Biodiversity Finance Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that focuses on sustainable development and poverty eradication. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to improve lives and build resilient nations. The organization aims to integrate sustainable development goals into national policies and strategies, leveraging its extensive network of expertise and resources to support countries in achieving their development objectives. UNDP's mission is to empower lives and build resilient nations by promoting sustainable development, reducing inequalities, and fostering inclusive growth. The organization emphasizes collaboration and partnerships to address global challenges, including climate change, gender equality, and sustainable economic growth.

Job Overview:
The Biodiversity Finance Analyst will play a crucial role in the implementation of the GEF8 Umbrella programme, focusing on the development of the first National Biodiversity Finance Plan in Sierra Leone. This position requires a deep understanding of biodiversity finance tools and solutions, as well as the ability to analyze and assess financial needs related to biodiversity initiatives. The Analyst will lead the production of the Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER) and the Financial Needs Assessment (FNA), which are essential for identifying funding gaps and opportunities for enhancing biodiversity financing. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and private sector actors, to gather data and insights necessary for the successful development of the Biodiversity Finance Plan. The Analyst will also contribute to policy reviews and support the alignment of national strategies with global biodiversity frameworks, ensuring that biodiversity considerations are integrated into broader economic and development policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the Policy and Institutional Review (PIR) by supporting the Policy Expert in developing an inventory of existing biodiversity financing mechanisms and reviewing relevant economic valuation studies.
• Conduct a desk review to map existing studies and databases on biodiversity expenditures, and develop a proposed national definition for biodiversity expenditures.
• Develop a workplan for the Biodiversity Expenditure Review and establish a system to categorize biodiversity expenses.
• Gather data from targeted organizations to conduct the expenditure review and develop tools for analyzing biodiversity-related expenditures.
• Coordinate bilateral consultation meetings with stakeholders to validate the attribution of biodiversity significance in expenditures.
• Review methodologies for the Financial Needs Assessment and consult with relevant entities to obtain background information on NBSAP activities.
• Organize national consultation workshops to define financial needs for major biodiversity programs and develop detailed calculations for the national biodiversity finance needs.
• Support the preparation of the Biodiversity Finance Plan by conducting feasibility analyses on financing mechanisms and developing systems for tracking financial flows.
• Facilitate project outreach and communication through workshops and community meetings to raise awareness about biodiversity financing initiatives. 1
• Document decisions and lessons learned throughout the project and prepare reports for global meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, Business Management, or a closely related field, preferably with an environment/biodiversity focus. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields combined with 2 years of qualifying experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in environmental finance, accounting, economics, management, or a related field (4 years with a bachelor’s degree).
• Proven experience in collaborating with international and national experts and institutions.
• Knowledge of key software packages, particularly MS Office.
• Experience in drafting reports on environment-related policies and preparing publications and presentations.
• Ability to work with a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, Business Management, or a closely related field, ideally with a focus on environment or biodiversity. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the aforementioned fields, combined with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be considered in lieu of a master’s degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience for candidates with a master’s degree, or 4 years for those with a bachelor’s degree. Experience should be in areas such as environmental finance, accounting, economics, or management, with a strong emphasis on biodiversity and sustainable development initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of engaging with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of a project under the GEF8 Umbrella programme, focusing on the development of the National Biodiversity Finance Plan in Sierra Leone. The role is expected to be full-time and may involve collaboration with various national and international stakeholders. UNDP is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.