About the Short Course

The Accessing Climate Finance Short Course (Regional) provides participants with knowledge, skills, and tools needed to navigate the complex landscape of climate-related finance, contribute to sustainable development, and support the global transition to a low-carbon economy. The Short Course will aim to a) deepen participants’ understanding of climate finance concepts, mechanisms, and instruments; b) emphasise the importance of directing financial resources towards sustainable projects and initiatives; c) enhance participants’ understanding of policy frameworks and international agreements related to climate change and finance; and d) provide a platform for networking and collaboration among participants from diverse backgrounds.

The Short Course comprises Preliminary Activities, Core Learning Elements, and Applied Learning Activities. Preliminary Activities will be conducted online. The Short Course Provider will be responsible for a series of activities clearly focusing on learning best practices. The Core Learning Elements will consist of two weeks of study, visits, panel discussions, and engagements to be delivered face-to-face in Australia. Activities will include sessions focusing on critical topics, industry visits, and networking events. The Applied Learning Activities will be conducted virtually and focus on reflection, demonstration, and evaluation, with online material concentrating on core skills such as giving and receiving feedback.

Key Dates:

• Preliminary activities (online): 4 – 7 December 2023
• Core Learning Elements (in Australia): 3 – 18 February 2024
• Applied Learning activities (online): 6 – 9 May 2024

Expected Outcomes:

• Understand the basics of climate finance, including its definition, sources, and mechanisms.
• Understand the evolving landscape of climate finance, including public, private, and blended finance sources, and the roles of stakeholders such as governments, multilateral organisations, private sector entities, and civil society.
• Learn how to develop and design climate change projects that align with the requirements of climate finance institutions.
• Understand the principles of transparent and accountable climate finance governance and the importance of stakeholder engagement and participation.
• Learn strategies for engaging with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, and civil society organisations.
• Explore risk assessment and management techniques specific to climate change projects. Understand how to incorporate climate resilience and adaptation measures into project design and implementation.
• Develop skills in writing compelling project proposals tailored to the requirements of climate finance institutions. Learn techniques for effective resource mobilisation and attracting financial support from various sources.
• Explore the fundamentals of project monitoring and reporting in climate finance.
• Analyse successful climate finance projects and case studies from South Asia and worldwide. Understand the lessons learned, best practices, and challenges in accessing and utilising climate finance.
• Take advantage of networking opportunities provided by the course to connect with professionals, experts, and practitioners in the field of climate finance. Explore avenues for ongoing professional development and collaboration.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a citizen of Mongolia, currently residing in Mongolia;
• Not be applying for or holding permanent residency in Australia or New Zealand, or be married, engaged to, or a de facto of a person who has, or is eligible to hold, Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency. This criterion applies at any stage of the application, selection, or mobilisation phases of the course;
• Be able to provide attested documents for processing a visa application to enter Australia for the duration of the Australian component of the course and satisfy all requirements of the Department of Home Affairs for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500);
• Not be a currently serving military personnel;
• Obtain the necessary study and travel approvals from their employer and be available and committed to participating in the course based on the anticipated course schedule outlined; and
• Not have attended any previous Short Course (however, Australian Awards Scholarships alums who have completed their degrees more than two years ago may be considered).

Specific Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to contributing the skills and knowledge gained during the Short Course within and across Participants’ organisations to support regional connectivity.
• Willing to participate in a virtual ‘community of practice’ session with other Participants and the Course Provider to maintain connections made during the course;
• Have knowledge and experience working in ministries or organisations focussed on climate change adaptation/mitigation and have occupied their current position for at least 12 months.
• Have access to the internet and be computer literate.

Application Process

Australian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar will manage the final selection of participants, noting that a merit-based and open/competitive selection process will be offered for this opportunity. Applications will be assessed on the following:

• Relevance of the Short Course to the role of the applicant.
• Proposed application of the skills, knowledge and networks established during the Short Course.
• Evidence of support from the applicant’s workplace/supervisor to attend the course and implement the RWP.

To apply for the short course, all applicants are required to complete their applications online at:

https://oscar.australiaawardssouthasiamongolia.org/ and upload all required documentation by 6 November 2023. Only completed applications submitted online will be considered.

All applicants will be notified of the outcomes of the selection process by email.

For inquiries, call 976 – 11 – 318 852 or email info@australiaawardsmongolia.org