Environmental Policy Specialist

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Position Title: Environmental Policy Specialist
Location: Paramaribo
Country: Suriname
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that focuses on sustainable development and poverty eradication. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to improve lives and build resilient nations. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to empower all personnel to contribute to its mission. UNDP is committed to ensuring that marginalized and underserved populations are represented and included in its initiatives. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, ensuring rigorous background checks for selected candidates.

Job Overview:
The Environmental Policy Specialist will play a crucial role in leading the production of the Policy and Institutional Review (PIR) and providing initial inputs for the development of the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP). This position is part of the GEF8 Umbrella program aimed at creating the first National Biodiversity Finance Plan in Suriname. The specialist will work under the guidance of the Senior Finance Expert (Project Lead) and will be responsible for analyzing existing biodiversity-related policies, legal frameworks, and financing solutions. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders and the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights. The specialist will also contribute to the Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER) and the Biodiversity Finance Needs Assessment (FNA), ensuring that the findings are well-documented and communicated effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the provision of policy advisory support for the Policy and Institutional Review (PIR), including stakeholder identification, analysis of biodiversity-related policy instruments, and development of an inventory of existing biodiversity financing mechanisms.
• Provide policy advisory support for the Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER), ensuring clear descriptions of relevant stakeholders and institutions.
• Advise on the Biodiversity Finance Needs Assessment (FNA) by identifying financial mechanisms that contribute to biodiversity finance.
• Guide the formulation of the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP) by summarizing findings and advising on feasibility analyses of financing mechanisms.
• Facilitate project outreach and communication through workshops, meetings, and presentations.
• Document decisions and lessons learned during the PIR and BFP processes, preparing reports and case studies for global meetings.
• Collaborate with the Senior Finance Expert and the BIOFIN Global Team to validate deliverables and ensure alignment with global biodiversity frameworks.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced University Degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Forestry, Engineering, Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the mentioned areas, combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience with a master's degree or 7 years with a bachelor's degree in the fields of Environmental Science, Forestry, Engineering, Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, or related fields.
• Familiarity with the Sustainable Development Agenda and experience in the environmental and/or public finance sector.
• Proven ability to conduct research, prepare presentations, and produce analytical reports.
• Strong collaboration skills with government institutes, donors, and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree (master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Environmental Science, Forestry, Engineering, Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, or related areas. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in these fields, combined with additional qualifying experience, will also be considered.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience for candidates with a master's degree or 7 years for those with a bachelor's degree. Experience should be in areas related to environmental science, public finance, or similar fields, with a focus on biodiversity and sustainable development.

Languages:
Fluency in Dutch is required for this position, and a working knowledge of English is considered an asset. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of a national recruitment process, and all posts in the NPSA categories are subject to local recruitment. UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, ensuring rigorous background checks for selected candidates. UNDP is committed to diversity and inclusion, and applicants from marginalized or underserved populations are strongly encouraged to apply.