Public Finance for SDGs Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that focuses on sustainable development and aims to integrate collective action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Established as part of the UN Development System, UNDP operates at various levels including headquarters, regional, and country offices, leveraging local knowledge and global perspectives. The organization invests in a network of technical expertise to support its strategic objectives, particularly through initiatives like the Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH), which was established in April 2019 to enhance financing for the SDGs. UNDP's mission is to empower nations to achieve sustainable development through effective policy and program implementation, and it operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing a diverse workforce committed to inclusivity and equity.

Job Overview:
The Public Finance for SDGs Specialist will play a crucial role in providing high-quality technical advisory services to Country Offices and government counterparts, focusing on fiscal policy coherence methodologies. This position requires a deep understanding of the interlinkages between revenue, expenditure, and debt policies, particularly in relation to climate, equity, gender, health, and nature. The Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Lead Advisor on Public Finance for SDGs within the Sustainable Finance Hub, collaborating closely with team members to ensure effective implementation of the Public Finance for SDGs initiative. The role involves developing practical guidance notes, diagnostic tools, and policy briefs to address fiscal policy incoherencies, contributing to the implementation of joint studies with the IMF, and leading program implementation while ensuring alignment with project objectives and timelines. The Specialist will also facilitate knowledge sharing and promote integrated policy approaches across various thematic teams within UNDP, enhancing the organization's capacity to support sustainable development initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality technical advisory services to Country Offices and government counterparts on fiscal policy coherence methodologies, focusing on the interlinkages between revenue, expenditure, and debt policies.
• Develop practical guidance notes, diagnostic tools, and policy briefs to identify and resolve incoherencies in fiscal policy.
• Contribute to the implementation of the joint UNDP-IMF study on fiscal policy coherence in selected pilot countries.
• Lead the implementation of the Fiscal Policy Coherence component of the Public Finance for SDGs initiative, ensuring alignment with project objectives and deliverables.
• Coordinate with regional hubs and specialists to apply fiscal policy coherence approaches at various levels.
• Facilitate cross-team collaboration with other thematic teams to ensure integrated approaches to fiscal policy coherence.
• Establish and manage strategic partnerships with key institutions, particularly international financial institutions.
• Support resource mobilization initiatives for the Fiscal Policy Coherence workstream.
• Actively participate in high-level forums and policy dialogues on fiscal policy coherence, enhancing global understanding of its importance for sustainable development. 1
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, Development Finance, Applied Social Sciences, or a closely 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 7 years of relevant work experience with a master's degree or 9 years with a bachelor's degree in public finance research and analysis, public finance management, national budgeting, or advising on public finance reforms.
• Demonstrated work experience in fiscal policy analysis, including coherence in revenue, expenditure, and debt policies.
• Experience in economic policy coordination and public finance management reforms.
• Proven ability to provide technical advisory services to governments on fiscal policy issues.
• Expertise in finance across sectors, including gender-sensitive public finance and climate finance.
• Experience in developing countries is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, Development Finance, Applied Social Sciences, or a closely related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the aforementioned areas, combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional work experience in public finance research and analysis, public finance management, national budgeting, or advising on public finance reforms, with a master's degree. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have at least 9 years of relevant experience. Experience in fiscal policy analysis, economic policy coordination, and providing technical advisory services to governments is essential. Familiarity with developing countries and expertise in gender-sensitive public finance and climate finance are also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. A working knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in diverse international contexts and collaborate with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time, and UNDP is committed to equal opportunity and diversity in its workforce. The organization values inclusivity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and is dedicated to maintaining a harassment-free workplace. Selected candidates will undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the organization's standards and principles.