Inter-regional Adviser in Blended Finance and Sustainable Investment
Organizational Context
This role is within the Strategic Engagement and Policy Integration Branch (SEPIB) of the Financing for Sustainable Development Office (FSDO) in the UN Secretariat's Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The office provides policy guidance for Financing for Development conferences and supports the Sevilla Commitment, which promotes sustainable investment and the SDG Investment Fair. The Inter-regional Adviser (IRA) will report to the Chief of SEPIB and contribute to linking DESA's work with country-level capacity development.
Job Purpose
The Inter-regional Adviser (IRA) on Blended Finance and Sustainable Investment provides high-level technical expertise and policy guidance to governments in developing countries. The role focuses on promoting sustainable investment and implementing the Sevilla Commitment by supporting countries in identifying, preparing, structuring, and promoting SDG-aligned investment opportunities. This includes enhancing investment readiness and presenting projects to the SDG Investment Fair. The IRA will also offer strategic leadership for the Fair's development, contribute to national policy design, and lead capacity development initiatives in investment project preparation and financing. The position aims to strengthen the link between DESA's analytical work and country-level support, fostering partnerships and knowledge transfer.
Responsibilities
Provide policy advice and technical advisory services to governments on sustainable investment and the Sevilla Commitment, including support for identifying, preparing, structuring, and promoting SDG-aligned investment opportunities for the SDG Investment Fair. Monitor and analyze trends in sustainable investment and blended finance, preparing policy notes for governments and intergovernmental processes. Lead the design or redesign of national policies and strategies to catalyze sustainable investment and advance SDGs. Develop and contribute to capacity development programs, projects, and activities related to investment project preparation and financing. Offer strategic advice on the development of the SDG Investment Fair, including project sourcing and investor engagement. Ensure gender mainstreaming in all actions and contribute to workshops and training events. Lead resource mobilization efforts for extra-budgetary funding and build partnerships with stakeholders, including private investors and development finance institutions. Translate investment research and lessons learned into strategic advice for FSDO's normative and advocacy functions.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in economic research, policy formulation, investment, or development programs is required. This includes at least five years of advisory experience with national government institutions in developing countries on sustainable investment project preparation, financial structuring, or mobilizing finance. Experience in designing and delivering technical cooperation or capacity development projects is also required.
Skills
High-level technical expertise in SDG-aligned investment, project development, financial structuring, and blended finance. Understanding of country capacity building needs and investor requirements for project investability. Ability to convene diverse public and private stakeholders and build partnerships. Proven ability in preparing investment proposals, policy notes, and technical guidance. Familiarity with donor policies and capacity development approaches (RBM, M&E). Ability to act as a knowledge broker and mobilize resources. Commitment to gender mainstreaming.