Details
Mission and objectives
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in approximately 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequality and exclusion. The program helps countries to developing policies, leadership skills, partnership skills, institutional capacities, and to building resilience to sustainable development results.
UNDP implements several projects in different areas, offering its partners technical, operational and management assistance through access to methodologies, specialized knowledge, specialized advice and a wide international network of technical cooperation.
To contribute to human development, poverty reduction and the country's growth in priority areas, UNDP Brazil has a constant mission to align its services with the needs of a dynamic, multifaceted and diverse country. The projects are carried out in partnership with the Brazilian government, international financial institutions, the private sector and civil society.
UNDP implements several projects in different areas, offering its partners technical, operational and management assistance through access to methodologies, specialized knowledge, specialized advice and a wide international network of technical cooperation.
To contribute to human development, poverty reduction and the country's growth in priority areas, UNDP Brazil has a constant mission to align its services with the needs of a dynamic, multifaceted and diverse country. The projects are carried out in partnership with the Brazilian government, international financial institutions, the private sector and civil society.
Context
The Sustainable Environmental Development Unit (UDAS) of UNDP Brazil works in close coordination with other programme areas to strengthen the environmental portfolio through technical and political support for the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of projects addressing biodiversity, climate change, sustainable production, and the ecological transition.
Brazilian biodiversity, recognized as one of the richest on the planet, constitutes a strategic asset for the country's sustainable development. However, this natural heritage faces growing threats, with deforestation rates in biomes such as the Amazon and Cerrado reaching alarming levels (INPE, 2023), alongside ecosystem degradation and increasing pressure on natural resources. Recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, the Atlantic Forest is one of the planet's primary biodiversity hotspots, home to approximately 20,000 plant species (Flora e Funga do Brasil, 2026) and 6,400 native animal species (Salve, 2026).
Rio de Janeiro holds a unique leading role in this ecosystem, as it concentrates 59% of all cataloged flora and 53% of the fauna within the biome (Flora e Funga do Brasil, 2026; Salve, 2026). These indicators reaffirm the state's strategic role as the primary guardian of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest's biodiversity.
Recent studies further estimate that about 20% of flora species are threatened with extinction (CNCFlora, 2022), and that subsidies and incentives contributing to biodiversity loss reach significant annual amounts.
In this context, the State of Rio de Janeiro has been advancing in the structuring of the State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (EPAEB-RJ) as the main planning instrument to guide conservation, restoration, and sustainable use actions at the state level, while leading its municipalities to develop their Local Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (EPALBs). However, the effective implementation of the EPAEB-RJ requires the strengthening of its institutional, regulatory, and financial foundations to ensure the feasibility and sustainability of the proposed actions.
Project BRA/25/011 – Integrated Management of Atlantic Forest Landscapes in the State of Rio de Janeiro: Knowledge, Restoration, Bioeconomy, and Carbon Credit Generation, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and executed by the State Secretariat for the Environment and Sustainable Development of Rio de Janeiro (SEAS-RJ), includes among its pillars the strengthening of planning, governance, and economic and financial instruments focused on biodiversity. Within this scope, the project seeks to support the consolidation of technical foundations that inform decision-making and resource mobilization for the implementation of the EPAEB-RJ.
Brazilian biodiversity, recognized as one of the richest on the planet, constitutes a strategic asset for the country's sustainable development. However, this natural heritage faces growing threats, with deforestation rates in biomes such as the Amazon and Cerrado reaching alarming levels (INPE, 2023), alongside ecosystem degradation and increasing pressure on natural resources. Recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, the Atlantic Forest is one of the planet's primary biodiversity hotspots, home to approximately 20,000 plant species (Flora e Funga do Brasil, 2026) and 6,400 native animal species (Salve, 2026).
Rio de Janeiro holds a unique leading role in this ecosystem, as it concentrates 59% of all cataloged flora and 53% of the fauna within the biome (Flora e Funga do Brasil, 2026; Salve, 2026). These indicators reaffirm the state's strategic role as the primary guardian of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest's biodiversity.
Recent studies further estimate that about 20% of flora species are threatened with extinction (CNCFlora, 2022), and that subsidies and incentives contributing to biodiversity loss reach significant annual amounts.
In this context, the State of Rio de Janeiro has been advancing in the structuring of the State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (EPAEB-RJ) as the main planning instrument to guide conservation, restoration, and sustainable use actions at the state level, while leading its municipalities to develop their Local Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (EPALBs). However, the effective implementation of the EPAEB-RJ requires the strengthening of its institutional, regulatory, and financial foundations to ensure the feasibility and sustainability of the proposed actions.
