Sustainable Finance Specialist - Integrated Watershed Management
Organizational Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) leads global environmental efforts, inspiring and enabling nations to improve quality of life without compromising future generations. For five decades, UNEP has monitored planetary health, centered science in decision-making, and promoted environmental rule of law. Facing unprecedented environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, UNEP partners with 193 Member States and stakeholders to drive urgent transformation towards sustainable economies and societies. Its work is largely funded by voluntary contributions.
Job Purpose
This UN Volunteer assignment supports the India component of the European Commission-funded Sustainable Watershed Management Project. The role involves conducting research and analysis on sustainable finance mechanisms for integrated watershed management in India. The UN Volunteer will contribute to developing a national sustainable finance framework, identifying investment opportunities, and supporting stakeholder consultations. The position also involves contributing to a global guidance document by synthesizing lessons learned from India and Brazil case studies, aiming to create a scalable approach for sustainable watershed management worldwide. The role requires close collaboration with UNEP teams, project partners, and national counterparts.
Responsibilities
Conduct targeted research and analysis on existing financing approaches and enabling conditions for integrated watershed management at national, state, and local levels in India. Analyze best practices and challenges through literature review and stakeholder consultations. Support the documentation of findings related to the financing dimension of the India pilot project. Develop a draft sustainable finance framework with recommendations for integrated watershed management, including assessment of investment opportunities. Facilitate stakeholder consultations with government agencies, financial institutions, and partners. Draft technical outputs such as reports and presentations. Contribute to a global guidance document on sustainable finance for watershed management by synthesizing lessons from India and Brazil case studies. Coordinate with UNEP teams and partners to integrate technical inputs. Support knowledge-sharing activities on sustainable finance and watershed management. Report regularly on progress and deliverables.
Work Experience
Requires a minimum of 4 years of professional experience in sustainable finance, environmental finance, climate finance, investment analysis, or natural resource economics. Demonstrated experience in developing technical reports, policy papers, or financing frameworks is essential. Experience in research and analysis of financing mechanisms, including blended finance and investment structuring, is required. Proven ability to produce high-quality written outputs is necessary. Experience with government institutions, financial institutions, and international environments is desirable.
Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication, drafting, and reporting skills. Strong analytical and research abilities. Proficiency in MS Office suite. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in diverse, complex environments. Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills. Adaptability, flexibility, and professionalism. Knowledge of natural resource management, economics, and sustainable development is beneficial.