Advisory Committee on Climate/SDGs Debt Swap

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) was established in 1973 with the mission to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA aims to foster cooperation among member states and provide a platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing. The organization operates in 17 member countries and employs a diverse workforce of over 200 professionals, focusing on various sectors including economic development, social justice, and environmental sustainability. ESCWA plays a crucial role in addressing regional challenges and supports member states in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The position involves providing strategic guidance for the operationalization of the Climate/SDGs Debt Swap – Donor Nexus Initiative, which was launched by ESCWA in 202

• The incumbent will participate in four meetings and will be responsible for reviewing and commenting on documents related to the initiative. This role is critical in helping Arab member countries unlock resources for investment in climate-resilient projects that align with national priorities and long-term development plans. The initiative aims to create a win-win situation for debtor countries, creditor countries, and donors, facilitating development cooperation and advancing climate action. The incumbent will work closely with ESCWA's Senior Management and the Project Coordinator to ensure the effective implementation of the initiative.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties and responsibilities of the Advisory Committee include:

• Participation in four meetings scheduled for 2025-2026 to support the operationalization of the ESCWA Initiative.
• Providing strategic guidance on the rules and feasibility of debt swaps in specific contexts, including engagement with creditors and the Paris Club Secretariat.
• Facilitating discussions with creditors and donors to negotiate debt swap proposals tailored to specific country contexts, which may involve travel for in-person meetings.
• Offering guidance on identifying risks and addressing potential challenges and sensitivities related to debt swaps.
• Providing strategic advice on networking and advocacy efforts related to the Debt Swap Initiative, including engagement with G20, IMF, World Bank, and UN Secretariat.
• Reviewing and commenting on debt swap proposals and associated studies that contribute to the operationalization of the initiative.
• Providing substantive feedback on the Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy for the Climate/SDGs Debt Swap programmes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in economics, social science, environment, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of proven experience in implementing bilateral debt swaps and debt-for-nature swaps is required. Candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The role demands a strong understanding of the complexities involved in debt swaps and the ability to navigate the political and economic landscapes of the involved countries.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as economics, social science, or environmental studies is mandatory for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to contribute effectively to the initiative.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the field of debt swaps, particularly in implementing bilateral debt swaps and debt-for-nature swaps. This experience should encompass both regional and international contexts, demonstrating the candidate's ability to navigate complex financial negotiations and contribute to sustainable development initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, with a strong emphasis on the ability to speak, read, write, and understand the language proficiently. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, Arabic is a working language of ESCWA, and familiarity with it would be advantageous but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be remote and has a duration of 2 months. There are no additional notes regarding compensation or benefits provided in the job description. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.