Developing an evidence-based business case for biodiversity-dependent sectors

Anchored in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and in line with the priorities outlined in the UNDP Strategic Plan, the Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) supports the Arab States region to achieve sustainable development by eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, accelerating structural transformations for sustainable development, and building resilience to crises and shocks. In addition to its presence in New York, RBAS has its main office in the Regional Hub based in Amman, Jordan with some staff based in Beirut (Lebanon) and Dubai (UAE). The Amman Regional Hub hosts regional initiatives under the Regional Programme for Arab States 2022-2025 which touches upon the following areas of work: governance and anti-corruption, regional cooperation for the reduction of poverty and inequality, knowledge economy, conflict prevention and peacebuilding, climate security, youth engagement and empowerment, gender equality, resilience building, among others.

The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) is a global initiative led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that supports countries in developing and implementing finance solutions to close the biodiversity finance gap. BIOFIN works with governments, private sector actors, and other stakeholders to align financial flows with national biodiversity priorities and the goals of the global biodiversity framework. This assignment is part of the BIOFIN Programme’s efforts to engage the private sector and strengthen the evidence base on biodiversity finance in Jordan. The research conducted through this assignment will support the development of targeted knowledge products aimed at demonstrating the business case for nature and informing engagement with key economic sectors. The information collected will serve as a foundational input to support sector-specific analysis, identify opportunities for nature-positive practices, and guide the design of future biodiversity finance solutions. These outputs will contribute to ongoing efforts to raise awareness, inform decision-making, and support private sector actors in integrating biodiversity considerations into their operations and strategies. This assignment offers the Online Volunteers an opportunity to contribute to a global UNDP initiative (BIOFIN), gain exposure to biodiversity finance, and strengthen research and analytical skills while producing outputs that may inform real policy and investment discussions.

UNDP seeks 5 Online Volunteers to support the BIOFIN Programme in conducting research on the business case for nature in biodiversity-dependent sectors. The volunteers are expected to do the following tasks: - Conduct desk research on sectors that directly depend on biodiversity and ecosystem services (e.g., tourism, agriculture, water-related activities, and natural resource-based sectors) -Analyze how biodiversity is integrated into and interacts with business models and operations within these sectors, including how activities depend on, impact, and manage biodiversity across their value chains -Identify economic risks associated with biodiversity loss (e.g., reduced productivity, ecosystem degradation, climate-related impacts) -Identify nature-positive business opportunities and practices within these sectors -Compile and analyze case studies from national, regional, and global contexts demonstrating: a. The economic value of biodiversity b. Impacts of ecosystem degradation d. Successful nature-positive business models -Summarize findings into clear and structured research outputs The volunteers are expected to produce the deliverables: A structured report (5–10 pages) with clear sections and key findings 3–5 case studies summarized in a standardized format A short summary (1–2 pages) highlighting key insights and recommendations