Economist Consultant - Green Economy and Sustainable Finance

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), within the UN Secretariat, acts as a catalyst for environmental protection and sustainable development. The Finance and Economics Branch, part of the Industry and Economy Division, examines the interplay between economy, trade, finance, and the environment. This role sits within the Economic and Fiscal Policy Unit, supporting countries in advancing sustainable finance and economic policy reforms.

Job Purpose

This consultant role supports UNEP's green economy and sustainable finance portfolio, contributing to global, regional, and country-level initiatives. The purpose is to provide critical technical and analytical support for projects like the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) and the GEF Net-Zero Nature-Positive Accelerator (NZNPA IP). This involves designing and applying macroeconomic modelling, integrating gender and social inclusion, and reviewing partner contributions. The role aims to strengthen analytical foundations for countries pursuing net-zero, nature-positive economies and advancing climate risk, blue bond, and circular economy reforms, requiring expertise in green economy, sustainable finance, and macroeconomic modelling.

Responsibilities

The consultant will provide technical analysis and advisory support for UNEP's green economy and sustainable finance initiatives. Key responsibilities include developing frameworks for climate risk assessment in investments, supporting the creation of Blue Bond guidelines, and developing financial models for the circular economy. The role involves updating the CFMCA Flagship Guide by consolidating partner contributions and editing content. Additionally, the consultant will refine macroeconomic models for net-zero and nature-positive economies, conduct gender and social inclusion analyses, and lead regional workshops. A significant duty is preparing macroeconomic assessments of environmental investments, presenting findings to national counterparts and project leadership.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience is required. This includes experience in research and policy analysis for academia or international institutions on gender and/or environmental topics. Demonstrated experience in green economy, sustainable finance, fiscal policy, and coordinating multi-stakeholder processes is essential. Experience within the UN system or international institutions is also required. Experience with macroeconomic modelling is desired.

Skills

Strong analytical and research skills; ability to synthesize complex information and generate actionable policy insights; expertise in green economy, sustainable finance, or fiscal policy; experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder processes; experience with macroeconomic modelling; excellent interpersonal skills for effective teamwork in multicultural environments.

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