Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
UNDP helps Kazakhstan honor its Paris Agreement commitments by supporting the expansion of the “green economy” to tap into new opportunities for jobs and businesses. It partners with other United Nations agencies to provide technical expertise to translate strategies into action, establish a monitoring framework for climate change adaptation and mitigation, and develop plans for transition to green energy, land management, climate-proof agriculture, biodiversity, reforestation, disaster risk reduction, and waste management. By catalyzing SDG and Paris-aligned investments (public and private), UNDP delivers client-focused solutions that respond to immediate, mid and long-term recovery and socio-economic development priorities, and; by leveraging on-the-ground presence and networks, we unlock bottom-up solutions towards lasting impacts at the country level, benefitting most disadvantaged and leaving no one behind.
Project Description
It is estimated that in the sphere of biodiversity at the global level at least US$ 52 billion is spent every year, compared with the estimated annual funding requirement of between US $150 and $ 440 billion. This funding gap, evident in both developed and developing countries, is the main challenge to achieving the implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Sustainable Development Goals. However, it represents only 0.2% and 0.6% of the global GDP estimated at US$ 73 trillion.
From 2013 to 2018, as part of the first phase of the BIOFIN project in Kazakhstan, an extensive institutional, political and financial analysis of trends in biodiversity conservation was carried out. According to the research data, the amount of biodiversity financing within 7 years (from 2008 to 2014) was about US$ 1.2 billion. Within the framework of a study on assessing the needs for financial resources for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for the period from 2016 to 2020 the required amount totaled US$ 851 million. According to experts, the annual shortage of biodiversity funding is about 55% of the country’s existing biodiversity funding. To cover the existing financial deficit, BIOFIN Project in Kazakhstan developed a Resource Mobilization Plan for the conservation of biodiversity, including the most promising finance solutions.
The second phase of BIOFIN envisages the implementation of 6 finance solutions – (1) Strengthening PA management and financial planning for improved state financing, (2) Institutionalization and increasing of sustainability of the biodiversity offsets in the practice of the infrastructure projects implementation in Kazakhstan, (3) Subsidising wildlife breeding to save threatened animal species and develop an improved system of hunting concessions, (4) Creating a basis for certification in the field of ecotourism, (5) Creating an enabling environment for attracting positive carbon offsets from the international market, multinational enterprises operating in the country and (6) Establishing an internal Forest Carbon Trading System and embedding carbon offsets into the national legal framework through the creation of a legal, methodological and, if possible, practical basis for the application of these finance solutions at the country level.
Duties and Responsibilities
The main objective of the Project Analyst is the implementation and advocacy of the two finance Solutions: (1) Creating an enabling environment for attracting positive carbon offsets from the international market, multinational enterprises operating in the country and (2) Establishing an internal Forest Carbon Trading System and embedding carbon offsets into the national legal framework (hereinafter – Finance solutions on forest carbon offsets) and ensuring mobilization of resources for the conservation of forest biodiversity and ecosystems through these two Finance solutions. The Project Analyst will contribute to oversee the work on biodiversity finance assessment at the national level and the preparation of BIOFIN workbooks (PIR, BER, FNA).
The Project Analyst will be responsible for the timely achievement of the results of the BIOFIN Project according to the work plans and performs the following functions:
Technical inputs:
- Study the national legislation, including acts and by-laws regulating policies in the fields of climate change, carbon offsets, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable use. Identify opportunities and make proposals on the implementation of Finance Solutions in Kazakhstan’s practices.
- Prepare recommendations and suggestions for improving the current national legislation related to forestry, ecology, carbon units trading systems, land management, etc., to enhance the implementation of Finance Solutions.
- Participate in working groups of state bodies to address issues concerning changes and amendments to national regulatory legal acts relevant to forest biodiversity conservation, financing, and forest carbon offsets. Be involved in the improvement of legislation regarding the introduction of new financial tools for forest biodiversity and ecosystem management.
- Study national climate goals and biodiversity conservation goals, seeking mechanisms for their simultaneous achievement.
