Economic Valuation Research Assistant Consultant

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 to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus and keeping the global environment under review. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members, collaborating with international and national partners to strengthen environmental management capacities, particularly in developing countries and those with economies in transition. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to inspire and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

Job Overview:
The Economic Valuation Research Assistant Consultant will play a crucial role in identifying and valuing ecosystem services provided by Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EBA) scenarios in four cities in Lao PDR. This position is integral to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) project aimed at building urban resilience to climate change. The consultant will work closely with the Lead Valuation Consultant and UNEP staff to collect and analyze data that will inform decision-making processes regarding the implementation of EBA measures. The role involves collaborating with local stakeholders to co-develop specific EBA scenarios and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) measures, ensuring that the economic valuation of ecosystem services is effectively integrated into urban planning and management strategies. The consultant will also be responsible for conducting a comprehensive assessment of the benefits that ecosystems provide to urban populations, thereby contributing to the overall goal of enhancing urban resilience in the face of climate change.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's primary responsibilities include identifying relevant ecosystem services in the four cities of Lao PDR, collecting and preparing data for economic valuation, and collaborating with the Lead Valuation Consultant to develop a strategy for data collection. The consultant will engage in secondary data collection from existing ecosystem management plans, government reports, and GIS layers, as well as primary data collection through surveys and field measurements. The consultant will also participate in the co-development of EBA scenarios and NBS measures, liaise with stakeholders, and determine the data requirements for valuation. Additionally, the consultant will scope and plan data collection efforts, locate necessary data for spatial assessments, and organize data to estimate the marginal economic value of ecosystem services. The consultant will ensure that the valuation process accounts for projected climate change impacts and provides a clear comparison between EBA measures and a do-nothing scenario.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Economics, Applied or Environmental Economics, Environmental Policy, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with two years of professional and academic qualifications may be accepted. A minimum of two years of professional experience in economic assessment, ecosystem services modeling, or ecosystem-based adaptation assessment is required. Additionally, candidates should have a solid understanding of the political economy of environment and development planning in Lao PDR, as this knowledge is essential for effective collaboration with local stakeholders and for the successful implementation of the project.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Applied or Environmental Economics, or Environmental Policy. In cases where candidates hold a first university degree, they must also have a combination of two years of professional experience and academic qualifications that demonstrate their capability in the field. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of ecosystem services valuation and economic assessment in the context of environmental policy and planning.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of professional working experience in areas related to economic assessment, ecosystem services modeling, or ecosystem-based adaptation assessment. This experience should ideally include practical involvement in projects that focus on the valuation of ecosystem services and the application of economic principles to environmental management. Familiarity with the specific challenges and opportunities present in Lao PDR's environmental landscape will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, proficiency in Lao is required to facilitate effective communication with local stakeholders and ensure that the consultant can engage meaningfully in the project. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, as it is also a working language of the UN, but it is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of six months. There are no additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation 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 that the application process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.