Environmental Policy Specialist at UNDP: Leading Biodiversity Finance in Suriname

February 20, 2025

11 minutes read

Environmental Policy Specialist – UNDP (Suriname)

This job is a full-time position with UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-10), based in Paramaribo, Suriname. The role falls within the Nature, Climate, and Energy practice area under the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean. The selected candidate will work on a 1-year contract, with a possibility of renewal based on performance and funding.

Job Overview

The Environmental Policy Specialist will play a key role in analyzing, developing, and advising on environmental policies and finance mechanisms that support biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. This position is crucial for implementing the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP) under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN).

The specialist will review Suriname’s current environmental policies, legal frameworks, and financing mechanisms to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. They will provide advisory support for government agencies and stakeholders to help integrate biodiversity finance solutions into national policies.

Key Responsibilitieshttp://UNDP Environmental Policy Specialist Job Posting

The role includes policy analysis, advisory support, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge sharing, covering the following areas:

1. Policy and Institutional Review (PIR)

Assess existing environmental and biodiversity policies in Suriname.
Identify financial mechanisms that support or harm biodiversity.
Review National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and its alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Analyze harmful subsidies and propose alternative financial solutions.

2. Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER)

Identify key stakeholders involved in biodiversity finance.
Analyze public and private biodiversity-related expenditures.
Provide recommendations on how to increase funding for biodiversity initiatives.

3. Biodiversity Finance Needs Assessment (FNA)

Identify financial gaps in Suriname’s biodiversity sector.
Assess existing financial mechanisms and propose solutions to improve funding.

4. Development of the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP)

Support the project lead in designing a roadmap for implementing biodiversity finance solutions.
Provide input on new finance mechanisms that could be tested or expanded in Suriname.

5. Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building

Organize workshops and meetings with government officials, private sector, and NGOs.
Provide policy recommendations and feedback on global biodiversity finance methodologies.

Document lessons learned and best practices for policy development and finance mechanisms.
Prepare reports, presentations, and case studies for regional and global meetings.

Qualifications & Experience Required

Education:

Master’s Degree (5 years of experience) in Environmental Science, Forestry, Engineering, Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
OR Bachelor’s Degree (7 years of experience) in the same fields.

Work Experience:

Experience in environmental policy, finance, or sustainable development.
Familiarity with biodiversity finance tools, public finance mechanisms, and environmental regulations.
Experience in policy research, analysis, and reporting.
Knowledge of international, regional, or national institutions working in environmental finance.

Skills & Competencies:@vacancyspaces.com

✅ Strong knowledge of biodiversity and environmental finance policies
✅ Experience working with government institutions and international organizations
✅ Ability to conduct research, data analysis, and policy assessments
✅ Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal
✅ Experience in organizing workshops and stakeholder consultations
✅ Fluency in Dutch (required); English is an asset

Why This Job Matters

This role is crucial for helping Suriname develop a sustainable finance strategy for biodiversity conservation. By identifying financial gaps and proposing new mechanisms, the specialist will support the government in mobilizing resources to protect ecosystems and ensure long-term environmental sustainability.

The work directly contributes to global biodiversity goals, aligning with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Paris Agreement.

Who Should Apply?

Professionals with a background in environmental policy, finance, and sustainable development.
Those with experience in biodiversity finance, climate finance, and public sector financing mechanisms.
Candidates fluent in Dutch, with strong analytical and policy development skills.

Application Details

Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Contract Duration: 1 year (renewable)
Location: Paramaribo, Suriname
Work Type: Full-time, national contract (no relocation)

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact on biodiversity conservation and finance in Suriname. Let me know if you need help with your apply

Environmental Policy Specialist – UNDP (Suriname)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking an Environmental Policy Specialist to support biodiversity finance initiatives in Suriname. This full-time position, under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-10), is based in Paramaribo and requires expertise in environmental policy, sustainable finance, and biodiversity conservation.

