Download PDF version of this call

Background and focus of the research project

Multilateral climate funds, such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Adaptation Fund (AF), and Climate Investment Funds (CIFs), are critical channels for financing climate mitigation and adaptation projects in developing countries. However, the scale and complexity of these funds – coupled with fragmented governance, diverse stakeholders, and technical implementation challenges – create systemic vulnerabilities to corruption. Risks such as embezzlement, procurement fraud, misreporting, and conflicts of interest threaten the integrity of climate finance, undermining global efforts to address the climate crisis.

This research seeks to identify and analyse corruption risks in multilateral climate finance mechanisms, assess anti-corruption measures put in place, and propose safeguards to strengthen accountability frameworks to ensure funds achieve their intended impacts. Particular attention should be given to the role of civil society in accountability measures and, through examples, the impact of corruption in climate financing on local communities and indigenous people.

Objectives

The research aims to:

• Map corruption risks in the governance, allocation, and implementation of multilateral climate funds (eg GCF, GEF, AF, CIFs).
• Evaluate existing anti-corruption measures within these funds and identify gaps.
• Analyse governance structures and accountability mechanisms of multilateral climate finance institutions.
• Assess the impact of corruption in climate finance on local communities, indigenous peoples, and civil society by highlighting case examples.
• Develop actionable recommendations to mitigate corruption risks and enhance transparency.
• Highlight lessons learned from successful anti-corruption interventions in comparable international funding mechanisms.

Scope of work

Key research areas:

1. Corruption typologies in climate finance
   1. Risks in project design, fund disbursement, procurement, monitoring, and reporting.
   2. Case studies of alleged or proven corruption in GCF or other multilateral fund projects.
2. Governance analysis
   1. Decision-making processes, stakeholder representation, and accountability structures in funds like the GCF.
   2. Role of national governments, private sector actors, and civil society in oversight.
3. Comparative case studies
   1. Anti-corruption mechanisms in other multilateral funds (eg Global Environment Facility, World Bank Climate Funds).
   2. Lessons from non-climate funds (eg Global Fund) with robust safeguards.
4. Stakeholder engagement
   1. Perspectives from fund administrators, recipient countries, civil society watchdogs, and donors.
5. Mitigation strategies
   1. Technical solutions (eg blockchain for fund tracking, AI for anomaly detection).
   2. Policy reforms (eg harmonised reporting standards, whistleblower protections).

Methodology

The final report (in the U4 Issue series and in line with U4’s publication policy and style guide) should be based on the following methodologies: Desk research should include the review of fund policies, audits, evaluations, and academic literature on climate finance corruption. It should also include analysis of integrity frameworks, ethics policies, and other institutional safeguards of multilateral funds and mechanisms.

The report (U4 Issue) should also be based on key informant interviews. These should include GCF and other multilaterals’ secretariat staff, national designated authorities (NDAs), civil society organisations, and anti-corruption experts. Data should be gathered using both qualitative and quantitative methods to identify risk patterns and propose frameworks. The consultant(s) will also conduct an online webinar, hosted by U4, with stakeholders to validate findings and refine the research.

Deliverables

1. Inception report /concept note
   1. Using the U4 templates and guidance, write a concept note that includes sections on methodology, work plan, and preliminary literature review, research questions and background.
2. Draft research report (U4 Issue)
   1. Using the U4 publication template and all relevant guidance notes the report will include a full analysis of corruption risks, case studies, and initial recommendations (by month 4).
3. Final report
   1. Revised U4 Issue with infographics, summary, and policy blog. The paper should include practical recommendations relevant for the different stakeholders. This could include practical guidelines for fund administrators and policymakers to mitigate risks (by month 6).
4. Presentation of findings
   1. Organise, with U4, a webinar or workshop for stakeholders (eg GCF Board, donor agencies).

Qualifications

The consultant(s) should have the following expertise: Proven experience in anti-corruption, climate finance, or governance research (at least 5 years' experience). Familiarity with multilateral climate funds (GCF experience preferred). The following analytical skills are necessary: Ability to synthesise complex data and communicate findings to diverse audiences. Fluency in written and spoken English is necessary; proficiency in other UN languages (eg French, Spanish) is an asset.

Ethical considerations

The consultant(s) must follow the ethical guidelines of U4 and CMI during the data collection, analysis and reporting. Particular consideration should be given towards the handling of personal data along the lines of SIKT and CMI/U4 research policies. This includes ensuring confidentiality of interviewees and adherence to data protection laws. Disclose conflicts of interest and maintain impartiality in analyses.

How to submit a

We welcome proposals from companies or collaborating teams of individual consultants.

E-mail address
Please send your application/proposal electronically to u4@cmi.no

E-mail subject line
Please set thee-mail subject to: Climate multilateral project

Deadline
Please send your proposal on or before 20 May 2025.

Documents
We will only consider applications that contain all of the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae with two (2) references and a list of similar assignments undertaken.
2. A cover letter detailing relevant experience and suitability for the post.
3. Technical and budget proposal (3–4 pages) with a clear methodological approach, clear outline, description of the work plan, and itemised budget (with all-inclusive consultant(s)’ fees).
4. Sample of a relevant text written by the applicant(s).

Evaluation criteria

Proposals will be assessed based on:

1. Technical merit (40%)
2. Relevant experience (30%)
3. Cost-effectiveness (20%)
4. Innovation (10%)

Questions?

Please send any questions you may have to the coordinating CMI–U4 adviser for this consultancy assignment:

Saul Mullard, saul.mullard@cmi.no

About CMI and U4

The Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) is an independent multi-disciplinary development research institute in Norway addressing issues that shape global development and generating knowledge to fight poverty, advance human rights, and promote sustainable social development.

The U4 Anti‐Corruption Resource Centre (U4) was established at CMI in 2002 to promote a better understanding of anti‐corruption issues and approaches to international development. At U4, we work to reduce the harmful impact of corruption on society by sharing research and evidence to help international development actors get sustainable results. We communicate practical entry points for countering corruption – through dialogue, publications, online training, workshops, and a helpdesk.

Download PDF version of this call