Unlocking Nature-Related Risks and Opportunities in Corporate 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 financial institutions and corporate sectors that are not traditionally linked to biodiversity, but play a critical role in shaping economic activities and investment decisions. The research conducted will support the development of targeted knowledge products aimed at identifying nature-related risks and opportunities, and informing engagement with these sectors. The information collected will serve as a foundational input to better understand how corporate and financial actors interact with biodiversity, identify entry points for integrating nature into business strategies, and support the design of future biodiversity finance solutions. These outputs will contribute to ongoing efforts to raise awareness, inform decision-making, and encourage private sector participation in nature-positive practices, including corporate initiatives such as urban greening, support to conservation efforts, and sustainability-driven innovation. 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 4 Online Volunteers to support the BIOFIN Programme in conducting research on nature-related risks and opportunities in financial and corporate sectors. The volunteers are expected to do the following tasks: 1. Conduct desk research on sectors that are not directly dependent on biodiversity (e.g., banking, telecommunications, retail, hospitality, and other corporate sectors) 2. Analyze how biodiversity and nature-related issues influence business operations, strategies, and value chains within these sectors, including how companies impact and depend on nature indirectly 3. Identify nature-related risks and opportunities for these sectors, including: o Operational and supply chain risks o Regulatory and reputational risks o Market, investment, and innovation opportunities 4. Explore how companies integrate biodiversity and sustainability into: o Corporate strategies and business models o ESG frameworks and reporting practices o Investment and financing decisions 5. Compile and analyze case studies from national, regional, and global contexts for each selected sector, demonstrating: o How nature-related risks affect business performance and decision-making o How companies are responding to biodiversity-related challenges o Examples of corporate initiatives contributing to biodiversity, such as urban greening, public green spaces, or company-led environmental initiatives (e.g., company-supported parks or green infrastructure) 6. Identify emerging trends in biodiversity disclosure, sustainable finance, and private sector engagement 7. 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