Economic and Trade Policy Unit – Consultant for Fiscal policy

Result of Service The work of the consultant will contribute to supporting countries in delivering the SDGs and the commitment under the Paris Climate Agreement and the Achi target 3 of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the 2030 Biodiversity Framework, as well as objectives related the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and the targets of restoring 350 million ha through the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

The development of training programme and reporting mechanism on measuring fossil fuel subsidies will contribute to UN Environment’s mandate on delivering SDG12 as a custodian agency.

The work of the consultant will also contribute to the Strategy on Sustainable Food Systems and Agriculture being developed by UNEP with a focus on analysis options for agricultural fiscal policy reform as part of a broader effort to scale up finance and investment to Nature-based solutions.

The consultant will coordinate (country specific) activities with regards to agricultural fiscal policy analysis across the UNEP house, particularly projects and activities let by UNEP’s Economy and Ecosystem Divisions.

Work Location Remote

Expected duration The consultancy for the period of 1 January to 31 December 2022. The consultant will work full-time (100%).

Duties and Responsibilities UNEP is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. UNEP acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote the wise use of the global environment and sustainable development. The Economy Division at UNEP plays a leading role in the Green Economy Initiative which aims to shift national economies on to a sustainable path, in which jobs and output growth are driven by increased investment in green sectors, and by a switch of consumers’ preferences towards environmentally friendly goods and services.

Located within the Economy Division, the Resources and Markets Branch examines how economics, trade, and finance interact with the environment and contribute to sustainable development at the local, national, regional and global levels. The Resources and Markets Branch support countries through analytical studies in partnerships with UN agencies, intergovernmental institutions, governments, academic institutes, businesses and environmental groups to support the shift to an inclusive green economy and help deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Among its areas of work, the Economic and Trade Policy Unit supports global efforts on green fiscal policy reforms and advises countries on how fiscal policies can support the inclusive green economy and delivery of the SDGs across different sectors from water, energy and extractives, to agriculture and fisheries among others. It works with a range of partners including fiscal authorities such as the International Monetary Fund, development agencies such as the German Development Agency, the Organisation for Cooperation on Economic Development (OECD), academic institutions, think tanks, and national research institutes, to provide policy advice, develop knowledge products and host technical workshops on the role of fiscal policy in the transition to a green economy. The Green Fiscal Policy Network is a joint partnership between UNEP, Germany Development Agency (GIZ) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, learning and dialogue on green fiscal policies.

This UNEP's Ecosystem Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

This consultant position is jointly funded and hosted between UNEP’s Ecosystem and Economy Division, and be hosted by the Economic and Trade Policy Unit. The position focuses on creating knowledge products, contribute to international discussions, initiate consultations with relevant institutions and respond to requests for guidance from governments in the area of green fiscal policy. Against this backdrop and given the limited expertise at present in-house, UNEP is seeking to create a consultant position in this area.

Specific tasks and responsibilities:

The consultant’s responsibilities will include supporting the development of a global effort by UNEP and partners to change environmentally harmful subsidies (with a focus both on fossil fuel subsidies and agricultural subsidies); financing for Nature-based Solutions (NbS); ; and a strategy on Sustainable Food Systems and Agriculture in collaboration with the Science Division as well as the Ecosystem Division. With the help of a Communication Officer and other knowledge platform managers, the consultant will develop a knowledge management strategy which could cross-fertilize relevant knowledge platforms.

The main duties and responsibilities of the consultant, include, but are not restricted to, the following

(1) Global project on environmentally harmful subsidies (fossil fuel subsidies and agricultural subsidies) - Project development on reforming and repurposing environmentally harmful subsidies. This entails undertaking background research to develop a concept note, identifying key actors and partners for collaboration to promote the agenda at the relevant global forums. (2) Support monitoring and reporting under SDG12c1 - Organize regional and sub-regional training workshops on measuring fossil fuel subsidies in order to support countries to monitor and report under SDG12c1. This entails delivering methodology report on measuring SDG12c1 in two other UN languages; engaging with technical partners for their inputs and contributions, UNEP regional offices and UN regional bodies to and facilitate the delivery of the training programmes; - Report on SDG12c1 in coordination with SDG12 hub focal point under the One Planet Network to UNEP SDG focal point; This entails reviewing data submitted under SDG12 hub and cross-checking with relevant national SDG focal point when needed for quality control. (3) Global project on financing for Nature and fiscal policy reform for sustainable food systems and agriculture - Project development on reforming and repurposing agricultural subsidies for sustainable food systems undertaken in collaboration with the Good Growth Partnership team (Climate Finance Unit, Economy division). This entails incorporating national case studies and undertaking background research to develop a concept note, identifying key actors and partners for collaboration to promote the agenda at the relevant global forums. - Project development on public finance and green fiscal policy for Nature based Solutions for Green Recovery in cooperation with the ecosystem division and UNEP WCMC. This entails coordinating relevant projects in the area of agriculture, land use and food systems from both the economy and ecosystem divisions, engaging with relevant government focal points and engaging with technical partners (UN REDD+) and national stakeholders, developing concept notes and ToRs for technical experts, commissioning technical report. - Project development on public finance and fiscal policy for Viet Nam Nature-based Solutions for Adaptation in Agriculture through Private Sector Transformation in cooperation with UN REDD+ and the ecosystem division. This entails engaging with national stakeholders, liaising with technical partners (UN REDD+), delivering technical assessments and organising policy dialogues.

(4) Other tasks as requested by the programme officer in charge

Qualifications/special skills Skills: - Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Academic Qualifications: - Master’s or higher degree in economics, public policy, environment policy or a related field. Experience: - At least three years of accumulated work experience in public policy with a focus on macro economic policy (including fiscal policy). Knowledge on environmentally harmful subsidies (i.e. fossil fuel subsidies and agricultural subsidies) is an advantage; - Professional experience in producing economic/fiscal policy analysis both at global, national and sectoral levels and providing policy advice to national governments; - Experience of working with governments and the UN system on the theme of Green Economy and sustainable development is an advantage. Language: - English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.