Sustainable Finance 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 in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and policy-making, working with governments, civil society, and the private sector to address pressing environmental challenges. With a workforce of over 1,000 employees, UNEP operates in more than 150 countries, focusing on areas such as climate change, sustainable development, and biodiversity conservation. UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is a strategic partnership between UNEP and over 500 banks, insurers, and investors, dedicated to promoting sustainable finance and responsible investment practices globally. UNEP FI has been instrumental in shaping the sustainable finance agenda for over 32 years, advocating for the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into financial decision-making.

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Finance Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the project coordination of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness project aimed at aligning financial flows of the financial sector in Costa Rica with the Paris Agreement climate change goals. The primary objectives of this consultancy include mobilizing private capital towards a low-emission and climate-resilient economy and enhancing the resilience of the financial system to climate-related financial risks. The specialist will work closely with the Project Coordination Unit (PCU), which consists of a Project Coordinator and other consultants, to manage the project's day-to-day activities, provide strategic guidance, and ensure effective implementation and monitoring of project deliverables. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities, financial institutions, and civil society organizations, to develop and implement sustainable finance frameworks and policies that align with international best practices. The specialist will also be responsible for capacity building within financial institutions and disseminating project results to ensure the practical application of sustainable finance principles in Costa Rica.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Sustainable Finance Specialist will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Liaising with national and regional actors to develop Terms of Reference for the GCF Readiness projects in Costa Rica.
• Preparing documentation for meetings and workshops, ensuring effective communication with government entities.
• Collaborating with financial superintendencies and local ministries to establish workplans for the Financial Advisory Group (FAG).
• Developing, piloting, and endorsing Costa Rica’s Sustainable Finance Taxonomy in cooperation with relevant stakeholders.
• Creating a framework for identifying, assessing, and disclosing climate-related financial risks for the banking and insurance sectors.
• Coordinating capacity-building sessions on sustainable finance taxonomy and climate-related financial risks for financial entities and supervisors.
• Disseminating project lessons learned and results through various communication channels.
• Supporting project management by tracking progress, monitoring deliverables, and ensuring compliance with UNEP and GCF regulations.
• Facilitating collaborative processes with stakeholders to enhance project outcomes and partnerships. 1
• Preparing reports and presentations summarizing project findings and recommendations for regulatory authorities and financial institutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in engineering, economics, finance, business administration, political science, or a related field. A master’s degree may substitute for a bachelor’s degree if the candidate has at least two years of relevant experience. Specializations in Sustainable Finance, Sustainability, Urban Planning, Finance, or Climate Change & Biodiversity are highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have at least four years of professional experience in finance project management, budgeting, and reporting, with proven knowledge in finance and sustainability. Experience in coordinating strategic processes and meetings, as well as familiarity with international environmental agreements and Costa Rican regulations, is also highly desirable. Strong budgeting skills and knowledge of UNEP administrative procedures are advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as engineering, economics, finance, business administration, or political science. A master’s degree may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor’s degree, provided the candidate has two years of relevant experience. Specializations in Sustainable Finance, Sustainability, Urban Planning, Finance, or Climate Change & Biodiversity are highly desirable and will enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of professional experience in finance project management, financial data management, budgeting, and reporting. Candidates should demonstrate proven knowledge in finance and sustainability, as well as experience in coordinating strategic processes and meetings. Familiarity with international agreements, environmental regulations, and Costa Rica's financial landscape is highly desirable. Strong understanding of budgeting and UNEP administrative procedures will be beneficial for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and Spanish is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of additional United Nations languages is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's qualifications.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is expected to be home-based and will last for a duration of 12 months. The position is full-time, requiring 40 hours of work per week from Monday to Friday. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the UNEP Programme Management Officer on Sustainable Finance for the LAC region and will be involved in various project activities, including capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and project monitoring. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be aware that the organization does not request information regarding bank accounts.