Sustainable Finance Financial Inclusion Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women globally. Established to support Member States in creating and implementing policies that ensure women and girls benefit equally from development, humanitarian, and peacebuilding efforts, UN Women works with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, the private sector, and UN partners. The organization focuses on several key areas, including women's economic empowerment, governance participation, violence elimination, leadership in peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and integrating gender perspectives into national strategies. UN Women also emphasizes the importance of gender data and knowledge generation, providing technical support to Member States and promoting accountability in gender-responsive standards.

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Finance Financial Inclusion Associate will play a crucial role in advancing UN Women's Sustainable Finance agenda within the Americas and the Caribbean. This position is based in San José, Costa Rica, and involves supporting research and coordination efforts to integrate gender-responsive approaches into sustainable finance standards and policies. The Associate will contribute to various tasks, including compiling information related to sustainable finance, preparing briefs and presentations, organizing data repositories, and coordinating with financial institutions and development partners. The role is essential for strengthening inclusive financial ecosystems and ensuring that gender considerations are integrated into financial practices across the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate will undertake a variety of tasks under the supervision of the Programme Management Specialist and the Regional Coordinator of the Inclusive Financial Ecosystem Programme. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting research and desk reviews on sustainable finance and gender-responsive financial inclusion.
• Assisting in the preparation of briefs, concept notes, and presentations related to sustainable finance.
• Organizing gender indicators and maintaining data repositories.
• Coordinating with financial institutions and UN Women Country Offices, including scheduling meetings and following up on action points.
• Assisting in organizing webinars, workshops, and capacity-building activities.
• Contributing to monitoring and reporting processes by updating tracking tools and preparing donor reports.
• Supporting communication efforts by drafting content for updates and digital materials.
• Performing other program support tasks as needed to advance sustainable finance initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess strong research and analytical skills, with a background in sustainable finance, gender studies, or related fields. Proficiency in organizing information and coordinating with various stakeholders is essential. The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, is crucial for preparing briefs and reports. Familiarity with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks and financial sector policies is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in finance, economics, gender studies, social sciences, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a relevant discipline would be an advantage, as it would provide a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding sustainable finance and gender inclusion.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 1-2 years of relevant experience in research, program support, or project management, particularly in areas related to sustainable finance or gender-responsive initiatives. Experience working with international organizations or in a multicultural environment is preferred, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate diverse perspectives and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of the UN. Proficiency in Spanish is highly desirable, given the regional focus of the position and the need to communicate with local partners and stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader audience.

Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Volunteer role, which may include specific entitlements such as insurance coverage, a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), and other benefits. The role is based in San José, Costa Rica, which offers a professional and multicultural working environment. Volunteers are expected to adhere to security guidance and remain aware of their surroundings. The climate in San José is mild, with access to essential services and amenities, making it a conducive location for work and living.