Consultant for Green Financing Framework

Job Posting Organization:
The Saudi Environment Fund is a national entity established to support and finance environmental initiatives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It plays a strategic role in mobilizing resources for projects that advance the Kingdom’s environmental sustainability goals, including Vision 2030, the National Environmental Strategy (NES), and flagship programmes such as the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) and the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE). The Fund is dedicated to providing financial support for national environmental programmes and operational budgets of the National Environmental Centers, thereby contributing to the overall environmental health and sustainability of the Kingdom. The organization is focused on enhancing its capacity to manage and implement green finance initiatives that align with national priorities and international best practices, ensuring that it plays a pivotal role in the transition towards a sustainable future for Saudi Arabia.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for the Green Financing Framework is designed to enhance the capacity of the Saudi Environment Fund (EF) to design, implement, manage, and monitor green finance initiatives that are fully aligned with national priorities, regulatory requirements, and international best practices. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager in the UNEP West Asia Office and will coordinate with various departments at the Environment Fund. The primary goal of this consultancy is to support the EF in developing a comprehensive Green Financing Framework that will facilitate the mobilization of green investments and enhance the financial sustainability of the environmental sector in Saudi Arabia. This role is crucial as Saudi Arabia has made significant advances in green finance, and the EF aims to complement these efforts by attracting green capital and ensuring that funded projects adhere to international standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at developing the Green Financing Framework for the EF. Key duties include: conducting a benchmarking study of key international and regional green finance frameworks to identify best practices, gaps, and lessons for the EF; developing scenarios for the Green Financing Framework, including proposed funding mechanisms such as grants, concessional loans, blended finance, guarantees, or green bonds; establishing eligibility and exclusion criteria to ensure compliance with international green finance standards; preparing operational guidelines for effective implementation of the framework; designing a plan to integrate the framework into existing investments and grant programmes; delivering capacity-building sessions for EF staff on the framework’s design and implementation; and submitting a final report highlighting achievements and recommendations for enhancing the EF's capacity in sustaining green financing initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in finance, environmental finance, economics, environmental economics, or related fields. A PhD is considered an asset. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of experience in green finance, environmental economics, investment management, or related fields is required. Proven experience working with government entities, public funds, or international organizations is essential. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in technical advisory roles, capacity-building programmes, development of operational frameworks, and stakeholder engagement. Familiarity with Saudi Arabia’s environmental sector is preferred, as it will enhance the consultant's ability to navigate the local context effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as finance, environmental finance, economics, or environmental economics. A PhD in a related discipline is advantageous and may provide a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in green finance and environmental economics, which is critical for the successful execution of the consultancy tasks.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in fields such as green finance, environmental economics, or investment management. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with government entities, public funds, or international organizations, which indicates a strong understanding of the regulatory and operational frameworks that govern environmental finance. Experience in technical advisory roles and capacity-building programmes is also essential, as the consultant will be responsible for training EF staff and ensuring the effective implementation of the Green Financing Framework.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to communicate effectively with various stakeholders and produce reports in English. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset, as it may facilitate better engagement with local partners and stakeholders in Saudi Arabia, enhancing the consultant's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 5 months, during which the consultant will work closely with the EF and UNEP West Asia Office. 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. This ensures that the recruitment process is transparent and accessible to all qualified candidates.