Biodiversity Finance Analyst at UNDP

The Biodiversity Finance Analyst will produce drafts and analyses that will be reviewed and ultimately validated by the Senior Finance Expert (Project Lead) and the BIOFIN Global Team.
For Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER)


Carry out a desk review to map existing studies/information/databases on biodiversity expenditures, including an overview of earlier environmental expenditure reviews;
Develop a workplan for the Biodiversity Expenditure Review for discussion with the national BFP programme team and GPMTSU;
Determine a target list of organizations to include in the analysis based on the PIR work;
Collect data for the desk review to map existing studies/information/ databases on biodiversity expenditures, including an overview of earlier environmental expenditure reviews;
Establish, with the support of the BIOFIN National Coordinator, a system to tag biodiversity expenses into categories (GBF targets, BIOFIN categories, NBSAP themes, etc.) and a system of coefficients/attribution to estimate the contribution of mixed actions towards biodiversity;
Gather data from the targeted organizations to conduct the expenditure review on budgets and expenditures. Follow existing methodologies for guidance (includes mapping of sources of funding, subsidies, and biodiversity-based revenues, etc.);
Develop tools or Excel tool to analyze the total biodiversity-related expenditures filtered by major strategy groups using existing methodology (or national categories such as in the NBSAP);
Coordinate the compilation of relevant data and liaise with relevant Ministries and partners as required and complete all BIOFIN data entry sheets for the BER;
Support the Organization of bilateral consultation meetings/interviews/ discussions with national level stakeholders to define and then validate the attribution of biodiversity significance in all relevant expenditures;
Applying budget projections and other assumptions, estimate future funding baseline under a "Business-As-Usual Scenario": an analysis of projected estimated funding in the future;
Based on international best practices and the BIOFIN methodology or other methodologies, work closely with the BIOFIN National Coordinator to develop and implement a specific strategy for data collection of the private sector and organize dedicated consultation meetings with private sector stakeholders (e.g. chamber of commerce, multinationals) on tracking biodiversity expenditures;
Based on results from the research, analysis and the national consultation workshop, develop, with the support of the Senior Finance Expert (Project Lead), the draft BIOFIN Biodiversity Expenditure Review for review by the GPMTSU (Global Project Management and Technical Support Unit);
Develop the final Biodiversity Expenditure Review, with the support of the BIOFIN National Coordinator for review by the GPMTSU and present at the validation workshop.


For the Biodiversity Finance Needs Assessment (FNA)


Review the available methodologies, examples from other countries, the latest NBSAP and the National Biodiversity Reports to develop an initial workplan and outline for the FNA;
Consult with the NBSAP team and government entities responsible for NBSAP implementation to obtain background information about NBSAP activities and government budgeting processes;
Work with the Senior Finance Expert (Project Lead) to review the scope of the NBSAP, its alignment with other national policies, and identify policy areas and activities that are not covered by the existing NBSAP;
Review the activities listed in the NBSAP and other key strategic documents to assess if they are detailed and quantified enough for their budgets to be estimated in detail. If not, work with the NBSAP national focal points and other relevant stakeholders to define clearly the NBSAP actions so that they can be budgeted;
Coordinate the compilation of relevant data and liaise with relevant Ministries and partners as required and organize a national consultation workshop to define the financial needs of all major biodiversity programmes;
Develop detailed calculations and complete all datasheets related to the national biodiversity finance needs;
Organize a workshop to validate the cost assumptions and models and refine the analysis through additional meetings as needed;
Support the comparison of the results of the BER future projections with the FNA in as detail as the categories allow and produce an estimate of the financing gap;
Lead the development (with support from the team) of a draft report for the Biodiversity Finance Needs Assessment for discussion at the validation workshop and review by the project national team and GPMTSU;
Support the Production of the final report of the Biodiversity Finance Needs Assessment.


For Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP)


Support the BIOFIN National Coordinator in the conception and preparation of the BFP;
Support detailed feasibility analyses on a range of financing mechanisms depending on knowledge and experience.


For Project Outreach and Communication


Preparation of workshops, meetings, networking and presentations as required, to complete the Biodiversity Expenditure Review, the Financial Needs Assessment and engage stakeholders;
Provide substantive comments and feedback on how to improve the existing methodologies.


For Knowledge Management and Reporting


Document decisions and assumptions made while completing the Biodiversity Expenditure Review and the Biodiversity Finance Needs Assessment;
Document lessons learned from conducting the BFP project ranging from institutional considerations to technical issues;
Prepare reports and case studies, as required, for submission to global meetings (e.g. CBD COP).


Required Skills and Experience

Education:


Advanced degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, Business Management or a closely related field, preferably with an environment / biodiversity focus. Or
A first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) in the above fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Relevant Professional certifications like CPA, CFA, SCR etc. are highly desired, and holders will have distinct advantage.


Experience:


Minimum 2 years' experience (master's degree) or 4 years' experience (with bachelor's degree) preferably in environmental finance, accounting, economics, management or related field is required.