National Consultant for Sustainable Fiscal Policy and Budgeting

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) serves as the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has been pivotal in advocating for sustainable development through sound environmental practices. With a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, UNEP operates globally, engaging with various stakeholders to promote the wise use of the environment. The organization employs thousands of individuals across multiple countries, focusing on various environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development. UNEP's Industry and Economy division plays a leading role in the Green Economy Initiative (GEI), which aims to transition national economies onto a new path driven by increased investment in green sectors and environmentally friendly goods and services. UNEP's work is crucial in aligning public finance with biodiversity protection goals, particularly through initiatives like the IKI-funded FAST Project, which operates in Brazil, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and Nigeria.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Sustainable Fiscal Policy and Budgeting will play a vital role in the implementation of the IKI-funded FAST Project, which aims to align public finance flows with biodiversity protection goals in several countries. This position is integral to UNEP’s broader mission of promoting sustainable development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The consultant will be responsible for conducting analytical research, providing capacity-building support, and ensuring the quality of various reports produced by local implementing partners. The consultant will also engage with stakeholders to facilitate the transition to inclusive and green economies, ensuring that fiscal policies and financial flows are optimized for biodiversity protection. This role requires a deep understanding of public finance, fiscal policy, and biodiversity, as well as the ability to coordinate and manage multiple stakeholders effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: conducting a comprehensive desk review of national sustainable public finance strategies and stakeholder consultations; revising the national workplan based on initial drafts developed by the UNEP team; ensuring the quality of scoping reports, inception reports, and stakeholder mapping reports produced by local partners; producing briefing documents for annual global monitoring reports; providing quality assurance for capacity needs assessment reports and policy briefs; and revising workplans and budgets for local implementing partners as necessary. The consultant will also support the preparation and facilitation of national steering committee meetings, ensuring that all outputs meet UNEP's standards and contribute effectively to the project's goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Post Graduate Degree (Master’s level or above) in public policy, development studies, environmental studies, economics, international affairs, sustainable finance, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of two years of project or program management experience in areas such as climate change, biodiversity, green fiscal policy, or macro-economic policy is required. Experience working with government counterparts, particularly from the Ministry of Finance in Nigeria, is considered an advantage. Additionally, candidates should have experience in coordinating multistakeholder engagement processes and quality-assuring technical outputs related to public finance and biodiversity.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Post Graduate Degree (Master’s level or above) in relevant fields such as public policy, development studies, environmental studies, economics, international affairs, sustainable finance, or a related discipline. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have two additional years of qualifying experience, demonstrating the importance of both formal education and practical experience in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in project or program management, specifically in areas related to climate change, biodiversity, green fiscal policy, or macro-economic policy. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with government counterparts, preferably within the Ministry of Finance in Nigeria, which is seen as an advantage. Experience in coordinating multistakeholder engagement processes and ensuring the quality of technical outputs related to public finance and biodiversity is also highly desirable. Previous experience working with or within the United Nations system, including familiarity with UN administrative procedures and reporting standards, is considered beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is required, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also advantageous, as it is another working language within the UN system. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the project's objectives.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 12 months, with the consultant working for a total of 6 months over this period. The role is part-time and may involve flexible working arrangements. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization is committed to ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process, and it does not require any financial information from applicants.