-financing models suitable for cross-border and regional initiatives.
- Provide financial and economic inputs to the preparation of comprehensive project proposals for submission to international funding sources.
- Support the development of concise and compelling presentation pitches for each project proposal.
- Identify and map potential funding partners relevant to the regional hub and its key programs, including:
- Multilateral and bilateral donors
- Climate and environment funds
- Regional financing institutions
- Private sector and philanthropic foundations
- Provide information on funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and potential entry points for engagement.
- Participate in selected consultations, meetings, or validation workshops as needed to present financing options and gather feedback.
- A graduate degree in Finance, Economics, Public Policy, Environmental Economics, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, or a related field.
- A Bachelor’s degree with additional years of relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
- At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in financial analysis, investment assessment, or financing strategy development, preferably in the context of air quality management, climate change mitigation, environmental or sustainability programs, and public sector or development cooperation projects.
- Demonstrated experience in preparing or contributing to financial assessments, cost-benefit and/or cost-effectiveness analyses, investment plans, or costed sustainability strategies for national, regional, or multi-country initiatives.
- Experience in developing or supporting funding proposals for international donors, climate funds, or development finance institutions.
- Experience working with government agencies, regional institutions, and/or international organizations in Southeast Asia or comparable contexts is an advantage.
- Knowledge of ASEAN, Lower Mekong, or regional cooperation frameworks related to environment or climate change is an advantage.
- Excellent research and oral and written communication skills
- Has great attention to detail; follows a systematic and organized approach towards work
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multicultural and multidisciplinary team
The Financing Expert (consultant) will be appointed from May until November 2026 on an output-based and fixed-term consultancy contract.
The remuneration is competitive but may vary, subject to the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience.