Technical Study on Mapping and Assessment of Innovative Blue and Nature Finance Instruments in Africa: Evidence, Scaling Opportunities and an Instrument and Governance Roadmap for the African Regional
Organizational Context
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) coordinates the Africa High-level Working Group on the Global Financial Architecture (HLWG-GFA), comprising African ministers and financial institutions. This group addresses the economic consequences of global shocks for African countries and advocates for reforms to the global financial architecture to empower low- and middle-income nations.
Job Purpose
This role supports the ECA's initiative to help Africa harness its natural capital assets for development. The purpose is to conduct a technical study on innovative blue and nature finance instruments, assessing their evidence, scaling opportunities, and developing an instrument and governance roadmap. The ultimate goal is to foster an integrated national and regional ecosystem for innovative finance that strengthens macroeconomic resilience, mobilizes sustainable investment, and enhances African capacities for debt-sensitive, high-integrity financing solutions for the blue economy and nature-positive development.
Responsibilities
The consultant will develop an inception note, create an inventory of financing instruments (blue/green bonds, biodiversity credits, debt swaps), and conduct a draft assessment report analyzing performance, costs, and risks. Responsibilities include drafting a technical study on scaling constraints and a roadmap for innovative financing instruments. The role also involves revising the study and policy brief based on stakeholder feedback, preparing a final study and dissemination package, and supporting policymaker engagement. This includes setting out the analytical framework, constructing a transaction-level inventory, applying mixed methods research, assessing instrument effectiveness and risks, identifying scaling constraints, and translating findings into an instrument roadmap for the African Regional Hub.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in development finance, sustainable finance, or climate and nature finance is required. Demonstrated experience in structuring or analyzing specific financial instruments (e.g., green bonds, debt-for-nature swaps, carbon credits) is necessary. Experience with mixed-methods research, working in developing countries, and producing high-quality analytical reports is also required.
Skills
Expertise in development finance, sustainable finance, climate and nature finance. Experience in designing, structuring, or analyzing financial instruments such as green/blue bonds, debt-for-nature/climate conversions, biodiversity/carbon credits, and resilience-linked instruments. Proficiency in mixed-methods research, data analysis, and report writing for senior audiences. Familiarity with Small Island Developing States, coastal economies, blue economy, or blue carbon programs is desirable.