Consultant for Biodiversity Finance

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment, focusing on biodiversity conservation, climate change, land degradation, and pollution. Established in 1972, UNEP operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to environmental issues. The organization plays a crucial role in supporting countries to implement multilateral environmental agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and translating global biodiversity commitments into national policies and investment frameworks. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to foster partnerships that promote environmental sustainability across various sectors.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Biodiversity Finance will contribute to UNEP’s work under the GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit, Ecosystems Division. The role involves mapping current biodiversity finance initiatives, analyzing engagement with UN agencies and other institutions, defining UNEP’s strategic niche in biodiversity finance, conducting a SWOT analysis of UNEP’s engagement, prioritizing biodiversity finance thematic areas, and developing a strategy for mobilizing GEF-9 resources. The consultant will work closely with UNEP staff and stakeholders to ensure that the strategies developed are aligned with UNEP's mission and the needs of global biodiversity frameworks. The position requires a strong understanding of biodiversity finance, environmental economics, and the ability to engage with various stakeholders to promote innovative financing solutions for biodiversity conservation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will undertake several key tasks: 1) Global Mapping of Biodiversity Finance, which includes reviewing and mapping current initiatives, identifying finance commitments, and providing a landscape of key actors and mechanisms. 2) UN Agency and Other Institutions Engagement Analysis, which involves reviewing biodiversity finance work within and outside the UN system and identifying strengths and comparative advantages. 3) Defining UNEP’s Strategic Niche by analyzing UNEP’s current mandate and articulating its potential future roles in the biodiversity finance ecosystem. 4) Conducting a SWOT Analysis of UNEP’s engagement in biodiversity finance, considering internal and external factors. 5) Prioritizing UNEP Biodiversity Finance Niche Areas and Operational Pathways, where the consultant will identify and prioritize thematic areas for UNEP's focus. 6) Developing a Strategy for Mobilizing GEF-9 Resources through UNEP, which includes creating a strategic framework for attracting funding and proposing actionable steps for implementation. Each task will culminate in specific deliverables, such as reports and frameworks that outline findings and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of a Master's Degree in environmental finance, economics, biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, public policy, or a related field. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree combined with two years of additional professional and academic experience may be accepted in place of the advanced degree. Candidates must have a minimum of 7 years of experience in biodiversity finance, environmental economics, or related analytical work. Experience with the UN system, GEF programming, or inter-agency analysis is also required. Strong analytical, writing, and stakeholder engagement skills are highly desirable, along with familiarity with innovative finance mechanisms and biodiversity targets.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a Master's Degree in a relevant field such as environmental finance, economics, biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, or public policy. In lieu of a Master's Degree, a bachelor's degree combined with two years of additional professional experience may be acceptable. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively contribute to UNEP's biodiversity finance initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in biodiversity finance, environmental economics, or related analytical work. Candidates should have experience working within the UN system, particularly with GEF programming or inter-agency analysis. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of biodiversity finance and the various stakeholders involved in the process. Strong analytical skills and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders are also essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, proficiency in French is also necessary, as it is another working language of the UN. Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and partners in the field of biodiversity finance.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is 16 weeks within a 6-month period, and the work location is home-based. The position does not specify a deadline for applications, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview meetings, processing, or training. The organization emphasizes that it does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.