Economic and Trade Policy Unit – Consultant for Fiscal policy

Result of Service

The work of the consultant will contribute to 1) the implementation of UNDA project on ‘Financing NbS for Green and Inclusive recovery’ with a goal to support countries in delivering the SDGs and the commitment under the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kunming- Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework; and 2) the implementation of GET 4.0 project on “Green Economy Transformation and Decarbonization Pathways in the Context of Economic Recovery from the Pandemic”. The work of the consultant will also contribute to ‘Nature’, ‘Biodiversity’ and ‘Finance and Economic Transformation’ Programmes being developed by UNEP with a focus on analysis options for agricultural fiscal policy reform as part of a broader effort to scale up finance and investment to Nature-based solutions. The consultant will coordinate (country specific) activities with regards to agricultural fiscal policy analysis across the UNEP house, particularly projects and activities let by UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division.

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

11 months

Duties and Responsibilities

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 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 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, contribute to international discussions, initiate consultations with relevant institutions and respond 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 consultant’s responsibilities will include supporting the development of a global effort by UNEP and partners to change environmentally harmful subsidies (with a focus both on fossil fuel subsidies and agricultural subsidies); Fast tracking transformation through the promotion of sustainable public incentive systems’; financing for Nature-based Solutions (NbS); and a strategy on Sustainable Food Systems and Agriculture in collaboration with the Science Division as well as the Ecosystem Division. With the help of a Communication Officer and other knowledge platform managers, the consultant will develop a knowledge management strategy which could cross-fertilize relevant knowledge platforms. The main duties and responsibilities of the consultant, include, but are not restricted to, the following (1) Support the implementation of UNDA project on ‘Financing NbS for Green and Inclusive Recovery’ in Brazil and Columbia. • Organize 2 national-level workshops to discuss fiscal policy reform for NbS studies. This entails presenting and getting feedbacks the studies for its finalization. • Prepare national-level communication plans and M&E frameworks, monitoring reports to donor, conduct quality control on national fiscal studies and communication with government counterparts for inputs and review, and organize technical peer-reviews on final drafts; • Finalize the studies and prepare the toolkits, validation workshops for the launch of fiscal studies, and develop communication plan for the dissemination of national studies findings. (2) Support the implementation of GET 4.0 project on “Green Economy Transformation and Decarbonization Pathways in the Context of Economic Recovery from the Pandemic” and the development of a full proposal on ‘Fast tracking transformation through the promotion of sustainable public incentive systems’. • Participate in national consultations with 4 countries (Brazil, S. Africa, Costa Rica and Indonesia) for mapping of project activities and socialize project offers • Draft project concept notes in coordination with GIZ and country partners based on national consulations • Finalize project concept notes based on the feedback provided by BMUB • Organize regional dialogues on fiscal policy reforms for sustainability in coordination with knowledge partners and regional bodies (3) Other tasks as requested by the programme officer in charge

Qualifications/special skills

• Master’s or higher degree in economics, public policy, environment policy or a related field. • At least five years of accumulated work experience in public policy with a focus on macro economic policy (including fiscal policy) is required. Knowledge on environmentally harmful subsidies (i.e. fossil fuel subsidies and agricultural subsidies) is desirable. • Professional experience in producing economic/fiscal policy analysis both at global, national and sectoral levels and providing policy advice to national governments is desirable. • Experience of working with governments and the UN system on the theme of Green Economy and sustainable development is desirable.

Languages

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

Additional Information

Not available.

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.