Organization: UNDP – United Nations Development Programme
Location: Istanbul
Grade: Level not specified – Level not specified
Occupational Groups:
Banking and Finance
Environment
Agriculture and Forestry
Scientist and Researcher
Closing Date: 2024-07-20
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 is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in its Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in UNDP’s Strategic Plan.
Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policies and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. BPPS staff provide technical advice to Country Offices, advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represent UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private, government and civil society dialogues, and engage in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas.
UNDP’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan highlights our continued commitment to eradicating poverty, accompanying countries in their pathways towards the SDGs and working towards the Paris Agreement. As part of the Global Policy Network in the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP’s Nature, Climate Change, Energy, and Waste (NCE&W) Hubs promote and scale up integrated whole-of-governance approaches and nature-based solutions that reduce poverty and inequalities, strengthen livelihoods and inclusive growth, mitigate conflict, forced migration and displacement, and promote more resilient governance systems that advance linked peace and security agendas.
BPPS’ Hubs on Nature, Climate, Energy and Waste work with governments, civil society, and private sector partners to integrate nature, climate, energy and waste related concerns into national and sector planning and inclusive growth policies, support country obligations under Multilateral Environmental Agreements, and oversee the implementation of the UN’s largest portfolio of in-country programming nature, climate change, energy, and waste. This multi-billion-dollar portfolio encompasses:
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services including forests;
Sustainable Land Management and Desertification including food and commodity systems;
Water and Ocean Governance including SIDS;
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation;
Sustainable Energy;
Extractive Industries;
Chemicals and Waste Management;
Environmental Governance and Green/Circular Economy; and SCP approaches.
This work advances crosscutting themes on innovative finance, digital transformation, capacity development, human rights, gender equality, health, technology, and South-South learning.
In recent decades, biodiversity finance tools and solutions have demonstrated their importance for achieving biodiversity goals and broader sustainable development objectives. Improved choice, design and implementation of effective, well-tailored finance solutions will strengthen countries’ chances of achieving national and global biodiversity targets.
The Biodiversity Finance Initiative – BIOFIN – was developed to provide a comprehensive methodology for governments to 1) review the existing policy context, 2) measure expenditure levels for biodiversity, 3) calculate future financial needs and 4) design strategic plans to deploy the right mix of finance solutions, tailored to the country context. The methodology has been conducted in 41 countries to date, with many now having reached the implementation stage.
BIOFIN is supported by the Governments of Germany, Canada, Flanders, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the European Union. The initiative is part of UNDP’s Nature Hub, under UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS).
BIOFIN’s first phase (2012-2019) enabled full assessments and initial implementation of finance plan elements in target countries. Based on lessons learned, a new and comprehensive version of the BIOFIN Methodology was developed. Significant scaling up of finance solutions is required in all 41 countries to address the biodiversity finance challenge. BIOFIN’s second phase (2018 – 2026) focuses mainly on the implementation of prioritised finance solutions while also allowing additional countries to undertake the initial assessments and create the finance plan. See www.biofin.org for further information.
Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent develops and improves the Finance Source Database (FIRE), covering several tasks from data collection, updating, and uploading data into the IT tool, liaising with donors and partners to support information sharing, coordination with other initiatives, improving the user experience, etc. The Technical Research Analyst will support the design of the GLOBE BIOFIN Expenditure Taxonomy (BET) and the related attribution rate methodology.
Key Duties and Accountabilities
Ensure the effective use of Finance Source Database (FIRE)
Keep a record of finance sources and update the list as necessary.
Facilitate the quality assurance processes with the global team and ensure quality of published information.
Update the database to ensure funding sources are up-to-date, existent, and operational.
Improve the structure of the database to enhance the user experience.
Train the global and national BIOFIN teams in the usage of the database.
Establish strong coordination and collaboration with donors and partners to ensure the sustainability of the information-sharing process.
Organize and participate in the advisory board meetings.
Create questionnaire for international and national donors, foundations, companies, and partners to collect additional data on funding opportunities.
Assist in communication initiatives related to the database (newsletters, web articles, podcasts, social media.).
Collect feedback after piloting the database and update the platform to address the challenges identified.
Organise webinars and workshop sessions related to the usage of database.
Research new entries for the database
Assist civil society actors in countries to access sources from the FIRE database.
Monitor and report on progress in implementing of the planned activities and achieving the targets set.
Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic area(s).
Effective design and application of Global Taxonomy for Biodiversity Expenditures (GLOBE)
Conduct research of existing and emerging biodiversity and / or sustainable finance taxonomies to support the design of the GLOBE.
Provide cross country research of the existing BIOFINs Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER) to support the development of more harmonized attribution rates for biodiversity expenditures.
Contribute to the development and testing of biodiversity attribution rates.
Guide BIOFIN global team in organizing and documenting expert meetings in collaboration with BIOFIN country teams and external experts.
Advise in the preparation of a guidance document to facilitate the use of the expenditure taxonomy.
Support at least 3 countries in applying the Taxonomy as part of the Biodiversity Expenditure Review or public expenditure tagging.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization
Institutional Arrangement
The incumbent will report to the BIOFIN Associate Global Coordinator.
The incumbent will work with the BIOFIN global and national teams, UNDP Country Offices, core and donor country governments, other international/multi-lateral organizations, and contractors.
Given the global consultations to be undertaken during this assignment, the BIOFIN Technical Research Analyst is expected to be reasonably flexible with his/her availability for such consultations taking into consideration different time zones where applicable
The BIOFIN Technical Research Analyst will be responsible for providing her/his own working station (i.e. laptop, internet, phone, scanner/printer, relevant software, etc.) and shall have access to a stable, secure, and reliable internet connection.
The incumbent will be given access to relevant information necessary for the execution of the tasks under this assignment.
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 and Technical competencies:
Business Development – Knowledge Generation
Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for content, or responsive to a stated need.
Business Management – 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.
Digital & Innovation- Data Literacy
Understand the potential as well as the limitations of using data driven innovation.
Ability to use a mix of data sources (quantitative, qualitative, or real-time techniques) to develop understanding, identify patterns to inform decision making or identify opportunities for further exploration.
Digital & Innovation- Data governance
Knowledge of data science, skills to develop data management tools, organize and maintain databases and operate data visualization technologies.
UN System Affairs – Intergovernmental affairs
Knowledge of intergovernmental bodies (General Assembly, ECOSOC, UNDESA, etc.), including respective mandates, ways of working, and negotiation processes.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Economics, Environmental Economics, Public Administration, Financial Management, Natural/Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences with a specialization in Environmental Finance and Development, or other closely related field is required, OR
A Bachelor’s degree in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two 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 of 2 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of professional experience in research in Environmental Finance, Economic Development, Biodiversity Finance, or Sustainable Finance at the national or international level.
Languages:
Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.
Knowledge of Spanish is an advantage.
Required skills:
Research experience related to large databases and their analysis.
Experience in engaging with multinational stakeholders and institutes related to BIOFIN.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the competencies section:
Proven previous experience in drafting donor reports.
Experience with MS Access, Air table or similar database systems.
International and developing country experience in the area of research Proven previous experience in knowledge management and usage of digital knowledge platforms.
The following documents shall be required from the applicants:
Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
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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