Finance and Investment Specialist on Circular Economy of Plastics

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system for addressing environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established in 1972, UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. It operates in over 150 countries and employs approximately 1,000 staff members. UNEP's work encompasses a wide range of environmental issues, including climate change, sustainable resource management, and pollution control. The organization plays a crucial role in coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP's Plastics Initiative is a key program aimed at tackling plastic pollution through a unified approach that consolidates all plastic-related projects and actions, promoting a safe circular economy for plastics.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Investment Specialist on Circular Economy of Plastics will play a pivotal role in UNEP's efforts to address plastic pollution through financial and institutional strategies. The specialist will contribute expert analysis to identify and remove financial barriers, enhance enabling conditions, and align projects with investment opportunities. A significant aspect of this role involves developing a strategic options paper that outlines viable financial models to support the scaling of circular economy solutions, particularly in emerging markets. The specialist will also engage with financial institutions to enhance the finance components of country projects under the UNEP Plastics Initiative. This position requires a deep understanding of circular economy finance and the ability to provide technical support for various activities, including drafting eligibility criteria for projects and developing monitoring and evaluation frameworks. The specialist will work closely with technical officers and partners to assess finance gaps and advise on risk mitigation mechanisms, ensuring that financial structures effectively support the uptake of circular solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Finance and Investment Specialist include:

• Contributing expert analysis to UNEP’s work on removing financial and institutional barriers to circular economy solutions.
• Developing a strategic options paper that outlines viable financial and institutional models for scaling up circular economy solutions, with a focus on blended finance and partnerships in emerging markets.
• Enhancing the finance and investment components of country projects under the UNEP Plastics Initiative by engaging with financial institutions and investment partners.
• Reviewing and providing constructive inputs on technical deliverables related to circular economy finance to ensure quality and strategic alignment.
• Providing technical support for PTIF-related activities, including drafting eligibility criteria for future projects and developing monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Offering technical inputs on emerging needs as required, ensuring that the financial aspects of circular economy initiatives are effectively addressed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree (or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, Environmental Finance/Economics, or related disciplines. Additionally, at least 5 years of experience in blended finance structuring or fundraising approaches is required, with specific knowledge in project finance, non-grant instruments, impact and/or green bond issuances, or carbon finance. Candidates should also have at least 3 years of relevant professional experience within a financial institution, corporation, investment fund, or multilateral development bank. Proven advisory experience in reviewing investment-ready project proposals and knowledge of factors affecting project success, such as bankability and risk assessment, is essential. Practical experience in mobilizing private capital and implementing blended finance mechanisms in emerging markets is also required.

Educational Background:
An Advanced University Degree (or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, Environmental Finance/Economics, or related fields is mandatory for this position. This educational background ensures that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to effectively contribute to UNEP's initiatives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in blended finance structuring or fundraising approaches, with a focus on project finance, non-grant instruments, or impact finance. Additionally, at least 3 years of directly relevant professional experience within a financial institution or similar entity is required. Experience in mobilizing private capital and working with development finance institutions is highly desirable, particularly in the context of circular economy projects.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in other UN languages is considered an advantage, as it enhances communication with diverse stakeholders and supports the global nature of UNEP's work.

Additional Notes:
This position is expected to be based in Paris, with a focus on full-time engagement. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process. The role is integral to UNEP's mission of promoting sustainable environmental practices and addressing the pressing issue of plastic pollution through innovative financial solutions.