Private Sector Engagement in Climate Adaptation for Saint Lucia

1. Background
   
   

Saint Lucia is highly vulnerable to climate change due to its small geographical area, which means that disasters often have country-wide impacts. It is located along the Atlantic Hurricane corridor and depends on economic sectors directly affected by climate variability and change, such as tourism and agriculture. While the country's contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions (and thus to human-induced climate change) is negligible, the island is experiencing the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, recurrent drought, stronger rainfall events, and more intense hurricanes. These changes represent major threats to national development and economic growth and will increasingly affect every aspect of life on the island if no effective, timely adaptation measures are implemented.

The Government of Saint Lucia recognizes the challenges climate change poses to its population, the country's natural resources, and economy. It has taken considerable measures to identify and address (to the extent possible) current and future climate risks at the policy and operational levels. The country participates actively in the international climate change policy arena, seeking the rapid reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) and fair agreements, collaboration, and support (finance, technological transfer, and capacity building) for climate action, with adaptation remaining a key priority to build resilience and ensure socio-economic development under a changing climate.

In 2018, Saint Lucia launched its national adaptation plan (NAP) 2018–2028 with two overarching goals: 1) to enhance the national enabling environment for climate-related adaptation and risk-reduction action within and across development sectors, and 2) to accelerate the implementation of climate adaptation and risk-reduction actions critical to safeguarding the country's socio-economic and environmental systems. The NAP contains both cross-sectoral and sectoral measures to enable and stimulate climate change adaptation in all development sectors and areas and at all levels of society. It is complemented by Sectoral Adaptation Strategies and Action Plans (SASAPs) for key priority sectors/thematic areas.

Saint Lucia's NAP outlines the development of SASAPs for eight priority sectors/thematic areas during its first cycle (2018–2028). To date, five SASAPs have been issued for Water, Agriculture, Fisheries, Health, and Resilient Ecosystems. The remaining SASAPs—for Education, Infrastructure and Spatial Planning, and Tourism— are being developed under the Green Climate Fund (GCF)  Readiness Project titled Enhancing Saint Lucia's National Adaptation Plan Process Through the Elaboration of Sector Strategies and Action Plans, a Strengthened Evidence Base, and Improved Private Sector Engagement.

A Climate Financing Strategy and a Private Sector Engagement Strategy (PSES) were developed in 2019 and subsequently endorsed by Cabinet in 2020 as part of the national adaptation planning process. However, these strategies are being progressively implemented to facilitate enhanced private sector engagement in implementing Saint Lucia's NAP process. The PSES sets out the current landscape of domestic private sector actors in Saint Lucia, which is comprised predominantly of micro and small-sized enterprises. The PSES noted that the participation of private sector actors in developing climate change adaptation response measures is often constrained due to the limited availability of actors to participate in national stakeholder events. The PSES also assessed the capacity of private sector actors in Saint Lucia to contribute to the needed investments in implementing the NAP. The PSES recognized the importance of engaging key private sector stakeholders—from sectors such as banking, agriculture, and tourism—for the successful implementation of Saint Lucia's NAP. A strategy and approach to securing the engagement and participation of key actors was devised that involved four key steps: initiate, inform, incorporate, and involve. Activities under this GCF Readiness grant will apply the approach set out in the PSES to implement the most critical actions to enhance engagement of and support to private sector groups and ensure their needs are incorporated into NAP implementation.

As the delivery partner for the GCF Readiness grant, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is providing technical support to the Government of Saint Lucia (GoSL), specifically to the Department of Sustainable Development, throughout project implementation. To support this effort, IISD seeks to contract a consulting firm or individual consultant to enhance the incorporation of private sector actors' needs in NAP implementation through the implementation of the Cabinet-endorsed PSES.

2. Objective of the Assignment

Under the context of the broader readiness grant being implemented by the GoSL and IISD, the objective of this assignment is to catalyze private sector engagement in climate adaptation through the implementation of Saint Lucia's Cabinet-endorsed PSES. This will be achieved by conducting a private sector needs assessment, developing targeted training and awareness materials, organizing information sessions, and providing technical support to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to understand and scale up climate adaptation solutions.
The assignment aims to enhance the incorporation of private sector actors' needs in NAP implementation, facilitate greater awareness of the business case for increasing efficiency and improving resilience within the entire private sector spectrum in Saint Lucia, and stimulate a more informed and devoted private sector to contribute actively to meeting national adaptation priorities.

