Research Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) is a global project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with financial support from the Governments of Flanders, Germany, EU, Norway, and Switzerland. BIOFIN supports countries with a methodology that provides innovative steps to measure current biodiversity expenditures, assess financial needs, identify the most suitable finance solutions, and supports implementation of these solutions to help achieve national biodiversity targets.

In Zambia, the BIOFIN project is implemented at the national level by the UNDP in partnership with the Ministries of Green Economy and Environment as well as the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. At present, some of the core activities of the BIOFIN Zambia is working with the financial sector towards mainstreaming of green finance into the financial sector. Specific work streams include work on green bonds and green loans market development, green finance policy formulation for the financial sector as well as green finance tagging and reporting.

In view of the context provided above, BIOFIN Zambia seeks to recruit one Research Assistant who will work under the guidance of the BIOFIN Country Team Leader. Under the guidance of the BIOFIN Country Team Leader, the research Assistant will be responsible for data mining related to biodiversity finance and related facets such as climate change and land degradation.

• Lead data mining and research on various data requirements needed for policy formulation related to biodiversity finance and other related environmental facets such as climate change and land degradation; • Assist the BIOFIN Zambia Country Team Leader/ Lead Consultant in undertaking various consultations within the financial sector and other key stakeholders such as Government, international development organizations, academia etc., on steps towards full development of Zambia’s green finance agenda; • Assist the BIOFIN Zambia Country Team Leader/ Lead Consultant in analysing and proposing policy options to promote biodiversity investment and direct expenditure/budget decisions to support biodiversity and ecosystems management; • Assist the BIOFIN Country Team Leader/ Lead Consultant in the preparation of logistics and materials for workshops, meetings, networking's and presentations on a range of topics; • Assist the BIOFIN Country Team Leader/ Lead Consultant in report writing and document preparation, such as drafting policy and information notes to communicate BIOFIN objectives and results to key stakeholders; • Undertake and be responsible for periodic reporting to stakeholders notably the BIOFIN Global Office, UNDP Country Office, Green Finance Mainstreaming Working Group and the Government of Zambia.

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Building Trust • Commitment and Motivation • Communication • Creativity • Empowering Others • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Self-Management • Technological Awareness • Vision • Working in Teams

Economics, Development or Sustainable Finance with evident experience in research preferably in natural resources management; Experience in developing and implementing programme Monitoring and Evaluation systems and processes; • Experience working in biodiversity finance, climate finance; • Experience working with Government, academic, and international development organizations/institutions; knowledge of the UN/UNDP; • Experience working with financial sector regulators i.e. banking, capital markets, pension, and insurance will be an added advantage

Zambia is a landlocked, middle-income country with a population estimated at 18 million. Lusaka became the capital city of Zambia in May 1935. Lusaka’s central position in Zambia and its pleasant climate were two of the main reasons for its selection as the capital. It is a metropolis, which provides a home to about two and half million (2.5M) inhabitants of different nationalities. It has grown to become the seat of the Government of the Republic of Zambia and as such all diplomatic missions, international organizations, industrial and commercial entities are based there. Its political, social, economic and cultural significance has also increased through the years.

Public transport is provided by private operators using minibuses and taxis. The bus routes are not mapped and roads are often congested. Good modern housing for rent is available on the open market. The official language is English, which is widely spoken. The country is generally food secure, with sufficient local fresh fruits and vegetables available in the markets, as well as various dairy, poultry and meat products. There are several international schools using the Cambridge GCSE or IGCSE syllabi, from key stage one through to A levels. Health conditions are generally good, although malaria is endemic. Zambia is generally a safe place to live in, although not free of crime. Some prudence is required. For more info, visit: http://www.zambiatourism.com.