Climate Finance Specialist (Lead Author)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate Change Committee (UNEPCCC). UNEP was established in 1972 and has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. It operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to addressing global environmental challenges. The organization focuses on various issues, including climate change, biodiversity, and pollution, and aims to provide leadership and encourage partnerships in caring for the environment.

Job Overview:
The Climate Finance Specialist (Lead Author) position is designed to lead the development of comprehensive guidelines on implementing loss and damage strategies related to climate change, particularly for developing countries. The role involves providing overall leadership and coordination for the creation of guidelines that will assist these nations in addressing the impacts of climate change, which have been increasingly significant. The guidelines will focus on practical steps that developing countries can take to implement effective loss and damage strategies. The UNEPCCC/UNEP aims to develop these guidelines to support loss and damage reporting in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and to help countries articulate their capacity-building needs. The guidelines will cover essential areas such as definitions, national frameworks, policy integration, access to international support, implementation, data monitoring, and funding strategies. The report will also include practical advice, case studies, and best practices that address both economic and non-economic impacts, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and cross-sectoral coordination to meet the needs of vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Climate Finance Specialist will be responsible for providing overall leadership and coordination for the development of comprehensive guidelines on loss and damage strategies related to climate change. This includes ensuring alignment with international climate goals and frameworks, delivering high-quality and coherent documents, and providing input on cross-cutting finance issues throughout the guidelines. The specialist will collaborate with co-authors to maintain consistency in finance-related content, integrate feedback from stakeholders and experts, and develop case studies that highlight successful climate finance models and innovative funding strategies. The role also involves ensuring timely delivery of outputs, evaluating the quality and comprehensiveness of the content, and assessing the effectiveness of guidance on integrating loss and damage finance into national strategies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in Climate Finance, Environmental Economics, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 2-5 years of experience in climate finance, particularly with a focus on loss and damage, is required. Strong knowledge of international climate finance mechanisms and funds is essential, along with experience in developing innovative financing solutions for climate resilience. The ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and maintain a high standard of quality in written outputs is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as Climate Finance, Environmental Economics, or a closely related discipline. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate finance and the specific challenges related to loss and damage in developing countries.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2-5 years of relevant experience in climate finance, with a specific focus on loss and damage. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with international climate finance mechanisms and funds, as well as experience in developing innovative financing solutions that enhance climate resilience. This level of experience is necessary to effectively lead the development of comprehensive guidelines and contribute to the overall objectives of the assignment.

Languages:
English is the mandatory language required for this position. Proficiency in English is essential for effective communication, collaboration, and the production of high-quality written outputs. While additional languages may be beneficial, English is the primary language of operation for this role.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is part-time and remote, specifically targeting professionals in the Global South. International travel is not required for this role. The United Nations emphasizes that it does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. This policy ensures that the recruitment process remains accessible and equitable for all candidates.