Project BRA/25/011 – Integrated Management of Atlantic Forest Landscapes in the State of Rio de Janeiro: Knowledge, Restoration, Bioeconomy, and Carbon Credit Generation, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and executed by the State Secretariat for the Environment and Sustainable Development of Rio de Janeiro (SEAS-RJ), includes among its pillars the strengthening of planning, governance, and economic and financial instruments focused on biodiversity. Within this scope, the project seeks to support the consolidation of technical foundations that inform decision-making and resource mobilization for the implementation of the EPAEB-RJ.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officers of the Sustainable Environmental Development Unit and the technical coordination of the State Secretariat for the Environment and Sustainable Development of Rio de Janeiro (SEAS-RJ), the UN Volunteer Specialist will support the implementation of activities related to the BIOFIN methodology and monitoring, governance, and communication of the EPAEB-RJ implementation within the project's framework.
The selected professional will serve as a Technical Analyst in Finance and Management for Biodiversity, focusing on supporting the design, structuring, evaluation, and implementation of financial and strategic solutions related, but not limited, to: (i) green, sustainable, and other thematic bonds; (ii) special purpose financial vehicles; (iii) impact investment funds and blended finance mechanisms; (iv) debt and equity instruments and capital market mechanisms; (v) frameworks for managing risks and impacts on nature; (vi) tariffs, payment for environmental services (PES) schemes, and concessions; (vii) innovative financing mechanisms for public policies and biodiversity conservation programs; and (viii) biodiversity monitoring, governance, and communication instruments.
The professional is expected to provide solid technical knowledge to ensure horizontal integration and coherence between the different work fronts of BIOFIN Brazil and the cross-cutting demands of EPAEB-RJ implementation, as well as support quality assurance of technical products, processes, and deliverables. Specifically, the Specialist will play a central role in the technical supervision of consultancies hired to develop BIOFIN analytical studies and to monitor and communicate the EPAEB-RJ, supporting quality assurance. Furthermore, the professional will provide technical and administrative support for strategic activities to ensure the full operationalization of the EPAEB-RJ.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1. Technical Advisory in Biodiversity Finance and Public Policy
a. Provide technical advice to project coordination on topics related to finance and biodiversity finance at national and subnational levels.
b. Support the implementation and adaptation of the BIOFIN methodology, including technical analysis of priorities, bottlenecks, and opportunities for biodiversity financing solutions.
c. Contribute to the analysis of financial, fiscal, regulatory, and institutional instruments relevant to biodiversity-related public policies.
d. Technically coordinate with government bodies, development partners, and strategic stakeholders, contributing to coordination and decision-making processes.
e. Support the design and technical qualification of instruments linked to public policy implementation, including PES, concessions, credit, environmental funds, and other financing mechanisms.
2. Evaluation of Financial Mechanisms
a. Conduct technical reviews of studies, reports, and proposals related to green/sustainable bonds and other thematic issuances.
b. Support the structuring and evaluation of financial mechanisms such as impact funds, PES schemes, blended finance arrangements, and other innovative instruments.
c. Evaluate financing alternatives, capitalization strategies, and opportunities to strengthen public-private funds and mechanisms focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, bioeconomy, and biodiversity conservation.
d. Provide technical recommendations on feasibility, governance, risk mitigation, implementation strategies, and scalability of prioritized instruments.
3. Strategic Support and Technical Coordination for BIOFIN Methodology Implementation
a. Support project coordination in executing the strategy and ensuring horizontal integration across different work fronts.
b. Update and consolidate technical factsheets for the financial solutions prioritized by BIOFIN.
c. Support the planning, review, and follow-up of work plans, ensuring coherence, timeliness, and alignment with governance arrangements.
d.Draft and review reports, presentations, technical notes, and other inputs in Portuguese and English, as requested.
4.Technical Supervision, Quality Assurance, and Knowledge Production
a. Develop and review communication and knowledge materials (technical notes, policy briefs, working papers, publications, and training programs) in the field.
b. Technically supervised consultants hired under the project for BIOFIN analytical studies related to EPAEB-RJ, including reviewing methodologies, work plans, reports, databases, and stakeholder engagement processes.
c. Review and ensure technical quality, methodological robustness, and analytical consistency of products, including the PIR, BER, FNA, and BFP, as well as coherence across deliverables.
d. Contribute to the analysis of institutional and policy frameworks, biodiversity-related expenditures, financing needs, and the prioritization of financial solutions, ensuring alignment with BIOFIN standards and the state context.
e. Ensure alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the integration of human rights and gender equality approaches promoted by the UN.
f. Prepare and review Terms of Reference (ToR) and other technical documents, and supervise the work of specialists, consultants, and designated counterparts.
g. Contribute to monitoring, systematization, and knowledge management, including participation in meetings, workshops, technical missions, and national/international forums.
h. Provide technical advisory in supervising and evaluating deliverables from monitoring and communication consultants for the EPAEB-RJ.
i. Provide technical and administrative support for cross-cutting demands and emerging activities related to the management and implementation of the EPAEB-RJ.
