The work of the consultant will contribute to supporting countries in delivering the SDGs and the commitment under the Paris Climate Agreement as part of the GIZ project delivery.
The work of the consultant will also contribute to the overall Sustainable Blue Economy Decision-Support Framework (SBE-DSF) being developed by UNEP .
Remote
10 December 2020 – 10 June 2021
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 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 Economy Division, the Resources and Markets 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 Resources and Markets Branch support 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 Fiscal 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.
To create further knowledge products, contribute to international discussions, initiate consultations with relevant institutions and respond to requests for guidance from governments in the area of green fiscal policy, UNEP requires support from a consultant with expertise in this area.
The UJNEP, Economy Division, Resources & Markets Branch currently does not have the relevant expertise in house, to carry out the requires tasks.
Specific tasks and responsibilities:
The consultant’s responsibilities will include supporting the development, dissemination, advocacy campaign and outreach events of a global project on environmentally harmful subsidies (agricultural and fossil fuel subsidies) as part of the GIZ project delivery on fiscal policy and the development of a Public Finance Framework for Sustainable Oceans as part of the SIDA funded project on Sustainable Blue Economy.
The main duties and responsibilities of the consultant, include, but are not restricted to, the following
1) Global project on environmentally harmful subsidies
• A global study on sustainable agriculture and fiscal policy as part of GIZ project delivery. This entails coordinating lead authors, preparing for ToRs, commissioning papers including a summary report for policy makers, reviewing as well as editing the study and promoting the study at relevant global forums;
• 3 outreach events on environmentally harmful subsidies. This entails identifying potential partners and present the proposed work at relevant global forums in collaboration with an international task team as well as external experts;
• Joint advocacy and campaign activities with UNDP and FAO on reforming agricultural subsidies for sustainable food system. This entails reviewing and promoting communication materials for the advocacy and campaign in close consultations with partners and the communication division.
• Advocacy and campaign activities on fossil fuel subsidies through webinars, policy briefs and communication activities.
(2) Green Fiscal Policy for Sustainable Oceans
• A study on developing a public finance framework for sustainable oceans. This entails coordinating with colleagues in the ecosystem division and external partners, preparing for ToRs, commissioning a paper, reviewing as well as editing the study and promoting the study at relevant global forums;
• A policy brief on a public finance framework for sustainable oceans;
• An expert seminar on a public finance framework for sustainable oceans. This entails engaging with technical experts, country representatives and external partners and organising a virtual seminar to present and discuss the framework.
(3) Other tasks as requested by the programme officer in charge
Skills: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Academic Qualifications: Master’s or higher degree in economics, public policy, environment policy or a related field.
Experience: • At least three years of accumulated work experience in public policy with a focus on macro-economic policy or fiscal policy and environmental policy. Knowledge on environmentally harmful subsidies (i.e. agricultural subsidies and fossil fuel subsidies) as well as green budgeting is an advantage;
• Professional experience in producing economic/fiscal policy analysis both at global, national and sectoral levels and providing policy advice to national governments;
• Experience of working with governments and the UN system on the theme of Green Economy and sustainable development is an advantage.
Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.
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.