Carbon Finance Specialists Roster

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is the most inclusive intergovernmental platform in Asia and the Pacific. Established to respond to the needs of the region, ESCAP aims to strengthen its work on carbon finance to provide targeted, demand-driven support to countries. The organization focuses on harnessing carbon finance to deliver clean energy financing, mobilizing private capital, and enhancing integrated policy and regulatory frameworks. ESCAP operates in multiple countries across Asia and the Pacific, working to address the complex challenges of ensuring a climate-safe, energy-secure, and equitable future. The organization emphasizes regional cooperation, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based research to support member States in their energy transitions and sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The role of the Carbon Finance Specialists is to provide technical, analytical, and advisory support across a range of assignments related to carbon finance, carbon markets, and energy transition financing. The specialists will engage in research and analysis, policy and regulatory advice, and the development of technical guidance and tools. They will also support capacity-building activities aimed at increasing the knowledge and capabilities of member States on carbon credits and transition credits. The specialists will work under the oversight of the Chief of the Financing for Development Section, ensuring that carbon finance perspectives are integrated into policy dialogues and decision-making processes. Their work will involve advising governments on carbon finance strategies, including readiness for Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and designing targeted capacity-building programs for officials and institutions at various levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Carbon Finance Specialists will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including analyzing carbon pricing instruments and frameworks, advising on coal-plant decommissioning strategies, and developing criteria and frameworks for carbon credits and transition credits. They will also analyze carbon markets in the Asia and Pacific region, assess carbon finance flows, and draft regional carbon finance policy frameworks. The specialists will conduct stakeholder consultations, develop training materials, and facilitate energy transition financing access for developing countries. They will also analyze regional Emission Trading Schemes (ETS), develop MRV methodologies, and create presentation materials for capacity-building products. Their work will require effective stakeholder engagement and the ability to synthesize complex technical issues into practical policy recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in economics, finance, public policy, environmental economics, climate change, energy policy, sustainable development, engineering, law, or a related discipline. A PhD in a relevant field is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in carbon finance, carbon markets, climate finance, sustainable finance, energy transition, or related fields. Demonstrated expertise in carbon pricing instruments, emissions trading systems, and carbon market governance is essential. Experience in developing policy recommendations and capacity-building programs related to climate and energy transition is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in relevant fields such as economics, finance, public policy, environmental economics, climate change, energy policy, sustainable development, engineering, or law. A PhD in a related discipline is considered an asset, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in areas related to carbon finance, carbon markets, climate finance, sustainable finance, energy transition, and environmental policy. This experience should include demonstrated expertise in carbon pricing instruments, emissions trading systems, and the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Familiarity with carbon market developments in Asia and the Pacific is highly desirable, and previous experience working with the United Nations system or other international organizations is an asset.

Languages:
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required for this position. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is desirable, as it would enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to international discussions on carbon finance and climate change.

Additional Notes:
This announcement is for establishing a roster of qualified consultants to advise ESCAP's multi-year programme on energy transition financing in Asia and the Pacific. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee employment or contract, nor does it ensure selection for future assignments. Specific consultancy assignments, contract duration, duty stations, travel requirements, and remuneration levels will be determined separately for each assignment. ESCAP is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates of all nationalities, genders, and backgrounds. Selection will be based on qualifications, expertise, experience, and the specific requirements of each assignment. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.