Financial Expert Consultant

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Position Title: Financial Expert Consultant
Location: Panama City
Country: Panama
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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. UNEP's mission is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and integrates its activities into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

Job Overview:
The consultant will develop an Investment Plan for the Restoration of Productive Landscapes for the Central America Dry Corridor region, specifically focusing on the Central American Integration System (SICA) countries, which include El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The consultant's role will involve creating associated incentive and investment models for each pilot country within the Central American Dry Corridor Flagship Restoration Project. This plan will serve as a practical tool to guide countries in achieving their restoration objectives and commitments as outlined in national and international legal frameworks and public policy instruments. The consultant will also collaborate with the Dialogues consultant hired by UNEP for the project, strengthening stakeholder engagement and networking with relevant financial institutions and actors to ensure ongoing collaboration aligned with UNEP’s Finance Component within the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks including:

• Developing a restoration finance context analysis focused on pilot countries, which involves mapping key stakeholders and financial institutions, and providing technical inputs for a stakeholder consultation plan.
• Conducting a general context analysis of SICA countries on restoration finance, with detailed analysis for each pilot country, including a comparative analysis of national and international commitments on restoration, an overview of the regulatory framework, and an analysis of available financing.
• Organizing and participating in multi-sectoral dialogues in the pilot countries to explore opportunities and barriers for investment in productive landscape restoration initiatives.
• Developing a detailed roadmap for the Investment Plan implementation in the pilot countries, including assessment and mapping of financing sources, estimation of restoration costs, and identification of potential financing sources.
• Contributing to the development of case studies and knowledge management materials to enhance capacity for replicating successful financial and investment strategies in restoration efforts.
• Finalizing the Investment Plan for the Restoration of Productive Ecosystems, integrating stakeholder feedback and promoting alignment among key actors to ensure effective implementation.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, environmental management, agricultural and/or environmental engineering, social sciences, or related fields. Additionally, a Master’s degree in finance, economics, agriculture, natural resources, environmental or social science, or related fields is required. Professional qualifications include five years of experience in environmental finance, administration, or economics, with desirable experience in the design, research, and implementation of economic and financial instruments in environmental, agricultural, or forestry areas. Experience in project or program management in environmental, natural resources, climate change, or restoration of productive ecosystems is also desirable, along with experience in identifying and mobilizing funds in the environmental or climate change area.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, environmental management, agricultural and/or environmental engineering, social sciences, or related fields. A Master’s degree in finance, economics, agriculture, natural resources, environmental or social science, or related fields is also required to qualify for this position.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have a minimum of five years of professional experience in environmental finance, administration, or economics, with a focus on natural resources, climate change, or development topics. Desirable experience includes the design, research, and implementation of economic and financial instruments in relevant fields, as well as project or program management experience in environmental or climate change initiatives, particularly in the context of Central America.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is required for this position, while basic knowledge of English is considered desirable. This language proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for a duration of 10 months. The consultant will be required to design a specific work plan and schedule that aligns with the Project Work Plan and will participate in regular meetings with the Project team and stakeholders. The cost of travel related to the tasks and activities is included as part of the consultant's payments. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.