Call for Tender - Consultant to Conduct Analysis of Irish Climate Finance

An Analysis of Irish Climate Finance in 2025: Challenges and Opportunities over the years ahead

Terms of Reference

1. Background

Dóchas connects, strengthens and represents a network of international development and humanitarian organisations who have a shared vision of a just, sustainable and equal world. Dóchas unites 56 organisations, ranging from small specialist charities to large international NGOs with a worldwide presence. Our members are committed to human rights, justice and the eradication of poverty, and demonstrate this through their work in international development, healthcare, protection, humanitarian assistance, sustainability, education and inclusion. Dóchas members value collaboration and believe that through working together, we can achieve our collective goals. There is a willingness among members to collaborate more systematically, share capabilities and engage in a network where we can learn and act together.

2. Context

Ireland has increased its spending on climate finance in recent years, and has announced that it will reach spending of €225 million per annum in 2024, a target it set in November 2021. In Budget 2025, there was an increase in the ODA budget, with an increase in climate finance for both the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Finance. Other government departments continue to increase their climate finance spending to multilateral organisations. Reports compiled by Irish civil society suggest that Ireland’s ‘fair share’ of climate finance should be over €500 million per annum – with a separate ‘fair share’ contribution to Loss and Damage of €1.5 billion by 2030.

The Irish Government has been involved in negotiating achievements at COP conferences, most notably on the agreement of a Loss and Damage Fund at COP 28, while at COP 29, Minister Eamon Ryan will form part of a co-ministerial lead on climate adaptation.

3. Purpose & Scope of work

Dóchas welcomes Ireland’s increased funding and prioritisation for climate finance. In accordance with the aims of Irish development policy to reach the furthest behind first, protect human rights and prioritise the rights of women, girls, marginalised groups and people with disabilities, Dóchas also supports climate policies and for a just transition to a sustainable future. It has called for Irish climate finance to be targeted, valuable and demonstrably effective in reaching people and communities on the frontline of the climate crisis.

The purpose of this consultancy is threefold:

1. To take stock of Irish climate finance in terms of its quantified targets and ‘fair shares’ up to 2025, and its new targets and ‘fair shares’ under the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to be set at COP 29.
2. To analyse the quality, effectiveness and transparency of Irish climate finance, in line with ‘shadow climate finance’ analyses such as those by ActionAid and Oxfam in the past.
3. To analyse Irish leadership on climate finance policies until now, including at UNFCCC and COP 29 negotiations, and to make recommendations for the future of Irish climate finance policy for Irish civil society, policy-makers and the Irish Government

4. Methodology and Deliverables

The final methodology will be agreed as part of the tender process, but it is expected to include:

• Desk-based research and document review
• Engagement with relevant stakeholders
• Engagement with Dóchas member organisations

The deliverable of the consultancy will be a final report that:

• Assesses the current level and performance of Irish climate finance in the context of Irish development and sustainable development policy objectives
• Makes recommendations about how to assess Irish climate finance’s overall value and effectiveness in both quantitative and qualitative terms
• Engages with Dóchas members and stakeholders to assess the value and effectiveness of Irish climate finance according to its funding, policy approaches and its effectiveness in reaching people and communities on the ground
• Outlines what steps are needed at funding, operational and policy levels to improve Irish climate finance
• Makes recommendations on linking Irish climate finance to other sustainable development objectives including sustainable food systems, finance and business and human rights (desirable)

5. Skills and Experience Required

• Experience and understanding of the Irish development sector and previous experience working on the issues of climate finance, environmental and biodiversity policies
• A demonstrable track record of evidence-gathering and research, concise report writing and the development of clear actionable recommendations
• Understanding of the links between climate, sustainable food systems, land and conflict issues (desirable)

6. Terms and Conditions

The consultant will report to Simon Murtagh, Head of Policy and Advocacy in Dóchas, who will liaise closely with the consultant and guide the work as it is developed. Dóchas will provide relevant background documents and previous research and analysis conducted, along with timely feedback on drafts produced.

We expect the consultancy to be carried out over 12-14 days’ work for a fee of no more than €7,000, including taxes, and to be completed by early January, 2025. Dóchas will not be liable for payment of PAYE, PRSI or USC in respect of this consultancy. Payment of all appropriate taxes remains the responsibility of the Consultant. Payment for the days worked will be made on the production of an invoice when work is completed to the satisfaction of Dóchas.

7. Confidentiality and Data Protection

A normal duty of confidentiality is expected in relation to Dóchas business, both during and after this consultancy. All documents (e.g. records, reports, plans, policies, papers, files) relating to work carried out in the course of this consultancy with Dóchas will remain the property of Dóchas at all times. The consultant will not retain copies of such records.

The consultant will not at any time either during the period covered by this contract or after its termination make use of or communicate to any unauthorised person/body any confidential information about Dóchas which may have obtained during the course of this consultancy.

On termination of this contract by either party the consultant will deliver to Dóchas all records, documents, equipment, etc. in their possession or control relating in any way to this consultancy with Dóchas.

Confidentiality relating to Dóchas data and processes not in the public domain will be respected by the consultant.

8. Application process

We ask that interested parties submit a CV and short document outlining their approach to this tender.

Please submit your application to Simon Murtagh, Head of Policy and Advocacy in Dóchas, simon@dochas.ie, by COB 11 th November, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.