Location:

Paramaribo, Suriname
Salary:

negotiable / YEAR
Job type:

CONTRACTOR
Posted:

2 weeks ago
Category:

Environment and Natural Resources
Deadline:

20/12/2024

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary

Under the over-all guidance of the Senior Finance Expert (Project Lead), the Environmental Policy Specialist (‘the policy specialist’) is expected to lead the production of the Policy and Institutional Review (PIR) and provide initial inputs to start development of the Biodiversity Finance Plan, following the guidance provided by the latest version of the BIOFIN Workbook and with detailed data.

The Policy Specialist will also, as much as possible, provide input to all other national outputs, including critical stakeholder analysis for the Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER) and summarize critical priorities and policies for the latest part of the methodology Biodiversity Finance Plan. The specialist should provide input to the feedback on the BIOFIN methodological framework.

The Policy Specialist will assess and describe major biodiversity related policies, legal framework and identify existing finance solutions relevant to biodiversity finance as described in the most recent version of the BIOFIN Workbook. The Specialist will focus on the most recent National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) that would ideally be in the process of alignment with the new Kunming Montreal GBF Framework.

The Policy Specialist will review BER and CPEIR consortium deliverables, produce drafts and analyses that will be reviewed and ultimately validated by the Senior Finance Expert (Project Lead) and the BIOFIN Global Team.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

1.) Lead and provision of policy advisory support for the Policy and Institutional Review (PIR)
	Support the Senior Finance Expert (Project Lead) in the conception and preparation of the PIR. Plan and implement the PIR step of the BIOFIN methodology. Identify relevant stakeholders to inform and participate this step. Stocktake and analyse relevant biodiversity related policy instruments and studies (such as harmful subsidies analysis that might be delivered prior or parallel to this step of the methodology), these include NBSAPs and beyond. Develop an inventory of existing Biodiversity Financing Mechanisms in the country. Review existing economic valuation studies relevant to the BIOFIN process. Review legal framework relevant to the BIOFIN process. Review other sources relevant to BD finance. Identify existing national positive and negative incentives/subsidies following available guidance.
2.) Provision of the policy advisory support for Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER)
	Ensure availability of clear description of relevant stakeholders, sectors, and institutions to inform the BER analysis.
3.) Advise and support the Biodiversity Finance Needs Assessment (FNA)
	Ensure the relevant findings of financial mechanisms that contribute to biodiversity finance and potential areas in need of finance
4.) Guide and support on formulation of the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP)
	Support the Senior Finance Expert (Project Lead) with a summary of findings, finance mechanism baseline, and initial preparation guidance of the BFP. Advise and support detailed feasibility analyses on a range of financing mechanisms depending on knowledge and experience.
5.) Facilitate Project Outreach and Communication
	Preparation of workshops, meetings, networking, and presentations as required, to complete the Policy and Institutional Review. Provide substantive comments and feedback on how to improve the existing methodologies.
6.) Facilitate Knowledge Management and Reporting
	Document decisions and assumptions made while completing the Policy and Institutional Review (PIR) Document lessons learned from conducting the BFP project ranging from institutional considerations to technical issues. Prepare reports and case studies, as required, for submission to global meetings (e.g. CBD COP). Provide insights and recommendations for the BFP.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Qualification, Skill And Experience

Min. Education requirements	Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Forestry, Engineering, Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, or related field is required. Or A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the arears mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Min. years of relevant work experience	Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in Environmental Science, Forestry, Engineering, Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, or related field is required.
Required skills	Experience in gathering and processing data and information. Proven experience in collaborating with international and national experts and institutions. Proven experience supporting analyses and drafting reports on environmental, public, and public finance-related policies. Proven experience in preparing publications, reports, and presentations. Experience in writing to a varied and broad audience in a simple and concise manner. Experience with the government, environmental policy and legal framework, and environmental financial mechanisms. Experience in collaborating with international and national experts and institutions. Knowledge of key software packages (MS Office).
Desired skills and competencies	Proven experience in working in a high-pressure environment with sharp and frequent deadlines, managing many tasks simultaneously. Experience with the government, environmental policy and legal framework, and environmental financial mechanisms. Experience in collaborating with international and national experts and institutions. Familiarity with the functioning of the government of Suriname would be an asset.
Required Language(s)	Fluency in Dutch is required and fluency in English is an asset.