National Consultant for Blue Bond Framework Adaptation

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and serves as an advocate for the environment within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental issues. UNEP's work encompasses a wide range of environmental topics, including climate change, biodiversity, pollution, and sustainable resource management, making it a pivotal organization in the global effort to address environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Blue Bond Framework Adaptation will play a crucial role in adapting the Blue Bond Issuance Guidelines and Eligibility Criteria to align with Kazakhstan’s regulatory and institutional framework. This position involves conducting effective stakeholder consultations in local languages to ensure broad ownership and technical validation of the guidelines. The consultant will provide support to 1-2 pilot Blue Bond issuers, helping them navigate national requirements and documenting practical implementation challenges and lessons learned to inform future scaling efforts. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies and financial institutions, to ensure that the Blue Bond framework is effectively integrated into Kazakhstan's water management and governance systems. This role is essential for advancing sustainable finance initiatives in the region and promoting the sound use of water resources in alignment with environmental objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Provide contextualized inputs that will be integrated into the draft and final Blue Bond Guidelines.
• Organize and document stakeholder consultation meetings to gather insights and feedback from relevant parties.
• Adapt training materials to fit the local context, ensuring they are relevant and accessible to stakeholders.
• Offer advisory support to pilot issuers as they navigate the national requirements for Blue Bond issuance.
• Prepare a summary note that captures implementation lessons learned throughout the process, which will be valuable for future scaling of the Blue Bond framework.
• Collaborate with UNEP’s Finance and Economic Transformations Branch to align the Blue Bond framework with Kazakhstan’s Green Taxonomy and ESG bond rules.
• Engage with various ministries and agencies to ensure strong institutional alignment and practical applicability of the guidelines.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a Master’s degree or higher in Finance, Public Policy, Law, Environmental Economics, Water Resources Management, or a related field. Additionally, the candidate should have at least 5 years of professional experience in environmental policy, green economy, sustainable finance, or water governance. A proven understanding of national legislation and regulatory frameworks related to water management, climate change, and sustainable finance is essential. Experience in supporting or participating in taxonomy development, ESG projects, or donor-funded environmental programs in Kazakhstan or Central Asia is highly desirable. Familiarity with the institutional landscape, including key ministries and financial regulatory bodies in Kazakhstan, is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master’s degree or higher in relevant fields such as Finance, Public Policy, Law, Environmental Economics, or Water Resources Management. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complex interplay between environmental policies and financial frameworks necessary for the successful adaptation of the Blue Bond framework.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of professional experience is required, specifically in areas related to environmental policy, green economy initiatives, sustainable finance, or water governance. Candidates should have practical experience in stakeholder coordination, data collection, and policy research, particularly within the context of Kazakhstan or Central Asia. Experience in taxonomy development and ESG projects will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in Kazakh and Russian is required for this position, as effective communication with local stakeholders is essential. Additionally, a strong working knowledge of English is necessary to engage with international partners and to understand global best practices in sustainable finance and environmental governance.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for a duration of 6 months. There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization emphasizes its commitment to transparency and integrity in the recruitment process.