Subnational Climate Finance and Sustainable Buildings Consultant

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. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since been at the forefront of environmental governance, working with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental challenges. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to promoting sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental issues at the global level.

Job Overview:
The Subnational Climate Finance and Sustainable Buildings Consultant will play a pivotal role in supporting subnational actors in their efforts to plan, implement, and finance actions aimed at enhancing climate resilience, particularly within the built environment sector. This consultancy is crucial for advancing the objectives of the Global Alliance of Building and Construction (GlobalABC) by developing targeted knowledge products and collaborative project proposals that address the unique challenges faced by subnational entities. The consultant will work closely with various units within UNEP, particularly the Buildings and Cooling Unit, to ensure that the initiatives align with UNEP's broader climate goals. The consultant's responsibilities will also include providing technical inputs and reviews for finance-related knowledge products, contributing to resource mobilization efforts, and engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including private sector entities, financial institutions, and academic organizations. This position is integral to UNEP's mission of fostering a just transition towards climate stability and resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Support the development of five GlobalABC knowledge products specifically targeted at subnational actors or that incorporate guidance and recommendations for subnational action.
• Contribute to the development of collaborative project proposals focused on buildings at the subnational level.
• Provide overall support to the Subnational Climate Action Unit’s finance-related work, particularly in the built environment sector.
• Offer technical inputs and reviews for relevant documents and knowledge products.
• Assist in resource mobilization efforts for projects related to climate finance and sustainable buildings.
• Engage with various stakeholders, including private sector representatives, financial institutions, and other UN agencies, to enhance subnational climate finance initiatives.
• Contribute to UNEP’s participation in relevant partnerships and networks, including the SDSN Urban SDG Finance Commission.
• Support the engagement of UNEP with the GlobalABC and contribute to the Working Group 2 of Local2030 on Localizing Finance for the six SDG transitions.
• Participate in missions and meetings to showcase UNEP’s work and enhance collaboration with stakeholders in the climate finance space.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in sustainable buildings and construction, sustainable urban development, economics, finance, business administration, climate change, environmental studies, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of three years of professional experience in the field of sustainable buildings and construction is required.
• Experience in climate finance, development finance, economics, or a relevant field of work is desirable.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, along with strong interpersonal skills, are essential.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team is crucial for completing assignments effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in a relevant field such as sustainable buildings and construction, sustainable urban development, economics, finance, business administration, climate change, or environmental studies. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the complexities involved in sustainable building practices and climate finance.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have a minimum of three years of professional experience in the field of sustainable buildings and construction. This experience should ideally include a focus on climate finance, development finance, or related fields. The candidate should demonstrate a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sustainable buildings sector and possess the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders, including government entities, private sector organizations, and financial institutions. Experience in project management and resource mobilization will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in written and oral English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also essential, given that it is another working language of the UN. Additionally, proficiency in another UN language would be considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders across different regions.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is expected to last for a duration of seven months and is classified as remote work. The consultant will be expected to demonstrate a high level of professionalism, including strong analytical skills, effective communication abilities, and a commitment to meeting deadlines and achieving results. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the hiring process is transparent and equitable. Candidates should be aware that the organization values diversity and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds.