Technical Study on Mapping and Assessment of Innovative Blue and Nature Finance

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), which was established to promote economic and social development in African countries. The ECA aims to foster regional integration and promote sustainable development through research, policy analysis, and capacity building. It operates in multiple countries across Africa and collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, regional organizations, and international partners. The organization is committed to addressing the challenges faced by African nations, particularly in the context of global financial architecture and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The position involves conducting a comprehensive technical study focused on innovative blue and nature finance in Africa. The consultant will be responsible for developing an inception note that outlines the methodology, assessment framework, data sources, and work plan for the study. The role requires the creation of a financing instruments inventory, which includes a database and landscape analysis of various financial instruments such as blue and green bonds, biodiversity credits, and resilience-linked instruments. The consultant will also draft assessment reports and technical studies that analyze performance, costs, risks, and lessons learned from existing financing initiatives. The final deliverables will include a revised study and policy brief that incorporates stakeholder feedback, as well as a dissemination package that supports engagement with policymakers. The overarching goal is to help African countries harness their natural capital assets to address long-term development challenges and enhance macroeconomic resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Setting out the analytical framework and mixed methods design for the study, specifying assessment criteria, case selection rationale, data sources, and interview protocols.
• Constructing a transaction-level inventory of blue and green bonds, biodiversity credit initiatives, and other relevant financial instruments, documenting details such as issuer, instrument type, size, currency, tenor, pricing, and outcomes.
• Applying a mixed methods approach that combines quantitative analysis with structured key informant interviews to assess the effectiveness of various financial instruments.
• Documenting transaction costs, preparation timelines, and the distribution of risk among stakeholders involved in financing initiatives.
• Identifying constraints on scaling these instruments and assessing the relevance of emerging market frameworks for African participation.
• Translating findings into an instrument roadmap for the African Regional Hub for Innovative Climate and Nature Finance Solutions, detailing prioritized instruments and enabling conditions.
• Conducting structured consultations with relevant institutions and presenting draft findings for validation.
• Providing support to the HLWG-GFA secretariat and submitting monthly progress updates to the Deputy Executive Secretary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in Economics, Finance, Development Finance, Environmental Economics, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with a minimum of two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted. A PhD in a related field is desirable. Additionally, a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in development finance, sustainable finance, or climate and nature finance is required. Candidates should demonstrate experience in the design and analysis of financial instruments, as well as mixed methods research capabilities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in relevant fields such as Economics, Finance, Development Finance, or Environmental Economics. A first-level university degree may be accepted if combined with sufficient professional experience. A PhD is considered an asset, indicating a higher level of expertise in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in development finance, sustainable finance, or climate and nature finance. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in the design, structuring, and analysis of financial instruments, particularly in the context of blue and green financing initiatives. Relevant work experience in developing countries is essential, as is the ability to produce high-quality analytical reports for senior audiences.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. A working knowledge of French is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and enhance collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of six months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.