Investment Specialist, IPSA 11, Honiara, Solomon Islands (uncdf) [open To Internal And External Applicants]

Organizational Context

UNCDF is an autonomous UN organization assisting developing countries, particularly LDCs, by deploying grants, loans, and guarantees to mobilize capital for SDG-impactful investments. It acts as a catalytic blended financing platform, focusing on local financial systems and new markets. This Investment Specialist role sits within UNCDF's structure, specifically leading a reef-positive blended finance portfolio in the Solomon Islands.

Job Purpose

The Investment Specialist will lead the development and execution of a reef-positive blended finance portfolio in the Solomon Islands. This critical role involves sourcing, structuring, and deploying concessional capital to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and financial institutions. The aim is to support entities demonstrating viable business models that deliver measurable positive impact on coral reef ecosystems, which are vital natural assets underpinning livelihoods and climate resilience in the Solomon Islands. The initial portfolio is funded through the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) and co-financed by the Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund, with investments developed in line with GFCR Investment Principles and in close partnership with WWF-Pacific. While the primary focus is on designing and executing this ocean-positive investment portfolio, the Investment Specialist will also serve as UNCDF’s lead investment focal point in the Solomon Islands. In this capacity, they will contribute significantly to identifying and advancing strategic SDG-aligned investment opportunities, thereby strengthening UNCDF’s broader country portfolio and fostering sustainable economic growth and equitable prosperity.

Responsibilities

The Investment Specialist will lead strategic research and market analysis, systematically scoping opportunities, advising on blended finance solutions, and mapping the financing landscape in target countries. This includes analyzing financial terms, identifying regulatory barriers, and monitoring trends in blended finance and impact investing. The role involves designing projects and financial mechanisms, drafting investment strategies, providing input on fund governance, and developing innovative blended finance and de-risking approaches to catalyze private capital. The Specialist will offer technical guidance on investment readiness, engage co-investors, and contribute to country-specific investment roadmaps and knowledge products. Key duties also include the execution of investment transactions, encompassing identifying and screening opportunities, conducting comprehensive due diligence, financial modeling and analysis, credit risk assessment, and drafting investment appraisal memorandums. They will ensure compliance with internal policies, structure transactions using UNCDF’s instruments, present to the Investment and Disbursement Impact Committee, and track transaction progress. Furthermore, the Specialist will provide technical assistance and facilitate capacity building for investees and government counterparts, and contribute to the project management of investment-linked initiatives, including preparing work plans, donor reports, and overseeing monitoring and evaluation processes.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years (Master's) or 9 years (Bachelor's) of relevant financial or private sector experience, with investment/business management expertise, is required. This must include at least 5 years of investment experience in areas like impact-oriented SMEs, project finance, Micro Finance Institutions, or guarantee instruments within development finance. Experience in venture capital, banking, project preparation, financial modeling, and computer literacy are essential. Desirable experience includes private credit/equity in emerging markets, nature/climate-aligned investments, and working within the UN system or similar international development finance institutions.

Skills

Core Competencies: Achieving results, innovative thinking, continuous learning, adaptability, determination, engaging and partnering, fostering diversity and inclusion. Technical Skills: System thinking, knowledge generation, effective communication, working with evidence and data, development finance expertise (innovative mechanisms, climate finance), due diligence management, and private sector engagement.

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