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Preliminary top-down estimates of the global financial gap for biodiversity range from US$ 100 to 400 billion annually, and detailed bottom-up assessments in participating BIOFIN countries validate these significant financial needs and help identify finance solutions required to achieve the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and biodiversity related SDGs. In recent decades, biodiversity finance tools and solutions have demonstrated their importance for achieving biodiversity and sustainable development goals. But since countries have not approached the issue of biodiversity finance in a comprehensive manner the choice and adoption of finance solutions has remained experimental and opportunistic. Improved choice, design and implementation of effective well-tailored finance solutions will strengthen countries’ chances of achieving national and global biodiversity targets.

The Biodiversity Finance Initiative – BIOFIN – is a global programme that developed, piloted, and is continuously improving a methodology to measure existing biodiversity expenditure levels, assess future financial needs, and design comprehensive plans to use finance tools and solutions that increase financing, effectiveness and efficiency of biodiversity management in up to 132 countries. BIOFIN’s first phase (2012-2018) enabled full assessments and initial implementation of finance plan elements in target countries. Significant scaling up of finance solutions is required in all countries to address the biodiversity finance challenge.

BIOFIN’s second phase enables up to 132 countries to complete the design and implementation of priority finance solutions and allowed a further 11 countries to undertake the assessments and create the finance plan. At the central level, knowledge management platforms will be expanded and additional guidance produced for most valuable finance solutions.

The primary objective of BIOFIN Phase I was to develop and pilot a new methodological framework – the BIOFIN Workbook – to help countries mobilise sufficient resources to implement their national biodiversity policies. The fully updated  Methodology  released in 2018 (in English, Spanish, Russian and French) integrates lessons learned from implementation, and highlights practical examples.

For the second phase, BIOFIN follows a two-pronged strategy. Firstly, it strives to generate high levels of awareness and technical capacity about the wider range of possible finance solutions that are available to countries and locales. This is complemented by developing supporting guidance and knowledge products for those areas where limited resources are available. Second, it actively supports the implementation of finance plans and solutions on the ground, working to develop feasibility studies, design new policies, enable the required capacity development, support advocacy of prioritised finance solutions, and implement through piloting and scaling. For more information see BIOFIN website – www.biofin.org.

Background

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) was established in Istanbul, Türkiye based on the Partnership Framework Agreement signed between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the UNDP in March 2011. The center is one of the five global thematic policy centers of UNDP. It supports the private sector and foundations to become transformative partners in development through research, advocacy, facilitation of public-private dialogue and brokering partnerships. ICPSD leads UNDP’s global work on private sector and foundations and supports UNDP’s offices, governments and the private sector all around the world. 

Towards fostering sustainable and inclusive growth for the achievement of the Agenda 2030, ICPSD has developed targeted multi-stakeholder partnerships for skills development. ICPSD and HP Foundation are collaborating to enhance entrepreneurial and 21st century skills development both at global and local levels with the Entrepreneurial Skills Development Initiative for the SDGs (E-SDG). The global support initiative aims to advance entrepreneurial skills development through HP LIFE. HP LIFE is the HP Foundation’s free IT and business skills-training curriculum. It is accessible online, offline, and in person offering. Within the framework of the partnership, ICPSD conducts research and awareness raising activities, provides technical advisory for different institutions, and implements capacity development activities. It nurtures HP LIFE network and supports the advancement of entrepreneurship ecosystems in different regions and countries. Under E-SDG, partners now aim to leverage HP's existing expertise to help entrepreneurs globally through mentorship and coaching.

Moreover, together with its partner European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), UNDP ICPSD established Skills for an Inclusive Future (S4IF) network, a multi-stakeholder advisory and partnership network. Through S4IF Network, ICPSD aims to unlock the potential of private sector to equip disadvantaged populations with skills for the future. UNDP IICPSD and EBRD focuses on enhancing skills for digital transformation, future of work, and green economy. S4IF Network has four key services lines including developing private public private partnerships, fostering membership, knowledge and advisory, and resourcing initiatives.

Partnerships and Research Fellow will contribute to the implementation of the strategies of ICPSD on skills development through facilitating and advancing partnerships and resource mobilization primarily for the partnership with HP Foundation and the entrepreneurship component of S4IF initiative.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Support Fellow will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

Competencies

• Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation;
• Shares knowledge and experience;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
• Proven ability to problem-solve, and think creatively to develop and implement smart business solutions in a challenging socio-economic environment;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including presentation skills, both face-to-face and online;
• Ability to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents;
• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Displays culture, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Excellent with deadlines;
• Self-driven and open to self-development;
• Good operations management skills;
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision;
• Good level of technical writing to conceptualize ideas from scratch, including conducting background research, defining objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• currently enrolled in a postgraduate program (such as a master's program or higher) OR
• have graduated with a university degree or equivalent studies.

Field of study: economics, management, business administration, international development, engineering, social and political sciences, economic development, or related field is required

Experience:

• Proven experience in preparing reports, policy briefs, or academic papers.
• Research and/or fieldwork experience in entrepreneurship or private sector development is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative research, particularly in entrepreneurship, skills development, or private sector-related topics is strongly preferred.

Language skills:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in Turkish is an asset.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

The application should contain:

• Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post;
• Current and complete CV in English;

Please group all your documents into one single PDF document as the system only allows you to upload a maximum of one document.

Candidates who are selected for must submit prior to the interview the following documents:

• Official document(s) confirming meeting at least one of the educational requirements.

Stipend: During the time of the fellowship, UNDP will provide a monthly stipend.