Green Economy Modelling Consultant

Result of Service

Evaluation of the economic returns of all environmental investments in Saudi Arabia since the implementation of the National Environment Strategy.

Work Location

Riyadh

Expected duration

10 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Waste Management Expert of the Saudi project at the UNEP West Asia Office, the guidance of the Senior Economic Affairs officer of the Economic and Trade Policy Unit of the Industry and Economy Division, and in coordination with the respective departments at MEWA, the Consultant will provide technical assistance in analysing the macroeconomic impact and conducting cost benefit analysis of environmental investments made by the government of Saudi Arabia since the adoption of the National Environment Strategy by applying UNEP’s integrated on Green Economy Modelling Framework. The Consultant will, therefore, carry out, inter alia, the following duties and responsibilities: 1. Development of a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) • Design a CLD to map the interconnections and feedback loops among key indicators across environmental, economic, and social systems. • Use a systems-thinking approach to identify causality, critical drivers of change, and potential transformational outcomes. • Prepare a stakeholder workshop to validate the CLD and ensure shared understanding of system dynamics. 2. Data Collection and Model Development • Collect and organize relevant datasets, including: o Sector-specific data (e.g., energy, agriculture, manufacturing, services). o Environmental data (e.g., land use, GHG emissions, biodiversity). o Macroeconomic data (e.g., GDP, employment, household income). • Develop the GEM using Vensim software, structured around system dynamics principles. • Document the model’s structure, assumptions, and data sources in a comprehensive model description report. 3. Scenario Development – BAU and Environmental Action Scenarios • Develop a Business-As-Usual (BAU) scenario to represent a future without additional sustainability interventions. • Develop Environmental Action scenarios based on selected nature-focused investments, identified in consultation with UNEP and national stakeholders. • Integrate projections for energy demand/supply, land use, GHG emissions, and climate conditions etc. 4. Extended Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) • Conduct a national-level CBA comparing BAU and Environmental Action scenarios. • Estimate direct investment returns, avoided costs (e.g., health expenditures, climate risks), and added societal benefits (e.g., employment, income generation). • Ensure granularity of analysis based on data availability and relevance. 5. Final Report and Dissemination • Prepare a final report summarizing model results, scenario simulations, and key findings. • Develop policy guidelines based on insights from the GEM and CBA. • Facilitate stakeholder engagement to review findings and incorporate feedback. • Ensure the report is accessible, policy-relevant, and aligned with national priorities.

Qualifications/special skills

A master’s degree or equivalent in Economics, Environmental Economics, System Dynamics, Public Policy or closely related field is required. A PhD is an asset. A minimum of 10 years of proven professional experience in green economy, system dynamics modelling, environmental economics, or environmental policy is required. Demonstrated expertise in developing and applying quantitative economic models to assess environmental policies, investment scenarios, and sustainability transitions is required. Experience working with governments, international organizations, or research institutions on green economy strategies, policy simulations, or scenario building is required. Proven ability to communicate complex technical modelling outputs into clear policy recommendations for decision-makers is an asset. Knowledge of environmental sustainability issues in Saudi Arabia or the West Asia region is an asset.

Languages

Fluency in English is required. Fluency in Arabic is an asset.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.