The selected professional will serve as a Technical Analyst in Finance and Management for Biodiversity, focusing on supporting the design, structuring, evaluation, and implementation of financial and strategic solutions related, but not limited, to: (i) green, sustainable, and other thematic bonds; (ii) special purpose financial vehicles; (iii) impact investment funds and blended finance mechanisms; (iv) debt and equity instruments and capital market mechanisms; (v) frameworks for managing risks and impacts on nature; (vi) tariffs, payment for environmental services (PES) schemes, and concessions; (vii) innovative financing mechanisms for public policies and biodiversity conservation programs; and (viii) biodiversity monitoring, governance, and communication instruments.
The professional is expected to provide solid technical knowledge to ensure horizontal integration and coherence between the different work fronts of BIOFIN Brazil and the cross-cutting demands of EPAEB-RJ implementation, as well as support quality assurance of technical products, processes, and deliverables. Specifically, the Specialist will play a central role in the technical supervision of consultancies hired to develop BIOFIN analytical studies and to monitor and communicate the EPAEB-RJ, supporting quality assurance. Furthermore, the professional will provide technical and administrative support for strategic activities to ensure the full operationalization of the EPAEB-RJ.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1. Technical Advisory in Biodiversity Finance and Public Policy
a. Provide technical advice to project coordination on topics related to finance and biodiversity finance at national and subnational levels.
b. Support the implementation and adaptation of the BIOFIN methodology, including technical analysis of priorities, bottlenecks, and opportunities for biodiversity financing solutions.
c. Contribute to the analysis of financial, fiscal, regulatory, and institutional instruments relevant to biodiversity-related public policies.
d. Technically coordinate with government bodies, development partners, and strategic stakeholders, contributing to coordination and decision-making processes.
e. Support the design and technical qualification of instruments linked to public policy implementation, including PES, concessions, credit, environmental funds, and other financing mechanisms.
2. Evaluation of Financial Mechanisms
a. Conduct technical reviews of studies, reports, and proposals related to green/sustainable bonds and other thematic issuances.
b. Support the structuring and evaluation of financial mechanisms such as impact funds, PES schemes, blended finance arrangements, and other innovative instruments.
c. Evaluate financing alternatives, capitalization strategies, and opportunities to strengthen public-private funds and mechanisms focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, bioeconomy, and biodiversity conservation.
d. Provide technical recommendations on feasibility, governance, risk mitigation, implementation strategies, and scalability of prioritized instruments.
3. Strategic Support and Technical Coordination for BIOFIN Methodology Implementation
a. Support project coordination in executing the strategy and ensuring horizontal integration across different work fronts.
b. Update and consolidate technical factsheets for the financial solutions prioritized by BIOFIN.
c. Support the planning, review, and follow-up of work plans, ensuring coherence, timeliness, and alignment with governance arrangements.
d.Draft and review reports, presentations, technical notes, and other inputs in Portuguese and English, as requested.
4.Technical Supervision, Quality Assurance, and Knowledge Production
a. Develop and review communication and knowledge materials (technical notes, policy briefs, working papers, publications, and training programs) in the field.
b. Technically supervised consultants hired under the project for BIOFIN analytical studies related to EPAEB-RJ, including reviewing methodologies, work plans, reports, databases, and stakeholder engagement processes.
c. Review and ensure technical quality, methodological robustness, and analytical consistency of products, including the PIR, BER, FNA, and BFP, as well as coherence across deliverables.
d. Contribute to the analysis of institutional and policy frameworks, biodiversity-related expenditures, financing needs, and the prioritization of financial solutions, ensuring alignment with BIOFIN standards and the state context.
e. Ensure alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the integration of human rights and gender equality approaches promoted by the UN.
f. Prepare and review Terms of Reference (ToR) and other technical documents, and supervise the work of specialists, consultants, and designated counterparts.
g. Contribute to monitoring, systematization, and knowledge management, including participation in meetings, workshops, technical missions, and national/international forums.
h. Provide technical advisory in supervising and evaluating deliverables from monitoring and communication consultants for the EPAEB-RJ.
i. Provide technical and administrative support for cross-cutting demands and emerging activities related to the management and implementation of the EPAEB-RJ.
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