Othniel M. Yila, PhD, is a climate change specialist and climate finance practitioner with over 20 years of international experience supporting SIDS, LDCs, and developing countries in climate change policy, finance mobilization, and capacity development. Proven track record in designing and delivering parliamentary and institutional capacity-building initiatives on climate action, with deep expertise in UNFCCC processes, NDC implementation frameworks, climate finance architecture (GCF, GEF, AF, FRLD, CIF, IKI, MAF), and multi-stakeholder coordination.

Currently serving as Commonwealth National Climate Finance Adviser – Uganda, providing strategic guidance to government institutions, the private sector and CSOs on accessing and utilizing climate finance for NDC implementation. Previously supported Zambia and Tonga in mobilizing over USD 142 million in climate finance, including successful accreditation processes to the Green Climate Fund and development of bankable project proposals.

Demonstrated ability to bridge science-policy-practice interfaces, facilitate high-level dialogues between parliaments, ministries, UN agencies, and civil society, and produce strategic policy briefs, technical reports, and communication materials for diverse audiences. Strong experience coordinating with UNEP, UNFCCC, Commonwealth Secretariat, and other multilateral partners under formal MOUs and partnership frameworks.