At COP21, world leaders signed on to a new global climate deal that aims to limit world temperature rise to well below two degrees, continue $100 billion a year in climate finance, and ramp up action every five years. Businesses, and regions also committed to work to transition to a low-carbon economy; more than 450 cities representing almost one billion people made pledges that will achieve nine billion tons of emissions reductions by 2030.

Finance for Resilience is a platform that develops and promotes innovations that can help achieve this transition to a low-carbon economy by accelerating private finance. Over its first two cycles FiRe attracted 84 submissions and helped fast-track support for 10 winning interventions.

Now, in its 2015-2016 cycle, FiRe has received over 40 submissions that advance adaptation, renewable energy, sustainable cities, environmental markets and more. Submissions came in from all over the world and address needs in both developed and developing countries. They also span the range of development – some are early concepts, while others are close to piloting or looking to scale.

After careful review and selection by the FiRe Advisory Board, idea finalists will work with the FiRe team and coaches to develop ideas into actionable interventions. Finalists present at the BNEF Summit in New York in April, and the winners implement their idea after the Summit with the support from the FiRe team and mentoring from working groups made up of topic experts.

The FiRe team is seeking experts to serve on Working Groups and as Coaches to help develop, advise, and promote the winning ideas for its third cycle.

FiRe Coaches and Working Group members assist FiRe winners in the implementation process. This involves joining conference calls and providing written feedback. The time commitment can vary based on prior agreement with the champion. These flexible roles present an opportunity for networking and learning about the new trends in the sector.

Experts could have background in:
• Finance and investment
• Cities and infrastructure
• Energy access and renewable energy
• Energy efficiency
• Environmental markets
• Other topics in climate finance