National Consultant for Sustainable Fiscal Policy and Budgeting

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) serves as the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. Established to promote sustainable development through sound environmental practices, UNEP acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator, and facilitator. The organization plays a crucial role in addressing global environmental challenges and works towards the implementation of international environmental agreements. UNEP's Industry and Economy division is particularly focused on transitioning national economies towards a green economy, which emphasizes sustainable practices and investments in environmentally friendly sectors. The organization operates globally, engaging with various stakeholders to foster collaboration and innovation in environmental governance.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Sustainable Fiscal Policy and Budgeting will contribute to the implementation of the IKI-funded FAST Project, which aims to align public finance flows in Brazil, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and Nigeria with biodiversity protection goals. This role is integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fulfilling national commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The consultant will work within UNEP’s 'Nature' and 'Finance and Economic Transformation' Programmes, focusing on enhancing public finance strategies that support biodiversity. The consultant will be responsible for conducting research, revising work plans, ensuring quality assurance of reports produced by local partners, and facilitating stakeholder engagement processes. This position requires a strong understanding of sustainable finance and fiscal policy, as well as the ability to coordinate effectively with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: conducting a comprehensive desk review of national sustainable public finance strategies and engaging in stakeholder consultations; revising the national workplan based on initial drafts provided by the UNEP team; ensuring the quality of various reports produced by local implementing partners, including scoping reports, inception reports, and stakeholder mapping reports; producing a briefing document for the annual global monitoring report; supporting the preparation and facilitation of national steering committee meetings; revising operational planning files and budgets for local partners; and providing quality assurance for capacity needs assessment reports and policy briefs. The consultant will play a key role in ensuring that all outputs meet UNEP’s standards and contribute effectively to the project’s objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Post Graduate Degree (Master’s level or above) in public policy, development studies, environmental studies, economics, international affairs, sustainable finance, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of two years of project or program management experience in areas such as climate change, biodiversity, green fiscal policy, or macro-economic policy is required. Experience working with government counterparts, particularly from the Ministry of Finance in Nigeria, is considered an advantage. Additionally, candidates should have experience in coordinating multistakeholder engagement processes and quality-assuring technical outputs related to public finance and biodiversity.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or higher in relevant fields such as public policy, environmental studies, economics, or sustainable finance. Candidates with a first-level university degree and significant relevant experience may also be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of sustainable fiscal policies and their implications for biodiversity and environmental governance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in project or program management, specifically in the fields of climate change, biodiversity, and fiscal policy. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with government entities, particularly in Nigeria, and should demonstrate experience in managing multistakeholder processes. Familiarity with UN administrative procedures and reporting standards is also desirable, as it will facilitate smoother integration into the UNEP's operational framework.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is another working language within the UN system. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages to engage with diverse stakeholders and produce high-quality documentation.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of six months within a twelve-month period, indicating a flexible engagement that may involve periodic assessments and adjustments based on project needs. The consultant will be working in a full-time capacity, contributing to a significant international initiative aimed at enhancing sustainable fiscal policies. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.