Result of Service
Signatory nations of the Convention on Biological Diversity are increasingly exploring how to integrate private finance mobilization into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) in ways that align with domestic policy contexts. This integration can involve market-based approaches, such as developing new nature-based revenue models with positive outcomes like biodiversity credits to meet the ambitious USD 200 billion annual target for biodiversity conservation by 2030, as outlined in Target 19 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Additionally, it includes redirecting private nature-negative finance towards nature-positive outcomes, with the objective of reducing incentives harmful to biodiversity by at least $500 billion per year, as outlined in Target 15. The consultancy services will advance high-integrity nature-based revenue models and enhance the application of the ENCORE tool within the piloted TNFD framework, focusing on commodity supply chains in the agricultural sector in Latin America (Colombia and Brazil).
Duties and Responsibilities
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The overall objective of the UNEP’s Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities, and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is the strategic partnership between the United Nations and over 500 banks, insurers and investors. For over 30 years UNEP FI has been shaping and driving the international sustainable finance agenda, setting global standards and growing a global network of leading financial institutions. Through its work-streams and regional activities, peer learning, methodology development, training and research, UNEP FI promotes sustainable finance and helps the financial industry align with and contribute to the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. UNEP FI needs a senior coordinator to lead a project focused on understanding and implementing market-based revenue models and redirecting private finance from nature-negative to nature-positive outcomes. This effort aims to increase market-based and regulatory incentives to assist Convention on Biological Diversity signatories in meeting their commitments. Specific tasks and responsibilities: The consultant will provide assistance in the following tasks: • Coordinating the project in collaboration with partner organizations. • Developing and maintaining strong relationships and networks with relevant governments, UNEP financial institution members, and corporations to ensure active engagement. • Coordinating multiple workstreams, including dialogue organization, community of practice, guidance production, and country capacity building and implementation plan • Coordinating, conducting, and assisting in all project activities, planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. • Coordinating and collaborating within the broader UNEP FI nature and UNEP work programs on Target 15 and 19, including testing the ENCORE tool and application in the development of the TNFD framework, the alignment of financial flows into agricultural sector, and the Biodiversity Credits, with a focus on Latin America region. • Representing UNEP FI at key events as appropriate. Outputs and Deliverables: 1. COP16 Dialogue: The consultant will organize a COP 16 Dialogue on emerging best practices and replicable case studies, providing a roadmap for unlocking critical private sector support needed to achieve Target 19. This will include examples from current NBSAP development, and an exploration of how regulatory frameworks can be adjusted to incentivize not just spending but also long-term private finance for biodiversity. The dialogues will highlight potential synergies between private finance considerations in the climate and biodiversity agendas in the lead-up to UNFCCC COP30 in Brazil. 2. Commodity Supply Chains: In close collaboration with UNEP FI Latin America and UNEP country offices, the consultant will support the application of the ENCORE tool in the development of the piloted TNFD framework, focusing on the agriculture sector, most specifically the commodity supply chains. Additionally, the consultant will support the production of a guide on the Amazonia Viva Certificate of Agribusiness Receivables (CRA) as a revenue model to incentivize NTFPs (Non-Timber Forest Products) supply chains. The consultant shall be under the overall supervision, Head of UNEP FI and report directly to Nature Lead, working in close coordination with UNEP FI’s Nature Team.
Qualifications/special skills
Education: A master’s degree or equivalent preferably in economics, finance, environmental studies, business, or development studies is required or related fields. A First degree could be taken in lieu of advanced degree provided the selected candidate has 10 years of relevant experience. Professional Experience: A minimum of eight (8) years of project/programme management in a large international organization is required. At least four (4) years of working experience in nature finance. Demonstrated capacity for convening and organizing meetings/events for governments and finance actors is desired.
Additional Information
Skills & Knowledge: It will be an asset if the senior consultant has an international multi-stakeholder network established in the field of nature finance. In addition, he/she should have strong coordination and organization skills with the ability to handle multiple streams; excellent writing and communication skills; good analytical skills with an interest in the topic of sustainable finance; good interpersonal skills, be autonomous and computer literate in standard software applications. Although he or she will work in a small team, it is essential that the chosen candidate can work in an independent manner in the project coordination.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.