3. Scope of Work and Specific Tasks

Scope of Work

The Consultant will implement key foundational activities outlined in the PSES to enhance engagement of private sector groups and ensure their needs are incorporated into NAP implementation. The focus will be on the initial steps of the four-step approach set out in the PSES (initiate, inform, incorporate, and involve) to establish the groundwork for enhanced private sector engagement.

Within the 8-month timeframe, the Consultant will focus on conducting a comprehensive needs assessment, developing targeted information and training materials, and facilitating initial private sector engagement activities, including providing tailored support for MSMEs. These activities will establish the foundation for future implementation of the PSES.

Private sector engagement activities will seek to provide knowledge, strengthen awareness, and increase understanding of climate change-related themes across a range of private sector groups. Activities will be supported by local representatives able to advise and guide the development of locally relevant outputs.

Specific Tasks

Task 1: Conduct a Private Sector Needs Assessment and Develop an Action Plan

• Review the existing PSES, NAP, and other relevant documents to understand the current context and build upon previous work.


• Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment through consultations, surveys, and interviews with key private sector stakeholders from priority sectors (including banking, insurance, small business, architecture, and engineering associations).


• Identify specific capacity gaps, information needs, and barriers to private sector participation in climate adaptation activities.


• Document the status, challenges, and opportunities for private sector engagement in climate adaptation.


• Determine appropriate training needs, awareness-raising approaches, and technical support required for building climate resilience among private sector actors. This should include identifying the best approach for long-term use of training modules to be developed, e.g., possible integration into an existing learning environment.


• Where relevant, make linkages to the limits to adaptation for sectors with SASAPs being developed under output 3.1.1; the Climate Change Act; the monitoring and evaluation plan for the NAP; and recommendations from the NAP progress report.


• Based on the assessment findings, develop a practical action plan that includes: 
  o    clear, prioritized recommendations for enhancing private sector engagement
  o    realistic timelines and responsible entities for identified actions
  o    financial, technical, and human resource requirements and potential funding sources
  o    specific mechanisms for ongoing private sector involvement in NAP implementation


• Include recommendations for medium- and/or long-term phases of engagement, including a recommendation for providing technical support to MSMEs to refine adaptation-relevant solutions, products, or services; and provide capacity building for attracting financing.


•  Include a framework for the establishment of a monitoring, evaluation, and learning system for private sector engagement in the implementation of adaptation priorities. This will allow the tracking of progress, assessment of effectiveness of action, and also the documentation and sharing of lessons learned for iterative updating and implementation.

Task 2: Develop Training Modules and Awareness-Raising Materials

• Based on the needs assessment findings, develop a comprehensive set of tailored training modules and awareness raising materials that directly respond to the identified priorities, capacity gaps, and opportunities for private sector actors. Training materials should cover key topics such as:
  o    climate change impacts and risks 
  o    practical adaptation strategies tailored to various business sizes and sectors
  o    business opportunities arising from climate adaptation and resilience building 
  o    available climate finance mechanisms and how to access them
  o    financial instruments that the private sector in Saint Lucia can utilize to support the implementation of adaptation priorities.


• Develop a practical dissemination strategy outlining how, when, and through which channels the materials will be delivered, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of audiences, including those with limited time, technical knowledge, or digital access.


• Produce materials in appropriate formats that may include training modules with presentation materials and facilitator guides; sector-specific infographics and briefing notes; public service announcements and media content; and digital and print materials for different audiences.


• Ensure all materials are technically accurate yet accessible to non-technical audiences; tailored to private sector audiences within the NAP priority sectors; designed with clear branding and messaging aligned with the NAP and PSES; and available in formats that can be easily distributed through multiple channels. All materials should be packaged with appropriate documentation for future use and updating.
  

Task 3: Facilitate Private Sector Engagement Activities

• Using the materials developed in Task 2, deliver two to four training and awareness-raising sessions for private sector stakeholders, linked to the NAP priority sectors, and any other priority sectors identified through this consultancy. The sessions will provide an opportunity for learning, knowledge exchange, and engagement with key sectors through up to two targeted business membership organizations, such as the St. Lucia Chamber of Industry & Commerce, Saint Lucia Bankers Association, Insurance Council of Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association, Association of Professional Engineers of Saint Lucia, or Institute of Architects. The number and segmentation of groups for these sessions will be agreed upon based on the findings of the needs assessment.


• Conduct an exploratory session with private sector actors to identify further gaps and recommend on critical next steps for action, including seeking/creating opportunities to close those gaps. 
  