- Examine experiences of other countries and prepare recommendations and proposals on forest carbon offsets and improving forestry management and financing through the carbon offsets mechanism.
- Prepare publications and conduct analytical work to strengthen and justify the implementation of Finance Solutions.
- Identify key partners from the public and private sectors, and make proposals to expand the range of partnerships, facilitating the development and implementation of forest carbon projects.
- Monitor the risks associated with the Finance Solutions and make reasonable proposals for their mitigation.
- Keep track of the work of BIOFIN Global, regarding advanced experiences and any technical issues requiring administrative support.
- Study and monitor changes in the BIOFIN Methodology. Organize the work to prepare the BIOFIN workbooks.
- Ensure the implementation of activities for capacity building of national experts in mainstreaming forestry management and climate change into the decision-making process.
Outreach, Communication and Gender:
- Prepare proposals for advocating Finance Solutions on carbon offsets.
- Widely disseminate the Project’s achievements and support mechanisms for the exchange of information, experience, and lessons learned at the local and national levels. Promote Finance Solutions and prioritize biodiversity conservation and climate goals through the media, including interviews, articles, and other scientific publications.
- Collaborate with UNDP CO Comms specialists on the content of publications, articles, and other informational materials to promote Finance Solutions.
- Conduct targeted workshops, trainings, meetings, and presentations on Finance Solutions. Prepare protocols and resolutions of the meetings held and analyze feedback.
- Provide technical support to the gender component in organizing work on the implementation of Finance Solutions.
- Maintain close coordination and exchange with the global BIOFIN Community of Practice network. Participate in regional and global platforms (offline and online) to share, learn, and apply best practices.
Project implementation:
- Contribute to the designing, planning, and monitoring of the assigned project activities according to the BIOFIN Methodology and BIOFIN implementation Strategy in Kazakhstan.
- Ensure timely and rational planning, implementation of activities, and delivery of the Finance solution’s budget.
- Prepare reports on the implementation of Finance solutions for the BIOFIN Global Team, UNDP Country Office, members of the Steering Committee, and partners in a timely manner.
- Maintain close interaction with the BIOFIN Global Team to ensure the implementation of general provisions of the Finance solutions.
- Develop Terms of References for national and international consultants and companies to be engaged by the project under the respective component.
- Monitor the work of national and international project experts and companies.
- Ensure timely submission of progress reports by responsible partners and service providers and ensure harmonized reporting by recipients on key performance indicators.
- Coordinate the compilation of data and information and liaise with relevant Ministries and partners as required.
- Perform other tasks requested by the Portfolio Coordinator aimed at achieving project goals and objectives, as well as requests from the UNDP CO.
Competencies
Core Competencies
- Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
- Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
- Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
- Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
- Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
- Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies
- Results-based Management
- Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results
- Project Management
- Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
- Portfolio Management
- Ability to select, priorities and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment
- Risk Management
- Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks
- Working with Evidence and Data
- Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making
- Knowledge Generation
- Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for content, or responsive to a stated need
- Effectiveness
- Project Quality Assurance
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Master’s degree or equivalent in finance, environmental economics, economics, environment, management, public administration and other related fields is required, or
- Bachelor’s degree in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master’s degree.
Experience:
- Up to 2 years (with Master´s degree) or minimum 2 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of professional experience in the field of economics, environmental economics, management, public administration and other related fields.
Desired Skills:
- Proven experience in research and in implementation of projects in the field of biodiversity and ecosystem conservation will be highly valued.
- Working experience with ministries and/or other national institutions on issues related to environment conservation and natural resources management.
- Working experience within the international development organizations in implementing development projects, working experience within the UN system.
- Specialized training/certifications in financial analysis and budgeting, quality management or related sectors.
Languages:
- Fluency in English, Russian and/or Kazakh is required.
Institutional Arrangement
The Project Analyst on biodiversity and climate goals will work under the direct supervision of the UNDP Biodiversity Portfolio Coordinator and will closely cooperate and coordinate with the implementing partner and other partners and projects.
Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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