Sustainable Finance Specialist - Integrated Watershed Management

Host entity: UNEP India

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Natural resources management, Communication, advocacy, public information, Economics, poverty reduction, livelihoods

Application deadline: 27/10/2026

Mission and objectives

UNEP’s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. For five decades, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been a leading advocate for the environment, a steadfast partner and a trusted adviser with a mission to inform, enable and inspire nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UNEP monitors the state and health of the planet, ensures that science remains at the centre of decision-making processes, and that environmental rule of law continues to underpin global environmental governance.

Together with its partners, UNEP has made significant progress, yet there is no denying that today, environmental challenges have reached unprecedented levels. Unsustainable patterns of consumption and production have led to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. The science is clear: human health, prosperity, equity and peace are all under threat. We must urgently transform our economies and societies and our relationship with nature. UNEP is here to lead this transformation with its 193 Member States, and in partnership with other UN agencies and stakeholders. With its experience, expertise, dynamic programmes and forward-thinking strategy, and with its dedicated staff, UNEP is uniquely positioned in addressing and reversing the triple planetary crisis.

Assignment context

The UN Volunteer assignment is part of the India component of the European Commission-funded Sustainable Watershed Management Project in Brazil and India. The UN Volunteer will be working under the direct supervision of the relevant Programme Management Officer in UNEP India Office and the overall project supervision of the Project Lead within the Freshwater and Wetlands Ecosystems Unit, Marine and Freshwater Branch at UNEP HQ, and in close collaboration with relevant UNEP teams, implementing partners, national counterparts and technical experts.

Task description

• Conduct targeted research and analysis on existing financing approaches and enabling conditions at the national, state, and local/project levels.
• Analyze best practices and challenges in existing financing approaches in India based on review of the literature and stakeholder consultations.
• Support the analysis and documentation of findings and insights of the financing dimension of the India pilot.
• Develop a draft sustainable finance framework and accompanying recommendations for integrated watershed management in India, including the identification and assessment of relevant investment opportunities.
• Support stakeholder consultations and coordination with relevant government agencies, financial institutions, implementing partners, and technical experts contributing to the India pilot case.
• Draft technical outputs related to the India sustainable finance framework, including reports, presentations, and supporting knowledge products.
• Support the development of a global guidance document on sustainable finance for watershed management based on the analysis and synthesis of lessons learned and practical experiences from the India and Brazil case studies, contributing to a replicable and scalable approach for integrated, sustainable watershed management across regions and countries.
• Coordinate with UNEP teams, project partners, and technical experts to support the integration of technical inputs and feedback into project deliverables.
• Support knowledge-sharing and communication activities related to sustainable finance, watershed management, and freshwater ecosystem resilience, as relevant to the project.
• Report regularly to the supervising officer and project lead within the Freshwater and Wetlands Ecosystems Unit on progress related to the assignment and delivery of outputs.
• Any other tasks that may be required in support of the assignment and project objectives.

Skills and experience

• Minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible professional experience at national and/or international level in sustainable finance, environmental finance, climate finance, investment analysis, natural resource economics, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in developing technical reports, policy papers, financing frameworks, guidance documents, or knowledge products related to sustainable or environmental finance.
• Strong experience in research and analysis of financing mechanisms, including blended finance, investment structuring, and enabling policy/financial environments for sustainable development.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality written outputs, including drafting, editing, and synthesizing complex technical information for diverse audiences.

Desirable Experience
• Experience engaging with or coordinating among government institutions, development partners, financial institutions, private sector actors, and technical experts.
• Familiarity with watershed management, freshwater ecosystems, nature-based solutions, or climate adaptation financing.
• Experience working in international, multi-stakeholder environments, including development or UN system contexts.
• Previous experience with the United Nations system or other international organizations is an asset

Skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong drafting, formulation, and reporting abilities.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and professionalism in document production and editing.
• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including government counterparts, technical experts, and community-level actors.
• Ability to work effectively in complex and multicultural environments, demonstrating adaptability and sound judgment under tight deadlines.
• Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and standard digital communication tools; familiarity with databases or project management tools is an advantage.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision while delivering high-quality outputs under time constraints.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Building Trust
• Commitment and Motivation
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Communication
• Creativity
• Ethics and Values
• Integrity
• Planning and Organizing
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Self-Management
• Working in Teams

Living conditions

The assignment will be based in New Delhi. New Delhi is the capital city of India, experiences a diverse climate and has distinct living conditions influenced by its weather, infrastructure, and culture. A melting pot of cultures, languages, and cuisines, reflecting the diverse nature of India. Overall, living in Delhi offers a mix of modern urban life with deep-rooted traditions and challenges typical of a large, bustling metropolis.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in New Delhi. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.

The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents - except for UN Community Volunteers), as well as final repatriation (if applicable). You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator .

For information specific to your assignment, please see below:
• Monthly Voluntary Living Allowance (VLA): INR 70,158.41
• Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 350 (equivalent in INR)
• Relocation costs: $175 at the beginning and end of the assignment if the duty station is outside of commuting distance (as determined by UNV)
• Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment): $120 for each month served, paid on completion of contract
• Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for health, life, and malicious acts
• Annual leave: 2.5 days per month
• Learning: Access to UNV's learning and career development resources

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.