Result of Service

Under the guidance of UNEP/GlobalABC and the GlobalABC Finance Hub and co-lead countries: Facilitate and chair stakeholder consultations with partners and expert members to define the 2025 Priority International Action on “finance and investment, in response to the recommendation set by the 2024 Breakthrough Agenda Report”; Define resulting activities to achieve by COP30 and COP31, that will support the priority action and catalyse finance for greening the sector; Draft a comprehensive work plan leveraging existing work, including a timeline and scope of work to undertake the defined activities. Initiate concept notes/outline documents for defined activities, in coordination with all relevant stakeholder/

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

3 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recognizes the need to address global environmental concerns in an increasingly urbanising world. It is in this context that UNEP supports and promotes sustainability in buildings and construction, emphasising sustainable buildings’ local and global benefits and the role of the built environment in delivering against the New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Agenda with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. UNEP hosts the Secretariat of the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC). A voluntary, international, multi-stakeholder partnership, the GlobalABC serves as the global collaborative umbrella organisation for other platforms, initiatives and actors to increase scale, pace and impact of climate action ‘towards a zero-emission, efficient and resilient buildings and construction sector’. The GlobalABC is coordinating the Buildings Breakthrough, a framework, operating under the Breakthrough Agenda, designed to bridge the “collaboration gap” and accelerate international action on climate change to meet the Paris Agreement’s global decarbonisation targets. The Buildings Breakthrough was officially launched at the UN Climate Summit COP28 in Dubai, and is currently endorsed by 29 member countries, supported by the European Commission, and 32 organisations and their initiatives. Co-led by France and the Kingdom of Morocco, the Buildings Breakthrough provides a platform for strengthening international collaboration with the aim of making “Near-Zero Emission and Resilient Buildings (NZERB) to be the new normal by 2030”. In March 2024, at the Buildings and Climate Global Forum (co-organised by France/Ministry of Ecological Transition & UNEP), the Buildings Breakthroughs’ priority international actions were launched in various areas including on “Finance and Investment”. The GlobalABC Hubs are work areas made of expert members, some supporting the progress of the Buildings Breakthrough as one of their activities. The Finance Hub is one of the key GlobalABC Hubs, where members contribute to narrowing the public and private finance gap for investments in zero-carbon, energy-efficient, and resilient buildings and construction, including property development. The GlobalABC Finance Hub is leading on the delivery of the “Finance and Investment” Priority International Action and is co-led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Programme for Energy Efficiency in Buildings (PEEB), and brings together a wide network of partners. Financial institutions play an essential role in supporting the development of real estate property. Development banks, investors and insurers can play a leadership role in assisting in the transition to a greener building stock, by providing financing to developers, mortgages to homeowners, or providing insurance solutions. To progress on the Buildings Breakthrough framework, an international consultant with the technical skills, expertise and the network is needed to support the GlobalABC Finance Hub in developing a priority action on “finance and Investment”, as well as relevant activities and work plan that will support in taking the priority action forward. The consultant will work in close collaboration with the GlobalABC Secretariat, the GlobalABC Finance Hub leads and members, the Buildings Breakthrough co-lead countries, as well as countries and partners signed up to the priority action.

Qualifications/special skills

Education Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in architecture, engineering, economics, environmental or social sciences. A first-level university degree, in combination with ten additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A Ph.D. in a field related to sustainable buildings and construction is a plus. Work Experience A minimum of ten years of professional experience is required, including some related to the buildings and construction sector, climate change, energy efficiency, and sustainable finance. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first-level university degree recognized by the United Nations. Prior experience or exposure to working with international organisations is desirable. Special skills: Excellent knowledge and understanding of sustainable finance, ESG, and green investment/loan. Track record in designing/implementing innovative financing instruments in green and resilient buildings and construction projects Excellent knowledge and understanding of the buildings and construction sector, preferably with a successful track record in analysing the buildings and construction sector, in particular regarding climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the co-benefits of reducing the building sector’s emissions, and making it more efficient and resilient. English speaking and writing skills are essential, particularly regarding communicating scientific and financial insights in a clear manner. Ability to compile intersectional topics into a coherent manner and present to various stakeholders. Ability to coordinate and incorporate inputs from a broad group of diverse stakeholders.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.