Improved training for climate finance readiness

Client: Adaptation Fund
Location: Global
Year: 2024
Focus: Climate finance readiness, capacity building, instructional design

Development of modular training manuals to strengthen project proposal development for climate adaptation funding

This project supported the Adaptation Fund’s efforts to enhance the capacity of developing country institutions—specifically National Implementing Entities (NIEs)—to access climate adaptation finance through improved project design and proposal writing. Aligned with the Fund’s 2023–2027 Medium-Term Strategy and its Readiness Programme, the consultancy focused on the development of standardized, modular training manuals tailored to the Fund’s three primary funding windows: Regular, Enhanced Direct Access (EDA), and Innovation.

Approach

Working with the Readiness team, Dr. John Moravec led a multi-phase process grounded in user-centered design. The process began with an inception phase that defined a methodology for aligning instructional content with the specific needs of NIEs, informed by survey data and stakeholder interviews. The training materials were designed to be modular, adjustable, and practical, enabling easy revision as funding templates evolve and adaptable use in varied workshop settings.

Each manual emphasized priority content areas identified by NIEs, such as articulating adaptation reasoning, integrating gender and social safeguards, assessing cost-effectiveness, and aligning with the Fund’s results framework. The project incorporated adult learning strategies, interactive exercises, and case-based learning to enhance engagement and learning retention. Feedback loops were built in throughout the process to ensure alignment with stakeholder needs and Fund policies.

Deliverables

The consultancy produced three standalone instructional training manuals, one for each project funding window. Each manual was developed following comprehensive interviews with stakeholders and Fund team members and included:

• A breakdown of critical proposal components with practical writing guidance
• Sample responses and illustrative case studies tailored to climate adaptation contexts
• Interactive elements such as quizzes and exercises for in-person or virtual delivery
• Modular formatting for future customization and updates by the Adaptation Fund Readiness team

Impact

The resulting training materials provide NIEs with clear, actionable guidance for navigating complex proposal processes under the Adaptation Fund. By improving the quality and consistency of submissions, the materials support greater access to funding, strengthen institutional readiness, and advance the Fund’s strategic goals of direct access, innovation, and long-term capacity development. Though the manuals themselves remain confidential, the project contributes to broader efforts to democratize climate finance and build institutional resilience in the face of accelerating climate impacts.