Task 4: Engage and Provide Support to MSMEs to Scale Up Adaptation Solutions and Connect With Impact Investors

• Design and implement an innovative engagement approach to support MSMEs in identifying, understanding, and scaling up climate adaptation-relevant solutions, products, or services. This activity should be aligned with the PSES and NAP and tailored to the needs and constraints of MSMEs in Saint Lucia.


• Conduct one national-level workshop to
  o    present the action plan to relevant stakeholders;
  o    raise awareness of business opportunities in climate adaptation;
  o    build capacity in areas such as adaptation technology integration, resilience-building business models, and impact investment readiness;
  o    Facilitate connections between MSMEs, public sector representatives, and potential investors or financiers.


•  Provide targeted technical support to at least 10 shortlisted growth-stage MSMEs (identified through an open and transparent selection process), to
  o    help refine their adaptation-relevant solutions, products, or services;
  o    strengthen their capacity to attract financing or investment (including impact investors and climate funds);
  o    advise on product positioning, value propositions, and strategic partnerships aligned with climate resilience goals.
  

 4.    Deliverables and Payment Schedule

NB: The contract price is fixed and output-based, regardless of any extensions beyond the allotted period. There will be further discussion and agreement on specific due dates following an inception meeting with the Consultant.

Timelines for activities and deliverables are outlined in detail.

Detailed terms and reference can be accessed here.

5.    Location and Duration of the Assignment

The assignment will be delivered over a period of 8 months from July 2025 to February 2026. It is expected that the Consultant will be required to deliver the work through a combination of remote work and in-person engagements in Saint Lucia during this period.

6.    Reporting

All reports shall be submitted electronically in English in Microsoft Word and PDF format. The first submission of each Deliverable is considered a draft. Client comments on each Deliverable must be submitted to the Consultant within the stated timelines. The final version of each Deliverable addressing Client comments must be submitted within 2 weeks of receipt of Client comments.
All reports, documents, maps, and data collected that are relevant to the Consultant's services shall become the property of the GoSL.

7.    Working Arrangements

The Consultant will work closely with and report directly to the Government of Saint Lucia's Department of Sustainable Development within the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology, and Vocational Training. The Consultant will also work closely on a virtual basis with IISD. Both organizations will provide technical guidance and administrative support for the project.

The Consultant is expected to collaborate with other consultants under the Project, such as the SASAP Development, Coastal Assessment, and Limits to Adaptation/Loss and Damage Consultants, to ensure synergies between expected outputs.

The Consultant will:

• Be responsible for the collection of all data and information required for the timely completion of the assignment;


• Be mindful of recent and parallel work being undertaken in Saint Lucia, which has the potential to support this project, as there may be opportunities for synergies, such as sharing of data collected;


• Execute the services in accordance with the laws, customs, and practices of Saint Lucia and use appropriate international standards for the preparation of technical information; and


• Where feasible, ensure activities align with existing and ongoing engagements or initiatives being planned by project partners and the Department of Sustainable Development.
  

8. Desired Skills and Qualifications

The Consultant or consulting team is expected to have the following experience and qualifications:

• An advanced degree (master’s or higher) in business administration, economics, climate change, sustainable development, or a related field


• At least 7 years of work experience in private sector engagement, climate change adaptation, or business development.


• Demonstrated experience in conducting needs assessments and developing action plans


• Experience in developing and delivering training and awareness materials tailored to private sector audiences


• Understanding of the private sector landscape in Saint Lucia or similar Caribbean Small Island Developing States contexts


• Knowledge of climate change adaptation concepts, strategies, and financing mechanisms


• Demonstrated ability to facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations and workshops, particularly with private sector actors


• Strong analytical, communication, and report writing skills


• Ability to work efficiently within tight timeframes and deliver high-quality outputs


• Familiarity with Saint Lucia's NAP process and the PSES would be an advantage


• Prior experience in the Caribbean region would be an asset
  

9. Application Process 

Suitably qualified individuals are invited to submit their application, including the following documents:

• Cover letter presenting the motivation and detailing relevant qualifications, experience, and professional networks (4 pages max)


• Financial proposal 


• Contact details of two professional references

All submissions must be in English. Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR.  If you are selected for the consultancy, you may be required to provide proof of recent consultancy contract.

The deadline for submission is June 29, 2025, at or before 11:59 p.m. EST.

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+, to apply for this position. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants' advice on how best to accommodate their needs. 

IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

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