National Consultant for Sustainable Budgeting

The ultimate result of this consultancy is that UNEP’s EFPU delivers on four the sustainable public finance activities committed under Output III: ‘Leveraging private and public innovation and investment in NbSA in agriculture’ of the VN-ADAPT project.

Hanoi, Viet Nam

12 Months Part- Time

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The overall objective of UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division is to deliver effective strategic guidance and high-impact action in support of the transition towards inclusive, resource-efficient and environmentally sustainable economies. Its work is guided by ambition, innovation, credible science, and alignment with global climate goals and the specific needs of Member States. Located within the Industry and Economy Division, the Finance and Economics Branch (FEB) examines how economics, finance and public policy interact with the environment and contribute to sustainable development at the local, national, regional and global levels. Within FEB, the Economic and Fiscal Policy Unit (EFPU) conducts analytical research and provides evidence-based policy and capacity-building support to enable the transition towards inclusive and green economies. One area of work for EFPU is implementing part of the IKI-funded Viet Nam Nature-based Solutions for Adaptation in Agriculture through Private Sector Transformation (VN-ADAPT) project. Implemented in partnership with SNV Netherlands Development Organization, which leads the consortium, and the International Center for Environmental Management, the project aims to enhance Viet Nam’s resilience to climate change by scaling up the adoption of nature-based solutions for adaptation (NbSA) in agriculture, particularly in the Mekong Delta and Central Highlands. To this end, UNEP contributes to ‘Output III: Leveraging private and public innovation and investment in NbSA in agriculture’. While UNEP’s Climate Finance Unit contributes to the private sector finance mobilization activities, EFPU implements those related to public finance mobilization, specifically by: •Developing/Testing a Sustainable Budgeting Approach Instrument (SBA Tool) •Creating a toolbox of green public finance instruments for adaptation •Facilitating dialogue between public sector, private sector, and FIs for policy engagement and to scale up finance •Reforming public expenditure & fiscal policies to enhance public investment in NbS/EbA Specific tasks and responsibilities •1st deliverable – by 15 January 2027 – Draft the inception report by conducting stakeholder consultations and a desk review of related national policies to codify the political economy context and UNEP’s potential contributions, complemented by a workplan covering all project activities. Coordinate with related stakeholders to ensure validation of the document. •2nd deliverable – by 15 March 2027 – Draft the concept note on SBA implementation based on a desk review of related green public finance frameworks and consultations with MDAs, which should be mapped to ensure comprehensive coverage. Building on this analysis, propose a preliminary list of national policy priorities to inform the selection of SBA assessment criteria and a proposed data-sharing agreement between the project and relevant MDAs. Coordinate with related stakeholders to ensure validation of the document. •3rd deliverable – by 15 May 2027 – Draft the concept note on the toolbox of green public finance instruments for adaptation by developing the scope of applicable instruments to be included, identifying which instruments have already been supported by existing toolboxes, and proposing entry points. Coordinate with related stakeholders to ensure validation of the document. •4th deliverable – by 15 July 2027 – Preparation and administration of the Call for Proposals (CfP) package. Prepare draft CfP documentation, including the CfP document/form, invitation, annexes of required documentation, assessment tool and Template 11 form, for review and finalization by the Programme Manager. Support the dissemination of the CfP in coordination with UNEP administration; monitor and track submissions; coordinate responses to queries from prospective implementing partners (IPs); verify the completeness of submissions against the CfP requirements; and maintain an organized repository of all submitted documentation. Compile the proposals and prepare an initial assessment summary to support the Programme Manager in the evaluation and selection process. •5th deliverable – by 15 September 2027 – Due diligence support and preparation of the implementation plan and budget. Support the due diligence process for the selected IP through coordination and collection of the required documentation, review of submitted information and preparation of draft due diligence documentation for review by the Programme Manager. In consultation with the selected IP and under the guidance of the Programme Manager, prepare draft implementation plans and corresponding budgets for review and finalization. •6th deliverable – by 15 November 2027 – Draft the final report synthesizing the progress made during phase one of the project and setting out recommendations for phase two of the project, which should include the next steps for national implementation of the SBA, the toolbox and the public-private dialogue as well as related implementation arrangements.

•Master’s or higher degree in public policy, development studies, environmental studies, economics, international affairs, sustainable finance, or related field. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. •A minimum of two years of project/program management experience in budget analysis, green fiscal policy, and public finance is required. •Experience working with government counterparts, preferably from the Ministry of Finance in Viet Nam, is an advantage. •Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder engagement processes, preferably in Viet Nam, is an advantage. •Experience in quality-assuring technical outputs related to public finance, fiscal policy, climate adaptation and/or nature-based solutions is an advantage. •Previous experience working with or within the United Nations system, including familiarity with UN administrative procedures and reporting standards, is desirable.

English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, written and verbal fluency in English and Vietnamese is required.

Not available.