Senior Financial Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP plays a crucial role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama, works closely with the 33 countries of the region, integrating its activities into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

Job Overview:
The Senior Financial Specialist will play a pivotal role in bolstering the implementation of the financial mechanism of the GEF Project titled 'Promoting sustainability in the agave-mezcal value chain through restoration and integrated management of biocultural landscapes in Oaxaca.' This position involves facilitating the implementation of UNEP's programme of work in Mexico through active participation in discussions and strategic meetings with project teams, partners, government counterparts, and the UN Mexico team. The specialist will ensure that project goals align with broader UNEP objectives and contribute to decision-making processes that are essential for the successful implementation and expansion of UNEP's portfolio. The role requires accountability for the design, development, and achievement of the objectives of the Finance Mechanisms, maintaining excellent relationships with various stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with project objectives and results related to the Finance Mechanisms. The consultant will work full-time, 40 hours per week, at UNEP’s Mexico Office in Mexico City, Mexico, under the direct supervision of the Regional director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Office and UNEP’s Country Representative for Colombia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Financial Specialist will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties including:

• Contributing to the formalization and operation of the Credit Guarantee established with development bank FIRA, including defining eligibility criteria and lending priorities.
• Collaborating with junior finance consultants to provide expertise in financial education workshops and identifying financial needs of agave and mezcal producers.
• Designing and proposing financial mechanisms and business models to benefit small producers, such as trust funds and interest rate subsidies.
• Organizing meetings with financial intermediaries and maintaining productive relationships with various governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.
• Reviewing UNEP's Mexico project portfolio to identify synergies with other projects.
• Coordinating new areas of cooperation on biodiversity and climate change with SEMARNAT and its institutions.
• Identifying project ideas for international funds and donors.
• Participating in meetings related to the UN Cooperation Framework in Mexico.
• Contributing to the development of annual work plans and strategic documents. 1
• Providing relevant information for communication and dissemination of project results. 1
• Drafting inputs for various documents and reports as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Economics, Finance, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Agriculture, International Affairs, Sustainable Development, or closely related fields. A Master’s degree in a relevant area is desired. Candidates must have a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in environmental policies and/or sustainability, with at least 3 years in sustainable finance. Experience in project coordination with the government of Mexico, climate change, agribusiness, and working with local communities or indigenous peoples is desirable. Supervisory experience of 2-3 years is also preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Accounting, Economics, Finance, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Agriculture, International Affairs, or Sustainable Development. A Master’s degree in similar disciplines is highly desirable and will enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in environmental policies and sustainability, with a specific emphasis on sustainable finance for at least 3 years. Experience in project coordination, particularly with the government of Mexico, and familiarity with climate change and the agribusiness sector are highly desirable. Additionally, experience working with local communities and indigenous peoples, as well as on internationally funded projects, will be beneficial. Supervisory experience of 2-3 years is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English is required for this position, ensuring effective communication with diverse stakeholders and partners involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 6 months, with full-time commitment required. The position is based in Mexico City, Mexico, and involves collaboration with various governmental and non-governmental organizations. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and it does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.