The role is crucial in implementing the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP) under the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), which is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The specialist will review Suriname’s environmental policies, legal frameworks, and financing mechanisms to enhance biodiversity financing and sustainable development.

1. Job Context and Background

The UNDP Strategic Plan (2022-2025) emphasizes sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and climate action as global priorities. Suriname, being a country rich in biodiversity, plays a crucial role in these efforts. However, financial constraints and policy gaps often hinder effective biodiversity conservation.

To address this, the GEF8 Biodiversity Finance Plan was created under the BIOFIN framework. This plan supports countries like Suriname in designing, implementing, and financing biodiversity conservation policies by analyzing existing financial mechanisms and identifying potential funding sources.

The Environmental Policy Specialist will lead the Policy and Institutional Review (PIR), analyze biodiversity finance policies, and provide inputs for developing the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP). The specialist will work closely with government agencies, stakeholders, and international partners to ensure that policies are aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2. Key Responsibilities

The Environmental Policy Specialist will focus on policy analysis, financial assessments, and stakeholder engagement in the following key areas:

A. Policy and Institutional Review (PIR)

Lead the review of biodiversity-related policies and legal frameworks in Suriname.
Analyze public and private sector roles in biodiversity finance.
Identify gaps, weaknesses, and strengths in current biodiversity policies.
Evaluate the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and ensure alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Assess financial incentives and harmful subsidies that impact biodiversity.
Develop an inventory of existing biodiversity finance mechanisms and assess their effectiveness.

B. Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER)

Work with government agencies to track and analyze biodiversity expenditures.
Identify major funding sources for biodiversity conservation.
Analyze trends in biodiversity financing, including government allocations, private sector investments, and international donor contributions.

C. Biodiversity Finance Needs Assessment (FNA)

Assess financial gaps and resource mobilization needs for biodiversity projects.
Identify potential public and private financing mechanisms to support biodiversity.
Provide recommendations on innovative financing solutions, such as green bonds, biodiversity credits, and carbon offset programs.

D. Development of the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP)

Support the Project Lead in designing a comprehensive Biodiversity Finance Plan.
Provide recommendations for new financial policies and reforms to strengthen biodiversity conservation.
Analyze case studies of successful biodiversity finance models in other countries.
Assist in developing a roadmap for biodiversity finance implementation.

E. Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building

Organize workshops, consultations, and meetings with government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector.
Build partnerships with financial institutions, international organizations, and donors to secure funding for biodiversity projects.
Conduct training programs to improve stakeholders’ understanding of biodiversity finance mechanisms.

F. Reporting and Knowledge Management

Document key findings, decisions, and policy recommendations.
Prepare reports for national and international biodiversity conferences (e.g., CBD COP).
Maintain an updated database of biodiversity finance policies, stakeholders, and funding mechanisms.

3. Required Qualifications and Experience

To qualify for this role, candidates must meet the following educational, professional, and skill-based criteria:

A. Education

Master’s degree (minimum 5 years of experience) in Environmental Science, Forestry, Engineering, Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
OR Bachelor’s degree (minimum 7 years of experience) in the same fields.

B. Work Experience

Experience in environmental finance, biodiversity policy, and sustainable development.
Proven experience in policy analysis, research, and stakeholder engagement.
Experience working with government agencies, international organizations, and NGOs.
Familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and international environmental frameworks.

C. Skills and Competencies

✅ Strong understanding of biodiversity finance mechanisms.
✅ Expertise in environmental policy development.
✅ Ability to conduct financial analyses and policy assessments.
✅ Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
✅ Experience in stakeholder coordination and policy advocacy.
✅ Fluency in Dutch (required); English proficiency is an asset.

4. Institutional and Reporting Arrangements

The Environmental Policy Specialist will report directly to the Senior Finance Expert (Project Lead) and work within the National Project Management Unit (NPMU).

