Fiscal policy Consultant

The work of the consultant will contribute to the following two projects; The GEF Net-Zero Nature-Positive Accelerator (NZNPA) Global Platform is the coordination project for the broader NZNPA Integrated Programme. Its central objective is to support countries in accelerating efforts to achieve net-zero nature-positive economies by addressing the complex connections between climate change and biodiversity loss. The platform aims to achieve this by catalyzing finance and partnerships, triggering investment, promoting policy and governance coherence, and curating, diffusing, and transferring experiences, good practices, and lessons learned. It focuses on integrating nature-positiveness into net-zero planning and implementation and acts as a global 'enabler' for the 12 participating IP countries, providing technical assistance, fostering knowledge sharing, and bridging opportunities for finance. The platform's work is structured around three components: NZNP knowledge and capacity, NZNP finance and investment, and NZNP tracking and communication, with Component 2 specifically addressing the mobilization and catalysis of public and private finance for NZNP plan implementation. Led by UNEP ETPU, ADB, and CAF, the platform builds upon existing initiatives to provide integrated support and aims for knowledge to be accessible globally as a public good. Funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and implemented with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the ‘Fast-tracking Transformation through Sustainable Public Finance for Biodiversity’ project aims to align public finance systems in four biodiversity-rich partner countries with biodiversity protection. To this end, the project will (1) identify potential policy options, (2) enhance related governance structures, (3) support policy uptake, and (4) promote knowledge exchange. In this context, UNEP will lead activities related to outputs one and four.

Remote

12 months

UNEP is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. UNEP acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote the wise use of the global environment and sustainable development. The Industry and Economy Division at UNEP plays a leading role in the Green Economy Initiative which aims to shift national economies on to a sustainable path, in which jobs and output growth are driven by increased investment in green sectors, and by a switch of consumers’ preferences towards environmentally friendly goods and services. Located within the Industry and Economy Division, the Finance and Economics Branch examines how economics, trade, and finance interact with the environment and contribute to sustainable development at the local, national, regional and global levels. The Finance and Economics Branch supports countries through analytical studies in partnerships with UN agencies, intergovernmental institutions, governments, academic institutes, businesses and environmental groups to support the shift to an inclusive green economy and help deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among its areas of work, the Economic and Trade Policy Unit supports global efforts on green fiscal policy reforms and advises countries on how fiscal policies can support the inclusive green economy and delivery of the SDGs across different sectors from water, energy and extractives, to agriculture and fisheries among others. It works with a range of partners including fiscal authorities such as the International Monetary Fund, development agencies such as the German Development Agency, the Organisation for Cooperation on Economic Development (OECD), academic institutions, think tanks, and national research institutes, to provide policy advice, develop knowledge products and host technical workshops on the role of fiscal policy in the transition to a green economy. The Green Fiscal Policy Network is a joint partnership between UNEP, Germany Development Agency (GIZ) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, learning and dialogue on green fiscal policies. This consultant position is hosted by the Economic and Trade Policy Unit. The position focuses on creating knowledge products, contributing to international discussions, initiating consultations with relevant institutions and responding to requests for guidance from governments in the area of green fiscal policy. Against this backdrop and given the limited expertise at present in-house, UNEP is seeking to create a consultant position in this area. Specific tasks and responsibilities: The main duties and responsibilities of the consultant, include, but are not restricted to, the following: 1)GEF Net Zero Nature Positive Accelerator Integrated Program - Global Platform: •Address technical aspects related to finance enabling under Component 2, focusing on financial sustainability, financial mechanisms, and sustainable budgeting. •Provide technical input and guidance for the development of guidelines on mainstreaming NZNP considerations in fiscal policy and assessing and addressing gaps in NZNP finance enabling environment frameworks •Provide technical expertise for deliverables under Output 2.3, including guidance documents for DFIs and IFIs on NZNP finance definitions, good practices, and frameworks and NZNP taxonomies, particularly regarding the integration of nature into climate taxonomies. •Contribute to the development of global and regional normative standard definitions, guidance, taxonomies, and financing models and support efforts to strengthen the national enabling environment for attracting public and private finance towards NZNP plan objectives. •Direct research and manage consultancies on the development of country case studies to pilot guidance methodologies, such as the NZNP finance enabling environment gap-methodology. •Provide technical input for the content and organization of webinars aimed at global dissemination of information on aligning fiscal policy with integrated NZNP and development objectives. •Contribute to the design and delivery of capacity building activities such as workshops, webinars, and targeted training sessions on macro-economic aspects of transitioning to green economies, Sustainable Budgeting Approaches, and other relevant tools. •Provide significant technical input and review of draft guidance materials and deliverables under Outputs 2.1 and 2.3, such as the guidelines on fiscal policy. (2) IKI-FAST: •Undergo consultations with global stakeholders (e.g., UNEP project team, GIZ project team), and national stakeholders in Costa Rica and Nigeria (e.g., Government) to draft Project Cooperation Agreements (PCAs) with contextualized terms of reference for five national implementing partners. •Based on consultation with related stakeholders such as the UNEP project team, the GIZ project team, and related national implementing partners, draft a PCA with one global implementing partner that will inform the work of at least five national implementing partners. •Develop Policy Briefs on Biodiversity Finance in Costa Rica and Nigeria to further refine the technical scope of the terms of reference agreed with the five national implementing partners. •Coordinate with the national partners in Costa Rica and Nigeria to ensure the timely and high-quality delivery of the initial activities under the five national PCAs. •Support the strategic refinement of the project, specifically related to outputs 1 and 4, at the global level. •Support global project management functions such as budgeting and reporting. (3) Other tasks as requested by the programme officer in charge

Master’s or higher degree in economics, public policy, environment policy or a related field. •At least five years of proven experience supporting the implementation of multiple projects similar to NZNP frameworks or green fiscal policy and public finance at the national and/or international levels is required. •Familiarity with public financial systems, particularly the Sustainable Budgeting Approach (SBA), is required. •Demonstrated experience conducting desk research on public finance frameworks related to green fiscal policy including tax, expenditure and debt policy is required. •Proven experience supporting the organization, facilitation, and follow-up of international workshops, webinars, or conferences related to public finance and/or sustainable development is required. •Experience with major multilateral and bilateral environmental funds, such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the International Climate Initiative (IKI) is strongly desired. •Prior experience engaging with relevant NZNPA IP and IKI-FAST implementing partners, including Overseas Development Institute (ODI), Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), is a strong advantage. •Proven experience supporting engagement with governments, particularly Ministries of Finance, on fiscal policy-related initiatives is strongly desired. Understanding of the public finance landscape in countries implementing the NZNPA IP is preferred. Experience supporting initiatives in fiscal reform and/or environmental policy, including on environmentally harmful subsidies is a strong advantage. Completion of relevant UN system courses on climate, nature, and public finance is preferred. •Prior experience working within the United Nations system, particularly at UNEP, on fiscal policy is a strong advantage. In particular, experience with contracting and coordination with implementing partners is strongly desired.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.

Not available.

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.