The consultant will deliver a fully operational pilot phase of the Sustainable Public Finance Observatory, including: •Validated fiscal datasets for two-three economies, structured and processed to align with SBA’s taxonomy. •Demonstrated application of an automated fiscal analysis tools in the form of a machine learning/natural language processing programme to classify and analyze budget data dynamically, ensuring the outputs are scalable and actionable. •A functional pilot dataset which can be used to provide visualizations of fiscal data aligned with sustainability objectives, supporting evidence-based decision-making. •Interaction with a thorough peer review process internally and externally to validate and socialize the SPFO pilot •A policy brief summarizing pilot results, challenges, and recommendations for scaling SPFO’s approach to additional economies. These results will position UNEP to advocate for SPFO’s value in global policy dialogues, including within G20 contexts, while providing a clear roadmap for expanding its application globally.

Remote

12 months

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system’s designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional levels. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division works with international governments and non-governmental organizations, national and local governments, business and industry to develop and implement policies, strategies, and practices that are cleaner and safer, incorporate environmental costs, use natural resources efficiently, reduce pollution and risks for humans and the environment, and enable the implementation of conventions and international agreements. Paragraph about specific needs The Sustainable Public Finance Observatory (SPFO) is a UNEP initiative aimed at providing a robust framework for Ministries of Finance (MoFs) and international stakeholders to align public finance with environmental, social, and economic objectives. The SPFO leverages the Sustainable Budgeting Approach (SBA) to offer a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of budgetary alignment with sustainability goals. This consultancy is essential to operationalize the pilot phase of the SPFO, focusing on three economies as a proof of concept. Specifically, the consultant will: 1.Identify and structure fiscal and budgetary data for these economies, ensuring it is suitable for classification under SBA’s taxonomy. 2.Apply automated analytical tools to classify fiscal data dynamically, enabling scalable and actionable insights. 3.Produce pilot outputs demonstrating SPFO’s ability to provide granular, real-time analysis to inform fiscal reforms and policy decisions. The consultant’s role will ensure the SPFO pilot delivers outputs that demonstrate its value to MoFs and stakeholders, supporting UNEP’s commitment to sustainable fiscal policy. The project’s innovative approach, integrating advanced data-processing techniques with actionable policy insights, positions UNEP as a leader in aligning public finance with climate, nature, and development goals. The consultant’s responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to: •Conducting desk reviews to identify and evaluate publicly accessible fiscal and budgetary data sources for 2-3 economies. •Structuring raw fiscal data into a standardized format compatible with SBA taxonomy, ensuring reproducibility through metadata documentation. •Designing, testing, and delivering a classification algorithm to automate the categorization of fiscal data into SBA archetypes and sub-archetypes. •Engaging with UNEP and external stakeholders to facilitate a robust peer review process and incorporate feedback into datasets and tools. •Producing final validated datasets, including interactive visualizations, a policy brief, and a presentation summarizing findings and implications. •Ensuring all outputs (e.g., datasets, tools, reports) are delivered in specified formats (Word, Excel, Python, PowerPoint) and integrated into UNEP’s WESR platform.

• Master’s or higher degree in economics, 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 environmental 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 environmental policies, economic dynamics, and sustainable development issues are an advantage. • Knowledge of environmental fiscal policy, and in particular sustainable budgeting approaches in are an advantage. • Experience in working in academia and/or the UN system on the theme of fiscal policy and/or sustainable development is an advantage. •Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize and communicate complex information and generate actionable insights, are required. •In-depth knowledge of environmental policies, economic dynamics, and sustainable development issues are an advantage. • Knowledge of environmental fiscal policy, and in particular sustainable budgeting approaches in are an advantage. • Experience in working in academia and/or the UN system on the theme of fiscal policy and/or sustainable development is an advantage.

•English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required

Not available.

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.