Environmental Expert Consultant for Technical Guidance

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and policy-making, working with governments, civil society, and the private sector to address pressing environmental challenges. With a workforce of over 1,000 employees, UNEP operates in more than 150 countries, focusing on areas such as climate change, sustainable development, and biodiversity. UNEP FI, a strategic partnership between UNEP and over 500 banks, insurers, and investors, has been shaping the international sustainable finance agenda for over 34 years, setting global standards and fostering collaboration among financial institutions to align with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.

Job Overview:
The Environmental Expert Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Ministry of Finance of Brazil in the development and implementation of the Brazilian Sustainable Taxonomy (BST). This position requires a deep understanding of environmental objectives and sustainable finance, as the consultant will provide technical guidance to ensure that the BST aligns with international standards and best practices. The consultant will work closely with technical specialists and service providers, consolidating progress and reporting to the Inter-ministerial and Supervisory Committees. The role emphasizes the integration of human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development principles into the work of UNEP FI, ensuring that the consultant's contributions uphold the organization's core values. The consultant will also engage with key stakeholders to foster collaboration and ensure that the BST reflects the needs and priorities of various partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:

• Providing technical inputs on environmental objectives for the BST, supporting the work of technical specialists and service providers.
• Consolidating progress reports and delivering feedback to the Inter-ministerial and Supervisory Committees.
• Revising and providing technical inputs for all documents associated with the BST, including eight sectoral technical annexes.
• Supporting engagement with stakeholders such as GIZ, UNEP, and UNEP FI partners in Brazil to ensure alignment and collaboration.
• Documenting and justifying changes to sectoral technical criteria and ensuring that all communications reflect UNEP's core values.
• Assisting in conducting consultations to gather feedback from stakeholders and incorporating this feedback into the final taxonomy documents.
• Collaborating with country authorities to strengthen the governance structure of the BST and ensure effective implementation of the Ministry of Finance's Action Plan.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in economics, finance, business administration, political science, engineering, environmental science, or a related discipline. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree may be accepted if the candidate has at least seven years of relevant experience. The position requires at least five years of progressively responsible experience in international organizations, research centers, NGOs, or the financial services sector, with a focus on sustainable development and finance. Experience in managing complex projects and coordinating multiple stakeholders is desirable, as is a background in sustainability-related consulting. Proven knowledge in sustainable finance and an understanding of the drivers of sustainability in emerging economies, particularly in Latin America and Brazil, are highly valuable.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant field such as economics, finance, business administration, political science, engineering, or environmental science is required. A bachelor's degree may be considered if accompanied by significant relevant experience, specifically seven years in the field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to effectively contribute to the development of the Brazilian Sustainable Taxonomy.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields, including international organizations, research centers, NGOs, or the financial services sector. Candidates should have experience working on sustainable development and finance, with a preference for those who have managed complex projects involving multiple stakeholders. Experience in sustainability-related consulting and a proven track record in coordinating projects with diverse partners are highly desirable. Familiarity with the public financial sector in Brazil or Latin America is also advantageous, as is practical experience with international donors and technical cooperation projects.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Portuguese is mandatory, as these are the working languages of UNEP FI. Knowledge of Spanish and other United Nations languages is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to communicate effectively with a broader range of stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is expected to last for four months and will be home-based, allowing for remote work primarily in Brazil. The consultant will report to the Head of UNEP FI and the Sustainable Finance for LAC team. The position emphasizes the importance of collaboration, communication, and adherence to UNEP's core values throughout the consultancy. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.