European Commission seeks experts in sustainable finance from low and middle income countries

High-level expert group to provide recommendations on how to facilitate private capital for SDGs.

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The European Commission is seeking up to 20 high-level experts to accelerate sustainable finance in low and middle income countries, according to an announcement. 

The high-level expert group is expected to identify challenges, opportunities and provide evidence-based recommendations as part of a dedicated Commission strategy scheduled for adoption in 2023.  

The strategy is part of the EU’s efforts to mobilise private finance in the economic transition to collectively achieve the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) and the targets set by the Paris Climate Agreement.  

As part of their remit, the experts will examine how to support sustainability-related financial instruments and products and how to direct global and local investments to these projects. 

The call for applications comes from the department for International Partnerships, which is responsible for formulating the EU’s development policy and mobilising sustainable development. Its Commissioner, Jutta Urpilainen, said: “The pandemic has reversed years of progress on sustainable development, and now the war in Ukraine is affecting negatively the global economy, increasing the funding gap needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The forthcoming EU sustainable finance strategy for low and middle income countries will be in line with the EU Global Gateway strategy which will boost smart, clean and secure links in digital, energy and transport, and strengthen health, education and research systems.” 

Candidates are welcome to apply from a wide range of professional roles, such as investors, asset managers, data providers or civil society organisations and academia. Applications from experts based in low and middle income countries in particular are highly encouraged. 

The call for applications is open until 27 April 2022. A selection of international organisations and development finance institutions will also be directly invited by the Commission to act as observers.