Consultant on Resource Mobilization

Job Posting Organization:
The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and is a key agreement aimed at sustainable development. The Convention has 196 Parties and focuses on three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources. The CBD Secretariat, administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is based in Montreal, Canada. Its responsibilities include organizing meetings of the Conference of the Parties, preparing documentation, coordinating with international bodies, and providing technical support for effective implementation of the Convention. The recent COP-15 adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, emphasizing financial resource mobilization for successful implementation. COP-16 further developed resource mobilization strategies in this context. More information can be found on the CBD website at www.cbd.int.

Job Overview:
The consultant will focus on producing a study that examines the relationship between debt sustainability and the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity. This study is to be completed before the next meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation. The consultant will work under the supervision of Mr. Andrea Floudiotis, Programme Management Officer, and Mr. Markus Lehmann, Senior Programme Management Officer. The role involves preparing a scoping paper and the actual study, which will include a desk review of relevant information and interviews with experts from various sectors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: (a) Prepare a brief scoping paper that outlines the relationship between debt sustainability and the implementation of the Convention; (b) Upon approval of the scoping paper, develop the comprehensive study that incorporates findings from a desk review of relevant literature and interviews with experts from governments, international institutions, organizations, and stakeholders. The consultant will ensure that the study is thorough and reflects a wide range of perspectives on the topic.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in economics, finance, environmental management, governance, policy-related sciences, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of the intersection between economic policies and environmental policy development, particularly in natural resource and ecosystem management.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as economics, finance, environmental management, governance, or policy-related sciences is required. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may also be acceptable.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in the interface between economic policies and environmental policy development is required. Experience at the international level is desirable, particularly in relation to climate and biodiversity policies. Familiarity with the United Nations system is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of other UN official languages is considered desirable. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while knowledge is rated as 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for six months and is home-based. Travel may be required to attend one of the meetings of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation. 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. Additionally, the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.