Scope of Work – Biodiversity Finance Specialist
Under the guidance of the Senior Finance Expert (Project Lead), the specialist will lead the development of three key components of the BIOFIN process: the Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER), the Financial Needs Assessment (FNA), and will support the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP) in alignment with the BIOFIN Workbook and national data.
Key responsibilities include:
BER: Collect and analyze biodiversity-related expenditure data from public, private, and civil society actors; develop tools to categorize and assess biodiversity spending; and estimate future funding trends.
FNA: Work with stakeholders to define and cost key biodiversity actions, especially within the NBSAP, and estimate the financing gap.
BFP: Support the development and feasibility analysis of innovative biodiversity financing mechanisms.
Policy Support: Contribute to the Policy and Institutional Review and provide strategic inputs for improving financing frameworks.
Stakeholder Engagement: Organize and support workshops, consultations, and meetings with key partners, including government, private sector, and NGOs.
Knowledge Management: Document methodologies, decisions, lessons learned, and support reporting for global platforms like CBD COP.
The specialist will be supervised by the Senior Finance Expert and work closely with the BIOFIN national team and Global Support Unit. All deliverables and intellectual property will be owned by UNDP.
Check: Top International Internship Opportunities – Apply Now!
Required Education, Skills and Experience
Minimum Education Requirements:
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, Business Management or a closely related field is required. OR;
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in a relevant field in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Minimum years of relevant work experience:
- Minimum 5 years experience (with master’s degree) or 7 years experience (with bachelor’s degree) in environmental finance, accounting, economics, management or relevant related field is required.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in collaborating with international and national experts and institutions;
- Proven knowledge of key software packages (MS Office);
- Proven previous experience in drafting reports on environment related policies writing and communication skills.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:
- Exposure to environmental issues or biodiversity is desirable;
- Previous experience with expenditure reviews would be an asset;
- Familiarity with the government is strongly desired;
- Previous experience with expenditure reviews would be an asset;
- Proven ability to prepare publications, reports and presentations;
- Proven Ability to work with a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
Required Language(s)
- Fluency in English is required;
- Knowledge of siSwati (as national language) is required.