Interoperability Taxonomy Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and advocacy, working with over 500 banks, insurers, and investors through its Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) to drive sustainable finance. UNEP operates in multiple countries and has a significant presence in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region, where it aims to expand the sustainable finance market and attract private capital towards environmentally sustainable investments. The organization is committed to fostering collaboration among governments, local authorities, and industries to develop policies and practices that promote sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Job Overview:
The Interoperability Taxonomy Expert will be responsible for developing a comprehensive report that assesses the commonalities and differences between the Chilean Green Taxonomy and the EU Taxonomy. This role is crucial for enhancing clarity and transparency for domestic and international investors, policymakers, and taxonomy users regarding what activities can be classified as 'green' or 'taxonomy aligned' in both jurisdictions. The expert will conduct a detailed comparative study, identifying similarities, possible equivalences, and differences in the Technical Selection Criteria, activities, and sectors of each taxonomy. The report will serve as a vital resource for stakeholders who must navigate both taxonomies due to the geographical location of their economic activities. The expert will also engage with relevant Chilean authorities to ensure accurate understanding and representation of the Chilean taxonomy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a series of tasks to fulfill the objectives of the comparative study, including:

• Conducting a detailed methodology that involves a five-step approach to activity matching between the two taxonomies.
• Assessing the similarity of matched activity scopes and providing an overview of the substantial contribution technical screening criteria level of similarity for each economic activity.
• Comparing the DNSH (Do No Significant Harm) technical screening criteria and the approach to Minimum Safeguards or other social safeguards in both taxonomies.
• Preparing a series of draft reports, including an inception report, interim drafts, and a final comparative report, which will be presented to stakeholders.
• Performing a mission to Chile to conduct interviews and liaise with relevant stakeholders to clarify and confirm understanding of the Chilean taxonomy.
• Collaborating closely with the European Union and relevant Chilean authorities throughout the assignment to ensure alignment and accuracy in the findings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master’s degree in law, economics, social or environmental sciences, business administration, or finance studies. A bachelor’s degree may be accepted if accompanied by at least 7 years of relevant experience. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of professional experience in sustainable finance policy and regulatory framework development, with a focus on taxonomies. Experience in finance regulation and supporting the intersection between sustainable development and finance is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in relevant fields such as law, economics, social or environmental sciences, business administration, or finance studies is required. A bachelor’s degree may be considered if the candidate has substantial related experience, specifically 7 years in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in sustainable finance policy and regulatory framework development. Candidates should ideally have initial professional experience in finance regulation, particularly in the development and comparison of taxonomies, as well as practical experience in sustainable development and finance intersections.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory as it is the working language of UNEP FI. Fluency in Spanish is desirable, as it will facilitate communication with stakeholders in Chile and enhance the quality of the comparative study.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of 2 months. The consultant will be under the supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and will report directly to the LAC Policy Lead. The role involves significant collaboration with various stakeholders, including the European Union and relevant Chilean authorities, to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the comparative study. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.