Public Financing of Nature-Based Agriculture - Project Advisor in Brazil

Result of ServiceThe work of the consultant will contribute to the implementation of the UN Development Account-funded project on ‘Financing NbS for Green and Inclusive recovery,’ which seeks to support Brazil in delivering the SDGs and the commitment under the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kunming- Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework while promoting the socio-economic objective of poverty reduction and food security for all. The work of the consultant will also contribute to UNEP’s ‘Nature’, ‘Biodiversity,’ and ‘Finance and Economic Transformation’ Programmes. Work LocationBrazil Expected duration4 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesUNEP is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system, acting as a catalyst, advocate, educator, and facilitator to promote sustainable development through the effective use of the global environment. Its Industry and Economy Division plays a leading role in the Green Economy Initiative, which aims to shift national economies towards a sustainable trajectory. By doing so, it seeks to ensure that growth is driven by increased investment in green sectors and a transition of consumers’ preferences to sustainable goods and services. Located within this Division, the Resources and Markets Branch examines how economics, trade, and finance interact with the environment, thereby contributing to sustainable development at the local, national, regional, and global levels. It does so by working with countries through analytical studies in partnerships with UN agencies, intergovernmental institutions, governments, academic institutes, businesses, and civil society organizations to support the shift to an inclusive green economy. Among its areas of work, the Economic and Trade Policy Unit supports global green fiscal policy revision efforts by advising countries on how fiscal policies can support the inclusive green economy and thus the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals across different sectors, particularly agriculture. One of its partner countries, Brazil, has developed a large-scale agricultural system over the past decades. However, the successful development of this sector has come with dire consequences for ecosystems and has reinforced a system of historically unequal land distribution. Much of the current production framework can be attributed to state support with policies of fiscal incentives, many of which are socio-economically distortive or environmentally unsustainable. Thus, it will be necessary to promote the efficiency of fiscal policy mechanisms for nature-based agriculture and related sustainable economic sectors. This is particularly true as the introduction of the RenovAgro and the reform of the Plano Safra policies have reinforced the scope for public incentives to support farmers to adopt deforestation and conversion-free production practices. In this context, UNEP is leading a project in Colombia and Brazil, entitled “Financing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for a Green and Inclusive Recovery in Latin America”. Funded by UNDA with additional financial support from the government of Luxembourg via UNEP’s Climate Change Division, this project seeks to strengthen the capacity of partner countries to develop and implement policies and strategies to scale up public and private investments and finance for nature to support sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems for a green recovery from Covid-19 in Latin America. To this end, this project will develop a national study and toolkit, sharing its findings with national governments and promoting mutual learning through South-South Cooperation between the two countries. In order to do so, the study and toolkit will be informed by a series of technical notes, as well as consultations that will take place via numerous technical work group meetings. The consultant’s responsibilities will include: • Provide the ex-ante and ex-post technical inputs needed for the implementing partner to produce technical notes #1-3 on the context, scope, and methodological approach of the project, the latter of which will include both qualitative and quantitative aspects. Upon circulating the document to related stakeholders, ensure that all feedback has been sufficiently incorporated. • Support the implementing partner to organize and report on at least three working group committee meetings with the government. To this end, provide the ex-ante technical and logistical guidance needed to frame the agenda and organize the meetings in a seamless manner, as well as the ex-post technical guidance needed to ensure that results are fully captured and report. • Undergo any other actions required for project execution. Qualifications/special skills• Master’s or higher degree in economics, finance, agriculture, public policy, environment policy or related field • At least five years of work experience, with at least two years in public policy with a focus on public finance and/or agricultural finance. • Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize and communicate complex information and generate actionable insights, are required; • In-depth knowledge of agricultural policies, economic dynamics, and sustainable development issues in Brazil is required; • Knowledge of fiscal policy measures in the agricultural sector is an advantage; • Experience in working with the Brazilian government and the UN system on the theme of fiscal policy, nature-based solutions, and/or sustainable agriculture is an advantage Languages• Fluency in oral and written English and Portuguese is required Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.