UNEP FI Senior Technical Advisor

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. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and advocacy, working with a diverse range of stakeholders including governments, civil society, and the private sector. With a workforce of over 1,000 employees, UNEP operates in more than 150 countries, focusing on critical areas such as climate change, sustainable development, and biodiversity. UNEP FI, a strategic partnership between the United Nations and over 500 banks, insurers, and investors, has been shaping the international sustainable finance agenda for over 34 years, setting global standards and fostering a global network of leading financial institutions.

Job Overview:
The UNEP FI Senior Technical Advisor will play a crucial role in supporting the Head of Nature in the compilation and finalization of the finance-sector report card titled 'From Cali to Yerevan: Is the Financial System on Track?'. This report card serves as a status update on the implementation of the High-level Roadmap for Aligning Financial Flows with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The advisor will be responsible for conducting a desktop review of relevant publications, synthesizing evidence on progress across the Roadmap’s areas, and ensuring that the report card reflects the necessary technical quality. The position requires senior-level expertise in nature and biodiversity finance, as well as familiarity with the Global Biodiversity Framework and its resource mobilization targets. The advisor will also contribute to maintaining coherence with the broader sustainable finance agenda across UNEP and its partners, ensuring that human rights and gender equality principles are integrated throughout the work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Technical Advisor will undertake a variety of tasks, including: supporting the Head of Nature in the compilation and finalization of the finance-sector report card; conducting a desktop review of relevant UNEP FI and partner publications; compiling and synthesizing evidence on progress across the Roadmap’s areas and against Global Biodiversity Framework Targets; gathering evidence on the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund and the Cali Fund; identifying gaps in the draft report and proposing inputs; coordinating inputs from internal colleagues and external partners; providing senior technical review and written comments on other nature-themed deliverables; ensuring that all communications reflect UNEP and UN core values; and supporting the implementation of UNEP FI’s Social Action Plan. The advisor will also be responsible for delivering a completed desktop review, consolidated evidence, gap analysis, drafting contributions, and coordinating inputs from contributors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master’s degree in finance, economics, environmental economics, sustainability, environmental science, public policy, international relations, or a related field. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree may be accepted if the candidate has at least 9 years of relevant experience. Additionally, candidates should have at least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in sustainable finance, biodiversity/nature finance, or a closely related field, including direct work with financial institutions and policymakers. A demonstrable track record of producing high-quality analytical publications on nature and finance is required, along with experience advising on or applying nature-related frameworks and the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in finance, economics, environmental economics, sustainability, environmental science, public policy, international relations, or a related field is required. A bachelor’s degree may be accepted in lieu of a master’s degree if the candidate has 9 years of relevant experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in sustainable finance, biodiversity/nature finance, or a closely related field. This experience should include direct work with financial institutions, financial policymakers, supervisors, and central banks. A proven track record of producing high-quality analytical publications on nature and finance is essential, as well as experience supporting UNEP FI’s nature workstreams and familiarity with the Finance and Biodiversity Day and CBD COP processes.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required as it is the working language of UNEP FI. Knowledge of Spanish and other United Nations languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be remote and home-based, with an anticipated duration of 4 months. The consultant will report to the Head of UNEP FI and the Head of Nature, UNEP FI. The role requires senior-level expertise in sustainable finance with a specialization in nature and biodiversity, as well as strong analytical and drafting skills. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates should be aware that the organization does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.