National Team Structure:

Project Lead/Senior Finance Expert
Project Support Associate
Environmental Policy Specialist (this role)
Biodiversity Finance Specialist

The team will coordinate with the Government of Suriname, UNDP Suriname Country Office, and the BIOFIN Global Team to ensure project implementation.

5. Expected Impact and Contribution

This role is crucial for enhancing biodiversity conservation in Suriname through effective financial strategies. The specialist will:

Improve the understanding of biodiversity finance among policymakers and stakeholders.
Contribute to Suriname’s compliance with international biodiversity agreements.
Facilitate new funding opportunities for biodiversity conservation projects.
Support the government in phasing out harmful subsidies and promoting sustainable financial incentives.

6. Application Process and Additional Information

Application Deadline:

📅 March 1, 2025

Contract Type:

📄 1-year National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA), renewable based on performance.

Location:

📍 Paramaribo, Suriname (No mobility required)

How to Apply:

Submit a resume/CV and cover letter through the UNDP recruitment portal.
Attach supporting documents (educational certificates, references, etc.).

7. Why Apply for This Role?

This job provides a unique opportunity to:
🌍 Work on groundbreaking environmental finance solutions in Suriname.
📈 Contribute to global biodiversity conservation goals.
🤝 Collaborate with top experts in environmental policy and finance.
💡 Develop expertise in sustainable finance and policy analysis.
🌱 Help Suriname strengthen its commitment to nature conservation.

Final Thoughts

The Environmental Policy Specialist position is an exciting opportunity for passionate professionals who want to make a meaningful impact on biodiversity finance and policy development. By supporting Suriname’s efforts to mobilize biodiversity funding, this role contributes to a sustainable future for nature and communities.

Environmental Policy Specialist – UNDP (Suriname)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking an Environmental Policy Specialist to support biodiversity finance initiatives in Suriname. This is a full-time position under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-10), based in Paramaribo. The role requires deep expertise in environmental policy, biodiversity finance, and sustainable development.

The Environmental Policy Specialist will focus on supporting the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) in Suriname by conducting policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and institutional review to develop financial strategies that enhance biodiversity conservation.

This position aligns with UNDP’s global commitment to biodiversity and climate action, as outlined in the UNDP Strategic Plan (2022-2025), the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

1. Introduction to Biodiversity Finance in Suriname

Suriname is one of the most biodiversity-rich countries in the world, with over 90% of its land covered by pristine rainforest. The country is home to unique flora, fauna, and ecosystems that provide essential ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and climate resilience.

However, despite its ecological wealth, Suriname faces significant financial and policy challenges in effectively preserving its biodiversity. The lack of sustainable financing mechanisms and policy gaps hinder the country’s ability to protect its natural resources.

The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) was launched to address these challenges. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNDP, BIOFIN helps countries develop financial strategies to bridge the funding gap for biodiversity conservation.

This role is crucial in ensuring that Suriname’s biodiversity finance policies are aligned with national and international environmental goals while securing sustainable funding sources for conservation efforts.

2. Job Overview

The Environmental Policy Specialist will work closely with government agencies, financial institutions, and international organizations to conduct:
✅ Policy and institutional assessments related to biodiversity finance.
✅ Public and private financial expenditure reviews for biodiversity conservation.
✅ Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP) development, including financial strategies and implementation roadmaps.
✅ Stakeholder engagement and capacity-building efforts.

This specialist will play a leading role in conducting the Policy and Institutional Review (PIR) and Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER) while also contributing to Suriname’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).

3. Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

A. Policy and Institutional Review (PIR)

The Policy and Institutional Review is a critical component of the BIOFIN methodology. The specialist will:

Conduct a comprehensive review of Suriname’s biodiversity-related laws, regulations, and policies.
Assess how existing policies support or hinder biodiversity conservation.
Identify gaps in legal and institutional frameworks related to biodiversity finance.
Examine the roles and responsibilities of government agencies, private sector actors, and civil society in biodiversity financing.
Evaluate the effectiveness of financial mechanisms such as tax incentives, environmental fees, and subsidies.

