Subnational Climate Finance and Sustainable Buildings Consultant

(1) The consultant will support the development of five GlobalABC knowledge products targeted at subnational actors or incorporating specific guidance / recommendations for subnational action. (2) The consultant will contribute to the development of collaborative project proposals on buildings at the subnational level. (3) The consultant will provide overall support to the Subnational Climate Action Unit’s finance-related work, especially in the built environment sector, including providing technical inputs and review for relevant documents, contributing to UNEP’s participation in relevant partnerships and networks, and supporting resource mobilizations.

Remote

7 months

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The overall objective of UNEP's Climate Change Division is to deliver effective strategic guidance and high-impact action in support of the transition towards climate stability. Its work is guided by ambition, innovation, credible science, and alignment with global climate goals and the specific needs of Member States. The Climate Change Division works with Member States and partners to accelerate and support a just transition by addressing mitigation and adaptation gaps through enhancing implementation capacity, provision of data, information and knowledge, improving access to finance and technology, and building resilience. This position is located in the Subnational Climate Action Unit within the Mitigation Branch of the Climate Change Division. The purpose of this consultancy is to engage the services of a Subnational Climate Finance and Sustainable Buildings Consultant to support subnational actors in planning, implementing, and financing action for climate resilience – with a specific focus on the built environment. The purpose of this consultancy is to engage the services of a Subnational Climate Finance and Sustainable Buildings Consultant to support subnational actors in planning, implementing, and financing action for climate resilience – with a specific focus on the built environment. Specifically, the consultant is required to support subnational actor’s contribution and engagement to the Global Alliance of Building and Construction’s (GlobalABC) work by preparing targeted knowledge products and developing collaborative project proposals for implementation at subnational level. The consultant will work closely with the Buildings and Cooling Unit and other Units within UNEP. Additionally, the consultant will provide overall support to the Subnational Climate Action Unit’s finance-related work. This includes providing technical inputs and review for knowledge products and capacity-building materials on finance, proposing recommendations for finance-related project interventions, and supporting the resource mobilization for projects. The consultant will also support the engagement of UNEP with the private sector, finance institutions, academic and research institutions, other UN agencies, and other stakeholders in the climate finance space, as well as contribute to different missions to enhance subnational climate finance. This includes contributing to UNEP’s work under the SDSN Urban SDG Finance Commission, showcasing our work when needed and engaging with the commission’s work. The consultant will also contribute to UNEP’s work as co-lead of the Working Group 2 of Local2030 on Localizing Finance for the six SDG transitions.

Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in sustainable buildings and construction, sustainable urban development, economics, finance, business administration, climate change, environmental studies, or a related field is required. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of three years professional experience in the field of sustainable buildings and construction is required. Experience in climate finance, development finance, economics, or a relevant field of work is desirable. In addition, he/she should have excellent written and oral communication skills and good interpersonal skills. Although, he/she will work in a small team, it is essential that the chosen candidate can work in an independent manner to complete the given assignments. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognized by the United Nations.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and oral English is required. Knowledge of another UN language would be an advantage.

Specific knowledge: Possesses strong analytical skills and the ability to proactively seek inputs and lead consultations with a variety of stakeholders and condense best practice approaches from a wide variety of stakeholders. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence and flexibility when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence and flexibility when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly, concisely and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify perceptions, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates proactivity and openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. Considers outputs achieved according to effectively delivery, as opposed to the amount of time given to tasks. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues across institutions to achieve organizational and strategic goals; is willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.