Financing Facility Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), which is a part of the United Nations system. UNOPS was established to provide project management, infrastructure, and procurement services to a variety of partners, including UN agencies, international financial institutions, governments, and the private sector. The organization operates globally, with a mission to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. UNOPS has a significant presence in various countries and regions, focusing on delivering projects that support peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and development. The organization emphasizes efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability in its operations, and it has been involved in managing a portfolio of over 500 million USD for key initiatives over the last 15 years. UNOPS is committed to operationalizing partners' agendas with global approaches and regional activities, particularly in areas related to climate action and environmental conservation.

Job Overview:
The Financing Facility Advisor position is a strategic role that involves providing advisory services and technical expertise to establish a regional financing facility aimed at supporting blue finance opportunities for sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems in the East Asian Seas. The advisor will work under the supervision of the Senior Project Manager and in coordination with the Environmental Marine Specialist. This home-based position requires the incumbent to utilize their own equipment and software. The role is expected to last for 12 months, with a maximum of 220 working days, and may be extended based on performance and funding availability. The advisor will engage with stakeholders, review existing financing mechanisms, and develop a strategic framework for the proposed financing facility, ensuring that it aligns with the objectives of the South China Sea SAP Project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Financing Facility Advisor will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Reviewing existing policies, infrastructures, and initiatives related to financing and grant facilities in the region and globally to identify best practices and collaboration opportunities.
• Engaging with stakeholders, donors, development banks, and regional organizations to establish linkages with existing or potential financing facilities.
• Producing an options paper that incorporates findings from the financing mechanism review, good practices, and recommendations for strengthening the blue economy and innovative financing.
• Formulating a proposed strategic framework and institutional infrastructure for developing a new financing facility or integrating with existing ones, including identifying the host of the facility, defining a financing plan and strategy, and establishing protocols for accessing resources and grants.
• Ensuring that the financing facility addresses the growing environmental degradation and overexploitation of marine resources in the East Asian Seas, ultimately leading to a sustainable financing mechanism for marine and coastal ecosystem initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree) in relevant fields such as Finance, Business Management, Economics, Environmental Studies, or Innovation. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field combined with two additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree. The position requires a minimum of seven years of international work experience, preferably in sustainable impact financing, climate finance, or similar areas. Experience in developing sustainable financing hubs, providing policy guidance, and conducting economic and financial analyses is essential. Proficiency in financial modeling tools and techniques is also desired, along with experience working with international or regional organizations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree) in fields such as Finance, Business Management, Economics, Environmental Studies, or Innovation. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, along with two additional years of relevant experience, may be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of financing mechanisms and sustainable development initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of international work experience, with a strong preference for candidates who have experience in sustainable impact financing, climate finance, or similar fields. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing sustainable financing mechanisms, managing grants, and conducting economic and financial analyses to assess the viability of projects. Experience with international or regional organizations is also highly desirable, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and contribute to collaborative efforts.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and oral, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in other languages such as Thai, Filipino, Chinese Mandarin, Khmer, Vietnamese, and Indonesian will be considered an asset, enhancing the advisor's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) on a retainer basis, with a contract level of IICA 3/ICS 1

• The contract duration is for 12 months, with a maximum of 220 working days and the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The retainer contract specifies a unit price per day worked, and payment will only be made after the completion of work. Candidates must complete mandatory courses before providing services to UNOPS, and these courses will not be compensated. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and encourages qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Background checks are conducted on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results of these checks.