🔹 Expected Deliverable: A detailed Policy and Institutional Review Report highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for policy improvements.

B. Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER)

The Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER) assesses how much is currently being spent on biodiversity conservation and where funding gaps exist. The specialist will:

Analyze biodiversity-related expenditures in national and sectoral budgets.
Identify sources of funding for biodiversity conservation, including government, private sector, and international donors.
Track financial flows in biodiversity-related projects and assess their impact.
Identify inefficiencies in biodiversity finance spending and propose solutions.

🔹 Expected Deliverable: A Biodiversity Expenditure Review Report providing a detailed breakdown of biodiversity-related spending and financial gaps.

C. Biodiversity Finance Needs Assessment (FNA)

To ensure Suriname meets its biodiversity conservation targets, the Finance Needs Assessment will determine:

The funding gap between current expenditures and the financial resources needed to achieve NBSAP targets.
How national biodiversity goals align with international financing frameworks.
What financial mechanisms can be used to mobilize additional funding.

🔹 Expected Deliverable: A Finance Needs Assessment Report outlining funding priorities and required investments.

D. Development of the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP)

The Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP) is the final output of the BIOFIN process. The specialist will:

Design a comprehensive finance strategy for biodiversity conservation in Suriname.
Develop actionable policy recommendations to improve biodiversity finance.
Identify public and private sector partnerships to support biodiversity projects.
Propose new financial instruments such as green bonds, conservation trust funds, and payment for ecosystem services (PES).

🔹 Expected Deliverable: A fully developed Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP) with concrete financial solutions for biodiversity conservation.

E. Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building

Effective biodiversity finance policies require collaboration among multiple stakeholders. The specialist will:

Organize workshops and consultations with government officials, private sector representatives, financial institutions, and NGOs.
Build partnerships with banks, investment firms, and donor agencies to enhance biodiversity financing.
Provide training sessions to strengthen capacity in biodiversity finance management.

🔹 Expected Deliverable: A Stakeholder Engagement Report summarizing key consultations, outcomes, and recommendations.

F. Reporting and Knowledge Management

The specialist will ensure proper documentation of project outcomes by:

Preparing progress reports, policy briefs, and presentations for key stakeholders.
Sharing best practices and lessons learned from biodiversity finance projects.
Ensuring alignment with international biodiversity agreements such as the CBD, SDGs, and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

🔹 Expected Deliverable: A Final Project Report documenting all key findings, recommendations, and policy interventions.

4. Required Qualifications and Skills

To be successful in this role, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

A. Education

🎓 Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Law, Economics, Public Administration, Finance, or a related field (minimum 5 years of experience).
OR
🎓 Bachelor’s Degree with at least 7 years of relevant experience.

B. Professional Experience

✅ Experience in biodiversity finance, environmental policy, and conservation economics.
✅ Strong background in financial analysis, policy development, and sustainability reporting.
✅ Experience working with government agencies, UN organizations, and international donors.

C. Competencies

🔹 Expertise in biodiversity finance mechanisms.
🔹 Ability to conduct economic analysis, policy assessments, and financial modeling.
🔹 Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
🔹 Fluency in Dutch (required); English proficiency is an asset.

5. Application Process

📅 Deadline: March 1, 2025
📄 Contract Type: 1-year NPSA (renewable)
📍 Location: Paramaribo, Suriname

How to Apply

Submit your CV, cover letter, and supporting documents via the UNDP recruitment portal.

6. Why Apply for This Role?

This position offers an exciting opportunity to:
🌍 Drive impactful environmental policy reforms.
📈 Work on cutting-edge biodiversity finance solutions.
🤝 Collaborate with international experts and stakeholders.
🌱 Help Suriname achieve its biodiversity conservation goals.

If you’re passionate about biodiversity conservation and sustainable finance, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a lasting impact! 🚀🌿

February 20, 2025

11 minutes read